Is Modern Warfare 2 the Best Ever Call of Duty Game?

The Call of Duty franchise has released many games, to be exact there is 17 individual stand-alone titles. With that many games on offer, there is plenty of competition when ranking games is the task. One of the strongest, if not the best Call of Duty title is MW2. With the huge success of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the pressure could not have been greater for Activision to provide a solid follow up. To every supporter’s delight, they did a great job, and in honour of the spiritual sequel, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 2022, we want to pay tribute.

To highlight each part of the game in all its glory, we have divided our breakdown into three parts. One for Campaign, one for Spec Ops and one for Multiplayer.

Modern Warfare 2 Campaign

Firstly, a game requires a strong story line with even stronger characters, this immerses players into the world the writers have created. MW2 has both in spades, and easily some of the best Call of Duty characters. From the start, you follow Captain Soap MacTavish. He’s a character you had played as throughout CoD 4: Modern Warfare, but he is now more experienced. He mirrors the calm, confident and efficient persona of Captain Price. Along with other characters of Task Force 141, we grow on top of an already existent bond with them through intense and interesting missions.

Image: Infinity Ward

We find the level design to be highly unique, as there is a huge variety of locations that contain a great level of detail. Additionally, the game builds suspense with its excellent soundtrack. When the tempo changes in game, the background music will change instantaneously. The campaign also does a terrific job of connecting to the player emotionally. An example being in “Loose Ends” our protagonists Ghost and Roach are double-crossed by General Shepherd (which we guess is a spoiler but we think enough time has passed).

This leads to a revenge tour, courtesy of the original power duo Captain Price and Captain MacTavish. The characters mission is now to get revenge, and that feeling resonates with players. In addition to all of this, gunplay is smooth, there is a variety of objectives, and it leaves an opening for a strong MW3 climax. Overall, there is plenty in the second instalment of the Modern Warfare series to go back and enjoy.

Spec Ops

One great addition for those players searching for a player versus everything experience is Spec Ops. There are collectively 23 different missions across five categories, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo. After completion of each category and attainment of a certain number of stars, more missions will be unlocked. When possible, you can attempt some levels with one other player or friend. This added a replay ability factor not seen before in the series.

The clear objective of each Spec Ops mission made it accessible for many players. The star system ensured those looking for an additional challenge could attempt for an all-stars completion. Additionally, with Rank-ups enabled there was plenty of reasons to keep on playing for the win. In fact, Spec Ops had been that popular through online videos, threads and feedback, Activision would reintroduce the mode In MW3 and Modern Warfare (2019).

Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer

Despite a powerful Campaign and fun Spec Ops mode, it is the Multiplayer that drives this game even further into the hearts of franchise supporters. For a titles multiplayer to be successful, it requires many features to work well and MW2 certainly delivers. To start off, the community and hype for the game was at an all-time high. CoD 4: Modern Warfare had built a solid following which naturally transferred itself to MW2. The original MW had sold over 17 million copies, with the sequel going onto sell over 25 million, it was clear the fans expected brilliance.

The map pool certainly delivered, with a selection of 26 unique and largely different maps available. This in-turn maximised playability, as gamers would not be often playing the same map 3-4 times in a session. Additionally, all maps offered many different playstyles, for example Rust allowed for SMG’s and Shotguns to run wild below. AR and Snipers would be able to dominate up top of the centre structure. Maps would also be set in different areas of the game-world, feature different climates, and have unique points of interest.

The game modes worked hand in hand with the map pool. At a point there had been 17 different options open for players. This included favourites such as TDM, Domination, Free-for-all, Search and Destroy and Capture the Flag. If there is a true remake coming, even the current CDL modes of Hardpoint, SnD and Control would fit perfectly with most of the classic maps. Having an extensive map selection with strong game modes will only elevate the 2022 remakes success higher.

Prestige

This was the first title to introduce 70 levels for a player to prestige. Despite requiring over 2 million exp to enter prestige for a first time, the game had many challenges to aide a player in levelling up. In addition to this, players would receive unique rewards for their own player card and emblems to show off for each prestige earned. Now, we move onto the weaponry. There are 24 primary and 19 secondary weapons, which offers everybody many ways to get involved in the fight. Each weapon also has its own unique fire and reload animation, as well as attractive camouflages.

This level of customisation available in terms of perks, weapons, equipment, and playstyles is immense. Even with the original MW2 being released over 13 years ago, it is that fondly thought of, and that beloved it is now receiving a redo in 2022. With barely any games in the industry matching the popularity of Modern Warfare 2, it has pushed a billion-dollar franchise to remake one of the earliest games in its history. MW2 is truly the best game in the Call of Duty franchise.