User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3152 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Nov 20, 2011
    9
    This is one of my favourite multiplayer games. It love it. I had huge amounts of fun playing with my friends and what not. Did you know that I hate Call of Duty? I love Halo. But MW2 was one of my favourite games. You should also know that I gave MW3 a 0. It is nothing like MW2.
  2. Nov 22, 2011
    9
    It doesn't matter how much controversy revolves around MW2, it's still an awesome game. The short, but awesome campaign, and the really good multiplayer. Even though it has a very short singleplayer and a spec ops that fails to impress, it's still great. Such a shame it was copied and pasted two years later in what became Modern Warfare 3
  3. Dec 7, 2011
    9
    The final true Call of Duty game. Major downsides to this software were the hacked leaderboards and countless cheaters/hackers that played. For some reason IW continues for the most part to ignore these glaring issues. Otherwise a fantastic and addictive game.
  4. Feb 21, 2013
    9
    Time and time again i say that this is the definitive CoD game that set the standard for all the future Call of Duties. Excellent campaign, great multiplayer with a variety of maps, and a very fun and addictive Special Ops mode which if played by the right people, can create hours upon hours of gameplay to get all the stars. If you were to buy and play only one Call of Duty, make it ModernTime and time again i say that this is the definitive CoD game that set the standard for all the future Call of Duties. Excellent campaign, great multiplayer with a variety of maps, and a very fun and addictive Special Ops mode which if played by the right people, can create hours upon hours of gameplay to get all the stars. If you were to buy and play only one Call of Duty, make it Modern Warfare 2. Expand
  5. Dec 28, 2012
    9
    This was the game that signalled the downfall of CoD; it over-complicated things and added too much unnecessary crap to the game that introduced the rage-inducing aspect of Call of Duty. What I'm talking about is the customizable killstreaks, of which many were too powerful, and features such as Commando and the overpowered grenade launcher setups when used with One Man Army and DangerThis was the game that signalled the downfall of CoD; it over-complicated things and added too much unnecessary crap to the game that introduced the rage-inducing aspect of Call of Duty. What I'm talking about is the customizable killstreaks, of which many were too powerful, and features such as Commando and the overpowered grenade launcher setups when used with One Man Army and Danger Close. While the game can really make you rage like no other, this was still a highly addictive multiplayer that kept me engrossed and hooked into for more than a full year. Even though it signalled the downfall of CoD, it was still a great game in itself. Expand
  6. Nov 8, 2013
    9
    Looking back, this was most likely the most well thought out COD to date. It successfully built on an already great game, while expanding the series to its full potential. As it only the second of its kind, it's hard to categorize it as the "same old annual COD" that the franchise has become today.

    This game provided countless hours of enjoyment, and since the series was far from its
    Looking back, this was most likely the most well thought out COD to date. It successfully built on an already great game, while expanding the series to its full potential. As it only the second of its kind, it's hard to categorize it as the "same old annual COD" that the franchise has become today.

    This game provided countless hours of enjoyment, and since the series was far from its current popularity, it benefited from a lack of immature children and a-holes, at least during the earlier half of its life. As such, I am also reviewing this game by its audience at the time; it wouldn't matter if a better Call of Duty was released in this generation, as the infuriating, disrespectful and childish audience of today would strongly deteriorate the enjoyment for the old dogs (I mean OLD dogs, as in COD2 & COD3 old). A game is only as good as the experience it delivers, and if this means that a 10/10 games is thrown to the wolves due to the unpleasant experience delivered by whining, excessively aggressive and confrontational players, then that is the rating it will receive.

    Frankly, the end of this game's life cycle marked the beginning of the end for COD in the eyes of many players, despite its gaining popularity, which mostly came from the younger generation.

    The campaign was a masterpiece, this coming from a gamer who has quite honestly despised every COD installment following WaW. The addition of Hans Zimmer for the soundtrack brought the game up many notches, and the Hollywood-style cinematics was somewhat of a first for video games (one which has, at this point, worn out its welcome).

    To wrap things up, this is one Call of Duty that certainly deserves higher than the 6.1 user rating, at least for its time. The 9/10 rating I give it is only contextual to the 2007-2008 time period, and if I were to review it as a new game today (one which follows the crank-out-another-every-year formula) it would snag closer to a 4/10.
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  7. Jul 14, 2013
    9
    While it didn't innovate that much it's still a great game the campaign it short but intense the spec ops mode is actually very well done the multiplayer is still very addictive and the new killstreaks add some more depth but they are a bit stupid. The graphics were updated and so was the engine. There are lots of new guns and equipment and some really good characters (Ghost) but it justWhile it didn't innovate that much it's still a great game the campaign it short but intense the spec ops mode is actually very well done the multiplayer is still very addictive and the new killstreaks add some more depth but they are a bit stupid. The graphics were updated and so was the engine. There are lots of new guns and equipment and some really good characters (Ghost) but it just wasn't suppoted after release the glitches and the hackers Expand
  8. Apr 26, 2013
    9
    Ok yes I know there is one highly controversial mission but you can skip it if you want to so I'm not including it in my review
    Also yes I know you can call this game overrated but it it still a very solid game.
    So: call of duty MODERN WARFARE 2 or at least that's what my game-box says. Whilst the single player isn't quite as good as COD 4 it is still very well paced and intriguing with
    Ok yes I know there is one highly controversial mission but you can skip it if you want to so I'm not including it in my review
    Also yes I know you can call this game overrated but it it still a very solid game.
    So: call of duty MODERN WARFARE 2 or at least that's what my game-box says. Whilst the single player isn't quite as good as COD 4 it is still very well paced and intriguing with in my opinion the best Call of Duty villain in the whole series to be found in Vladimir Makarov. Also I like the way the ending of COD 4 causes severe problems for the protagonists in this game. Whilst the setpieces can get a little too IN YOUR FACE!!! it doesn't get as bad as later instalments. Also there are some great twists which I didn't see coming. This game also has a lot of commentary on wars and opposing philosophies as well as showing what effects the loss of soldiers can have of commanders. It's also a shame that the sequel really doesn't have much payoff for the ending of this game (But that's another review). However a couple of things don't really make sense in this game's campaign but I can suspend my disbelief.
    Finally multiplayer is really fun and balanced and Spec Ops adds an interesting couple of missions in.
    In conclusion whilst not reaching the perfection of COD 4 this game is still really good and definitely gets a recommendation.
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  9. Jul 26, 2013
    9
    I know a lot of people hate this series. However, this was back when this series was actually enjoyable. Despite the hackers, annoying prepubescents, trolls, etc you will always have moments that you will always remember. This game wasn't made for the story it was made for the multiplayer experience. In fact, this is the only game in the entire series where I actually got to the max levelI know a lot of people hate this series. However, this was back when this series was actually enjoyable. Despite the hackers, annoying prepubescents, trolls, etc you will always have moments that you will always remember. This game wasn't made for the story it was made for the multiplayer experience. In fact, this is the only game in the entire series where I actually got to the max level without asking my sneaky friend to help me out a bit (hehehehe). Anyhow, go try it out and forget the new Call of Duty's. Expand
  10. Jun 28, 2013
    9
    This game has all the ingredients that a shooter-gamer wants. The single-player campaign is an experience which any gamer will enjoy, even though they're not fans of games like this. When campaign finish (and this will happen very soon) you can choose to play alone, with a friend or online the special ops and you will spent a lot of your time in this, I can promise. After this, however,This game has all the ingredients that a shooter-gamer wants. The single-player campaign is an experience which any gamer will enjoy, even though they're not fans of games like this. When campaign finish (and this will happen very soon) you can choose to play alone, with a friend or online the special ops and you will spent a lot of your time in this, I can promise. After this, however, the most interesting part of the game comes with a playing-time that overtake the one of campaign and special ops together and this is the multi-player. I hope that you can play online because this is the special reason that Call Of Duty is famous. Great graphics, sound and gameplay for you to enjoy and a beautiful way for new shooter gamers to love more games like this. Expand
  11. Jan 19, 2018
    9
    Номер один в моем топе игр из серии Call of Duty.
  12. Aug 5, 2013
    9
    My review for the last good call of duty game.

    SINGLE PLAYER: 9/10. carries on from COD 4, great moments with a lot of twists and turns. but it is short GRAPHICS: 8.5/10. improved graphics from COD 4, but no significant differences. still not bad looking, though SOUND: 8/10. good quality, but nothing outstanding MULTIPLAYER: 9.25/10. take COD 4, and improve it in every way.
    My review for the last good call of duty game.

    SINGLE PLAYER: 9/10. carries on from COD 4, great moments with a lot of twists and turns. but it is short
    GRAPHICS: 8.5/10. improved graphics from COD 4, but no significant differences. still not bad looking, though
    SOUND: 8/10. good quality, but nothing outstanding
    MULTIPLAYER: 9.25/10. take COD 4, and improve it in every way. brilliant. didn't work so well for MW2-3
    GAMEPLAY: 9/10. 60 FPS, tight controls, few glitches, and good maps. what else could you ask for?
    FUN FACTOR: 8.75/10. fun game, but won't change haters minds
    TOTAL: 9/10
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  13. Jan 12, 2015
    9
    While some people may say that this game was overrated and mostly used by children, this game is still my favorite.

    This improved off of CoD4, and made gamers across the world fall in love.

    9.8/10
  14. Aug 10, 2013
    9
    The standard by which all other FPS games should be judged. Infinity Ward nails it as compared to the awful Treyarch COD games. The single player campaign is a little brief, but it's very, very good. The multi-player is awesome. Great maps, great weapons, great graphics, great shot recognition, etc... Awesome!
  15. May 29, 2014
    9
    Graphics: 9.5 Sound: 9.2 Gameplay: 9.2 Fun/Story: 9.1

    A awesome FPS, it´s good, fast, pretty and funny. I really enjoyed to play it through the end without stopping.
  16. Nov 26, 2014
    9
    Amazing game. The last game made by the old IW, before they were fired. Truly an excellent game. The best Call of Duty, bar none, and the last truly amazing game. Rediculous fun can be had. Noobtubes can be a problem, but they don't damper the experience enough. If it was released for next gen, I'd by it in a heartbeat.
  17. Nov 8, 2022
    9
    Modern Warfare 2 is still one of the best FPS and easily better than most if not all CoD released since, including MW22.
  18. J0e
    Jan 15, 2016
    9
    I never really got the all the hype for this game but playing it again it is really fun but again it is the same thing the story, spec ops, and multiplayer is fun but it is so glitch and has a lot of hackers and flaw. But overall it is a fun game and despite all its flaws can be enjoyed by gamers and non gamers.
  19. Oct 21, 2018
    9
    Modern Warfare 2 took everything that made Call of Duty 4 great and expanded on it with excellent maps, guns that were iconic and satisfying to use as well as bringing new game modes and having a very memorable campaign. It is probably the most fun I have ever had with a video game despite its flaws such as the overpowered grenade launcher, knife lunging, one man army pro etc
  20. Apr 6, 2020
    9
    The best part in the Call of Duty series, the apogee of her development (Black Ops 2 was still not that breakthrough). After MW2, the series clearly went down. Excellent gameplay, which is still relevant in 2020, 11 years later. Again, the plot simply blasts with its blunt, but everything is served factually and beautifully. A multiplayer who 's still alive on the Xbox360. Just a greatThe best part in the Call of Duty series, the apogee of her development (Black Ops 2 was still not that breakthrough). After MW2, the series clearly went down. Excellent gameplay, which is still relevant in 2020, 11 years later. Again, the plot simply blasts with its blunt, but everything is served factually and beautifully. A multiplayer who 's still alive on the Xbox360. Just a great game, it 's a pity that after it Infinity Ward fell apart. Expand
  21. Aug 19, 2018
    9
    "Modern Warfare 2" is the best "Call of Duty" ever made. A bigger and better game than the first MW, it is the pinnacle of the series. Highly influenced by Michael Bay's "The Rock" and featuring music composed by Hans Zimmer, it resembles a Hollywood action blockbuster. The first time I played the campaign, I was blown away. It possesses the look and testosterone-fueled bombast of Jerry"Modern Warfare 2" is the best "Call of Duty" ever made. A bigger and better game than the first MW, it is the pinnacle of the series. Highly influenced by Michael Bay's "The Rock" and featuring music composed by Hans Zimmer, it resembles a Hollywood action blockbuster. The first time I played the campaign, I was blown away. It possesses the look and testosterone-fueled bombast of Jerry Bruckheimer movies. Of course, the competitive multiplayer is terrific and the new co-op based Spec Ops missions are fantastic. Overall, "Modern Warfare 2" is one of the greatest shooters ever conceived . I would rate it with a 9.5 out of 10. Expand
  22. Nov 19, 2018
    9
    The story to modern warfare 2 is amazing, not perfect, but still really good. the story is must play. the spec ops can be plenty of fun with a friend, except when u get to the later missions. The multiplayer can really fun if u don't get into a hacked lobby, or with a bunch of campers. overall the game is really good. the only things that are bad can be the enemy placement on veteran. someThe story to modern warfare 2 is amazing, not perfect, but still really good. the story is must play. the spec ops can be plenty of fun with a friend, except when u get to the later missions. The multiplayer can really fun if u don't get into a hacked lobby, or with a bunch of campers. overall the game is really good. the only things that are bad can be the enemy placement on veteran. some spots infinity ward didn't think about veteran, there are spots where would run into a big open area and be getting hit from behind and from the front by 30 enemy's on each side and is almost impossible on veteran, some spots on veteran are pure luck. overall the game gets a 9 out of 10. Expand
  23. Mar 15, 2019
    9
    Amazing single player campaign. Multiplayer is still good just it's really laggy and depending on were you live it can take a while to find games but, if you live in/near a big city in America it will be fine.
  24. Jun 26, 2021
    9
    This game's campaign is absolutely amazing, and the multiplayer is still fun even today.
  25. Jan 15, 2021
    9
    To put it simply, this is the pinnacle of FPS online gaming. It will be hard to CoD to top this one, much less any other video game.
  26. Sep 16, 2020
    9
    Seeing what Call of Duty has become in the future I have to come back to this game and say this game is a relic from the golden age of Call of Duty. this is now one of my favorite games of all time.
  27. Jun 25, 2022
    9
    Amazing game that improves slightly upon the story and game play of Call of Duty 4 but is also very similar still. Only disappointing thing is how short it is compared to older games like Call of Duty 2. The gameplay feels great and smoother than the previous title and the story is a fun quick explosive experience that feel like an action movie. Honestly surprised this game has mixed reviews >.>
  28. Jul 17, 2020
    9
    The campaign in this game was great. Maybe not the best, but good nonetheless. The twist was good and it had a good story. The multiplayer is the best in the series. The maps are amazing, the customization in depth, the gameplay fast paced and interesting. The spec ops was also a hoot and a half. The missions are fun and the Arcady style worked well for it. Just an awesome experience.
  29. Rt1
    Dec 29, 2020
    9
    Incredible game. Amazing campaign with very memorable characters. Spec ops is ok (MW3 is better in terms of spec ops.) Multiplayer is very fun.
  30. Feb 17, 2021
    9
    Modern Warfare 2 was IMO the high points of the series.

    It had the best COD multiplayer I've played to this day and was just insanely fun. Even the campaign was great. Ghost, Soap, Price, Shepherd and Makarov were some really great characters. Unlike the more modern games of COD which are just forgettable. Only thing missing is a zombies mode, but you have black ops for that!
    Modern Warfare 2 was IMO the high points of the series.

    It had the best COD multiplayer I've played to this day and was just insanely fun.

    Even the campaign was great. Ghost, Soap, Price, Shepherd and Makarov were some really great characters. Unlike the more modern games of COD which are just forgettable.

    Only thing missing is a zombies mode, but you have black ops for that!

    Multiplayer (back in the day): 10/10
    Campaign: 9/10
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Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Mixed: 0 out of 100
  2. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. 100
    Modern Warfare 2 crosses into the must-have category of video games effortlessly. It offers an unmatched shooter experience, a compelling story mode, a slick package of mini missions and a multiplayer which is pretty much unparalleled in depth.
  2. 100
    Modern Warfare 2 offers epic gameplay, a stunning Spec-Ops mode and a huge amount of adrenaline.
  3. Anyone who already has issues with the single-player ‘style’ of IW’s games will still find fault with the scripted, linear experience, but in terms of sheer drama and show-stopping set-pieces accompanied by laser sharp FPS controls, Modern Warfare 2 is your daddy. And that’s without Spec Ops and Multiplayer.