Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3152 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,842 out of 3152
  2. Mixed: 448 out of 3152
  3. Negative: 862 out of 3152
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  1. AlanM
    Dec 26, 2009
    6
    This game was hyped like no other I have ever seen. I Have all the COD series, including Modern warfare 1, and after playing through the entire game I must say that I was disappointed. I thought Modern Warfare 1 was better. Not to say that I did not like it, but it was not as good as the hype.
  2. ZacT
    Dec 23, 2009
    7
    The Single player and spec ops are brilliant. The Music, sound, gamplay to the above are awesome. Then it comes to the multiplayer experience. Im and Aussie and what I hate so much about it is that I cant see why you cant be placed in a match with good connection. Its bad enough that it takes ages to get into a match, but no, it just puts you in a game located in the other side of the The Single player and spec ops are brilliant. The Music, sound, gamplay to the above are awesome. Then it comes to the multiplayer experience. Im and Aussie and what I hate so much about it is that I cant see why you cant be placed in a match with good connection. Its bad enough that it takes ages to get into a match, but no, it just puts you in a game located in the other side of the world where you get terrible lag and only one bar. However once you get into a game with decent connection (a.k.a in a game with other Aussies), the experience is very rewarding. But I have only gotten into an Aussie match once. Why dont they have that connection filter like World at War did, even COD4 put you in decent connections. I praise Treyarch for considering us Aussies and others like us. Infinitiy Ward, add a connection filter. Then this game will deserve a 10.… Expand
  3. [anonymous]
    Dec 20, 2009
    10
    I hate it when people buy a good game just to pretend they are reviewers and nit-pick it to death. If the occasional pop-up in the graphics ruins the entire game for you than boo-hoo go cry about it. If the campeign is short, then stop playing it on easy mode and find the intel items, and while you're at it try out special ops and the infenetly replayable multiplayer. If you judged I hate it when people buy a good game just to pretend they are reviewers and nit-pick it to death. If the occasional pop-up in the graphics ruins the entire game for you than boo-hoo go cry about it. If the campeign is short, then stop playing it on easy mode and find the intel items, and while you're at it try out special ops and the infenetly replayable multiplayer. If you judged the game without even playing most of it (yes really just view all comments and you will see people like that) than you have absolutely no right to speak out against it. The story is good (yeah f*ck you people who think you can write something better) and the gameplay is perfect, except for waiting forever to get respawned in some game matches, no checkpoints in spec-ops, and the jungle escape level that everybody died a million times on. My pont is that people should not hate on it to death just because it's been hyped a lot, and by the way it deserved the hype, and I dare anyone to find or make a better, more polished fps. I can't believe Metacritic actually reviewed and aproved some of these comments. When Infinity Ward is shut down because their latest game got a low user-score on this site that isn't at all justified by its comments and when in the future we'll all be playing some sort of Sonic the Hedgehog and World of Warcraft mixed shooter because everyone hates popular things just for the sake of hating them, I will be the first to say "tolja so"… Expand
  4. DanG
    Dec 19, 2009
    8
    This game is really fun with the perks on multi player put it is a quick game. Not worth the price, though. I give the makers some credit they made into a really realistic game.
  5. AndrewH
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Man, some people have to lay off the drugs... And some people have to realize a great game when they play one. MW2 is a fantastic sequel to COD 4. The single player is alright, and the spec ops is fun with a friend. But people stay for the amazing multiplayer that will have you playing for months and probably years. And on top of that, the graphics are amazing. What more can you ask for? Man, some people have to lay off the drugs... And some people have to realize a great game when they play one. MW2 is a fantastic sequel to COD 4. The single player is alright, and the spec ops is fun with a friend. But people stay for the amazing multiplayer that will have you playing for months and probably years. And on top of that, the graphics are amazing. What more can you ask for? This game is a perfect 10.… Expand
  6. NateC
    Dec 16, 2009
    6
    MW2 has some solid presentation going for it. It's a gorgeous game, has great sound design and some good voice acting. There are several cinematic and over the top moments strewn through the campaign that keep the "Wow" factor going strong. But in many ways these cinematic appeals are just a sheet of gloss that hides the atrocious story telling and generic plot. MW2 would have been MW2 has some solid presentation going for it. It's a gorgeous game, has great sound design and some good voice acting. There are several cinematic and over the top moments strewn through the campaign that keep the "Wow" factor going strong. But in many ways these cinematic appeals are just a sheet of gloss that hides the atrocious story telling and generic plot. MW2 would have been far more an impressive game a few years ago, but in today's world it tends to fall flat. The characters are two dimensional and lack any character voice. it's impossible to care for any of them at all, as even the returning protagonists lack any motivation and have not been fleshed out one bit. The controls feel dated in today's world of squad commands and cover mechanics, both of which would ahve been very welcome. And several of these "Wow" moments become exposed as very simple quick time events when put under a microscope. The cherry on top is the 5 hour length of the primary campaign. Not all people like or have the means to play multiplayer, so they are being sold a 5 hour game for $60. A game that cannot stand on its single player campaign doesn't have legs. All in all, not worth the price of admission.… Expand
  7. BenDover
    Dec 16, 2009
    0
    Single player way to short for full price game. Multiplater is even worse. I can't even play.. When you finally get a game its broken and people are cheating and boosting. it sucks! IW ruined COD. Stick with COD4 it is much better multiplayer.
  8. stevenv
    Dec 15, 2009
    2
    How is this even a debate? I love war games and shooters like Bad Company but the Modern Warfare series is so overrated and generic. Sure its got a good multiplayer but multiplayers been around forever and there are no new, standout modes of multiplayer in these games. The only thing that is pretty damn clever from a marketing standpoint is the perks system. Its there to get people How is this even a debate? I love war games and shooters like Bad Company but the Modern Warfare series is so overrated and generic. Sure its got a good multiplayer but multiplayers been around forever and there are no new, standout modes of multiplayer in these games. The only thing that is pretty damn clever from a marketing standpoint is the perks system. Its there to get people addicted. Do I even have to talk about the single player? the story is clearly the most generic plot to be produced. But there are only so many options when making a realistic war story line so I don't blame the makers. When I say this to my friends, they look at me like I don't know what I'm talking about. Like I haven't played it. I would give this game a 7 if it wasn't for all the annoying people that only talk about how innovative (false statement) the Modern Warfare series is. If they mean innovative by recycling boring plots, then yes, this game has it in spades.… Expand
  9. JBell
    Dec 15, 2009
    9
    Modern Warfare 2 is a hate it or love it game; there is no middle ground. Some gamers complain about the presentation of the game, but the game overall has amazing visuals. Sure, I'll admit that the environments could have used a bit more colour, the foliage look average, and the underwater graphics in "The Only Easy Day... Was Yesterday" are below-average. However, I feel that the Modern Warfare 2 is a hate it or love it game; there is no middle ground. Some gamers complain about the presentation of the game, but the game overall has amazing visuals. Sure, I'll admit that the environments could have used a bit more colour, the foliage look average, and the underwater graphics in "The Only Easy Day... Was Yesterday" are below-average. However, I feel that the developers put in a lot of effort on the character models and the weapon details. Plus, the explosions look amazing. The single player component plays distinctively different on different levels; some levels are set in sun-drenched open landscapes, some during snowstorms in the sub-Artic, some during the middle of the night. Each different level requires a different strategy because of the weather patterns, and it all looks stunningly detailed. The single-player part of the game is definitely short-lived, but is full of memorable moments and is generally a hell of a lot of fun to play. As I stated above, each level is memorable in its own way and requires a different strategy, making the campaign interesting and diverse. There is no doubt that it is dreadfully short, but it's one wild ride which can be fun to replay on a harder difficulty setting. Spec Ops is also a lot of fun to play, especially in cooperative play. It can get pretty dull to play through unless you have a friend to play with, but there is a diverse selection of Spec Ops missions, most of which are just fun to play. The multiplayer component of Modern Warfare 2 is flawed perfection. It is usually fun to play, but it is also plagued with quite a few issues. If you're new to CoD and you play online, you're basically going to get raped for the first fifty matches that you play. The progression system is devastating for when low-ranking players are pitted against high-rankers, as you unlock better weaponry and equipment as you level up. This is obviously a problem, and some of the best guns in the game aren't available until you reach the higher levels. The Model 1887 is just plain ridiculous when dual-weld; you have a 10% chance of living through an encounter with a player who has this weapon equipped. There are plenty of other weapons, such as the AK-47, the M14 EBR, the Desert Eagle and the Javelin, which are only available to high ranking players and are ridiculously over-powered. Another issue in multiplayer is that most of the maps are much to big, considering most of the game modes support up to 6 vs 6 matches. Thus, camping, while requiring minimal skill, is the best way to rack up kills in matches, which defeats the purpose of the game being a first-person shooter. Also, the respawn system is completely out of whack, as you commonly spawn near enemies leaving you not much chance to brace yourself for combat. Although you may feel deterred from the multiplayer part of the game, it is a big chunk of the game overall and is generally fun to play. So long as you don't get into laggy servers. Modern Warfare 2 is pretty good, but the major flaw is that the multiplayer is ridiculously unfair for "noobs" who have had little experience in the CoD franchise. Killstreak rewards, excluding the Tactical Nuke, are awesome and the Accolades system is well thought out. The campaign is short but fun and Spec Ops has a lot of replay value. Overally, Modern Warfare 2 is amazing but not exactly perfect.… Expand
  10. Robert
    Dec 15, 2009
    9
    I played Call of Duty 4 and Call of Duty 5. I hate it when people think they should be great at this game because they are good at some other game. Then they bitch about not being able to do well. I don't glitch and I hate people that do but that shouldn't have anything to do with the game. They actually just released a patch fixing some glitches and the game has only been out I played Call of Duty 4 and Call of Duty 5. I hate it when people think they should be great at this game because they are good at some other game. Then they bitch about not being able to do well. I don't glitch and I hate people that do but that shouldn't have anything to do with the game. They actually just released a patch fixing some glitches and the game has only been out for about a month. As for the multiplayer not being that great i disagree. What should the multiplayer be like? You want something like gears of war play third person team tactical. If you want better guns earn them the level 70s did and once you prestige you lose them. I like how they added titles and emblems to the game. It allows you to show off your accomplishments and look the way you want. The tactical nuke is an interesting addition but there are people who "nuke boost" and it makes the game not so fun. The graphics are great but they could improve the match making so it does not kick you when your party joins a game or lobby. I lost track of how many games I had to go back to get someone or was left behind.The ability to select your killstreak is a nice addition. I wish the game had a nazi zombie type mode. Well maybe they can add it as an add on or something. Overall I like this game the best out of all my games including GoW2 and Halo 3.… Expand
  11. HunterG
    Dec 15, 2009
    8
    Modern Warfare 2 is a fun game. The extensive single player campaign takes a while to finish, even when played on the normal difficulty. When you play it on the hardened or veteran difficulties, it lasts for even longer. The best thing about the campaign is the plot, however. Every second of playing the campaign I felt an intensity that I have never felt while playing a video game. Add in Modern Warfare 2 is a fun game. The extensive single player campaign takes a while to finish, even when played on the normal difficulty. When you play it on the hardened or veteran difficulties, it lasts for even longer. The best thing about the campaign is the plot, however. Every second of playing the campaign I felt an intensity that I have never felt while playing a video game. Add in a lot of surprising plot twists and a stunning ending, and you have a storyline that cannot be beat. However, most of the campaign is repetitive and boring. When played on normal, it is much too easy, but crank it up any higher and it becomes almost impossible to beat. In my opinion, there is simply nothing fun about dying over and over again, and the boring objectives. (save for the last act) The only reason I played the campaign was because of Infinity Ward's amazing storytelling. As much as everyone hypes over Spec Ops, I never really liked it. All Infinity Ward did was take the repetitiveness of the campaign but take out the amazing plot. I barely ever play special ops. The multiplayer, as with ever other Call of Duty game, is the real prize. Many people have said that horrible level 70's dominate over skilled level 1's simply because of the weapons and perks. However, this IS NOT TRUE. The only problem I have with the multiplayer is the campers. There are many, many more here than in any other Call of Duty games. But, if you play objective-based games, you won't face this problem.… Expand
  12. MarkieMark
    Dec 14, 2009
    0
    Unoriginal and boring. I didn't feel any major improvement on the SP play over MW1 and Multiplayer got old faster than expected. They needed to bring smth new to the table, and they failed.
  13. ReeceK
    Dec 14, 2009
    1
    Terrible multiplayer, a single player that is good but cut horribly short, spec ops mode can also be completed very quickly and easily. Why is multiplayer terrible? Horrible maps, every one of them, crazed hitboxes, javelins and model 1887 akimbo's are ridiculous. There are only one or two guns worth using in the game, snipers are horribly weak, the game has an ill fitting sense of Terrible multiplayer, a single player that is good but cut horribly short, spec ops mode can also be completed very quickly and easily. Why is multiplayer terrible? Horrible maps, every one of them, crazed hitboxes, javelins and model 1887 akimbo's are ridiculous. There are only one or two guns worth using in the game, snipers are horribly weak, the game has an ill fitting sense of humour which just doesn't feel like it matches call of duty( this is mostly seen online so im including it here, im talking about money flying out when you get a payback kill, the sad face on the WA2000 etc), spawning is worse than ever( the game places you right behind, beside or even right in front of enemies when you die), the host system is worse than ever too, the host relocation does not work. Its horribly difficult to find a game even though everyone is playing it and I have an open NAT type. I have a 1.80 KD ratio and am lvl 66 no prestige. I gave it a fair shot and I dont hate it because I suck at it, which I don't with a KD like that. My biggest problem overall though is that online, the game just is not fun, its frustrating. COD4 annoyed me in the past but most of the time i had fun playing it, its expected to get annoyed with any online game once in a while but for MW2, its just annoying constantly.… Expand
  14. AaronM
    Dec 12, 2009
    10
    If there was a 9.5 score, I would have chosen it instead. This game is BY NO MEANS PERFECT. However, it is the most varied, and interesting multiplayer and singleplayer experience on the market this year, featuring real weapons systems that are currently in use or in development. Truly there is a polarizing factor to the multiplayer, people who don't give Call of Duty a chance to If there was a 9.5 score, I would have chosen it instead. This game is BY NO MEANS PERFECT. However, it is the most varied, and interesting multiplayer and singleplayer experience on the market this year, featuring real weapons systems that are currently in use or in development. Truly there is a polarizing factor to the multiplayer, people who don't give Call of Duty a chance to shine, will in fact be highly disappointed, but I think we all remember how excited we were when we got that first AC130. Sour Sallys will always be there to bring down the score of such an epic title, due to a negative online multiplayer experience or gripes over a "short" six hour campaign. What Infinity Ward brings to the table is amazing visuals, realism, and a very competitive multiplayer experience, and they bring it harder than anyone else.… Expand
  15. TheIconGuy
    Dec 12, 2009
    9
    The single-player campaign might not engage you enough to want to play through the entire game multiple times, but multiplayer and Spec Ops will both keep you busy until next year when Treyarch releases their next Call Of Duty game.
  16. Mr.Anderson
    Dec 12, 2009
    4
    Huge amount of hype, and then all the critics love it, so I decide I must have this game. So I get it, and play the campaign and spec ops with my brother (campaign is short but fun and spec ops are a cool addition, I wish it had 4 players...). OK. So now I want to play live. Of course, like every other CoD game, you can only play 1 person per console. But whatever, as long as its fun. But Huge amount of hype, and then all the critics love it, so I decide I must have this game. So I get it, and play the campaign and spec ops with my brother (campaign is short but fun and spec ops are a cool addition, I wish it had 4 players...). OK. So now I want to play live. Of course, like every other CoD game, you can only play 1 person per console. But whatever, as long as its fun. But the problem is that its not fun. At all. In any way. Everything about the live play is just wrong, wrong, wrong. It's not skill-oriented--if you're level 70 you have awesome guns and perks and can just completely pwn everyone else in the match, even if you can't aim well and play stupid and rush into the middle of everywhere. If you're level 1, you have crappy guns and perks and stand no chance whatsoever. It still confounds me that any game would pit a level 70 against a level 1. Even my brother, who rapes at CoD5, can't win in MW2 at his low level. And on top of that, the maps are waaay too big. Maybe if it was a 32 person/match standard, it would be OK, but its not. And once again, people have no say in choosing them...And then I play a match where I am actually doing really good (like 15 kill streak), and its kinda fun, but no, I'm not allowed to do well. Somebody ends the game with a tactical nuke. Worst idea ever. Seriously. Too easy to end the game--happens every 6 or 7 matches, and it drives me nuts. And normally, just because you don't win a lot doesn't make a game bad (take Gears of War 2. Holy crap is that hard to win sometimes but at least its fun and when you lose you're like "OK they're definitely better than me and deserve to beat me.") You don't get that feeling in MW2, usually when you are losing badly you can look at your kill cam and realize it's some fag camping in the corner of a room with his gun pointed at head-height at the entrance to the room. And then you get pissed and end up having to camp yourself so you don't keep dying and it just ends up being a boring, stupid battle of who has the patience to camp for longer. Screw this game, I'm gonna sell it once I beat all the spec-ops and go back to games that are actually good, like maybe the first Modern Warfare, Halo, Gears, and Super Smash Bros (Brawl FTW!!!).… Expand
  17. BrekR.
    Dec 11, 2009
    4
    Its rather immature that people seem to feel the need to call out others opinions and deem them wrong because they dont like this game, and saying the reason is because they suck at playing it. Grow up 5 year olds. This game is as medicore and over the top as they come. Because you like it, does not mean end of story, its amazing. Your opinion, whatever. Play some other games, get a life, Its rather immature that people seem to feel the need to call out others opinions and deem them wrong because they dont like this game, and saying the reason is because they suck at playing it. Grow up 5 year olds. This game is as medicore and over the top as they come. Because you like it, does not mean end of story, its amazing. Your opinion, whatever. Play some other games, get a life, and you'll realize that this is nothing what it could have been, purely marketed to look better and offer something thats non-exsistant in the game... so many other titles have done a better job and offered a hell of a lot more. Sure, the single player is alright, completly pointless as it may be and micheal bay inspired (i wonder how many of you complained about transformers 2, yet are praising this? hmmm. hypocritcs.), but it gets old. Its a basic run and gun with absolutly zero thought involved, other than point and shoot until you complete it 4.5hrs later with as many explosions happening at one time. Characer models look good, but environments are flat, boring, almost 2D stills at times. No decision making, no cover mechanics, a total lack of reaslim in; recoil, physics, body damage, and gore. This could have been rated T, but they didnt because it would have turned away older gents. An on rails, linear ride that was ok while it lasted, but you'll never go on it again. Spec ops is rather useless, you may play it once, but never feel any need to go back to it. Again, COD is stuck with a low amount of total players at 2 in spec ops. Thats rather pathetic. A minimum of 4 should have been allowed. Multiplayer gets old, its a useless grind to lvl 70, to see who can have the least life and play the most to unlock guns and perks that make the game completely unbalanced or fair to anyone a lower lvl than you, or somebody who has a life and doesnt play 10hrs a day like most 13 year olds rating this a 10. I've no problem getting a good score in this game, all you have to do is camp. This game has taken everything bad about mw1 and multiplyed it by 12 in mw2. Spawn system is hilarious, glitches run rampant, as do hackers. Still 6v6, with 1 game mode you can do 9v9 on, rather stupid, they can allow more players and they know it. All in all, a rather redundant tool in the gaming world that has offered nothing new, only copied and pasted its predecessor. I feel like I woke up in, when did MW1 come out, 07? Total let down, I doubt I will ever purchase another Activison game. I'm selling this asap. Its rather sad that developers who try new ideas, new ips, or push the envelope with games are going out of business or barely breaking even to continue game creating, while this piece of crap is thriving, or did at least at launch, i see alot of people arent happy. Its the new Madden. Now you all can buy your 2 or 3 maps for $10, and then buy COD7 in a few months. Waste of money... never again.… Expand
  18. JaredS
    Dec 9, 2009
    10
    Awesome game. Don't pay attention to the morons who score this below a 5. There is nothing about this game that deserves that harsh of a score. Just a bunch of whiney morons who suck at the game, like this guy below me. They don't understand how rating systems are supposed to work.
  19. Maxxyw
    Dec 9, 2009
    6
    Meh. While the single player and spec-ops are exceptionally well-crafted, they tried too hard on the multiplayer and just really screwed up. The balance of skill is godawful, and the maps are way too big to create the hectic atmosphere like in CODWOW or even MW1. You don't even have to be good to win. but if the other person doesn't see you, then...boom free kill. And you see Meh. While the single player and spec-ops are exceptionally well-crafted, they tried too hard on the multiplayer and just really screwed up. The balance of skill is godawful, and the maps are way too big to create the hectic atmosphere like in CODWOW or even MW1. You don't even have to be good to win. but if the other person doesn't see you, then...boom free kill. And you see someone about once every 2 minutes on these giant maps...Out of all the live games I have (Halo 3 Gears of War 2 Cod5 Borderlands and this), this is the one I will play the least. Which it shouldn't be, because the live is supposed to be the central part of this game. And the live community on this is more annoying than that of Halo, and I thought that was impossible. At least they fixed that stupid javelin glitch. Not to take away from the single player, which is fun, and the spec-ops, which could be a game in and of itself.… Expand
  20. BenjaminK
    Dec 9, 2009
    5
    Well o know COD games have never been realistic and never really Focused that much on multiplayer in the later sequels but this game was pretty bad. I'm not going to get in the PC's problems. so lets just dive in. The single player makes little sense and there are numerous plot holes. The storyline borders on ridiculous at times. Many of the weapons they show don't exist Well o know COD games have never been realistic and never really Focused that much on multiplayer in the later sequels but this game was pretty bad. I'm not going to get in the PC's problems. so lets just dive in. The single player makes little sense and there are numerous plot holes. The storyline borders on ridiculous at times. Many of the weapons they show don't exist (WTH is Intervention?) and many of the so called good and high tech weapons are some of the weakest in the game. In multiplayer its the same story. Some weapons are Extremely overpowered such as the M16 and the riot sheild that is easily flanked but totally impregnable from the front with any weapon. explosives or otherwise. Finnally they have the AK-47 as the strongest assault rifle in the game (?). But the maps are okay. the addition of launchers were a nice touch and having a literal air battle going on above you was a nice touch. Overall i think the critics rushed into this game or were payed off especially on the PC end. If they stayed playing it for another week they would have saw its problems.… Expand
  21. DerkM
    Dec 9, 2009
    10
    Some of these comments are stupid. People are giving this game a bad review because they suck at the game. This game is amazing. The campaign is terrific and multiplayer is awesome. Sure it lags a bit online but what do you expect, you're playing online. The campaign really sucks you in because it is so exciting. It looks very real. The spec-ops is great and challenging. The only Some of these comments are stupid. People are giving this game a bad review because they suck at the game. This game is amazing. The campaign is terrific and multiplayer is awesome. Sure it lags a bit online but what do you expect, you're playing online. The campaign really sucks you in because it is so exciting. It looks very real. The spec-ops is great and challenging. The only real problems with this game are the lagging (which will be a problem with in online multiplayer game so it doesn't bother me), and the fact that the campaign is short, which only sets up for more games. This is pretty much as close to perfect as you can get!!!… Expand
  22. ChrisR
    Dec 8, 2009
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing. If you don't like first person shooters then you shouldn't even be rating this game because it's not your cup of tea. But if you like FPS games then this is incredible! The graphics are the best in the business, the play control is spot-on, the audio is amazing, and the re-play value is there for not only the single player campaign (without This game is absolutely amazing. If you don't like first person shooters then you shouldn't even be rating this game because it's not your cup of tea. But if you like FPS games then this is incredible! The graphics are the best in the business, the play control is spot-on, the audio is amazing, and the re-play value is there for not only the single player campaign (without being almost impossible to find the intel like the first game), but also for the new game mode Special Ops, and the multiplayer. Multiplayer has been expanded with customizable perks, additional equipment and weapon modifications. And the upgrades and goals to achieve in multiplayer come often enough that you always feel like you just succeeded in unlocking something cool, but are still urged on to your next objective without feeling like you're going to be grinding towards it forever. This game was created to make you feel like you're playing through an action movie on the campaign and they mastered it. While some might accuse the developers of a lack of depth in the characters the action takes place around you, the player, and it's your reactions to the graphics, sound, and exciting combat situations you are thrown in where this game shines. If you want a story, go read a book. If you want to be the main character in a playable action movie... This is your must-own game of the year!… Expand
  23. ZackH
    Dec 8, 2009
    1
    The multiplayer is another boring imitation of the first one in that, you reach lvl 70, prestige, and repeat. The gameplay is catered alot to casual players in which when they do something good they get stupid messages filling up their screen that they killed someone. Aside from the poor physics, spawning mechanics, and map design, the overall objective based games are relatively The multiplayer is another boring imitation of the first one in that, you reach lvl 70, prestige, and repeat. The gameplay is catered alot to casual players in which when they do something good they get stupid messages filling up their screen that they killed someone. Aside from the poor physics, spawning mechanics, and map design, the overall objective based games are relatively pointless now since everything can be ended with a Nuke. If your a casual gamer and want to buy, be my guest, but for competitive and clanning players would want to stay far away from this.… Expand
  24. R.MacG
    Dec 8, 2009
    8
    I was quite surprised by Modern Warfare 2. I had done my best to avoid the hype, and it seems to have paid off. Before I start my review, however, I would like to make the point that this review board is for the Xbox 360 version of the game, not the PC. If you have a review for the PC version, and want to have a moan about the lack of dedicated servers, do it on the PC board. Now, back to I was quite surprised by Modern Warfare 2. I had done my best to avoid the hype, and it seems to have paid off. Before I start my review, however, I would like to make the point that this review board is for the Xbox 360 version of the game, not the PC. If you have a review for the PC version, and want to have a moan about the lack of dedicated servers, do it on the PC board. Now, back to the review. I picked this game up for a neat £32, avoiding the £44 price tag of GAME and other major game retailers. I can only wonder why IW thought they would be able to get the RRP to £55, but they must have been having an off day. Had the campaign been significantly longer, I would have agreed with the £55 tag, but for that much money I would expect at least another 4 hours of campaign. As I am talking about the campaign, I'll get on with that first. The story follows on directly from Modern Warfare, with an easy-to-follow plot. After the submarine base mission, I was very impressed with the way the game played. Before this, the game was still great, but those last few missions really grabbed me. Despite the short campaign, it was worthy of being attempted on Veteran. It was sadly far easier than previous CoD games I have played, and even CoD 4 was harder. The music was great, the gameplay was explosive, and the visuals were above average. Next up, Spec Ops. This game mode is a good addition to the game, but sadly it does not make up for the short campaign. This does not mean to say that it is bad. By no means is that true. With 23 Spec Ops missions, and a lot of baddies to shoot, the action never stops. Going for Veteran completion is a nice challenge, especially on the last few missions. I am yet to complete all of them, but I do have 57 stars, so I'm close enough. Juggernaughts are a nice tactical addition to the game, with a demand for you to rethink your assault strategies. I can only wonder what the last three missions are like. Overall, Spec Ops is great. I'm very pleased with it. Finally, we get onto multiplayer. Well, what can I say? Multiplayer has its ups and downs for all players. One day you will be decimating teams with huge K/D ratios, and the next you find yourself being dominated by better-skilled foes. The occasional bursts of lag from poor hosts are hard to notice, even with my terrible connection. I run on a 2 Mb/s connection, and always have a Strict NAT. Most games therefore will not allow me to join other players. This is sadly also the case with Modern Warfare 2. I can rarely connect to a match, and sometimes I am unlucky enough to be in the lobby, only to be "lagged out". That's my fault for having such a shoddy connection though. When in a match, the action never stops. Plenty of explosions, awesome kills, and game-ending kill streak rewards. "AC-130 spotted!" I am only level 24 without prestige, but I am finding it a great game. Some moan about the higher levelled guns being overpowered, but honestly, all guns are the same. Apart from those blasted AK-47s. I can't wait until I hit level 70, if I ever do. So, this game ticks most of the boxes. A great multiplayer, a fantastic, albeit short, campaign, and a fun extra game mode to complete on the side. Great stuff.… Expand
  25. BillD
    Dec 8, 2009
    3
    This should have been a multiplayer only game. The story is the worst I have played this year. Half the time you're like "what the hell is going on now?" It is obvious that IW just wanted to make a bunch of random maps for the multiplayer and then tried to link them with a story. The character development is literally non-existant, and from the story jumping all over the place This should have been a multiplayer only game. The story is the worst I have played this year. Half the time you're like "what the hell is going on now?" It is obvious that IW just wanted to make a bunch of random maps for the multiplayer and then tried to link them with a story. The character development is literally non-existant, and from the story jumping all over the place sometimes you're unsure who you are. The visuals aren't very good and the sound is absolutely aweful (especially when it comes to the soundtrack). What we have here is another company selling DLC at full price; think ODST but for COD. This game is completely over-hyped almost as much as GTA:IV but at least GTA had some major improvements from the previous one. If you have COD4 don't bother with this one unless you need some new maps. I can't believe the VGA's nominated this for game of the year it should have been up for DLC of the year. The multiplayer is pathetic,too. Like how about adding more players. Oh yeah then they would need dedicated servers. Also adding some realism to the game like guns with realistic recoil instead of making it even more Noob friendly.… Expand
  26. nicholasn
    Dec 4, 2009
    9
    This was a great game with only one small problem, the continuing campaign was great except that the whole get back capn price and get all better didnt make sense...ummmm he kinda died in the the first game and if he didnt why would he be in the jail of a russian government...he did save the US from a nuke! also it was way to short
  27. BrendanH
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    For all the people who complain that the campaign is too short, you're missing the point. CODMW2 was not made for people who are planning on playing single player all the time. Yes, I know that this game has it's faults, but don't all games do.
  28. JackCD
    Dec 3, 2009
    0
    Hum... Multiplayer... You can't choose your map, the number of players, the ping. You can't quit during host migration (wich bugs half the time), you can't quit during loading screen (wich also bugs repetitively), you basically can't do shit. Hum, what else? Yeah, akimbo 1887 AND people with Javelin and danger close moving around and killing everyone when they DIE. Hit Hum... Multiplayer... You can't choose your map, the number of players, the ping. You can't quit during host migration (wich bugs half the time), you can't quit during loading screen (wich also bugs repetitively), you basically can't do shit. Hum, what else? Yeah, akimbo 1887 AND people with Javelin and danger close moving around and killing everyone when they DIE. Hit boxes lagg, games lagg a lot. Maps are like COD waw (shit). You get backstabbed all the time ( I wasnt backstabbed in 30 games on 600). Well, I think that's it! Oh no wait, there is also the m16 (wich is abusive) and the lack of inteligence. Oh, and no dedicated server (makes the game lagg all the time). I have it on Xbox360 and regret buying it.… Expand
  29. EC
    Dec 3, 2009
    9
    Amazing multiplayer, deeper than any other on the consoles. This sets the bar nicely, ban Treyarch from making a sequel!
  30. TimB.
    Dec 3, 2009
    6
    The problem with the ratings of this game is that people think it deserves something great just because the Campaign was so great. Note to players: Multiplayer was addicting in the first game, If they do the same thing for the next one its not going to make it Less addicting. It's kind of hard to mess up a winning formula.. ...... Except to make it the same, with a little more The problem with the ratings of this game is that people think it deserves something great just because the Campaign was so great. Note to players: Multiplayer was addicting in the first game, If they do the same thing for the next one its not going to make it Less addicting. It's kind of hard to mess up a winning formula.. ...... Except to make it the same, with a little more polish. This game sucks. Is not worth full price at all. Thank god I didn't buy it and only played it at friends house.. it's worth ~30. Thanks alot activision.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009
3
#3 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 100 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 100
  3. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. Telegraph
    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.
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  2. Cynamite
    100
    Modern Warfare 2 offers epic gameplay, a stunning Spec-Ops mode and a huge amount of adrenaline.
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  3. GamesRadar+
    100
    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.
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