GamingBolt: Modern Warfare 2 Review

Gaming Bolt writes: "The single player story for Modern Warfare 2 is absolutely stunning. Infinity Ward has kept true to there style of game development by once again making sure you never leave first person view. I enjoy cinema scenes but the level of intensity that you get through out the campaign while always being in first person view is great. Modern Warfare 2 is a direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and picks up right where Call of Duty 4 left off. Modern Warfare 2 adds a lot more to the campaign than Infinity Ward's last title including graphics as well as unique missions that you should definitely experience for yourself."

[Andrew Wiggin]

I knew this game would score high, I mean shoot look at the gameplay and the new re-defined graphics. I love the fact that we can customize kill streaks.

[Saaking]

MW2 is gonna get 9+ regardless; however, this was a pretty good review. I don't think it deserves a 10, maybe a 9.

[Mr Face Creamer]

While this is one fine game, it's so sad to see the hype fall into this one... If a name such as Operation Flashpoint was the same exact game, I wouldn't expect more than 8's.

It takes guts for someone to post an early review of a hyped-game and give it a low score to a very highly anticipated game. Such as what IGN did with Haze.

[Darkeyes]

Just wait till the embargo gets lifted and we get some genuine reviews...

Frankly speaking Gamingbolt is just one of the fanboy sites here on N4G who just creates articles for hits like HHG.. Not saying that 10/10 is not genuine, but their recent articles like 'Can MW2 beat UC2...' and crap was just for hits.. I hardly have a doubt in my mind that the guys at GB might be going.. "Hmmm what pisses off most of the PS3 and PC fanboys on N4G??? Hmm lets see how about a 10/10 to the most controversial game? That should bring in some hits"

The only thing stopping me from getting this game is AV.. That is why I am getting it used.

[jcgamer]

i was very skeptical of MW2 earlier this year...i called it Call of Booty: Modern Retail Whorefare 2 (hehe), i said the graphics looked a hot mess after the E3 demo (lol), and i basically roasted it for being treated too special...well, i've played many great games this year, including the stunning and critically acclaimed UC2 (WOW)...and you know what? i'm ready for more! The year still isn't done, and i'm ready to have more fun...so bring it on....game on

:)

[ctfkev]

uses the same engine as COD4, and Ive been playing the game since Thursday on PS3, and the graphics do look dated.

currently there is 30,000+ people online playing on ps3, so thats a pretty big break on the street date.

[Ziriux]

They've polished the game. Who cares about graphics, the gameplay is where it is for a game, and while you may not like it, that's only 1 out of 15 million players that this game will have.

[Voozi]

"there is 30,000+ people online playing on ps3"
You know what's sad...that's more people online then I've ever seen playing Uncharted 2 online (Most I've ever seen was 13,000)

Sometimes I wonder about my fellow PS3 owners that aren't on this site lol, MW2 over Uncharted 2...sigh

I really hope people are still playing Uncharted 2 MP once this game is released

[mint royale]

Good score. This WILL be a good game.

I love the amount of fanboys who haven't played the game, telling reviewers who have, that they are wrong and it deserves another score. Little kids!

[Jamrock3292]

Funny how half of you have not played the game but you think it doesnt deserve high grades??? Really now?

[jcgamer]

i'm saying i'm wrong for roasting the game BEFORE i personally give it a chance...AFTER i play it, i will definitely have my own opinion of the game...

[silvacrest]

"there is 30,000+ people online playing on ps3"
You know what's sad...that's more people online then I've ever seen playing Uncharted 2 online (Most I've ever seen was 13,000)"

what do you expect? people who played uncharted 1 only had SP (a great SP BTW) although uncharted 2 does have multiplayer, it still known for its great SP, same goes for modern warfare 2 except replace SP with Multiplayer

to further prove my point there are people on these very forums (or people who no people) who have never played the SP in MW1

[ABizzel1]

We all knew Call of Duty was going to be a good game, and most reviewers are going to give it a 9/10 just because it's IW's Call of Duty (unless the game was broken then it would still get 8/10).

LOL. He says the game deserves all the hype it's been getting. For the most part all the hype I've been hearing has been negative or how Battlefield is going to be better then Modern Warfare.

@ 1.7

I believe the Uncharted 2 servers are set for a specific amount of people to be on one server at a time. The number of people NEVER goes above 13,700 something, and I guess that's why there's no lag or anything in Uncharted 2. I think they purposely limit the amount of people per server, unless you bring friends which is why you sync up when friends join you.

You also have to think the game sold over 1 million copies so far World wide. People are sleep or at work or doing something else at different times around the world so the online audience isn't going to be 1,000,000 ever. But I think the server thing is what's going on with Uncharted 2. Oh and more people need to buy Uncharted 2 it should be at 3 million by 2010.

[kws1065]

Sorry, but it's true.

Edit: I'd like to see GT and any other review sites talking about "Nothing new" talk about MW2.

[skagrerrrr]

No destructible environments.
Auto aim is for n00bs.
& oh yes, Bad Company 2 is gonna be better than this game.

[SL1M DADDY]

Sorry to all the PC guys with hurt feelings but this game is going to be to epic to pass up. Sometimes for a great game you just got to swallow your pride and buy it anyway. Despite the few issues it has had since a few recent announcements, the game is going to melt your faces off.

[ProperFunked]

beat single
played online thoroughly,

and i'd give it a 8.9 tops.
graphics=same as 4
gameplay=same as 4 with minor updates to perks,gun models,and killstreaks
story=same as 4 overall

its just a rehash, nothing warranting a fvcking 10 outta 10...fvck sake

[SL1M DADDY]

"graphics=same as 4
gameplay=same as 4 with minor updates to perks,gun models,and killstreaks"

That makes me happy. Could care less about the score, but if the game is exactly the same or better than COD4, I will be playing this one for the next two years. Cool deal!

[ID IR A G 0 N]

i have played this game and it is hands down better that the last two cod games. there is a new weight in the controls which makes aiming a little (not a lot) more challenging. mp maps are crazy and take a lot of getting used to.

all the idiots that are not goin to play this game out of some weird spite or a feeling that your too good of a gamer for cod are missing out on one of the best games of the year. easy 10/10

[Highwayman]

No game deserves a 10. Period. No game is perfect every game has its flaws. Good review though, just need to notch it down to a 9.7 or 9.5.

[williamkenny]

Well, it looks like another great game to come out of Infinity Ward...unless you're a PC gamer...

[gameseveryday]

ten by ten. Another great classic from Infinity Ward. man this thing is turning out to be better than the original.

[Ziriux]

Good review, I do not see the game getting anything less than 9.5's or else people are haters.

Reasons it deserves the score it does is simple, gameplay is amongst the best on any shooter, the graphics have been polished, the perks are new and some old ones there, the kill streak system makes me giddy. The online has added modes we all miss and love. I see it selling nicely and people getting in many sessions.

[TheDarkCynic]

Really looking forward to this. It'll be the first game I've gotten seriously into competitive multiplayer for in awhile.

[Ziriux]

2 more days! Wooooooooooooooooooooot! My gf is buying for me.

[TheGrimBunny]

If there is one game to buy this year, it's Modern Warfare 2.

[Bodyboarder_VGamer]

and the next and next and the next... CoD 2010 was already announced.

[Trebius]

but to say the graphics are improved is a lie...

on top of that there's the autoaim and killstreaks which leave no room for actual skill...they want to make sure everyone that plays the game feels like they're good.

the single player is 4-5 hours long, but supposedly on hardened it stretches to 9 hours (yeah right).

Now a 2010 release of another CoD will come out and it'll have the same dated engine and the masses will eat it up, just like madden...ripoff.

If the next game has the same engine and same multiplayer and same everything, itll still get its perfect scores, which is why I dont care for reviews...form your own opinion.

I'm in no way saying that this game doesnt justify a purchase if you're a fan, just saying that the hype behind the game makes no sense...

I was playing uncharted 2 and some little kid kept saying he wishes he were plaing MW2, over and over, kept saying i wish this were MW2, like he was obsessed, hypnotized, just like when kids would talk about Halo when it first came out.

MW definitely has a following thats for sure.

If they werent such douchebags at IW I would definitely think about picking it up, for now though i've got too many games i havent finished.

[N2NOther]

Sorry pal but getting those killstreaks and maintaining a good k/d and win loss does mean you're good. Especially now since the higher Killstreaks require one to stay alive longer. If you don't then you suck. It's really that simple.

[ProperFunked]

agreed 100%

[manny704]

The only problem I have with this, is that it didn't get an 11 out of 10.

The game is freaking amazing!!!

[ProperFunked]

im guessing your like...between 12-15. if you have any taste in quality games, youd realize this game does not deserve a 10/10 let alone 11/10, or barely even a 9. we all already know how this is gonna end up tho. bias motherfvckers.

[kraze07]

"if you have any taste in quality games, youd realize this game does not deserve a 10/10 let alone 11/10, or barely even a 9."

If you quit being a fanboy and telling yourself this game is crap you'd realize the game probably does deserve a 10/10 maybe an 11/10, but at least a 9.

[Dan GamingBolt]

game looks good but not a 10/10

[mintaro]

What are you basing that on.

[Dan GamingBolt]

My point of view/oppinion. =)

[bjornbear]

believing 9/10 bashing? Man these people are so spoilt with review scores now days.

Same crap happened with U2. 9/10 IS AWSUM.

Good score, looking good =)

[SSS]

i just finished and i'm watching the credits right now, all i can say is holy crap. its amazing, the storyline is great and there are tons of amazingly sweet plot twists. i jizzed in my pants like 40 times over teh course of the campgain.

[naughty57]

The only true contender to Uncharted for game of the year. Serioulsy

[talltony]

But its not likely to surpass uncharted 2 on metacritic. However I will put down uncharted 2 for this game for who knows how long. I seriously hope its better than MW1 in every way.

[RetroPietro]

but shame the visuals suck :( and the fact its infinity wankers and actitwats. lol

[cmacdonald]

Do not trust any review released before the embargo is up.

[Ziriux]

Umm why? It's a legit review they got the copy of the game few days ago, beat it, played a few matches online and wrote a review on it.

[cmacdonald]

Because early released reviews are for hits only. Nobody that gets games for free from developers for official reviews would dare bite the hand that feeds them.

It's also called being professional if you want to be considered somewhat legit.

[Ziriux]

Wrong, it does not differ a site from any other big site because it got released early. You make no sense, the only reason why I see you defending this is because you're a fan of big sites like IGN and GameSpot.

[-Alpha]

I still have my doubts about the killstreaks in MW2 being a little overdramatic/too action focused resulting in a lesser focus on gunplay, but regardless I love COD and I love Modern Warfare.

I cannot wait to play this game

Uncharted 2 is my shoe in for GOTY but this is going to come real, real, close.

[DonCorneo]

just throw a few 'nades.. camp to get that 5th kill.. wait for the right time to call in an airstrike (wait for someone to get a uav).. then, bam, 7 killstream! sit back and let the 'copter do its thing.

sometimes, i wish the removed grenades in FPS.

[ambientFLIER]

Sometimes I wish they would remove you from this site.

[JonnyBigBoss]

Well, nice review but I'm pretty sure they broke the review contract. You can't post a review until Tuesday.

[Software_Lover]

Is the stupid premium that they are adding to it. And for no F'n reason at all. 10 more dollars for what. And they took away things in the pc version and still add 10.00 to the price. Im sorry but they are treating you guys like stupid drones. Im not buying it thats for sure. If Microsoft had done this with Halo or Sony with God of War the fanboys would destroy eachother, lol.

[silvacrest]

they no idiots who love the multiplayer far to much will pay what ever for this game

i say, let them buy it, hopefully they will see that it was over hyped and lacking compared to others games and will no better when it comes to MW3

[Highwayman]

Well I guess that'll be your loss.

[cmacdonald]

Wow that reviewer needs a editor, let your mom proof read your work next time Mr Girgenti.

[STEVIE_]

Seriously? And you're asking him to proof read?

[GameOn]

That's a bit unfair considering...

[DigitalAnalog]

So? Nothing is improved other than the story and new multiplayer modes and still gets a 10/10? On top of that, having a "short" campaign?

And people wonder why we defended Uncharted 2's score so much.

[williamkenny]

The multiplayer is what most people are buying this game for; its what Infinity Ward have made this game with as a top priority

[wicked]

I have been playing the 360 version and the graphics are also better.

[ambientFLIER]

Nope, no improvements besides the all new Campaign, and all new Multiplayer...nothing else...HOW DARE THEY!!!

[ProperFunked]

EXACTLY, you nailed my point right on the damn head. this score is bullshit

@0.1 the campagin is pretty much the same, and so it the mulitplayer. its not "all new"

[table]

cool... still not buying it.

[Ziriux]

Your wonderful loss.

[table]

well I hated CoD4 so I beg to differ.

[Ziriux]

Why cause it wasn't a Halo or because you sucked at an easy game like CoD4?

[williamkenny]

Don't bash him just because he doesn't like cod4. It's not everyone's cup of tea.

[silvacrest]

just accept that he doesnt like it

its not like it affects you in any way

[table]

nah I hated Halo3 also. Call of Duty and Halo have both gone way down hill to become two of the most overrated crap games to grace our consoles this gen. Pity, I loved the old school CoD and Halo games.

[ambientFLIER]

So you're posting just to let us know that you're not buying it? Cool. Thanks.

[MajestieBeast]

10/10 for nothing new, a short single player campaign and no gfx improvements what so ever sounds about right...

This is coming from a site with articles like Uncharted 2 a eight days ripoff. Whats next uncharted 2 a uncharted 1 ripoff write some decent articles we have enough crap on n4g.

[Teh Cell]

Nope, nothing new, except single player, new multiplayer maps, new weapons, new killstreaks, new perks, and polished graphics. Other than that, nothing new!

Comments like yours make me really wish for a way to slap somebody through the internet.

[BWS1982]

isn't what Teh Cell just described usually released as an expansion pack? All those features are generally what compose an expansion pack for $20-$30 on most store bought games, in fact, they're selling points if I go on PSN or XBL right now and look at new content. New maps? New story? New modes? New perks and weapons? Really? With all due respect to IW (however much is left out there), they could have REALLY shocked the world by doing something groundbreaking, not just "two point O" this release.

I'm a huge shooter fan, and love COD enough to get it eventually I think, but c'mon, what you just described was basically add-on content, not an overhaul or major upgrade. You didn't really make a case for the game, but I'll admit the first MW was amazing, so if it's just "more of the same" that's probably alright with most of us. So it's debatable on whether this merits another purchase, but don't make like this is a new paradigm in FPS gaming.

[ctfkev]

I bought the game last thursday, and the game, although is good, the graphics are about the same as COD4, even used recycled animations, you'll see when you hop online that its the same game but has this arcade feel.

Everybody can pick their own emblem and title, sorta like Street Fighter 4.

And you get points for everything, you'll kill a guy, and you'll get 100 points for "teammate revenge kill" ex. you avenged your teammate.

super easy to level up, i leveled up to 25 on my first night, and i am aware they are resetting the scores on release date.

this game to me is a 9/10, online is the same, but its easier to level up.

[jcgamer]

Thanks..it's nice to hear from gamers who have actually played the game...bubbles up

[NecrumSlavery]

Other than it's not up-to-par-graphics, MW2 looks pretty good. There is enough content that I can't see a reason for a MW3. 10/10 isn't what I'd pick, but a 9-9.5 average seems right.

[ambientFLIER]

"The graphics in Modern Warfare 2 are the best I have seen so far in a Call of Duty game while keeping it smooth with a constant 60 frames per second. The detail of the environments and the character models are beautiful."

Yep...

You're an annoying f[_]ck.

[DonCorneo]

why can't he say something like best looking game this gen? because mw1.5 looks outdated next to kz2 and uncharted

[ambientFLIER]

Neither of those run at 60fps, and as a result, have better graphics.

[TheStorm]

I noticed with the PS3 box for MW2 and Dragon's Age they are using the old PS3 logo on the side, while RC: Crack in Time/AC2/Uncharted 2 used the new symbol. I just kinda wondered why MW2 and DA did not do the same.

[silvacrest]

im gonna be honest here

i have modern warfare 2 and here is what i have gathered from my playtime

i am probably seen as a PS3 fanboy but im honestly not being biased, this is a multiplat game afterall

graphics are not great, certainly nothing close to uncharted 1, 2 or killzone 2 or even MGS4 (i only mention this because of other, stupid articles)

gameplay wise, the lack of recoil is noticeable, for me atleast and the blood splatter on the screen becomes annoying and intrusive at times

story is okay although i havn't completed it so i wont comment, i havnt touched multiplayer and probably never will

the hype for this game must come from die hard multiplayer fans because not much has changed from MW1

[blu_yu_away]

"story is okay although i havn't completed it so i wont comment" contradiction much?

[Teh Cell]

How can there be a lack of recoil? What do you call it when the gun rides up and jumps around as you shoot, and your accuracy gets worse? Recoil...

[ProperFunked]

what he means is, is that theres noticeably way less for all guns to the point where it doesn't effect your aiming like...at all...for pretty much all of the guns including the light machine guns. you'll see when you play

8.9

[UltimaEnder]

What a pitiful review and editorial writing, plus he broke the review embargo - so sad.....

[spongeboob]

Another review paid for by the scum sucking people at Activision.

[tehk1w1]

I'll wait for an official review, thanks.

GamingBolt is the same website that generates flamebait and trash articles daily.

It's well known that Activision doesn't give out early review copies to small sites. If your name isn't Gametrailers, IGN or GameInformer, you didn't get early access unless you pirated the game or somehow found a store that sold it to you.

Or you just made it up. Which, considering the garbage GB produces, isn't too hard to believe either.

[PS360dagreatest]

i really hope good gaming websites crack down on modern warfare 2 because i believe this review is blinded by the title of the game. for what the media did to killzone 2, couldn't wait to bash on the game i wan the same to happen to MW2. Not to say that modern warfare doesn't deserve good reviews.

[Figboy]

it's "OMG ANOTHER FANTASTIC FPS!"

but when Resistance, Resistance 2, and Killzone 2 hit the PS3, it was "OMG, ANOTHER SHOOTER?? I'M TIRED OF FPS!"

i'm most certainly not saying Modern Warfare 2 isn't good; i have no idea, i haven't played it, but judging from the first game, i'm expecting it to be just as good, if not better.

i just find it kind of funny that multi-platform FPS titles and Halo get quite a bit of praise and passes, but exclusive FPS titles get put under the knife, and have to perform above and beyond the call of duty (no pun intended).

as it stands, i have no desire to get Modern Warfare 2, because i refuse to support Activision any longer. i'm tired of their mediocre dreck bringing the industry down. it's a shame a talented developer like Infinity Ward has to be associated with them. if only they were independent, or were under a publisher that ISN'T just trying to whore them out on a yearly basis.

at the least, i'll play Modern Warfare 2 at some point in the future, but i can't give Activision my money any longer, not with people like Bobby Kotick in charge. it's like promoting the stagnation of the gaming industry every time someone buys the yearly CoDs, Guitar Heroes, and mediocre licensed products (like Ultimate Alliance 2; i played it, and while it was better than the first one, the Marvel Universe deserves SO MUCH BETTER than what Activision is doing to it).

[GordyNYC]

The game is fun and chaotic. The graphics are dense but lores. Haven't finished it yet but so far I'm having a good time

[Domer25]

Its definitely worth a rental. Blow through the campaign in five hours, play some multi, and back to blockbuster.

[Torkith]

I'd give it a 9.4, I haven't beaten it yet, but I'm about 75% through. The only thing I'll knock it for is that like the first Modern Warfare how there's two split story's going on.
I like the idea, but one of the story's is far better than the other. So I really enjoy one part, then when it switches to the other it became a little disappointing. The story was still good, but the gameplay was more repetitive just standstill firefights while the other more movement/goal oriented.

Just my 2 cents.

[XBoX360IsJunk213]

Game fails hard............

[Digitaldude]

God do these reviewers know what 10/10 MEANS!?
It pretty much means it will go down in history as being the pinnacle of the generation, perfecting/reinventing the genre with tis great visuals,story and gameplay. Yet reviewers are handing out 9/10 and 10/10 like candy, 9/10 means nothing now, back in the day where 10/10 (eg ocarina of time) really meant something, now anything below 9 is "crap".
God do you really think MW2 has pushed graphical capabilities, online play or story telling? i think not.

HOWEVER it obviously must do it well, deserving a 8/10 to 9/10 not a 10/10 dont kid yourself.

[FxckOSX]

2 points gained in the nuke on multiplay.

[Rocco Siffredi]

wow crazy how ONLY PS3 Owners bash this game.. isnt that crazy?? And they mention like in every topic on the forums all over the world how bad the graphics are. Damn, how SAD is that to have TEH CELL Power and only 2 games out of 700 that show some exclusiv power.

DEAR INFINITY WARD: Please update your next MW to have better graphics, at least running at 720p and lower the Framerate to 30 FPS, cause PS3 boys dont care about your great gameplay, they only need graphics!

[Sea_Man]

People need to learn how to rate games. A 10/10 means a game is perfect in all aspects. Well my friend the graphics don't come close to Gears of War or Uncharted 2. So graphically this game should have got an 8 for graphics which would have lower the overall score. Unless everyone thinks the graphics in this game are the best this generation?

[BrownPowerzz]

This game is sooooo OVERRATED ! ! !

8/10 maximum

[TheMailman]

These guys are crazy... 10/10!!! How the hell they will now review Bad Company 2? Maybe they give the game a 11/10...