|
Despite anyone outside of Infinity Ward actually having played it, many fans of the series have been asking themselves, Modern Warfare 2 is it the game of the year? Activision recently invited members of the media to attend a first look multiplayer event for Modern Warfare 2 and after having about 4 hours of hands on time it is safe to say the question has been answered; Infinity Ward has out done themselves (again) with Modern Warfare 2.
Speaking with Lead Multiplayer Designer Todd Alderman, he disclosed that while Modern Warfare 2 in his words has a lot of "cool stuff" that remains unannounced, it will also include 42 weapons, 27 perks, 10 Accolades, 153 Emblems, 570 titles, and 5 default classes (which includes the brand new Riot Shield class).
We all loved the killstreak bonus from Modern Warfare and that feature is now fully customizable to allow the player to select from a predefined list on what type of killstreak bonus they want to use when creating a custom class. You don't want to call in an airstrike after a 5 killstreak? Well now you have the option to select another bonus such as the Predator Missile and strike fear in your opponents from a guided view from the AC-130 Gunship. Speaking of the AC-130, after you get to an 11 killstreak you now have full control, complete with options to cycle between its onboard weaponry and yes that includes the Howitzer. My favorite killstreak streak bonus? The new and improved Helicopter, trust me when I say...its scary!
In an attempt to make multiplayer more accessible and less experienced gamers (like me) more involved in the action, Modern Warfare 2 includes two new modes: the deathstreak and the Riot Shield Class. With the new deathstreak, say you are killed 4 times in a row with getting a kill of your own, now with the brand new deathstreak there is a bonus called Copy Cat mode that allows you to copy the class of the person who killed you. Despite what level you may be in multiplayer you will temporarily be awarded all the weapons and perks of your enemy in an attempt to balance the playing field of the multiplayer match. Personally I like this bonus as it gives the less experienced player a sneak peak into what they can obtain if they continue playing and leveling up their character.
The Riot Shield Class allows you to participate in a team match without shooting. In my hands on time I found that the Riot Shield was a great way for a less experienced player to participate in a Capture the Flag match with firing a single bullet (you to provide cover for a flag runner). The Riot Shield class has a secondary mode of dual wielding Uzi's that are quite effective at short range. I found the Riot Shield class to be a great team based class that as noted is quite effective in Capture the Flag and brings a brand new element to Modern Warfare multiplayer and encourages team work.
Level of detail and polish are the key words when describing the maps of Modern Warfare 2. Each map contains a well thought out level design that creates balance during various game play modes and its the little things that go a long way such as shooting a fire hydrant and the water blurring your vision as you run through it, playing on a map based in Afghanistan and the sand, dust and smoke swirling through the air, or playing a map called High Rise and observing the level of detail put in the shards of broken glass as you make your way through an office building during a fire fight.
It may not be apparent until you actually get hands on time but the difference between Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2 is staggering, I am honestly going to have a hard time going back to Modern Warfare after experiencing Modern Warfare 2. Todd Alderman noted that they built the multiplayer for Modern Warfare 2 from the ground up and it shows, the attention to detail and the polish put into this title has given me reason to see why so many consider this to be the Game of the Year for 2009.
Look for a one on one interview with Multiplayer Lead Designer Todd Alderman on Episode 122 of UncleGamer Radio.
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Re: You're BANNED! - fds nucklehead - For misspelling "get her done".
Re: Waz up TAG! - robbiejo - Can't recommend the gamenights enough. Good way to meet folks and find a regular group to play with. Welcome!
Re: HALO 3 REVISITED - forgetfool - Quote: not all the levels on my halo 3 disk work. but im deffinately in for both! That's funny my Halo acts the the same way. I can't play the level where you first run into a scarab and I can't play the gravemind level. Not that...