Coming to PS3 on the 10th of November, 2009 is one of the most eagerly awaited titles of the year; Modern Warfare 2. This, the sixth instalment in the ever-popular Call of Duty series, is set to take the world by storm. Those familiar with existing titles in the series will be happy to hear that a new mode has been included with this new game. Along with the traditional single player campaign showcasing stunning settings in Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil and more, and the highly competitive multiplayer mode to be enjoyed online or not, comes a Special Ops mode.
Special Ops levels are essentially small missions for you to conquer alone or with a friend through the internet, or utilising the split screen function on the same console. Missions are unlockable and are divided into groups from Alpha to Echo, each group containing a variety of different missions. With different customisation options for each individual mission such as the difficulty and the enemy opposition, there is sure to be hours of entertainment to be had. Though the developers are keeping quiet as to exactly how many levels Special Ops will feature, they have let slip details of a couple of their different ideas. For example the ‘Breach and Clear’ mission, in which you must daringly make your way to the end of the level, sounds simple, but with enemies bombarding you from all sides you might find it more difficult than first anticipated.
Although Activision have only released a 90 second demo of Modern Warfare 2, it is clear to see that players of the game will be treated to some stunning graphics. As well as improved features, such as a more realistic splattering of blood onto your screen as you start to receive injuries. The more damage you take, the harder it will be for you to see what you’re doing. The frame rate is smooth, even with the incredibly fine details included such as the detailed laser sites and the small puffs of smoke sent out from objects hit by stray bullets.
New functionality seems to have been included everywhere in Modern Warfare 2, like the 15 individual kill streak rewards that can be unlocked in the online game, allowing you to receive rewards such as predator missile strikes after five kills. These rewards are sure to liven up online play, and with the annoyance of being returned to the lobby when the host of a game left, as in the predecessor to this title, having been removed you’ll be able to thoroughly immerse yourself for hours.
Additional weapons and features, an in-depth campaign, stunning graphics and the new Special Ops mode are set to make this game the massive hit that it’s promised to be. Although the short trailers and demos released to date by the developers don’t give us much to go on, what they do demonstrate is a title that ticks all the right boxes.