Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - 2022

Modern Warfare 2 is exactly what I was asking for. As the stewards of Call of Duty filling the gap left by no new game coming in 2023, and the upcoming Warzone 2.0, Activision is putting its full weight behind Infinity Ward as a lead studio. Modern Warfare 2 is a good argument that they're the right folks for the job.

As it did with its reimagining of Modern Warfare, Infinity Ward has used the past as a point-of-reference rather than a blueprint, and the result is thrilling. The MW2 campaign is reliably unrevolutionary, and the multiplayer is bold enough to press against expectations – even if it isn't successful in everything that it tries. Call of Duty is slowly wading outside of its comfort zone, and it's all the better because of it.

While there are some new game modes and maps for players to master in multiplayer, there isn’t anything truly groundbreaking there, either. However, there are still a few new multiplayer features on the horizon, such as Tier 1 Hardcore playlists, that may amp up the multiplayer experience in the future.

Modern Warfare 2 can be exciting when it works. Whilst the campaign’s narrative flaws can’t be fixed, major patchwork is needed to get the multiplayer (the most important aspect) to a good place, and co-op is in desperate need of extra content. Big games just shouldn’t be in this state at launch.

Infinity Ward’s latest is a more restrained affair that balances spectacle with tension.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 is a great return to classic Modern Warfare, with most of the bells and whistles of more recent games. The overall package is similar to its rebooted 2019 predecessor, but not quite as innovative or surprising – as this time we knew what to expect. The campaign mixes up its pacing, and delivers strong characters in a lacklustre story backed by highly engaging gameplay that will keep a controller entrenched in your hands.

Modern Warfare 2 delivers a well-paced, varied campaign that feels like playing a great action movie. The multiplayer side of things has a solid core and we've no doubt it'll be polished up in the months to come, but its state at launch is disappointing.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a top-notch shooter with a fun campaign and solid multiplayer offering. The shootouts are sublime and it feels great to play. If you’re going to pick up one multiplayer game this year, there’s a good argument that it should be this one. The reworked perks system and changes to the gunsmith mode show that Infinity Ward and the other developers working on Modern Warfare 2 still understand what makes Call of Duty tick, and it’s a pleasure to watch them work.