Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was a huge success. It had a great story and was different than other first-person shooter games on the market. It was also different than all the other Call of Duty games, as it was the first removed from the World War II setting. Infinity Ward continues to prove it knows what it’s doing with the sequel to Modern Warfare: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 continues the same gameplay from its predecessor in pretty much every aspect of the game, but don’t take that as a bad thing. I mean if it isn’t broke, why fix it? You’re still going to be running through levels killing bad guys from checkpoint to checkpoint. However, along the way, it will throw different things at you. The game also introduces new things to you, such as being able to pick up Riot Shields to use as cover to try and flank the enemies, or maybe traveling down a mountain slope on a snowmobile shooting the enemies to clear the path so you can make your escape.

For those who have played Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, you can expect a little different gameplay, but it’s mostly going to be found in the new “Special Forces” section. The campaign itself is fairly similar to the first game, save for the few additions already mentioned. The campaign missions are still usually “Follow, Protect, Destroy” and so forth. I had a lot of fun with the new “Breach” sections in which you plant explosives on a door with a room full of enemies. The slow-motion mode added to these sections was unique and a lot of fun.

Surprisingly, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 offers a lot more of a story than one would expect from a FPS war game. You play many characters throughout the game. However, you start as Roach, who is a new character to the series and who, just like Soap in the first game, you grow an attachment to over the story.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 begins five years after Modern Warfare. Soap MacTavish is now a captain, and with the aftermath of the first game, Russia has churned out a new terrorist tough guy. Roach and Soap start by climbing to the top of a mountain, where the new terrorist faction has a secret base. After escaping the arctic waste, you begin the airport level that stirred up so much controversy (although this level is skippable with no negative ramifications). The events of this level actually set the whole story for the rest of the game. There will be several shocking moments in the rest of the game that will keep you engaged and wanting to continue playing.

There are some problems with the game, though. One problem I had was the lack of a cover system. Yes, you can get behind a wall to protect yourself; however, the game doesn’t allow you to get right against the wall and blind fire around it. There are moments when taking cover would have added more realism to the game. However, with the lack of being able to take cover, these instances remind you that you are only playing a game. The only other problem with Modern Warfare 2 is the length. As with both Modern Warfare games, they are short, with this one ending on a cliffhanger. It is always best to leave a player wanting more, but I do hope Infinity Ward gives us more sooner rather than later.

The camera in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 works perfectly fine considering it’s an FPS. It is nice to see everything the character you are playing can see, whether you are climbing a mountain, driving a snowmobile or performing a stealth attack from underwater on an unsuspecting terrorist standing on an oil rig. It’s during these moments that you can see that Infinity Ward knows exactly what it’s doing and shows it with flying colors.

In conclusion, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is really good. I had a blast playing and can’t wait for the next one. Infinity Ward knows how to make a good game that keeps you on your toes not only story-wise but difficulty as well. You will go from what seems like being in an easy area to hard areas where you’re being flanked on all sides. If you are a fan FPSs, then definitely pick this one up; you will have a blast playing it, and the story will keep you entertained for hours with all of its plot twists and turns.