Modern Warfare 2: What to Expect
Posted by Adriaan on Saturday, March 28, 2009
Call of Duty 4 is one of the best first-person shooters I have ever played. Like Halo 2 during its own time, COD4 managed to innovate in its multiplayer presentation in such a spectacular fashion that other shooters are still playing catch-up. Now that Modern Warfare 2 (sans the Call of Duty moniker) has been announced, it’s time to speculate on what we might see (and what we should expect) in Infinity Ward’s upcoming shooter.
While new perks, guns, and maps are a complete given for new additions to Modern Warfare 2, there are a few things that Infinity Ward can do to improve on its near perfect formula for mulitplayer goodness, all of which expand on ideas already present in COD4. For instance, we all saw how successful and addicting customizing your weapon could be, but why not take it a step further? Increase the number of add-ons we can use on our weapons, and supply a number of different alternatives for each category. It’s a bit lame only having one kind of red dot scope available, and if MW2 ups the ante, we could see Aimpoints, Holo, and other famous red dot sights to attach to our M4s and MP5s. Or how about laser sights on the rail systems? I know I’d love to see a PEQ-2 laser site on the left side of my M4A1 that paints my targets a little more accurately. What makes this an even more obvious addition to MW2 is that most of these accessories are actually included in the singleplayer campaign of COD4, but are nonexistent in the multiplayer. Of course, the idea of benefits tied to the weapon accessories would remain, but maybe (read: maybe) it would be a good idea to ditch the one accessory limitation as well as the stat-altering features and allow players to use as many accessories as they desire. While this may present control concerns (i.e. not enough buttons to activate/deactivate every accessory on a weapon, although I doubt it) it would allow gamers to use silencers if they like them without worrying about an unrealistic range reduction. Oh, and while we’re on the subject of sights, could we please get a real ACOG?
Watch the Modern Warfare 2 official teaser trailer.
Let’s go even further with that customization aspect though. One of the things that drove me crazy about COD4 was just how awesome character customization would have been. The game practically screams G.I. Joe, and to release MW2 without even a basic customization of your in-game avatar would be a shame. While it doesn’t necessarily need to get right down to your boot straps, it would be really cool to see some clothing options that you could switch through. I’m talking goggles, bulletproof vests, and some cool magazine pouches that players can arrange around their virtual soldier. Infinity Ward should look at GRAW 2 for a bit of inspiration, then implement their trademark blend of innovation and refinement for that extra coat of polish we’ve become so accustomed to.
Moving away from the customization aspect of MW2, other improvements can be made in the singleplayer campaign mode. While COD4 was a great blend of action and stealth, MW2 could expand its story mode into the co-op environment. While World at War wasn’t a very good game in my opinion, there were some good ideas present, such as Nazi Zombies and co-op that had a lot of the benefits of multiplayer gameplay. MW2 needs a co-op mode. While beating Veteran won’t be as grand an accomplishment with two players, it only serves to expand the fun had exponentially. Sacrificing difficulty for playability and communal gameplay is always an easy choice, and I will be a little disappointed if we don’t see an online co-operative mode in MW2, especially if the singleplayer campaign is as adrenaline-soaked as COD4’s. Now the great question remains: how many players in co-op? That decision is up to Infinity Ward, but I might want to add that 4-player co-op in Halo 3 and Left 4 Dead is some of the most fun I’ve had in gaming. Take note, IW.
With those few major ideas out of the way, it’s important to note the little changes that could catapult Modern Warfare 2 to the level of fame its predecessor so easily achieved. Adding multiplayer Achievements/Trophies would give a little more incentive to play the game even AFTER the tenth prestige is hit. To prevent boosting, make these achievements only available within certain public playlists. Also, perhaps adding in some sort of skill matchmaking would be helpful. Obviously, Infinity Ward has got the matchmaking system down pat, but including some level of skill-pairing in those matchmaking times would ensure that complete beginners aren’t getting stomped on by people who have been playing the game for months on end. Fighting as a beginner against an expert, and vice versa, is not enjoyable for most people. While it may increase matchmaking times, at least providing the option for skill matching would be great for the upper echelon of MW2 players. Speaking of the upper echelon, expand clan support. The clan tag idea was smart, but ultimately pointless. Allow there to be clan playlists, with their own individual leaderboards, similar to the way that Halo 2 handled clan battles during its time.
While Infinity Ward has a specific vision for its baby, Modern Warfare 2 is a game that has a huge fanbase, and ensuring that such a demographic is satisfied in spending $60 on what they hope to be a much-improved sequel requires a little fan service. While these points aren’t necessarily the be-all, end-all of MW2 suggestions, they provide a solid foundation for IW to work off of during development time. Other than that, we can only hope that the usual addition of new maps, new guns, and the works are added to what is currently one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Got a suggestion? Something you’d like to see? Leave a comment in the section below!
# by Ryan - 10:50 PM
I agree completely. They seriously could have avoided COD:WaW and instead, released a 10-12 new maps, new customizable options (more red dots, different skins...etc, added clothing options, perks etc...) and i would of been more than happy to shell out 40 bucks for that.
But with Modern Warfare 2, i sure hope they consider re-releasing some old COD4 maps with twists. Add SNOW, Dense FOG, NIGHT TIME,etc. Some are REALLY good maps that would add a whole new refreshing experience to the play. But adding co-op, more customizable options out the a$$, gun tweaks. I want it to where, when i pick up someone else's gun, i'm like "damn," this is a unique setup.
# by Anonymous - 11:05 AM
piff
# by Anonymous - 11:08 AM
one big thing i want is sniping more like Cod 5, sniping is much better in that game.
# by Mike - 11:23 AM
I completely agree with this article on a certain level, but I have a different idea of what customization means. Yeah, sure, I think that you got it right on when you say more kinds of upgrades, but, I would also like some more aesthetic upgrades that one could earn, such as ghillie for guns, or more types of gun skins. Where I slightly disagree with you is where you state what you would want for character customization. I think you're on the right tracks, but I think that a better example to try and take ideas from would be a game such as Rainbow Six Vegas 2. The character customization and camos for every model is very, very good; it would be great if they could integrate the "custom camos" for both people and guns to MW2. I entirely agree with what Ryan said about how the gun customization should be to the level that when you get someone else's gun you can be wowed at unique/different setups. One more thing I'd like to see is to allow one to gain upgrades/camos for guns/people through the process of leveling up, not just from getting X amount of headshots or kills. Is there anywhere on the IW website or something where we could make suggestions such as these?
# by Aaron Miller - 11:32 AM
Customized clothing would be hard, because every player's loyalty must be recognizable at a glance. But I'm sure some degree of variation is possible without American soldiers looking like Russians.
Here are my CoD6 suggestions.
# by Adriaan - 12:32 PM
@Mike: I agree with you on the Vegas reference. I couldn't really think of any games that used character customization for purely aesthetic reasons aside from GRAW 2. You and Ryan hit the nail on the head when you said that your reaction should be different for everyone who picks up a dropped weapon. Mike makes a valid point with the distinguishing of different characters. It would be a little bit ridiculous to see ghillie suits on guys with M16s, and that prompts me to bring up something I opted out of putting in the article. I was initially thinking a more class-based game would be ideal, promoting teamwork alongside the desire to strive as an individual, but that brought me to another point on character customization. Why not have custom options for every class of weaponry? If you're carrying an M4, they can choose from cool assault gear, whereas snipers can go ghillied up or urban style.
@Aaron & Ryan: I agree wholeheartedly that weather should be a key feature of MW2. Nothing makes me happier than stormy levels in the night that require quick reflexes and a sharp eye. Perhaps go the GRAW route with each map having a different lighting/weather type.
# by Anonymous - 1:09 PM
Co-op; that would depend rather IW cares about having one silent hero be canon. If the do, perhaps co-op missions being separate?
As for customization for clothing, COD always seem to be about unity then individuality, even when it plays out like a arcade shooter. Not really a good idea to go crazy about it but not really noticable if you can customize aspects of your class. Though, it would be nice if they were able to generate random faces (and perhaps a larger amount of skin color for Americans) so it'll be a bit more immerse then seeing the same person in each class when they're faces are reveled.
# by Anonymous - 10:15 AM
There should be a proper cover system. Players should be able to crawl (GRAW) and take cover behind objects, (Rainbow Six Vegas).
Players should be able to select their weapons and custimize them before each mission.
Players should be able to attached or remove a silencer during a mission.
More realistic gunfire sound. More stealth.
A lot more choices of weapons. .50 calibre sniper rifles, glocks, berettas.
Bigger Maps - Far Cry 2, GTA 5.
# by Anonymous - 4:46 AM
They Should Have Grenades That Do Something Cool Like Have A Custimizable setting Perhaps You Can Choose What Time You Want For It Like 5 Sec Or Something And Have Like Red Tiger And Stuff On It For A certain Amount Of Kills For It
And I Hope They CAN HAVE GOLDEN GUNS ON THIS GAME that Was Challenging And Fun To Show Off
And Take Off Jug Its Just Stupid You Should Put A Coustimizeable Armor Or Somthing
Also More Atatchments Is Cool I Didnt Think Of That
# by Anonymous - 11:08 PM
Any 1 else think being able to have a scope and silencer would be nice. Maybe not from the start but as a prestige reward.
# by Anonymous - 4:43 PM
I would love to see the end of martydom! its a cheap way to get an extra kill.
Would be cool to be able to add more than one attachment to your primary weapon, maybe a silencer and scope???
If they take away Juggernaut should they keep stopping power?
I like the Idea of old maps with new twists
Would LOVE!!! to see some way of "preventing" camping to an extent, but i can see any way they could.
Maybe another bonus for 10kill streak. . . . . Cruise Missile?
# by Anonymous - 4:45 PM
I think there should be some reward for going up prestige besides just a new avatar. maybe you can choose 1 perk to keep from then on?
# by Anonymous - 2:02 PM
i think 2 attachments would be lush
and the 10 kill streak should be something.
cage match stay or go? lol
i think a night vision acog would be cool
and more action pumped maps like SHIPMENT on headquaters
new perks ect.
and i heard they're keeping 80% of old weapons and adding something like 15 more.
character customization should be enabled after like 1st prestige, i dunno, but all your ideas seem cool, is there a website where we can post ideas anyone?
# by Anonymous - 2:22 PM
that was me posting that comment ^^^ i just want to add something
we should be able to mount sniper rifles
# by jeremy - 10:47 AM
i heard after 7 kill steak there should be 10 12 AND 14 KILL STREAKS I KNOW THERE will be UAV airstike and Helicpoter
# by jeremy - 10:49 AM
new guns new perks no silencers for snipers only in campaign character customazation
# by jeremy - 10:50 AM
there keeping 50. CALLLLL YYYYAAAAAYYYYYY
# by Anonymous - 8:39 AM
I will say every thing I want in MW2, I'm sorry if it get old.
skins: In halo 3 you can customize both a spartan and a elite, I think that you should be able to customize a skin per faction (SAS, USMC, opfor, and speznez). At least you could, say for the USMC, choose: the skin w/ the helmet, the skin with the ball cap.
guns: They should add the hk UMP.45 and at least 1 bullpup (T.A.R.21,FAMAS,AUG,sa80) others too but those are the ones I really want. Change the m4 to the hk416! snipers neeed silencers, I mean g3s/m40s use the same round and the g3 has a silencer, why dosn't the m40 have one
the rocket: it would be cool if you I had the RPG perk while I was a SAS it should be a
SMAW not a RPG7
support: there needs to be more support options. it would be neat at 4 kill steak you got a JDAM laser guided bomb and if you had a laser on your gun you wouldn't have to change to the trigger for the c4 and airstike.
equipment: come on! I want a SOPMOD in multiplayer. you need to be able to add more than 1 piece of equipment. snipers need the bipods and silencers. my sniper class uses UAV jammer but when I shoot my sniper rifle it is useless.
perks: I don't know if more perks are needed and I like juggernaut.
# by Ian - 6:04 AM
Quote from Anonymous :
"Any 1 else think being able to have a scope and silencer would be nice. Maybe not from the start but as a prestige reward."
As much as I would love to run around with a silenced M21, that would be a lethal combintation!