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!
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