MW2: Rinse, recycle, repeat?
Posted by Adriaan on Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Call me jaded, call me crazy, call me whatever you’d like, but something about the new Modern Warfare 2 trailer gives me a very familiar, slightly bitter taste in my mouth. The trailer, finally unveiled last Sunday, gave the world the full glimpse at what the heavily anticipated sequel to last year’s most popular game was bringing to the table in November 2009. Now, one would imagine the teasers would have benefited the full trailer’s official unveiling with a steady hype train following Infinity Ward’s every move, but instead I felt as if the full trailer was a bit of a letdown. Truly, it appears that the teasers took away from the shock value of the final reveal, but let’s examine it a bit closer.
At first glance, Modern Warfare 2 is about on par with COD4 graphically, which really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone, although it is a tad disappointing to see that a noticeable graphical leap wasn’t really evident. Textures look nearly exactly the same, and I noticed that the animations appeared to be recycled wholesale. While it would be unrealistic to expect a complete overhaul of the graphical appearance of MW2, it remains a moot point on whether or not this is a reflection of the level of effort going into the final product that will hit store shelves later this year. It’s nice to know that the game still hasn’t sacrificed its now standard 60FPS frame rate, and to expect anything less would be a little bit ridiculous, but in all honesty, when it’s this evident that things are being reused, one becomes a little concerned about the innovations that might come along with the not-so-shiny-anymore graphical appearances.
Not quite what I was expecting.
What I mean by that is, well, is Infinity Ward going to put all of its eggs into the singleplayer basket? The recent Game Informer article that uncovered some key information about the game shocked me in more ways than one. The announcement that player customization and experience would be completely omitted from the campaign mode was a huge missed opportunity to correct the Call of Duty franchise’s lack of replayability on the singleplayer front. COD4 had an extremely fun singleplayer story mode, but it was over way too quickly and the lack of co-op hurt. Guess what? That’s exactly how it’s going to be for MW2. Expect a 6-8 hour campaign (less if you’re good) and a story that feels like it’s plucked straight out of a Tom Clancy novel. While that isn’t bad, it seems as if Infinity Ward is playing it safe and giving more of the same rather than innovating in several key ways that it did with COD4. The FPS landscape has changed since 2007, and seeing as co-op is the new hotness (Left 4 Dead is based wholly off this concept), it’s really a shame to hear that IW deems it an unnecessary factor that kills immersion. If I were playing Bioshock and I heard a friend whispering in my ear about something completely irrelevant while I tried to put together the pieces of an epic story that played out like an A-list movie, yea, I’d be a little bit disgruntled, but we’re not talking about Bioshock. This is Modern Warfare 2, and in this day and age, you make co-op work in the framework of your story. You put the extra narrative effort in to create a secondary, important character that makes the campaign immersive, and exponentially more fun as you blast Russians (again) with a friend. I can understand leaving out character customization in the singleplayer realm, but eliminating the meta-game experience of an XP system/leveling up is a foolish mistake. Maybe the briefly mentioned Special Forces mode will touch upon this, but even then, it’s not in the same context as blasting through a thrilling (although likely somewhat generic) singleplayer mode with a friend.
Guess who you fight this time? MORE RUSSIANS!
Speaking of story, it’s pretty much a guarantee that MW2 will be an enjoyable romp through several different countries in pursuit of some sort of Russian ultranationalist leader, which, while serviceable, isn’t exactly original. Although it’s unclear whether or not players will be taking on the role of different perspectives throughout the campaign mode, it would sure as hell be a nice change if gamers had some sort of attachment to the characters they’re playing as. In previous Call of Duty games, just when you were starting to like the guy you were playing, something either: 1.) Totally fucked up happens to him (i.e. Dies in a crashed helicopter after a nuke goes off) or 2.) Kills a shitload of bad guys and calls it a day. Where the hell is the immersion in that? Honestly, if MW2 is told from multiple perspectives, I’m going to pretty damn skeptical of Infinity Ward’s intent when designing the singleplayer story. While I’m not expecting Oscar-level quality here, it would be nice to see a little more sophisticated than: “This guy bad. Go kill bad guy. Oh bad guy not here. Go to other place where bad guy is and kill him dead.” At its most basic level, Call of Duty games’ stories are but hollow shells for the action that follows. Give the player drive and motivation, and to do that make him/her give a damn about the player he is controlling and those around him. Camaraderie that doesn’t center entirely on witty British jokes is a beautiful thing, and if you can have a likeable cast of characters with a solid story and a playable being that doesn’t feel like a camera with a gun attached to it, Modern Warfare 2 might actually surpass my expectations.
At this point, it’s too early to tell what’s going to happen to the multiplayer, which is where the real action is. I’m very worried that we may just get the same thing from COD4 with a new lobby interface and a few new maps/perks/guns and that’s it. With the foundation Infinity Ward has here, it’s almost impossible not to see the possibilities available. As I mentioned in my other post, customizable weapons/characters would add a hell of a lot more personality to the online sphere of Modern Warfare 2, and it’s really the next logical step in the sense that it’s what everybody seems to want. Infinity Ward introduced awesome customization options with COD4, and now people want more. People want more depth, more guns, more attachments, more everything. However, that doesn’t mean weigh down the game with needless excessive realism and such, but there should be some fine-tuned additions to the game that make it feel like more than just COD4 v2.0. If the company is going to make claims that Modern Warfare 2 has become something entirely different on its own, we better see some evidence to back it up.
It’s likely that Infinity Ward will dispel these fears with time, but on the same token, I can’t help but suppress that sinking feeling that what I am expecting to be included is something that Infinity Ward might just consider wishful thinking. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s worth pointing out these early flaws so that maybe, just maybe, someone at IW reads this and (hopefully) agrees in such a compelling manner that he/she finds himself implementing such ideas into the final product. Hey, it’s an idea.
# by Aaron Miller - 3:22 PM
I feel just the opposite. I think it's because MW2 reuses old art assets that so much setting variety is seen in the trailer. The art team could have upgraded the graphics more, but instead they used that time to give us a variety of vastly different environments: snowy mountains, Amazon jungle, new urban environments, a SCUBA level, etc.
I would have liked to seen co-op, but I'm satisfied that they tried it and decided other gameplay elements take priority.
I'm betting multiplayer is where the most progress will be seen. They're revealing that last because they know that's where the majority of players' time will be spent... and, I think, where most players expect the greatest innovation. And as far as innovation goes, I'm hoping it mostly takes the form of even more customization and dynamics to keep gameplay fresh and surprising.
In that quote, Activision doesn't say MW2 will be very different from the first MW, but that it is different from other CoD games.
# by Anonymous - 7:47 PM
No matter what I think that the majority of people are going to be amazed with MW2
# by Anonymous - 7:58 PM
I will have to agree with the story line being left undone in allot of games these days. With characters no one cares about. Being of some big mistake, is true. One of the good results of a great game is that you feel that you were there. Not just watching a movie to pass the time. For example; Movies that allowed you to feel like a human. Are the ones you keep going back too. Games are or should be designed the same way. Not to make you feel like a robot with a heavy weapon. Leave that up to those who care more about the multiplayer mode. So, is it possible to balance the development of both Single-player and Multi-player, I think you can.
Clarkjudo. MN
# by Anonymous - 9:16 PM
Honestly, CoD does this every generation. They first game they put out is revolutionary, then every game after that is exactly the same. I can't believe people are hyped for this at all. People are going crazy for it. Not me. I had enough of CoD4 with CoD4, I rented W@W and found it to be the same, and I know MW2 will be the same as well.....I've moved on to a much better, much more advanced, much more tactical FPS and that's Killzone 2. To me, knowing how incredible Killzone 2 is compared to CoD4, it almost seems like FPS fans that are for some reason Sony haters, are only so hyped for MW2, because it's another FPS coming out and they want any attention off how much better Killzone 2 is than anything else out there. It's the same with Bad Company 2 as well, but at least BC2 has moved forward from BC, unlike MW2, but even that can't compare to Killzone.
After experiencing Killzone 2, that amazing gameplay and feel to the controls, and multiplayer sickness, I'm not trading down like so many other gamers seem so happy to do just to be able to avoid Killzone 2. I suppose if you don't play Killzone, MW2 isn't too much of a step back, but I'm not even interested. In fact, I don't even plan on moving on from Killzone until a game tops it. The only FPS that even has my eye right now is Alien vs Predator. But certainly not CoD4"2". I have Killzone 2, until something comes out that's better (which I don't see coming for at least a year), I can focus on other genres. I suggest you people obsessed with buying CoD4 over and over, graduate up from medicrity. Helghan awaits. Keep in mind though, you need more skill on this planet. Blame it on heavier gravity if that makes you feel better. LOL
# by Anonymous - 10:29 PM
COD 4 was an overrated game. It's campaign, though fun, was short, has no replayability value, has ridiculously stupid AI and was too scripted, allowing no more than one way to take out the enemies. MW2 will be a rent at most.
There are more quality shooters out there. Battlefield Bad Company, for one. I'm a 360 owner, but I'm aware that Killzone 2 is an amazing game.
# by Anonymous - 11:12 PM
If you're going to rag on a game, read the information available for it first. Infinity Ward did not make CoD:WaW, Treyarch did. They messed up CoD3 and copied CoD4, that's why I never bothered with CoD:Waw. IW also announced in GameInformer (if you actually read it) that the scripted events and infinite respawning will be omitted from MW2. And just think about Co-Op. Yeah it's nice to sit and play with a friend, but I rarely feel like sitting down and playing the whole story. The Special Ops mode will be short, but with a point. It's like mini-missions so that you don't get so caught up playing the main story, and then pick it up again later with your friends. You get a feeling of accomplishment and that extends the replayability of it. Plus, how many people play Co-Op or singleplayer in comparison to online. 2 years later and people are playing multiplayer, not Co-Op. And for those with lives, work, and school, how often do you really have time to play with friends?
And a note to the author; did you watch the trailer? The above screenshot shows much better graphics. The background is highly detailed (not incredibly blurred and lacking detail like CoD4), many more animations are evident (flipping people, tripping and stabbing, fighting, etc.), vehicle levels, underwater levels, better looking character models, increased light blooms, better looking vehicles, etc. Maybe the explosions and overall theme seems the same, but come on, it's a sequel! Of course it should share a similar feeling. Rewatch the trailer and actually try to write a real article. Oh, and actually read the GameInformer article because it practically told you how the things you hated were noticed and removed for MW2.
# by Adriaan - 11:36 PM
In response to above comment: The things you bring up have little to nothing to do with my complaints mentioned in the article. Yea, I read the entire article in Game Informer, and I am very aware of the fact that they are removing infinitely spawning waves of enemies that clear after an invisible line is crossed. I really had little problem with that to begin with, and the mechanics of the spawning regarding the storyline are actually never mentioned in my article. My main complaints with the potential (because we really don't know yet) story stem from a generic plot that feels like it's just an excuse to travel all around the world. The scuba level looks kickass, and the snowmobile section might be cool, but for the core shooting experience, it's looking like another fairly mindless romp through an enjoyable set of environments. As I said, it's not going to be bad, but it's time people start recognizing a sort of growing trend where a developer rests on the laurels of its previous successes instead of pushing the envelope with a big budget, well-regarded franchise. The graphics are in fact more colorful, but ultimately the character models look so similar and the gameplay animations (not in-game cutscenes) are more or less exactly the same. I wouldn't mind this if of weren't so obvious (running looks a little awkward still, idle reactions are the same, etc.)If you want an example of what I expect from MW2, look at the Halo franchise, specifically Halo to Halo 2. That gap in graphics and gameplay features was so kickass it made the wait entirely worth it. I'd rather wait 3-4 years for a new, vastly improved Call of Duty than every year with an Activison-whored series addition.
# by Anonymous - 12:17 AM
In response to author: Good justification, but also think about the fact that gamers fall in love with a particular kind of game. Case and point: Gears of War. They improved so much, but at the same time left out and changed things gamers wanted and thought of when it came to Gears; I felt Gears 1 had more longevity to the online than Gears 2 brought. From the comment IW made about Modern Warfare being in a league of its own, it sounds like they are trying to get what the gamers want, without technically changing CoD. The fact that they set up a live twitter for gamers to post what they want most fascinated me... now let's just see if they really deliver. And yes, Halo did change but that's not a fair argument. They had a whole new console with 8 times the power. And I also agree, Activision is whoring the franchise, but maybe with IW going a separate way with MW2 (maybe I'm thinking too much into this), they are trying to give gamers what they want and evolve from CoD. CoD4 had 18 months of development, but in that time they were building a new game engine and finalizing the trade-off agreement with Activision and Treyarch.
I didn't mean to come off so rude, I agree with games needing to evolve, but it seemed to me that you judged the game before they really revealed the gameplay. From the trailer (in comparison to the first MW), I'm pretty sure the story will be better.
# by Anonymous - 12:29 AM
did you and I see the same trailer? the character models look much more life-like and the locales in the trailer look much crisper and more vibrant than the ones from the last MW.
many of the places where there is insurgancy currently are the basis for the locales in MW2, AND DAMN. they look quite realistic in the trailer, and you're complaining? there's a a little button that says "HD" under videos on Youtube now, you know? Click it.
from your complaints, you seem to want a totally new story with a completely non-cliche environment. would a game centered around terrorists from Rhode Island make for a more exciting and relevant game? fuck no. the conflict they is in MW's fiction is loosely relevant to our current world affairs, so get used to seeing it. you might find your own country fending off a ultanationalist russian in several years yourself.
please kindly shut up and sit down. I also encourage you to stop posting your half-wit thoughts.
# by Adriaan - 12:58 AM
@Cool, Not Douchebag Anonymous: Thanks for maintaining a civil debate with me. It's always great to find gamers who can compose well-formed thoughts in a public space with a controversial subject.
Again, I don't think that MW2 will be a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, nor do I think it will be anything close to as big of a disaster as WaW (which was a terrible excuse for a Call of Duty game) but on the same token, I can't help but get the feeling that Infinity Ward is maybe just capitalizing on the Call of Duty namesake a bit too much, rather than going their own way and taking what I hope becomes an entirely different franchise in an exciting new direction. By dropping the Call of Duty name and just calling it Modern Warfare 2, I get the impression that Infinity Ward is serious about creating a new storyline combined with a new direction paired with the tried-and-true Call of Duty engine. At least, that's what I HOPE happens, because this is a PERFECT opportunity to branch off from Treyarch's iterations and create something new and original, with a gameplay formula that obviously resonates with a shitload of people. I love COD4, really I do, but I've played that game just about 5 times now. Call of Duty 1, Call of Duty 2, etc, etc. Imagine a world where Halo is given a new iteration every year with an alternating set of developers every time. The games differ in feel and scope, and every other one is designed by Bungie. This goes on until Halo 5 or 6, and by then the gameplay has changed so little that each new release feels like a blatant rehash. It just doesn't compute. Infinity Ward, while a fantastic studio, are falling into the sequelitis craze that plagues the console industry as of now. People generally ignore new, original IPs, choosing instead to go with their favorite brand name games, even if they're basically the same game over and over again.
P.S. I was referring to Halo 1 and Halo 2, which were both done on Xbox. It would be a ridiculously unfair comparison between Halo 2 and Halo 3, due to the generation gap.
# by Brian - 1:34 AM
In conclusion to author: IW does not really make anything other than CoD, and I definitely agree that more than 18 months of development would result in a badass game. However, I've never played a multi-platform game as good as CoD. As an avid hardcore gamer, I truly see Killzone, Halo, Gears, and MGS as fascinating games, with gorgeous graphics and incredibly unique gameplay (adjectives anyone?). But what do they have in common: Several years of development on ONE platform. The fact that IW can make such improvements in so little time, maintain 60 FPS, and keep gamers interested for 2 years, I think that is why people are so hyped for it. In my opinion, it's not necessarily IW trying to take advantage of the CoD name, it's there attempt to create an original IP without, well... actually creating anything. People fell in love with CoD4, loved the similar environment present in every CoD, but they wanted more. If IW were to create a new IP but have it play out as CoD4, gamers would just moan and complain that it's nothing new, just CoD masked as some new game. I think what they did and how they unveil it is ingenious.
I'm not exactly arguing with you at this point, I'm more or less blogging (considering I don't use Twitter, MySpace, etc., this is my method of expressing my thoughts). I guess I just took your first statement too literal and called you out. :)
# by Anonymous - 2:46 AM
two games
Arma2
Battlefield Bad Company 2
Nough said
# by Adriaan - 2:53 AM
Brian, you bring up a great point. I agree that the multiplatform development probably puts a bit of a damper on the team at IW, and it's a shame because to me, when you have such a solid, entertaining foundation such as COD4 to work off of, it's disappointing that these compromises are made. It's so incredibly frustrating for me (as a Game Design major) to see such a well-designed engine and system go through without bigger, more imaginative improvements. That's basically the entire gist of the article.
You should get a blog or write for the site, man. You've got some good thoughts. It's a nice outlet.
# by Anonymous - 5:37 AM
In response to this:
"IW also announced in GameInformer (if you actually read it) that the scripted events and infinite respawning will be omitted from MW2"
That is not true. They said they were 'trying' to fix the respawning as if it was some sort of bug lol
I predict that MW2 will be a slight makover/re-skin of COD4 just the same as WaW.
# by Ian - 9:00 AM
I have to wholeheartedly disagree. Yes, Co-op is fun, in small doses, and yes is sad to see it wont be there, but can you honestly, hand on heart say that 6 months after release, youll miss it? I for one wont.
COD4:MW featured a fascinating, engrossing storyline in its singleplayer mode, and gave us the best level ever IMHO in any FPS with its sniper mission midway, but I dont think IW ever intended to make a great singple player game with a good multiplayer mode. What they did make was a landmark experience in online gaming that just so happened to have a solid single player experience.
I dont mind if the single player game only takes me 6 hours to complete, IW did a great job with the xBox achieves and I reckon we can be looking at some stonking Trophies now its mandatory for PS3 games, and that will add the much needed replay value for me. Im not even bothered if the textures and animations are recycled; if its not broke, dont fix it! When I can go online, and line up that perfect headshot on some poor unsuspecting stranger ive only just met, all those concerns will melt away :D
# by Anonymous - 3:02 PM
Hi I like you to elaborate on this quote
"The FPS landscape has changed since 2007, and seeing as co-op is the new hotness (Left 4 Dead is based wholly off this concept)"
Go.
# by Anonymous - 3:47 PM
graphics dont make a good game. u seem like a graphic whore
# by Daniel Tatenko - 6:44 PM
My good friend Adriaan.
I agree with you bro. Co-Op is fun as HELL...
imagine you and me running together in a SWEET plot...
Your covering my ass from 200 Yards back with a M21, and im rolling in with a squad of newly trained SEAL's. FUCK YEAH BRO!.
"Stack Up boys..." ..."DD OUT!"...."GO! GO! GO!"
"Age you got my ass??"
"Sure thing buddy" ....(squeezes off a few shots) "2 Down, Your clear to go"
DUDE THATS WHAT I WANT
I think MW2 will be an awesome game. They KNOW people are expecting a COD4 with new perks, guns, and skins. but it wont be like that.
Multiplayer will be sick...The Perks will actually DO SOMETHING, instead of every ass hole using Stopping power and Deep Pen.
i think the size of the maps will greatly change,and that being a Sniper will mean so much more...
in COD4 you can take a guy out 300 yards away standing and not holding your breath. THAT SHIT IS IMPOSSIBLE.
Trust me bro's. MW2 will OWN.
# by Anonymous - 2:07 AM
I started playing AW2 online and campaign at the same time. I was playing the campaign for about 5 hours and beat it... I was so pissed off when I realized how short the fucking game was. Online is cool but the killstreak perks aren't even as cool as the last game's. This reminds me of Madden's constant use of its old strucure to capitalize on its new game for the year. just add some new gimmicks(but dont due anything inventive or new, put a new title on it, and boom you make millions)