Is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Worth it for Single-Player? A Deep Dive
The question of whether Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) is worth purchasing for its single-player campaign is a nuanced one. The short answer is: it depends on your priorities. While the campaign offers a visually stunning and action-packed experience with some truly memorable moments, its brevity and limited replayability mean it may not be worth the full price tag for those solely focused on single-player content. However, for players who appreciate high-octane gameplay and a well-crafted, if short, cinematic experience, MW2’s campaign can be a worthwhile, albeit brief, investment. Ultimately, the value hinges on whether you’re content with a 6-8 hour experience that leans heavily on its engaging gameplay rather than a deeply intricate or lengthy narrative.
The Good, the Bad, and the Brief
What MW2 Gets Right
The single-player campaign in MW2 shines with its technical prowess and commitment to providing a high-quality, action-movie-esque experience. The game’s strengths are evident in:
- Dynamic Gameplay: The campaign features some incredibly dynamic moments, showcasing a return to form for the series in terms of action set pieces and varied mission structures. Expect everything from intense firefights to stealthy infiltrations.
- Visually Stunning: MW2 is a technical marvel, boasting cutting-edge graphics and realistic environments. The attention to detail is evident in every scene, making for a highly immersive experience.
- Engaging Moments: While the overall story might not be the most groundbreaking, several missions offer truly memorable and engaging moments. The pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat.
- Solid Execution: The game executes familiar gameplay mechanics exceptionally well. If you’ve enjoyed previous Call of Duty campaigns, you’ll find the core gunplay and movement to be refined and satisfying.
- Infiltration Missions: Many players appreciate the infiltration missions, which provide a welcome change of pace and require strategic thinking and careful execution.
Where MW2 Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the single-player campaign has some significant drawbacks:
- Short Campaign Length: This is the most significant issue for many. The average playthrough, focusing solely on the main story, is around 6-8 hours. If you’re someone who likes to take their time or explore, it may push past 12 hours. However, it’s a short experience for the price.
- Limited Replayability: Once you’ve completed the campaign, particularly on veteran difficulty, there’s not much incentive to revisit it. Unlike other games with branching storylines or diverse endings, MW2’s campaign is fairly linear.
- Story Isn’t Gripping: While the gameplay is enjoyable, the story isn’t a major focus for the title and therefore lacks depth and innovation. You shouldn’t expect an emotional, gripping experience.
- Linearity: While the missions do vary, the narrative is linear meaning that there is a pre-defined route that the player has to take. This can make the experience lack replayability.
- Price Consideration: The fact that you’re paying for a full game for a short experience can be a point of concern for consumers.
Overall Verdict
If you primarily purchase Call of Duty games for their multiplayer component, then the single-player campaign in MW2 can be seen as a nice bonus to play through. However, if you’re primarily interested in a lengthy and replayable single-player experience, then you should probably temper your expectations.
Ultimately, MW2’s single-player campaign is a solid, if brief, experience. It provides a high-octane, technically impressive shooter, but it’s not a game you’re likely to revisit many times. If you’re okay with a short, linear experience focused on action-packed gameplay, then you’ll find enjoyment in the single-player campaign of MW2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that address key aspects of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 single-player experience:
1. How long does it take to beat the MW2 single-player campaign?
The average playthrough for the main story is around 6-8 hours. If you aim to explore every secret and complete all objectives, expect it to take over 12 hours.
2. Is the MW2 campaign free?
No, the single-player campaign is not free. You need to purchase the game to access it. The campaign is one of the core modes of the game, requiring a full copy of Modern Warfare 2.
3. Can I play the MW2 campaign as a beginner to Call of Duty?
Yes, absolutely. While the game can be intense, the gameplay is relatively straightforward and there are multiple difficulty settings to choose from. Newcomers might find it challenging at first, but they will likely get accustomed to the controls and game pace quickly.
4. What are the best Call of Duty campaigns?
Many consider Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007), and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) as some of the best campaigns in the franchise.
5. Is the MW2 campaign kid friendly?
No. The game is rated M for Mature audiences due to “Blood, drug reference, intense violence, and language.” However, there is a graphic content filter that can be toggled on.
6. Can I play Call of Duty just for single-player content?
Yes, while Call of Duty is known for its multiplayer, many games in the series have solid single-player campaigns. However, if your primary focus is single-player content, the short length of these campaigns might not justify the full purchase price.
7. What is the longest Call of Duty single-player campaign?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is considered the longest single-player Call of Duty title, taking up to 15 hours to complete its base experience.
8. Is MW3 worth buying for its single-player campaign?
Initial reviews indicate that MW3 also has a short campaign, around 4 hours in length. Similar to MW2, it focuses more on action and set pieces rather than a complex storyline. The value is dependent on personal preferences for that type of experience.
9. What are the safe codes in the “Alone” mission in MW2?
There are two safe codes in the “Alone” mission:
- Safe Code 1: 10-10-80
- Safe Code 2: 37-60-80
10. Is MW2 single-player or multiplayer focused?
MW2 aims to provide a balanced experience with both a single-player campaign and a robust multiplayer component. However, the focus in recent years has been heavily on the multiplayer side of the game.
11. Is the campaign in MW2 the same as the remastered version?
No. This MW2 is a completely new game from the ground up and a reboot of the series, not a remastered version of the 2009 version.
12. Are there Zombies in MW2?
No, there is no dedicated zombie mode in Modern Warfare 2. There is a survival mode, however.
13. Does MW2 come with a campaign mode?
Yes. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has three different game modes: Campaign, Spec Ops, and Multiplayer.
14. Is the MW2 Battlepass free?
The base Battle Pass is free to all players and includes 20 free items. You can upgrade for access to all 100+ items.
15. Can I delete the MW2 campaign after buying it?
Yes, you can delete the campaign if you want to save storage space after playing it.