Is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) Worth It in [Current Year]? A Deep Dive
The question of whether Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022), often abbreviated as MW2, is worth its full price is complex and depends heavily on your gaming preferences and priorities. In short, if you’re looking for a polished, graphically stunning shooter with a plethora of multiplayer modes, co-op experiences, and a reasonably engaging, albeit brief, campaign, then MW2 can be a worthwhile investment. However, those solely interested in a deep, narrative-driven single-player experience or those put off by large file sizes might want to consider other options or wait for a sale. Let’s break down the pros and cons.
Unpacking the Modern Warfare 2 Experience
MW2 aimed to deliver a comprehensive package, catering to various types of Call of Duty players. It features a campaign mode, a robust multiplayer suite, and the co-operative Special Ops mode. Each of these aspects contributes to the overall value proposition, and understanding them individually is crucial for making an informed decision.
The Campaign: A Hollywood Action Flick in Game Form
The campaign in MW2 is undeniably a spectacle. Graphically, it’s one of the most impressive Call of Duty campaigns to date, showcasing the power of modern hardware. It’s designed as a rollercoaster ride through a series of explosive and visually stunning set pieces, reminiscent of a high-budget action movie.
However, that’s also its limitation. The narrative, while decent, isn’t particularly groundbreaking. It’s a serviceable framework to string together the action sequences, but those seeking a deeply moving or complex story might be disappointed. At around 5-8 hours for a standard playthrough, the campaign is relatively short, and its replayability is limited.
Multiplayer: The Heart of the Call of Duty Experience
For many, the multiplayer component is Call of Duty. MW2 boasts a wide array of multiplayer modes, from the classic Team Deathmatch and Domination to more objective-based modes. The map design has been a point of contention among players, with some maps criticized for their layout and pacing. Nevertheless, the sheer volume of content and the constant stream of new updates and seasonal content keep the multiplayer experience fresh and engaging for dedicated players.
However, it’s important to note that the meta in MW2 has been subject to constant shifts and adjustments, and the game’s slower, more tactical pace compared to some previous Call of Duty titles might not appeal to everyone. It’s worth considering that movement, ADS (Aim Down Sight) Time, and Sprint Out Time are relatively slow paced.
Cooperative Special Ops: Team Up for Tactical Challenges
Special Ops offers a cooperative experience where players team up to complete challenging missions. These missions often require teamwork, coordination, and strategic thinking, providing a different flavor of gameplay than the campaign or multiplayer. While not as extensive as a dedicated co-op game, Special Ops adds value for those who enjoy playing with friends.
The Drawbacks: Size and Cost
One of the biggest criticisms leveled against MW2 is its massive file size. At over 150 GB, it can be a significant drain on storage space, particularly for console players with limited internal storage. This huge size is due to factors like high-resolution textures, uncompressed audio, and a large number of assets. Also the amount of store content for cosmetic items takes up space, as well. This has led some players to criticize the developers for not optimizing the game effectively.
The cost is another consideration. While the base game may be affordable, the desire for cosmetic bundles, battle passes, and other in-game items can quickly add up, transforming a single purchase into a recurring expense.
Modern Warfare 2 FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Let’s address some frequently asked questions to further clarify whether MW2 is the right game for you:
1. Is MW2 worth buying just for the campaign?
If you are only going to play single player, you might consider renting it, unless you find it heavily discounted. While graphically impressive and packed with action, its short length and somewhat predictable story might not justify the full price tag. The “wow did that just happen” moments may make it worth the rental.
2. How many hours of gameplay are there in MW2?
Focusing solely on the main story will take approximately 6-8 hours. Completists aiming to uncover every secret and solve all puzzles can expect to invest over 12 hours in the campaign. For those aiming to 100% the game it will take around 30 1/2 hours to complete.
3. Is MW2 the most realistic Call of Duty game?
Many consider MW2 to be the most realistic Call of Duty to date. It uses photogrammetry and performance capture to create lifelike characters and environments.
4. Should I play the MW2 campaign before multiplayer?
Yes, it is recommended to play the campaign before diving into multiplayer. It will likely prepare you for the new modes and the various maps and weapons. Completing campaign missions also unlocks multiplayer rewards, such as calling cards, emblems, and XP tokens.
5. Which Call of Duty has the longest campaign?
While Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 has the longest solo content at 10.5 hours, it’s broken up into individual missions rather than a unified campaign.
6. Which Call of Duty has no campaign?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the only main-series Call of Duty title without a traditional single-player campaign, featuring only multiplayer, Zombies, and the Blackout battle royale mode.
7. Is MW2 slower-paced than previous Call of Duty games?
Yes, MW2 generally features a slower pace compared to some older Call of Duty titles. While gunfights are still fast-paced, movement, ADS time, and sprint-out time are slower.
8. How big is the full MW2 game?
The base download for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is over 150 GB. With co-op and multiplayer packs, it can add a substantial amount of additional gigabytes.
9. Which Call of Duty has the easiest campaign?
Based on community feedback, CoD: MW2 is often considered one of the easiest Call of Duty campaigns on veteran difficulty.
10. What are the rewards for completing the MW2 campaign?
Completing missions in the MW2 campaign unlocks various rewards for multiplayer, including calling cards, emblems, XP tokens, and Operators.
11. Is the MW2 campaign violent?
Yes, the MW2 campaign contains violence, including the use of guns, knives, and explosives, resulting in blood and depictions of death.
12. Does the dialogue matter in MW2?
Modern Warfare 2 includes dialogue choices in certain scenes. These choices do not significantly alter the story but offer players a degree of interaction.
13. Which CoD has the hardest campaign?
Call of Duty: World at War is often regarded as having the most challenging campaign, particularly the “Heart of the Reich” mission on Veteran difficulty.
14. Is MW2 better than Modern Warfare (2019)?
Whether MW2 is better than Modern Warfare (2019) is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some players appreciate MW2’s more realistic feel, while others prefer the gameplay mechanics and map designs of Modern Warfare (2019).
15. Why is MW2 so big?
The large file size of MW2 is attributed to several factors, including high-resolution textures, uncompressed audio, a large number of assets and store content.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the decision to purchase Modern Warfare 2 (2022) depends on what you seek in a gaming experience. If you value stunning graphics, a wide variety of multiplayer modes, and a decent, albeit short, campaign, then it can be a rewarding purchase. However, those primarily interested in a deep, narrative-driven single-player experience or those concerned about the massive file size might be better off exploring other options or waiting for a sale. Consider your gaming preferences and the factors discussed above to make an informed decision.
To explore more about how games impact learning and society, check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website.