Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Highlights
I’m not going to review Modern Warfare 2. That would be considered a complete waste of my time; a blog post deemed worthless for a game of this stature. If you want a review, it’s safe to assume mine would go as follows: Fucking fantastic, buy it now. I do, however, want to share some personal highlights after completing the single player campaign. Naturally, there will be spoilers.
Hoops, baby
On the introductory mission, S.S.D.D. (Same Shit Different Day), you’re stationed in the camp alongside other U.S. Army Rangers. Part of your initiation involves running a test course otherwise known as ‘The Pitt’, an opening level which is now synonymous with Modern Warfare (F.N.G - Fucking New Guy - was Modern Warfare’s equivalent). Before that, though, it’s entirely possible to veer off course and explore the camp. Everyday sights of stationed army life play out before you. For example, there were soldiers atop a car fixing up their vehicle in preparation of heading out, others were familiarising themselves with their new weapons, while some soldiers were making the most of their down time and simply relaxing. But what peaked my interest were the two men playing basketball; the sheer realism of their motion was enough to have me stop and spectate for a few minutes. Sounds ridiculous, right? We were at war, yet I was hooked on two men dribbling and taking shots at a hoop.
Snowmobiles
What a juxtaposition of a level. Cliffhanger is a stealth mission, one that - if played correctly - requires you to take it steadily, blending into the blizzard and skillfully remaining undetected. Needless to say, it’s a slow paced level despite tension running high (I felt anxious every time my heartbeat sensor detected a nearby enemy). Then, as the level drew to a close, you were suddenly aboard a snowmobile, zipping in and out of trees at a ridiculously high speed, avoiding obstacles and taking out enemies while speeding full pelt downhill. Exhilarating to say the least, and the first moment of Modern Warfare 2 that really made me go ‘Wow‘.
Captain Soap MacTavish
As a Scot, I’ve noticed that Scottish people are usually portrayed less than admirably in video games. Take Fable II, we’re the fucking Gargoyles. And man, they irritate the shit out of me. But Captain Soap MacTavish is all kinds of amazing; masculinity personified. Even his silly haircut suits him.
Of Their Own Accord
Although it’s hard to say, I think Of Their Own Accord was my favourite mission in Modern Warfare 2 (but not by far) for the sheer fact it felt so heavy on the action. The world around you was quite a sight with it having descended into a wasteland as a product of war - buildings were torn down to just a pile of rubble, and at one point obstacles were actually falling from the sky requiring you to run to cover and dodge your death. It all felt quite eerie. I also loved the fact you actually were able to set foot inside The White House.
Soap on a Rope
One of the finest moments in the game, being airlifted from the gulag with Captain Soap MacTavish. Soap on a rope!
What were your highlights?
Hmm. Uhh. Yeah. Skyrim. It’s massive. The quests are never-ending. My character has a mohawk. My class is Breton. Don’t
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