Player expectations are high for Activision and Infinity Ward’s upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. The game definitely has a lot to prove as it shares a similar name with what is considered the best entry in the Call of Duty series. At , Infinity Ward added meaningful options and innovations to the franchise’s formula to show it’s up to the challenge.
Much like 2019 Modern Warfare, this new title aims to offer greater creativity and give you an extra edge. In short, more fun. Additional pieces appear in the form of various in-game tools that allow you to move, attack, and strategize in ways never seen in previous installments.
These new options are also surprisingly well-balanced, keeping the barriers to entry low while deftly raising the high-level skill cap.
move it however you like
The word that defines Modern Warfare II is “choice.” With so many options, every mode lets you define your playstyle and gameplay. One of those options is movement and how it affects all aspects of the game.
Mantling has evolved so it can be used in a variety of ways beyond just avoiding obstacles. It is now possible to jump or hang from ledges that previously could not be scaled at all. This allows you to not only spy on potential threats and survey the land, but also pull out a one-handed weapon like a pistol to ward off enemies or even finish them off.
Hanging isn’t the only new option in the Move Toolkit. Actions other than Tactical Sprint have also been expanded. No longer restricted to just slides to mess around and evade enemies. You can also dive. The difference is in the covered ground and the position you are left in. A slide keeps you on the ground, while a dive gives you a little airtime and puts you prone. Useful in many areas such as escape, shootouts, and hiding. One notable instance witnessed in the first gameplay public stream was that many players were jumping behind obstacles and even out windows to avoid gunfire, explosions, and other enemies. did.
The biggest game changers happen under the sea. An amphibious vehicle option allows you to swim above and under water. Riding a speedboat on the water is a lot of fun, but diving with fish to avoid enemy attacks is even more fun. This is especially useful in large maps and high player count modes like Invasion where water movement is a constant variable in epic battles spanning land, sea and air.
Unique trading tricks
Another significant enhancement to how Modern Warfare II is played comes from all new lethal, tactical, and specialized equipment. These new weapons are drill charges, shock sticks, and inflatable decoys, each adding a new variable to combat and turning the tide.
● Shock stick: The Shock Stick is tactical gear that can be thrown on any surface. When attached, it emits a long electric shock that slows down anyone who approaches. You also lose control of your weapon.
● Drill charge: Drill Charge is a deadly grenade that pierces a wall and explodes on the other side, ruining visuals or utterly defeating unsuspecting enemies in other rooms.
● Inflatable decoy: The inflatable decoy pops out the sassiest, balloon model soldiers that can catch your enemies off guard.
As with new movement options, these weapons expand what you can do in a match and give you more room to be creative. Each can be used offensively, but they are also effective in evasion attempts, scare tactics to push away incoming opponents, or simply trolling enemies and friends.
be realistic and balanced
One of Infinity Ward’s main goals when implementing these new options was to bring more authenticity and immersion to the Call of Duty series.
“These tools bring a lot more realism to the game,” said Joe Cecot, Multiplayer Design Director. “If you’re a soldier climbing a ladder with a pistol, you take out your pistol and arm yourself. No. Giving players these choices not only makes it more realistic, but also allows them to do what they want rather than being forced to do something.”
But making the game as realistic as possible is not easy. Multiplayer Design Directors Cecot and Smith explained how the competitive experience needs to be balanced to keep it enjoyable.
Cecot stressed the importance of fluid and smooth gameplay. However, soldiers and weapons also need some weight. The team is in a constant battle to be as friendly and clever as possible.
This case is prevalent in Modern Warfare II’s attachment system. For example, you need to monitor the assets you’re attaching to your gun to reduce recoil, but to take advantage of the pluses you’ll have to deal with the minuses that arise. These hints of familiar realism make this title one of his most interesting in the franchise, and the expansion of options makes it easier for players to make the cut than the rest. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will release on his October 28th. For more information on Weekend 2 of the Multiplayer Beta, which runs September 22-26, check out his PS blog post here.