Gamer expectations are high for the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II from Activision and Infinity Ward. With the game sharing a similar name to what some consider to be the best entry in the Call of Duty series, it undoubtedly has a lot to prove. At the recent Call of Duty Next event, however, Infinity Ward showed they were up to the challenge, adding significant options and innovation to the franchise formula.
Much like Modern Warfare 2019, this new title aims to give you greater creativity to give you that extra edge, which means even more fun. The extra pieces appear as various game tools that allow you to move, attack, and strategize in new ways.
These new options are also incredibly balanced, keeping the barrier to entry low but raising the ceiling for high-level skills masterfully.
Move as you want
The word that defines Modern Warfare II is “choice”. You have so many options present that you can set your playstyle and gameplay in each mode. One of those options is movement and how it plays into all aspects of the game.
Mantling has evolved, so you can use it in more ways than just getting around obstacles. It is now possible to cling to ledges where previously it was only possible to jump over them or not be able to scale at all. This not only lets you peek at potential threats and survey the terrain, but also pull out a one-handed weapon like a pistol and fend off or even finish off opponents.
Suspend isn’t the only new option present in the movement toolbox, either. Non-tactical sprint actions have also been extended. You’re no longer limited to a single slide to shuffle and evade enemies; you can also dive. The difference is in the ground covered and the position you are in. While the slide keeps you on the ground, the dive gives some airtime and leaves you in a prone position. This tool comes into play in many areas, such as quick escapes, shootouts, and concealment. A standout example seen during the first gameplay reveal stream featured many players diving behind obstacles and even out of windows to avoid gunfire, explosions, and other opposition.
The biggest game changer occurs under the sea. You can swim above and under water, with the option of amphibious vehicles also available. While riding a speedboat over water is quite enjoyable, diving with the fish to avoid enemy fire is even more enjoyable. This is especially useful in larger maps and higher player count modes like Invasion, where water travel is a constant variable in the grand battle that spans land, sea, and sky.
Unique tricks of the trade
Another big expansion to how Modern Warfare II plays comes with all new lethal, tactical, and special gear. These new weapons are the Drill Charge, Shock Stick, and Inflatable Decoy, and each adds a new variable to combat that changes things up in new ways.
● Shock stick: The shock stick is tactical equipment that can be thrown on any surface. Once it sticks, it emits a long electric shock that will slow anyone who comes near it. It also causes them to lose control of their weapon.
● Drilling costs: Drill Charge is a lethal grenade that burrows its way into walls and explodes on the other side, ruining visuals or outright gunning down unsuspecting enemies in other rooms.
● Inflatable lure: The inflatable lure is the cheekiest of them all, popping up a balloon soldier model that can surprise any opponent.
Like the new movement options, these weapons expand what you can do in a match and leave room for even more in-game creativity. While each can be used offensively, they can also be effective in attempts to escape, fear tactics to fend off incoming opposition or simply to troll enemies and friends.
Keep it real and balanced
One of Infinity Ward’s main goals when implementing these new options was to bring even more authenticity and immersion to the Call of Duty series.
“These tools bring more realism to the game,” says Joe Cecot, Multiplayer Design Director. “If you’re a soldier climbing a ladder with a gun, you’ll pull it out and arm yourself. That’s why we wanted to add things like the hanging ledge. You wouldn’t actually throw yourself like we see in previous games. By giving players those choices, not only are we making it more realistic, but we’re giving them the ability to do the things they want to do instead of being forced to do something.
But it’s not as simple as making the game as realistic as possible. Multiplayer Design Directors Cecot and Smith explained how a balance must be struck to ensure you continue to enjoy the competitive experience.
Cecot stressed the importance of smooth and fluid play. However, there must also be some weight for the soldier and the weapon. It’s a constant battle for the team to make it as accessible and skillful as possible.
This case is seen extensively with the tether system in Modern Warfare II. You need to watch the assets you attach to a gun when looking to reduce recoil, for example, but you need to deal with the negatives incurred to utilize the positives. These hints of accessible realism make this title one of the most intriguing in the franchise, and the optional expansions allow the player to have an easy experience above the rest. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II when it releases on October 28. Learn more about the second weekend of the Multiplayer Beta, September 22-26, by checking out this PS Blog post.
