Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360. PS3. PC. DS. Blackberry (Hah!))

Firstly, a warning: You may find this game difficult at first, but you’ll quickly get used to its style and find yourself playing a very enjoyable game. It’s also highly violent, and there is a good reason why it’s rated R18.

The gameplay is mostly standard but solid shooter fare. The notable twist, which I have not come across otherwise yet, is the clever autoaim ‘snapping’. Essentially, when you aim down your weapon’s sights, it automatically aims at a nearby enemy’s chest. This works very well, and can let you easily take down two or three enemies in roughly a second in the right circumstances.

Graphically, this game is passable although nothing amazing though (although I did play it without an HDTV – it may well be better on a fancier TV). The sound work is excellent – from the noise of a humvee-mounted minigun, to the music during a well-executed helicopter ride – this game never seemed to drop a beat in that department.

The only noticeable negative element is the campaign plot. It’s hard to follow at times, and seems a bit naff – it feels like half of the script is stuck in the 80s. I may have been hindered by having not played the previous game, as the plot is a direct follow-on. While there is a apparently a recap at the beginning of the campaign, it’s the most useless one I have ever encountered. I was also somewhat disappointed about the direction the game took. I thought I was getting a game about being a soldier in a current US conflict, but after the first mission in Afghanistan, that all changes into super-secret super-soldier stuff. Its not a big deal but the game’s advertising is misleading

There are also two other game styles beyond the campaign: Multiplayer and Special Ops. Not being a multiplayer fan, I didn’t try this, but I’m sure it’s worth trying if you like that sort of thing. Special Ops is essentially challenges related to a few aspects of the game at a time (e.g. hunt down all the enemies in this area, sneak into somewhere, use certain weapons to defend yourself,) which is enjoyable and adds considerable longevity. But be warned – some of these modes require at two players to be allowed to attempt them.

A strong game, and definitely worth a look if shooters are your thing.

4/5 – An otherwise strong game let down by a terrible plot and storytelling.