Single player: A far-fetched story and over the top action make for the game equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie.
Back in the day, the first-person shooter was a pretty generic experience. Run around levels killing everything that moved and you might have to find color-coded keys to open doors. The original Half-Life changed all that with the introduction of a decent story and the excellent use of set pieces and scripted events. The bar had been set, and all shooters made after HL had to meet it or be trashed by the critics.
Well, a new bar has been set.
Sure, Modern Warfare 2 may not be a perfect game. But it certainly has made advancements to the cinematic feel of the shooter genre that any future games need to match lest they be relegated to "just another shooter" status. MW2 blends the non-stop movie-like action of a Michael Bay or Jerry Bruckheimer film with the military depth, espionage and globetrotting of a movie based on Tom Clancy's work. There is never a dull moment in the game, and you are always doing something engaging.
MW2 is the gaming equivalent of a big-budget summer action blockbuster movie. The story is far-fetched and unrealistic, and the action sequences are over the top. But if you wanted a military simulation, you'd play something else… or join the service. The single player campaign is designed to cater to the throngs of people who enjoy the "popcorn flick." And while realism may be out the window, the game is still plenty enjoyable.
I think the mix of mission types and locations, as well as the various vehicle segments makes for a fun and adrenalin packed experience. Yet at the same time, I wish there was a little more. The campaign is completed quickly, and you wish it was longer. However, I can understand why it may be short; to drag it out over a longer period of time may become repetitive and tedious, losing the rollercoaster thrill it achieves with its short length. Multiple times through my play through, I sat jaw dropped and controller slack in my hand at my astonishment of what was happening. Other times I was slapping myself in the "Home Alone" expression when I was stunned at what I had gone through. That very, very rarely happens in any games I play. And I love the fact that MW2 is capable of pulling off those brain-melting events and twists that just catch you off guard.
The entire game is played from the perspective of one of several characters, with not a single cut scene. Unfortunately, this makes the telling of the story more difficult, because you can only see and know what that character you are playing sees and knows. We've all seen just how good Infinity Ward can do with cinematic cut scenes based on all the trailers leading up to the game release, and it's a shame some are not included to help with the story. I guess that would be my biggest gripe with the campaign… not having the story fleshed out as well as it could have been. I'm sure I'm not the only one confused with the progression of events, or the motivation of some key players. And it should be no surprise that the ending of the game might as well have a big "To Be Continued" sign posted.
Playing Modern Warfare has been an interesting personal experience. When I played COD4, I was deeply moved by the consequences of war, just as much as I enjoyed the game. I actually had to stop playing after some missions in the original MW to reflect upon what happened, and on just how much war and the loss of soldiers' lives sucks. MW2 is no different. From the controversial airport mission to various other experiences throughout the game, any player with a conscious should be reflecting upon the consequences of war. But this is a benefit to the game, not a detriment. Too many games today don't do anything to wake up your brain or make you think about what you are doing.
While I feel MW1 had a slight edge in gameplay and "shock and awe" moments, I am looking forward to (the inevitable) Modern Warfare 3 with great anticipation. I only hope it is already in development, and the wait won't be too long.