Shippin' Out Nov. 8-14: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Activision shooter dominates busy holiday release week; new Dragon Ball, Pro Evo Soccer games also set for launch.

There are more than 40 games set for release this week, but one title stands head and shoulders above the rest. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC--touted by Activision as "the biggest entertainment launch ever"--will make its long-awaited arrival in stores on Tuesday. Accompanying it on store shelves will be the spin-off Modern Warfare: Mobilized on the DS and Modern Warfare: Reflex for the Wii, which is a port of 2007's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

The game has seen plenty of prerelease hype and will be arriving alongside plenty of ancillary merchandise. Mad Catz has a full line of Modern Warfare 2-branded peripherals, while Microsoft is packing copies of the game in with a limited edition 250GB Xbox 360. Naturally, the game is also being released in multiple versions, from the $60 bare-bones version to the $150 Prestige Edition that includes working night-vision goggles.

Anticipation aside, coverage during the past few weeks of the title has been racked with controversy. Some gamers were livid at the decision to drop dedicated server support from the PC edition of Modern Warfare 2. One went so far as to give the $60 he had planned to spend on Activision's shooter to Swedish developer DICE, asking the studio to put it toward the development cost of including dedicated server support in its upcoming Bad Company 2.

More recently, leaked footage of the game's single-player revealed a controversial gameplay segment, causing Activision to go into damage control mode and emphasize that players would be given the option to skip the objectionable part of the game. Finally, last week saw the posting (and subsequent pulling) of a YouTube video on Infinity Ward's Twitter account. The clip was a mock public service announcement decrying "grenade spam" in the multiplayer modes of Modern Warfare and created a fictitious activist group with a gay slur for an acronym.

Looking beyond Call of Duty, there are still a handful of titles arriving in stores that might interest the traditional gaming crowd. Ubisoft expands on last year's maiden voyage to the mountain with Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage on the Wii, while Xbox 360 gamers get their own snowboarding game in Stoked: Big Air Edition. Also, Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 gets new versions for the Wii, PlayStation 2, and PSP, and Namco Bandai offers Dragon Ball: Raging Blast for the Xbox 360 and PS3, or Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans for the DS.

For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and the Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

NOVEMBER 8, 2009
Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage--Wii--Ubisoft

NOVEMBER 9, 2009
Arcade Shooting Gallery--Wii-- Zoo Games
Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom--PS2--2K Play
NBA 2K10--Wii--2K Sports
Wedding Dash--DS--Zoo Games

NOVEMBER 10, 2009
BUZZ! Quiz World--PS3--SCEA
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2--PS3, X360, PC--Activision
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized--DS--Activision
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex--Wii--Activision
Chaotic: Shadow Warriors--360, PS3, Wii, DS--Activision
Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans--DS--Namco Bandai Games America
Dragon Ball: Raging Blast--X360, PS3--Namco Bandai Games America
Dragonology--DS--Codemasters
Fairyland Melody Magic--DS--Ubisoft
Final Fantasy XI: Ultimate Collection--X360--Square Enix
Final Fantasy XI: Vana'diel Collection 2010--PC--Square Enix
Harvest Moon DS: Sunshine Islands--DS--Natsume
Harvest Moon: Animal Parade--Wii--Natsume
Hasbro Family Game Night--X360--Electronic Arts
Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5--Wii, DS--Activision
Jambo! Safari: Animal Rescue--Wii--Sega
Jonas--DS--Disney Interactive Studios
Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble--PSP--Atlus Co.
Petz Nursery--DS--Ubisoft
Phantasy Star Zero--DS--Sega
Pop'n Music--Wii--Konami
Pro Evolution Soccer 2010--Wii, PSP, PS2--Konami
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus--Wii, DS--2K Games
Satisfashion--DS--Destineer
Smart Kids Journey to Adventure--Wii--Tommo
Spectral Force Genesis--DS--Role-Playing--Ignition Entertainment
Stoked: Big Air Edition--X360--Destineer
Style Lab Jewelry Design--DS--Ubisoft
Style Lab Makeover--DS--Ubisoft
Team Elimination Games--Wii--Ubisoft
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Arcade Attack--DS--Ubisoft
WorldShift--PC--Playlogic
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010--MOBILE--THQ

NOVEMBER 12, 2009
Braid--PS3--Number None Inc.
King Arthur - The Role-playing Wargame--PC--NeocoreGames

NOVEMBER 13, 2009
Buck Fever--Wii--Destineer

321 Comments

  • Nakata1

    Posted Nov 18, 2009 9:17 am PT

    Phantasy Star Zero! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! Sega, thanks!

  • San_09

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 9:08 am PT

    Yeah, and obivously ACTIVISON would say that their OWN products represent ' The Biggest entertainment launch ever'.

  • XanderZane

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 6:58 am PT

    Gotta pick up my copy today. Was suppose to do the midnight run at Gamestop, but fell asleep. I've been too busy playing Dragon's Age (incredible) and Fallout 3 (just awesome) to make it to Gamestop down the street. lol!!

  • hi-buzz

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 8:41 pm PT

    dat “airport killing scene” iz pretty shocking but awesome ...m jus luvin' it....it could get banned in some countries....

  • jose2390

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 5:36 pm PT

    I have 2 questions. Is it possible to completely skip the "airport mission"? Also, is there an option to remove the blood in the game? I have MW1 and that option is in that game. I personally don't like gore in my games. Thanks guys

  • KillerWabbit23

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 2:08 pm PT

    Screw MW2. Let's play Dora Saves The Crystal Kingdom! *sarcasm*
    Anyway, I wish I could get this game. At least Braid is coming out for PS3...

  • darkcomedian

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 4:49 pm PT

    @ acer_062
    lucky

  • krutch93

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 2:24 pm PT

    Been waiting for Braid on PSN. Its gonna be sweet!

  • Richardthe3rd

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 1:45 pm PT

    @ Coldsauce

    If you think rpgs are dead, you need to try Dragon Age (PC version). It's simply amazing.

  • coldsauce09

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 1:26 pm PT

    i dont like this current generation of gaming.. rpg is dead sigh.. and i hate activision i just dont want them to get my money.. i wish COD had a new publisher..

  • DredWulf

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 1:15 pm PT

    I am not going to PT tommorrow going to Formation all Disheveled from playing MW2 all night and use it as an excuse to go to sick call..."why are you here?" Sick...from...gaming.

  • mohplayer

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 1:04 pm PT

    PT got canceled for tomorrow morning so I guess I'll be up all night playing MW2 or technically stay up all morning playing it. Midnight launch, ftw!

  • poorguy17

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 12:33 pm PT

    I'm not getting MW2 just because I'm sick of Activision being so full of themselves *rolls eyes*

  • VectrexFanBoy

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 12:33 pm PT

    i have no school Wednesday! =DD i can play modern warfare all tuesday and wednesday = P

  • alkaline_DnB

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 12:13 pm PT

    i think i pre-ordered the hardened edition for 360. not sure why, since i don't even use 360 anymore. think i might re-sell it on ebay after it sells out everywhere.
    i'll probably get another copy for pc as it should be better on pc.

  • da_illest101

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:48 am PT

    @ arnieliao you should learn how to read, it's says nov 8-14

  • huscosft

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:45 am PT

    I was planning to get it for my gaming pc but now I should wait and read the reviews so I can get it either for my PS3 or my XBOX360.

  • arnieliao

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:35 am PT

    Geez, how come Gamespot forgot Left 4 Dead 2 also will be released on Nov. 17!

  • da_vortexx

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:27 am PT

    i have a feeling starting tomorrow, there are going to be many people calling in "sick". i personally will be one of those people, cause nothing is better than playing a brand new released game, nonetheless MW2!!

  • unknownman25

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:15 am PT

    What a horrible time for my xbox to break and for my live subscription to end.

  • syler4815162342

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:56 am PT

    It's AWESOME

  • drewciferpike

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:46 am PT

    ...only played CoD4 a few times on a friend's console, so when I get Reflex, I'm going to have my butt HANDED to me because I don't know the maps. To anyone unlucky enough to have me on their team: I'm sorry. I wanted to get that out of the way before the frenzy begins...

  • punchultimate

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:21 am PT

    gah! man forget bungie. just reading a few of these comments on here tells you that all of the hardcore fans belong to activision. haha. except for me.

  • LavisBlade

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:14 am PT

    Over-hyped game is over-hyped. Passing on the sole fact they think they can money grab pc gamers and not supply ample service for online play.

  • Skunk616

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:10 am PT

    I was just saying it was optional, I never said I thought it was a good idea

  • ukrainerules

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 9:55 am PT

    @Skunk616

    well why stop there, hell lets build a level where you fly a jetliner into the pantegon, but its optional and that makes it alright? HELL NO!

  • ukrainerules

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 9:53 am PT

    i have said it before and ill say it again. its kinda messed up that american is in 2 different wars and none of them are russians, and yet in the game your fighting russians. hmm i guess activision doesnt have the balls to portray reality.

  • Mr_Tweedy

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 9:53 am PT

    I think I'm going to pass on MW2 and get Bad Company 2 next year instead.

  • Richardthe3rd

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 9:23 am PT

    @Rottenwood

    I pretty much agree with that. They've narrowed their scope to console gamers and are hoping to make the PC console-like as well. In terms of the paycheck they're hoping for that makes sense; they're following the money and in terms of potential DLC probably creating some as well.

    The generalizations about the demographics also hold because of IW.net. It's very telling on their perspective on who they want as customers. Depending on the platform you support/prefer, MW2 will vary in relevance/ approval.

  • infamous13579

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 9:07 am PT

    airport massacre is a real level.you will control russian too

  • Rottenwood

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:31 am PT

    @Richardthe3rd

    Modern Warfare 2 adds a new element to the COD 4 blueprint called "a large amount of money sent to Activision and Infinity Ward," which both the developer and publisher felt would be of great benefit.

    I don't really like Activision OR Call of Duty, but they deserve an offering now and then for keeping the servers running, and for keeping millions of racist teenagers off the streets and on their network.

  • Skunk616

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:22 am PT

    @jose2390 I just wanted to let u know, the Airport massicre is an optional level most likely ment for hardcore fans of the series, not everyone MUST play it

  • Richardthe3rd

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:18 am PT

    @ Atopp399:

    Completely agree. After only 2 years I personally feel COD4 is still a very fresh, relevant game. The community is still very active and there's the potential to develop more content for it, DLC, mod building or otherwise. Hearing all the excitement about MW2 just seems premature considering MW1 probably could have had another 1-2 years of life left in it. So far MW2 doesn't seem to be adding anything Earthshattering to the experience...

  • ZedX-14Pilot

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:14 am PT

    While I do think this game will be CRAZY good, MY big releases already came and went. So, this game went on my Christmas list. I'll play it over my Christmas break. Forza 3 and Uncharted 2 were the two biggies on this years hit list. Along with Dirt 2 and IL2. Those, along with NBA Live 10, Assassin's Creed 2, and a few others will keep me plenty busy this holiday season. I can wait for MW2. I asked for the Hardened Edition. Not doing the midnight things anymore. It's overrated.

  • DaGamingDude

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:40 am PT

    PES 10 going PS2 (:
    nice job Konami

  • kargion

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:35 am PT

    @ jose2390

    Im not sure you have all the facts on the scene in question. Your and undercover guy. If you play mw1 im not sure why you wouldn't play mw2. Its no more graphic scenes than that game. Id hate to see you miss out on this great game becuase of one scene that might knock you the wrong way. Id at least rent it and give it a chance .

    PS:Midnight tonight YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Rottenwood

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:31 am PT

    The GameSpot Water Cooler:

    "Activision sucks and their business practices are grotesque, and I... ZOMGZ, another Call of Duty!!! MIDNIGHT SALE YES!!!!"

  • jose2390

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:21 am PT

    @tjwebley: I'll be looking forward to your perspective

  • tjwebley

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:12 am PT

    @jose2390: Gotchya. The only thing I want to mention here is that the focus of the game is still you - a good guy - saving the world from a terrorist cell dedicated to bringing down the world. The terrorist scene is merely for impact and from what IW has announced, it seems like the shoot-up scene isn't gratifying at all, it's supposed to make you hate the terrorists more intensely. How about this. Once I get the game (tomorrow after work) and get through the terrorist scene, I will let you know what it is like and whether it is too disturbing or whether it actually makes you reflect on the atrocities of our world. And then maybe you can give the game a chance.

    I just don't want to see a COD4 fan miss out on the greatness of MW2. The more players, the better!

    Note to everyone: BUY THIS GAME DAMNIT!

  • atopp399

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:08 am PT

    I can't wait for it to be released because I am so sick of hearing about it.

  • force_user1975

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:06 am PT

    Hey Jose2390, you realize in COD4 (on the online mode) you can play as either side right? These are games meant for entertainment, if your under the age of 17 you shouldn't be playing as the games are rated M for Mature, and for good reason. If your over 17 then the themes are not THAT bad, you see much worse on the news or in the paper. This is just a game, cant hurt anyone and cant cause anyone to act any differently then they normally would.

  • Doolz2024

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:05 am PT

    Oh man can't wait for MW2! I'll pick it up at Gamestop at midnight

  • jose2390

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:00 am PT

    @tjwebley: I read your response and your message was respectful and straightforward. I'm not picking up MDW2. I was simply expressing a view that is often stepped on by those who are not considerate. I don't play games like Grand Theft Auto 4 or Man Hunt because personally, those games are full of disgusting elements. I do have MW1. I chose to play it because in the game, you're a good guy fighting evil and that's fine with me. In my last message, I was stating how disappointed I was with Activision for putting that "terrorist option" in the game, that's all.

  • force_user1975

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 6:43 am PT

    To the kid that said people on PSN have lives and thats why they don't do as much GB. That is the most idiotic thing I've ever heard. The simple fact is the install base is around 25 million XBox 360's in the US, compared to about 9 million PS3's in the US. Games are more popular on the 360, more competition and way more players. As for the idiot that said PS3 better MW2 graphics, take a google search around kiddo. MW2 was built on 360 dev kits, the PS3 (Port) is fuzzy and running at less frame rate. Just like COD4, I got headaches from playing the PS3 version of that. 20 k GB teams on 360 compared to 2 k PS3 teams. Good fight PS3.

  • juan9969

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 6:15 am PT

    @jose2390: have u played GTA ? if you did don't tell me you never (during the whole game) didn't feel the need to at least punch somebody in the face for no reason. hey MW2 it's just a game common! if you feel the need to do the same airport slaughter in real life please get a psychiatrist before you do anything stupid. besides, people act like this the only game when you become one of the bad guys for a little while. I'm just waiting for preorder to arrive. BTW!!

  • corte005

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 6:06 am PT

    @jose2390
    What would you know about it? It's part of the game and is meant to viewed from all angles to fully appreciate it. And pls, don't bring the issue of terrorism and what's happening right now in the world. Sh!t that happened almost 10 years ago and harping on things that you haven't even taken part in is same reason why black people still go crazy over something that happened 200 years ago. Let it go and move on for all that is holy! Go play Hello Kitty! That has something that you can appreciate on your level such as unicorns, rainbows, neon sh!t coming out of a cat's a$$.

  • jshaas

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 5:49 am PT

    Why is everyone that posts about buying MW2 getting thumbed down??? It's clearly one of the biggest releases of the year, if not THE biggest.

    Anyway... t-minus 15 hours 14 minutes til the midnight launch!!

  • Sweendrix

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 5:48 am PT

    Just 15 hours!

  • tjwebley

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 5:33 am PT

    @jose2390

    I'm not going to disrespect your view, I do understand where you're coming from. But it is your view, shared by many others, which made Activision choose to make the scene skippable in the end. The grotesqueness of the scene is simply to give players a sense of urgency and add passion to their playing of the game. And even if you do play it, you don't have to shoot anyone, you can walk along side the terrorists. Have you seen the movie Law Abiding Citizen? The opening scene of that movie is amazing disturbing, yet the producer of the movie made it that way to make you feel for Gerard Butler's situation. (If you haven't seen the movie, go on cheap night or wait to see it on DVD, unless you loved Hostel 1 and 2, then go see it whenever you can). We live in a controversial age of media and the game has been made and rated for people 18 years old and up. Graphic scenes aren't made to disrespect but to add emotional impact. If you are expressing concerns about playing as a terrorist in this game, why didn't you criticize Counter Strike or Counter Strike: Source? Or what about the Hitman series or the GTA series, or even the classic PS2 'Manhunt'? This sort of thing happens so often in the media; why Modern Warfare 2 is taking the heat for it is beyond me.

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