Infinity Ward are playing this one very close to the chest, with the majority of details concerning the Single and Multi-player modes being kept under wraps for the time being. Fear not though, because the game comes with a brand new third mode, which is what we were allowed to preview.
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Modern Warfare 2’s brand new element is called ‘Special Ops’. Comprising of a third of the game’s content, Special Ops is a series of short missions that you need to complete either solo or with a friend. This mode was inspired by the secret mission at the end of Call of Duty 4 – “Mile High Club”, where you blitz through the airplane in order to save the hostage at the end. Imagine that many times over, with differing scenery, and you get the general gist of ‘Special Ops’.
This mode has several difficulties that you unlock as you progress, and tons of missions that you can play through. Each mission starts of the same: there is a ‘load area’ where you can choose what weapons you want to use, and then you perform a context sensitive action in order to start the mission. In the level we were shown, “Breach & Clear”, the demonstrator placed a det charge on a wall. The objectives will also vary, as in the level mentioned above, you simply have to fight your way through to the end. In other missions, the objectives will differ.
There’s no time limit to these missions per say, but if you complete a level within a certain time you get a small reward. That’s going to be no easy feat either – if Breach & Clear is anything to go by, these missions are going to be chock a block full of enemies, so be prepared to use every trick in the book.
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This mode looks like it could be a lot of fun. It will certainly appeal to those who like a challenge, and who can’t resist trying to get the fastest times. The only criticism that can be noted at the moment is the fact that you have to do things solo if you don’t have anyone to play with – there’s no bot to help you out. This probably won’t phase most of you, as again it’s just another challenge, but having the option would have been a nice touch.
Apart from that, there really isn’t much else to say. It’s a shame that Activision weren’t prepared to show anything else apart from this mode, as it’s made writing this preview a bit difficult. We’ll give you a more comprehensive preview as soon as we’re able to.
Modern Warfare 2 is due out on PC, PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360 on November 10th, 2009.
