JERRY BRUCKHEIMER EAT YOUR HEART OUT!

Three years ago, the folks at Infinity Ward offered the gaming world their latest creation in the much acclaimed Call of Duty franchise. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was met with award after award and few gamers would begrudge Infinity Ward those precious treasures of the videogame industry. It offered new and exciting additions to the classic formula of competitive multiplayer combat and set a stunning high bar for every future first-person shooter to aim and hope for in the years to come. Since it's 2007 release, Modern Warfare as continued to influence game developers around the world and with the expectations of a sequel running high, one as to wonder if those expectations can truly be met in Modern Warfare 2.
 
Modern Warfare 2 is a pure sequel, following the same formula of past Call of Duty games. In fact the franchise as seen little change since it's first appearance on PC back in 2003. But that's not such a negative factor, it's still as excited and fresh as it's ever been and one that still as strong legs for future instalments. But rather then generalising this review, I thought it best that I take a closer look at each key section of the Modern Warfare 2 package. First discussing the eight hour long single player campaign and then of course the much anticipated multiplayer mode. 
 

SINGLE PLAYER

The single player campaign is set five years after the previous instalment, following the classic Call of Duty formula, you will experience the views of war from multiplayer characters. From US Ranger Private Joseph Allen to the Task Force 141 operatives Sgt.. Gary 'Roach' Sanderson and Captain John 'Soap' MacTavish. This means that there is always a variation in the types of set-pieces found in the single player campaign. It's worked well for past entries and it continues to work well here. The story follows the rise of a new power in Russia, formally lead by Imran Zakhaev and now headed by Vladimir Makarov, the ultranationalists party of Russia have become a dangerous figure to world peace and so Task Force 141 is created to track down and put and end to Vladmir Makarov.  
 
While the franchise as never been known for it's detailed storytelling, the original Modern Warfare placed down solid foundations for an exciting tale to be told. It's a tale that offers some truly wonderful twists and turns, but ultimately feels a little flat and disjointed on occasion. Not all of it makes a great amount of sense, but I'm pretty sure most gamers don't play this franchise for the story development. Thankfully the action is still as edge of your seat, wet your trousers, action packed as you'd hoped. More importantly, Modern Warfare 2's single player campaign features some of the best missions the franchise as seen.  
 
You'll be gliding down snow covered mountains in snowmobiles while chaos surrounds you, you'll find yourself at the helm of a humvee's powerful minigun as it makes it way through a dense and dangerous urban warzone and then you could find yourself suddenly at the controls of the all power predator missile. The variation continues to be a great attraction and allows for some stunning set-pieces throughout. While the single player campaign is the usual eight hours or so, it's one that is filled with memorable moment after memorable moment, a true highlight for anyone who found themselves satisfied with the previous campaign.  
 

MULTIPLAYER

Modern Warfare 2 is one of the few games, where it's multiplayer experience is judged higher then it's single player offerings. That's understandable when one considers the impact made with the original game back in 2007, changing the face of competitive multiplayer combat forever. It's a mode that as also been filled with controversy and debate months before it even hit stores, vast changes have been made to the PC version when it comes to multiplayer, even leading many to boycott the PC experience in favour of the original Modern Warfare multiplayer mode. While I'm glad to say that certain multiplayer types benefit from the downgrade in players (now only 18 players per match then the 64 players capable in the original game), the overall changes made don't always have such a positive effect.  
 
It's hard not to feel that the changes made by Infinity Ward feel like a downgrade from past entries, mode types such as Free-For-All benefit greatly with fewer players and means that you'll no longer find yourself getting spawn killed every second. But other types such as team deathmatch feel a little flat when compared to the chaos and excitement had in the multiplayer mode of the previous game. I had a blast playing multiplayer in Modern Warfare 2, though I mostly stuck to my preferred match type in Free-For-All. New gameplay additions are worthy of being compared to the impact made by the perk system, the new killstreak customization options are a blast and allow you to suit the settings to your style of play, plus a few of the new perks are an absolute joy to use. It's only the new Deathstreaks that feel a little weak compared to everything else on offer.
 
But even with the new additions in mind, multiplayer lacks some of the key functions found in the original game. Despite Infinity Ward's guarantee that the new IWNET Matchmaking system would change the way PC multiplayer is experienced, like all matchmaking systems it feels far to limited and repetition is had throughout. The largest praise that could be given to the multiplayer experience is that despite the changes and downgrades in options, Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer is still as addictive and exciting as it's ever been. I've already found myself tactically changing my Killstreaks to suit my style and the new perks can be deadly when used in the correct manner. Even Deathstreaks aren't totally useless, despite being the weakest of the new additions to multiplayer.   
 
A new special ops mode can also be found for multiplayer action, allowing you and a team-mate to take on a number of missions that vary greatly by location and objective. It's a welcomed addition, though it won't be offering the degrees of co-op challenge found in other co-op modes such as Gears of War's Horde Mode and Halo: ODST's firefight mode. It's still a rather intriguing new experience, one that will probably see extra additions in the form of downloadable content at some point. On a side note, the special ops missions also feature unique enemies such as tough to kill soldiers covered in bomb disposal suit and skilled snipers. The missions take team work and skill to complete, especially at the high levels of difficulty. 
  
I'm far from happy with the general downgrade in the mode itself, but the multiplayer doesn't take such a huge impact for it. The mix of multiplayer maps is great, with none of them being anywhere near as bad as Call of Duty 4's Shipment map. It still offers the pace and challenge few games can match and it's still all about finding a setup to suit your style. Hopefully both Activision and Infinity Ward see it fit to offer a dedicated server allowance at some point in the future, but for now the matchmaking system will do. Those that boycott may boycott, but despite it's flaws Modern Warfare 2 offers a multiplayer experience worthy of matching it's previous entry and one that shouldn't be missed.  
 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a pure sequel, one that will please the majority of gamers. Those who have been blown away by hype and expectation might be slightly disappointed that developers Infinity Ward played things rather safe, and PC based users will feel that the new multiplayer additions don't exactly make up for the general downgrade in player count and server customization. Still both single player and multiplayer experiences will please the vast majority of players, while offering new additions that will require time and skill to master. Something could be said for the lack of true development in the franchise since it's early beginnings, but when you drop a predator missile on your mortal online enemy such issues seem small and insignificant. This is still a top experience.  
 

SCORE: 4.5 STARS OUT OF 5.

 
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While I've stayed away from to many awful games this year, I would have to say that Terminator Salvation was a terrible game. Broken in areas and combat that literally caused me to fall asleep at one point, I feel sorry for those who bought that game. Terrible experience and without a doubt the worst game I've played this year so far.  
 
Also have to give Guitar Hero 5 a mention, though that was no where near as bad as Terminator. 

MODERN WARFARE IN THE AGE OF THE DRAGONS!

Tomorrow sees the release of a rather anticipated game, to say it's being hyped is the biggest understatement of the year. But Infinity Ward's latest addition to the fabulous Call of Duty franchise is without a doubt a huge release that as many a gamer wet with anticipation. Now while every gamer and his pet baboon have had their say on the mess surrounding the PC version of Modern Warfare 2, I felt I'd keep it clean and gives some of my own quick thoughts on the matter. Plus I'll be talking about a little odd game called Dragon Age: Origins.   
 
So shall we begin, let's get this issue out of the way first.  The boycotting of the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 makes little sense to me, why? Well for one the PC version now as the same features as the console versions (so what's with the bitching?) and the changes made could create a fairer more balanced competitive environment online, something the PC version of Modern Warfare lacked (unless one plays on stricter servers). Speaking of servers, the change from offering dedicated servers to a new matchmaking system is the most risky, but most PC gamers hate change and it was only a matter of time before a developer tried something new. Change isn't always such a bad thing my fellow PC folks.  
 
I shall not bore you dear reader with this issue further, it's been overdone already and I shan't mention it again unless I feel it's worth mentioning. As for the actual game, well Modern Warfare 2 looks to become one of the best selling games ever, plus it's being hyped through the roof right now. But I shan't deny that while I'm eager to experience the campaign and multiplayer for myself, this latest entry into the franchise as me a little concerned. Concerned because for me, developers Infinity Ward have been one of the most consistently superb developers of our generation. The developers have continued to build upon the franchise in an attempt to get greater attention and while I'm delighted to see them being a success, I'm worried that that success might have gone to their heads.  
   
As that famous saying goes 'if something isn't broken, don't fix it' I worry that the changes made to multiplayer might have a negative effect on the experience. There as already been a few moans and grumbles concerning the kill streak system, but I'll have to check it out for myself before giving judgement on which version offers the better multiplayer. Still I fully expect to get a kick out of the single player campaign, the Call of Duty franchise as offered me some of the most unforgettable moments in gaming and I hope Modern Warfare 2 is no different. From the moment your a gunner in a B-17 Bomber in Call of Duty: United Offensive to the simply breathtaking attempt to retake red square in the original Call of Duty game back in 2003. Whatever is in store for us, I hope it's one hell of a treat. 
 
     

AGE OF THE DRAGONS

While I'm off buying my copy of Modern Warfare 2, I will also be picking up the PC version of Dragon Age: Origins from the fine folks at Bioware. Now for a good while this game didn't even reach my radar (which is odd, considering my love for Bioware developed games) but it wasn't until recently that my interests perked up a little, while listening to a podcast I heard some folks comparing it's combat to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. To be fair the developers have been comparing their latest epic adventure to Baldur's Gate more then Kotor, but that alone took my attention.  
 
Well I recently got a chance to play a little of the game and I thoroughly enjoyed doing so, this helped me decide if to purchase the game or not and at £24.99 for a 60+ hour game, I think that's pretty good value. I've been hearing a lot of great things about the game and while I will be working on Modern Warfare 2 before I even touch Dragon Age, it's nice to know that I'll have a game that will take up most of my life on the shelf for me when I'm ready. How well this type of gameplay will feel when we are talking about medieval knights and dragons rather then lightsabers and insane murdering robots called HK-47 is yet to be seen.
 
Dragon Age: Origins as the potential to be a fantastic game, it's clear developers Bioware have learnt lessons from Mass Effect when applying the gamer to a new unknown universe with endless pages of lore and stories to fill the vast and large world they have created. Plus the fact that this game alone as made dragons look cool again, that in itself is something Bioware can be proud of. I also have to admit that I'm interested in checking out the toolset recently released. END!!
 
Question of the Blog: How would you implement rap artist and helicopter hater 50 Cent into Modern Warfare 2?  
 
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BECAUSE TWO HIDDEN BLADES ARE ALWAYS BETTER THEN ONE!

The original Assassins Creed developed by Ubisoft Montreal Studios met with mixed reception upon it's release back in 2007, despite offering a rather unique take upon time travel and historical settings, many felt that the whole experience was let down by repetitive gameplay mechanics and a less then well developed story. But even with such flaws it became a hit with many gamers and sold reasonable well, so of cause both Ubisoft and gamers saw future potential in a sequel. Roll on the year 2009 and we sit only weeks away from that anticipated sequel, Assassins Creed 2.   
 
From the start, the development team from Montreal spoke of offering more variation in almost every department to improve the overall flow of the experience had by the gamer. This meant more ways to assassinate, more activities to participate in within cities and a more rewarding linear story. That tale tells the story of Ezio Auditore Di Firenze, a young nobleman from the Italian city of Florence. The confident young Ezio lives the rather normal life of a teen aged nobleman until he and his family are betrayed, he soon witnesses the hanging of his father and brothers, promising that vengeance will be had. Of course also being part of the Assassins Creed time line, Ezio is also a descendant of Desmond Miles, a key figure of the first game and connected to the original games protagonist Altair.  
 
Ezio's tale promises to be richer then that of Altair's, while also answering questions first asked in the original Assassins Creed. It's a much more linear experience, with the developers wanted to concentrate on the story being told. One of the larger complaints aimed towards the original game was it's almost mechanical gameplay order, Altair was ordered to kill a number of targets, not leaving a great deal of options for a true story to be told and so it eventually felt somewhat flat. The sequel will offer deeper character development and even see Ezio mix with some of histories most iconic figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci.  
 
The way the story is told doesn't just apply to Ezio's renaissance time, Desmond to will be seen doing much more then simply walking about in a office. The development team have stated that although he will feature less, Desmond will have a much bigger part to play, one that will see him understand his ancestral ways. The sequel looks to please those who were left disappointed by the ending of the first game while also providing more details of the endless fight between the Knights Templars and the Assassin order. The story will also feature key historical events of the time and as Ezio, the player will play their part in experiencing such events.
 
While gameplay hasn't seen vast changes, the experience as been better defined with more options and more variations. Ezio is now equipped with two hidden blades instead of Altair's one blade and his combat style is both more rugged and violent then that of Desmond's other assassin minded ancestor. In a rather interesting twist, Ezio unlike that of Altair, is not born and bred to be an assassin so must learn the ways of combat, parkour and stealth from other factions of whom the player will commonly interactive with. Factions themselves will play a much larger part, Ezio won't always be fighting alone and can rely on the help of friends from time to time. Another new addition to Assassins Creed 2, is an economic system which will allow the player to buy many varied items for Ezio to use or even wear. New armour types are available as the story progresses and the player will also be able to loot from downed targets, cause distractions with the scattering of money and much more.  
 
Graphically Assassins Creed 2 looks to offer the great degree of immersion of that found in Altair's tale, with unique settings based upon real iconic locations of the featured cities and deeper more involved crowds. Ezio carries with him a somewhat more cheerful tone then that of Altair and one that the player should find easier to interact with, while also a great sense of anger in his movement and animations. While there clothes might seem alike, it's clear that Ezio and Altair are two vastly different assassins with the time in which they live affecting their personalities greatly. While the first game had some graphical issues here and there, it was still a great looking game and the sequel promises to be the same. Key historical events will also see cities themselves change, for example the one seen in the E3 presentation a few months back. 
 
How well these changes will be met is yet to be seen, the original was loved by some, disliked by many. So while the franchises current fan base will thoroughly be pleased that the developers have stuck to the fundamental gameplay mechanics of the first game, as enough been changed to interest those who disliked Altair's adventure back in 2007, only time will tell. Still, despite being a sequel Assassins Creed 2 looks to offer one of the more intriguing videogame tales of this year. It's a concept with great potential and if done right could be worthy of something great. If the Montreal development team can match the historical immersive atmosphere of the first game while also improving on as much of the content as possible, then maybe Ezio's search for vengeance is one we can all anticipate.   
 
Assassins Creed 2 is to be released on 17th of November (US), 20th of November (EU). 
 
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KEEPING TO THE CREED - ASSASSINS CREED STYLE.

Now I shan't deny my love for the original Assassins Creed game upon it's release back in 2007, I thought so much of it that I named it my game of the year. Which is kind of a big deal in my own little universe, though it will mean bugger all to most of you. But even I will admit the game had it's many flaws, flaws that took over the overall impression of what was a wonderful game. Ask your average Joe Gamer for their own opinions and they'll probably say one word, 'repetition' and there right to say such a dull word. But look past it's flaws and you had one unique and wonderful gaming experience.  
 
While most of you (and gaming media) await their chance to play Infinity Ward's latest shooter in Modern Warfare 2 hitting stores on the 10th of November (that's like, in less then two weeks time), I and I suspect many others will be rather excited for Assassins Creed 2. That's the sequel to 2007's Assassins Creed if you weren't to sure. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to experiencing Modern Warfare 2, but when it comes to the sequel wars the silent assassin stabs the Modern Warfare game right in it's armoured chest (I realize that probably wouldn't kill someone with armour protection, but give me a break).  
 
Despite my excitement for the game, I have odd feelings for it to. After all, I have just begun playing through Uncharted 2: Among Thieves for the second time and I honestly can't see any game beating that for one of the best experiences this year. Even Modern Warfare 2, which will no doubt sell so well that the robbing gits at Activision will be taking baths in pools of money and gold diamonds probably won't beat Uncharted 2 for many of this years GOTY awards. Though saying that after hearing some rather respectable gaming folk wet themselves over the latest Call of Duty title in a recent podcast (I shan't name them) I do have to wonder. Still, I really hope this latest Assassins Creed game gets some worthy attention over the insane gunfire of Modern Warfare 2.  
  
Only Ubisoft (and EA maybe) would be brave enough to compete with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, with insane sales predictions already going through the roof it's no surprise that Ubisoft are doing big things to keep their specific game at the forefront of gamers minds. The surprisingly good Assassins Creed: Lineage part one was released this past week and developer videos and interviews are seen around the web endlessly. Now one thing that as surprised me is the fact that Assassins Creed 2 as been receiving much more publicity then Modern Warfare 2. Maybe there is a reason for this and some agreed deal is in place for no information to be leaked about the finished product but so far it's been quiet on the Activision front.
 
Still, I know I can't wait to experience both. Especially Assassins Creed 2 which will hopefully bring some conclusion to the horrid ending of the first game. Man did I feel deflated after completing the original title. After what was a fantastic weekend of endless playing, immersed in a world and time of itself. It went and did an Halo 2 and ended all suddenly and rather poorly. It felt as if I was a rabbit and the developers had put a tasty carrot in front of my eyes but the carrot was on a stick and they made me chase it for the slightest taste of pure fresh juicy carrot. If your wondering why I'm comparing myself to a rabbit, it's because I had one of the most haunting of rabbit related dreams last night.   
 
But I and many others found themselves looking deeply into the smallest pieces of information for clues on what would happen next and the slight reveals made in the first game, one as to admit though that it was fun and the new game will hopefully both answer some of those questions, and provide us with all new exciting ones to discuss on forums for months to come until we finally see Assassins Creed 3. But seriously speaking if there is one game that could topple Uncharted 2 as my GOTY, it's Assassins Creed 2. Have to wait and see how it will turn out, I intend to play through the original at some point in the next week or so to catch up on a few things. I've also yet to officially preorder the game as I'm choosing between the White Edition or the Black Edition, which one shall I get? 
 
Which version of the game have YOU ordered? 
 
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