To summarize the last blog, curiosity is healthy. I usually feel richer, experience wise, for researching different topics and products, which brings me to COD MW2.

First of all, I am not ashamed to admit that I enjoy playing video games. I am ashamed to admit that sometimes my playing interferes with more important things (such as writing Comparative Essays), but that's life. MW2 does just that, and more.

The intense storyline and tense game play makes you hooked, even after you finish playing campaign mode.I have played my fair share of war games and I have to admit, I have had enough of rushing into Omaha Beach and spraying bullets at Krauts.

Graphics are beautiful. My PC is extremely out-of-date and I was not expecting the game to run as smoothly as it did. Even at low graphic settings, the game is very impressive. Bullet impact is especially worth mentioning in addition to very well rendered smoke & fire effects. I was even more impressed when I went to play this game at a friends house, who had a premium graphics card. The texture of objects and environments were unbelievable. I found myself simply looking around, enjoying the beautiful scenery rather then trying to find soldiers to shoot at, and that almost never happens.

Gameplay is divided between counter-terrorist group Task Force 141, who are trying to eliminate Russian terrorists, and the US Army Rangers, who are defending against the Russian invasion of the United States. Storyline goes between different parts of the world including Afghanistan, Riode Janeiro, Siberia, and Washington D.C. The biggest upset to the storyline is how short it is. It only took 6 hours of gameplay to finish, and like I said earlier, half of that time I was just looking at the environment.

In campaign oriented games it is common that you get 1-2 missions which you absolutely hate, either because it serves little storyline interest or is designed in a unimpressive way. This game does not have a mission you won't like. They are as versatile as they are many.

After the campaign mode is finished, you have the option to play special ops which consists of independent mission. Most of the Special Ops missions may be played alone, but support two player cooperative play, in which two players can play together locally or online. It is a nice addition for those who finish campaign mode before being fully satisfied with their gaming experience.

The score is extremely beautiful and works well with the storyline. It gives it a dynamic edge which I thought only existed in Hollywood movies. It was not that surprising when I found out that the music is composed by Hans Zimmer who has done scores for major movies such as Gladiator, Pearl Harbor & The Dark Knight.

Overall, magnificent game. Definitely hits the favorite pile alongside Red Alert 2 and Championship Manager 1998-1999.

Iceman Out