Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - Preview
Apr
29
2009
Seldom has gaming reached such heights as Activision’s seminal 2007 title Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Transposing the chaos of the oversaturated World War II shooter scene into the guise of technology and power created a platform where Infinity Ward set a new standard for narrative heft and photorealistic gameplay. The game recreated a “shock and awe” atmosphere as the experience hinged on a nuclear detonation and ended with a pistol shot with a gravitas that was more forceful than every other round fired in Call of Duty lore. This holiday’s past release of World at War only heightened the anticipation of returning to the sweet song of R.P.G.’s and night vision goggles and with a tantalizing countdown release date of 11/10/09, November cannot come soon enough.
Activision primarily has utilized two developers for the Call of Duty franchise. Infinity Ward was responsible for Call of Duty 2, the premier launch title of the Xbox 360 (later ported to the PS3) and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Treyarch has put forward solid efforts with Call of Duty 3 and Call of Duty: World at War and to no fault of their own were too far in production with World at War when Modern Warfare was released to alter their strategy and emulate the successful context of their sister company. Launching in November of 2008, World at War, though polished and well executed, left many fans reminiscing of times spent with their G3 assault rifle instead of their 40’s era Thompson. Infinity Ward was able to raise the standard of an entire gaming genre with Modern Warfare and it is to their chapter once again that gamers everywhere are ready to dive into.
On March 25th, Infinity Ward released their first teaser trailer for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to much fan frustration as many details were scattered and hidden. Gametrailers.com has done an excellent job of breaking down specific moments within the trailer and is my primary resource for the breakdown that follows. Please note you actually do not see most of this trailer as it is presented in quick flashes and background noise.
The trailer opens with swirling green lines as the night vision theme from Modern Warfare quickly turns to a sound analyzer updating wildly across the screen. At the 18 second mark an automatic sliding door opens and a female-voiced PA announcement is reigning throughout the air. You hear hushed muttering in the midst of the noise that is indistinguishable though it is clear the scene is set in an international airport. The unmistakable airport warning to ensure all bags are attended is easily discernable and could lead to some interesting gameplay scenarios. Half a minute in and an elevator bell rings sharply as the door opens and footsteps are heard entering the lift while at the 33 second point a small subscript of Russian can be detected in the mid-left center of the screen. Something opens, an elevator shaft, a carrying case possibly, which directly leads to 14 seconds of weapons being armed and equipment loading as the men suit up quickly and efficiently. Another bell as the elevator ascends, “L1” marking another step. A quick flash of a man’s wrist watch glazes the distempered green as the time reads 8:17. Once the “M” (Mezzanine level) is reached, 3 terrorists are revealed as the point of view holds the fourth. They wear no masks, there is a point they intend to make. The next bell, “1,” a Russian terrorist strongly whispers “God with us,” as their destination quickly approaches. Tense, nerves on the tipping point, “2,” at the 1:16 ark a sharp profile of a man’s face appears in which he calmly orders, “Remember, no Russian.” They wish to be seen but not understood…perhaps setting the stage for a political scapegoat. In the moment of 1:23 the lines remit images of civilians laughing and talking unknowing of the fate about to befall them. The inevitable first shot rings out and a scream is heard terrified and shrill.
The screen fades to white as the light switch of the moment is turned on. Power lines stretch across the flashing lights, a possible train or bus serves to signify this is American soil as F-15’s are quickly glimpsed in the upper right hand corner. In this moment, houses on a ridge are displayed as weapons of war dance across the screen; sounds of death dispatch short echoes of familiar scenes.
Reminiscent of the epilogue of Modern Warfare, an airliner cabin is shortly pictured with spec ops climbing uncertain cliffs shown in a quick shot. At marker 1:54 a new local is exposed as the Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro is revealed in the left corner. Two other indefinable locations pop up in the form of an oil rig and a castle leaving you only to your imagination of how many varying environs can be captured and played.
The light adjusts; the screen dials back to sounds of screams and gunfire as the doors of the elevator slide shut and the sound of silence retains the moment. “2” flashes once more, no longer as the point of entry but as the symbol of Modern Warfare. No longer is Call of Duty the forebear of the title, it is simply Modern Warfare 2.
Setting the stage for a possible gameplay shift to counter terrorism a la Rainbow Six and foreshadowed by the epilogue of Call of Duty 4, it seems that perhaps time pressure, civilian interaction and a tactical strategy could drive this title. It remains to be seen with further updates what direction there will be in regards to the perk system, weapon load outs and multiplayer functionality particularly co-op. Infinity Ward promises this title will represent the epitome of their work in driving the evolution of modern shooters and with their track record, gamers have no reason to doubt this will be a title where we wish the countdown was minutes not months.
