i38: MW2 First Look - Wargasm's view

Coming to i38, I had still yet to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. As such my very first experiences of the game have been as a spectator watching the group games here. I sat down to watch Team Infused face off against EMPATHY. The first thing that struck me was that the game seemed to have a faster pace than CoD4. Admittedly this could be due to the different gametype being played (CTF rather than SD), but the game dynamics lend themselves to this.

The maps I have seen so far all have several common features. Generally, they combine an open layout with confined spaces for intense firefights. Unlike previous games in the Call of Duty series, there are not 1 or 2 clear routes for attacking a bombsite- there are several. This, coupled with a collective desire for change from the players has resulted in the shift to the CTF gametype. They would be unsuitable for SD at such an early stage in the game's competitive life when no-one has had the chance to properly "strat-out" the maps, but even then it might be prudent to remain with CTF. It is a gametype that has proven itself through many years of service to the Quake community, as well as others such as SoF2.

Gameplay-wise there is definite promise for the game. The base game mechanics seem largely unchanged from Call of Duty 4, but new weapons and maps are a huge argument for making the switch rather than sticking to the same old game. That said, certain features that were weeded out through competitive modding for Call of Duty 4 have once again reared their ugly head, for example grenade launchers and cook-grenades are already having a negative impact on the game. This was especially eminent watching Infused defend their flag carrier, the endless barrage of exploding projecticles meant EMPATHY couldn't get close.

Whether the move will be seen as a success in the weeks to come remains to be seen. The current mood among the players seems divided. It's not quite like marmite, but the game has definitely polarised the scene. Some see the game as the start of something new, a chance to breathe fresh life into the scene. They welcome the new style of play and the new maps with open arms, happy to forgive any shortcomings in the game. Others are more conservative with their judgement, complaining about each and every change as if they were the end of the world. Unfortunately, the contagiousness of the latter, coupled with the general tendency to blame anyone but themselves among UK gamers has resulted in everyone but the winning team hating the game.

My main worry about this tournament is the bad press it will recieve. Multiplay have done everything they can to make this a success but strict licensing issues have their hands tied behind their backs. The timing of the event was always unfortunate as it was the weekend after the release of MW2, and so MPUK had the dilemma of which game to choose. Enter Activision, boasting event sponsorship and prize funds galore for MW2, and the problem is solved. However, for those booking their tickets well in advance this fence-sitting caused problems, and as such attendance is low. With about 20 teams turning up, the last thing Multiplay wanted to do was remove several due to underage players, but there was nothing they could do. Now we have a small tournament with little prize money, and already the forums are being set ablaze with complaints and malcontent.

Every game has teething problems, they all take a while before the accepted version of the game settles in to competitive play. This tournament will seem ludicrous in a few months time once people have a better idea how they want the game to be played. However, people are judging the game here and now on the basis of this tournament, and due to the factors beyond anyone's control I can only see that judgement being a harsh one.

But on a more positive note, the game does seem genuinely fun. Players did seem to be enjoying themselves, slowly finding their feet in unfamiliar surroundings. The new weapons have had some criticism, but for the most part people find them useable and adequate enough. If this game can indeed be modded then there is defintely the potential for a competitive game to follow on where Call of Duty 4 left off. If big events are prepared to take it up then there will be interest from sponsors and prize funds have the potential to be large.

In summary, the game itself really isn't that bad. Yes it's not perfect, but if people are prepared to invest their time and support in it then they could see good returns in terms of events and prize money. I will definitely be going home eager to finally install my copy of MW2 waiting on my desk, and so should you!


Image of Team Infused's Chris "Chenson" Henson courtesy of David "BigDaveP" Portass