I know I’m a little late getting this one out, at least if two weeks is late, but I need to give props to Modern Warfare 2 for actually delivery a sequel that is far better than I expected.

The hype worked

I got to the Modern Warfare party late last year after I got my XBox 360, but it had me hooked instantly and got me back into all the FPS fun after a long hiatus. When I heard that Modern Warfare 2 was coming out, I was a little bummed because I had just discovered the first one. Of course, I discovered MW1 about two year late so I deserve the penalty. I’ve said before that video game hype works on me and MW2 was no exception.

I read all the releases, the trailers, the screen shots, the drama, the lawsuits…I was up on it but alas I was NOT in line at midnight when MW2 was released. Despite hype around this game being quite a powerful, I have no problem saying “No” to the effort required to fight crowds and lines at midnight at my local GameStop. No thanks. I just went out the next day and got, no problems at all - no pre-order necessary.

I wasn’t expecting much

Even though all the reviews were awesome for MW2, I wasn’t expecting it to be a whole lot more than the first game. In some ways, MW2 is just more of the same, but there’s just enough new action to keep this game fresh and fun, even for those like myself that have wasted way too many hours playing this franchise. The developers upped the ampage on every aspect of the game, from single player to multiplayer.

The single player is standard issue Modern Warfare at this point…short but action packed. One friend said (in disapproval) that MW2 “plays out like a Jerry Bruckheimer movie,” and while that may keep him away, that fact alone will be enough for guys like myself to want to play. We all know I’m not looking for some deep story. If you’re a MW vet then you’ll burn through the story mode pretty quick. But lets face it…you’re not buying the game for an engrossing campaign experience.

Fastest multiplayer action ever

The first Modern Warfare was popular for so long because the multiplayer action was just unstoppable and fun. It was fast, it was crazy, most of the maps were good, and no matter how often you played, your experience would differ each time you play. Modern Warfare 2 takes that formula and cranks it up. On-line play is faster, the maps are better (much better) and there are so many unlockable things that it will keep you playing.

You still have your basic perks and weapons to unlock, but they even throw in the cheap stuff. Items like emblems and callsigns and other things that really don’t effect your ability or “character” when playing, but they’re great to receive. I compare it to unlocking costumes in fighting games. It’s just enough customizing to keep you wanting more.

New co-op play saves the day

But the on new aspect of Modern Warfare that blew me away was the new Special Ops co-op modes. These are scenarios you play with on other person as a two-man team. Each scenario provides quick action with simple goals but are really challenging. It’s quite possibly the only way you’ll experience different gameplay without going through the campaign again…like riding snow mobiles and raining death from above in the AC-130.

Just don’t forget to hook-up your headset because it’s almost a necessity when doing co-op. The co-op modes is a grab bag of run-n-gun with your friend at your side and support missions, where one of you is on the ground and the other is providing support, whether from a plane, helicopter, or whatever. Playing with your friends in a standard deathmatch is fun, but you’re roped in with a bunch of strangers. The co-op mode lets you have fun with your friends without worrying about lamers and campers ruining your on-line experience.

Lets just say that the co-op mode was the LAST thing on my radar with this game. It really surprised me how much fun it was to play. I almost want to play co-op more than normal multiplayer…if only co-op could unlock items.

Modern Warfare isn’t a deep game. They never will be. This game is just shameless action that you can pick up and put down. Guns, explosions, snipers, awesome locations, planes, sticky bombs, robot turrents…it’s got it all. I honestly don’t know what they can up for a next sequel. I think a lot of people, myself included, expected MW2 to be somewhat of a letdown sequel. It is not.

If you have MW2 and need a partner for co-op, just look for AngryEdison on XBL and I’ll join you for some run-n-gun action.