There has been much speculation over MW2 prior to its release, with rumors that dedicated servers would be replaced. The rumors were indeed true and MW2 uses IWNET, and whilst this was initially met with grumbling by most gamers, it has to be said that there are some nice advantages of using such a tool in multiplayer. For the most part it means that finding a game is almost instantaneous and you needn’t worry about hosting a server yourself or purchasing one. The idea behind IWNET is to allow online play to be hassle free but maintaining maximum protection against cheats. Sure there are advantages and benefits to using the system. But like with anything there are also disadvantages and weaknesses.
The IWNET interface inside multiplayer mode limits you quite severely. There are no filtering options. No choice in the best ping server, specific favorite map to play, lower populated server. IWNET pretty much controls all of this. The only option that you currently have is to choose the gametype. Player limits are also capped to 9v9 or typically 6v6. Whether the intention with IWNET is to make life easier or just to control its users remains a mystery but as I said, it does make finding a game quick and easy. What I find especially useful is that because Steam is mandatory with MW2 you can easily get your friends to follow you into a server and have live chat with them. If you are in the lobby area waiting for the next map to load, you have to use Steam to chat anyway. For some strange reason, there is no function or discussion – only in game. You will also notice there is no console to tweak/access hidden options.
Ignoring the above, multiplayer is a very fun mode to play. Maps are extremely well balanced and there is a large amount of terrain to explore - enough sneaky spots to find and take advantage of and perfect for the lower player count. Of the maps currently available, each takes the best of the many locations found in the single player side of the game and transports you into some interesting territory.
As with previous Call of Duty games, the perks and attribute unlocks are still with us. But this time, an even bigger selection of weapons and equipment is available allowing for a thorough gaming experience. This gives you plenty of encouragement to progress and will continue to push you every time you begin a multiplayer session. Whilst IWNET may restrict control, the options available as you level up will push these limitations out of the window. The Killstreaks in particular give you great flexibility and control, so that, as you progress through the ranks you can actually customize what killstreak special is hidden behind key 3,4,5,6 etc.
Killstreaks rewards are special bonuses that can be obtained by killing a certain amount of players in a row without dying. Killstreaks now stack up rather than disappearing. So for example if you have a killstreak of UAV under 4 and then get 5 kills to get a Predator missile but use the Predator Missile (5) before UAV (4) you can still use UAV afterwards. The greatest, highest killstreaks take priority until the lowest is then used.
3 Kills
UAV
Gives you the upper hand in being able to search out enemies. They appear on your radar.
4 Kills
Care Package
A package is dropped for you. This can be intercepted by anyone and includes: UAV, counter-UAV ammo, random killstreaks basically.
5 Kills
Sentry Gun
A sentry gun is dropped and you can place this anywhere on the map, when activated it will automatically fire at enemies, spinning 360 degrees. But it can also be destroyed.
Predator Missile
With this option you can remotely control a Predator Missile. When activating this killstreak an aerial view of the map is presented with targets around players. By moving the mouse you can direct the missile as it comes down from the aircraft and pressing the left mouse button will speed up the missile giving it a boost. The only drawback with this killstreak is that you are left vulnerable to attack and can get fragged, Fortunately though, you can still control the missile until it touches ground.
6 Kills
Precision Airstrike
As this suggests, a directional airstrike is deployed where you request. Giving you some accurate kills.
7 Kills
Harrier Strike
A harrier is deployed, dropping some bombs in a specific area that you pinpoint.
Helicopter Attack
Instead of a harrier a helicopter is deployed, the advantage with this killstreak is that the chopper will circle the map attack any enemies it sees, leaving you with a nice kill count at the end.
8 Kills
Emergency Airdrop
Similar to the Care Package killstreak, but multipled by 4.
9 Kills
Pave Low
Similar to the attack helicopter, but this time a heavily armored chopper is deployed around the map, destroying anything in its sight and attributing all those kills to you.
Stealth Bomber
Similar to the precision airstrike but quicker and does not show up on the radar. Again, you choose the spot.
11 Kills
Chopper Gun
This gives you exclusive access to a machine gun on a chopper remotely. As the helicopter roams around the map, you take out other players.
AC-130
An AC-130 gunship is deployed at your command, and you have exclusive access to any of the guns on board. The only downside to using this is that you are vulnerable to attack similar to the Predator Missile.
15 Kills
EMP
This cleverly knocks out all electronics, disabling radars, and other attachments on weapons like thermal scopes. It also prevents other players using killstreaks for the duration.
25 Kills
Tactical Nuke
Basically, game over. As this suggests a nuke is dropped killing everyone.
All of the above can of course be customized as mentioned. So killstreaks appear under different amount of kills etc
Also included are deathstreaks. In an effort to prevent frustration, you will now be rewarded for dying so many times in a row. This is to help encourage you back into the game if you are having a particularly rough time of it. Perks inside here contain such things as a health boost at the next respawn and martyrdom to name just a few. It's good to see that martyrdom has been swapped out as a deathstreak rather than just a plain perk, as in the previous COD games many gamers would have this and increase their frag score significantly from just dying.
Not only do you receive weapon, equipment, killstreak and other perks as you progress through the ranks but you can also attain callsigns. Basically, as you move forward through the ranking system and build up points for achieving certain challenges you will now be able to unlock a massive catalogue of titles and emblems to customize your player character. As already discussed above, you will notice there is a wealth of features within the multiplayer aspect of MW2. I don't believe that anyone really conceived the multiplayer mode of this exciting new FPS would receive such an intense reinvention, but rather a few subtle tweaks and improvements. It's great to see that not only is MW2 multiplayer very engaging with a ton of action to be had, but its also feature packed and will keep you entertained for hours as you compete with friends and other gamers around the world.
The IWNET interface inside multiplayer mode limits you quite severely. There are no filtering options. No choice in the best ping server, specific favorite map to play, lower populated server. IWNET pretty much controls all of this. The only option that you currently have is to choose the gametype. Player limits are also capped to 9v9 or typically 6v6. Whether the intention with IWNET is to make life easier or just to control its users remains a mystery but as I said, it does make finding a game quick and easy. What I find especially useful is that because Steam is mandatory with MW2 you can easily get your friends to follow you into a server and have live chat with them. If you are in the lobby area waiting for the next map to load, you have to use Steam to chat anyway. For some strange reason, there is no function or discussion – only in game. You will also notice there is no console to tweak/access hidden options.
Ignoring the above, multiplayer is a very fun mode to play. Maps are extremely well balanced and there is a large amount of terrain to explore - enough sneaky spots to find and take advantage of and perfect for the lower player count. Of the maps currently available, each takes the best of the many locations found in the single player side of the game and transports you into some interesting territory.
As with previous Call of Duty games, the perks and attribute unlocks are still with us. But this time, an even bigger selection of weapons and equipment is available allowing for a thorough gaming experience. This gives you plenty of encouragement to progress and will continue to push you every time you begin a multiplayer session. Whilst IWNET may restrict control, the options available as you level up will push these limitations out of the window. The Killstreaks in particular give you great flexibility and control, so that, as you progress through the ranks you can actually customize what killstreak special is hidden behind key 3,4,5,6 etc.
Killstreaks rewards are special bonuses that can be obtained by killing a certain amount of players in a row without dying. Killstreaks now stack up rather than disappearing. So for example if you have a killstreak of UAV under 4 and then get 5 kills to get a Predator missile but use the Predator Missile (5) before UAV (4) you can still use UAV afterwards. The greatest, highest killstreaks take priority until the lowest is then used.
3 Kills
UAV
Gives you the upper hand in being able to search out enemies. They appear on your radar.
4 Kills
Care Package
A package is dropped for you. This can be intercepted by anyone and includes: UAV, counter-UAV ammo, random killstreaks basically.
5 Kills
Sentry Gun
A sentry gun is dropped and you can place this anywhere on the map, when activated it will automatically fire at enemies, spinning 360 degrees. But it can also be destroyed.
Predator Missile
With this option you can remotely control a Predator Missile. When activating this killstreak an aerial view of the map is presented with targets around players. By moving the mouse you can direct the missile as it comes down from the aircraft and pressing the left mouse button will speed up the missile giving it a boost. The only drawback with this killstreak is that you are left vulnerable to attack and can get fragged, Fortunately though, you can still control the missile until it touches ground.
6 Kills
Precision Airstrike
As this suggests, a directional airstrike is deployed where you request. Giving you some accurate kills.
7 Kills
Harrier Strike
A harrier is deployed, dropping some bombs in a specific area that you pinpoint.
Helicopter Attack
Instead of a harrier a helicopter is deployed, the advantage with this killstreak is that the chopper will circle the map attack any enemies it sees, leaving you with a nice kill count at the end.
8 Kills
Emergency Airdrop
Similar to the Care Package killstreak, but multipled by 4.
9 Kills
Pave Low
Similar to the attack helicopter, but this time a heavily armored chopper is deployed around the map, destroying anything in its sight and attributing all those kills to you.
Stealth Bomber
Similar to the precision airstrike but quicker and does not show up on the radar. Again, you choose the spot.
11 Kills
Chopper Gun
This gives you exclusive access to a machine gun on a chopper remotely. As the helicopter roams around the map, you take out other players.
AC-130
An AC-130 gunship is deployed at your command, and you have exclusive access to any of the guns on board. The only downside to using this is that you are vulnerable to attack similar to the Predator Missile.
15 Kills
EMP
This cleverly knocks out all electronics, disabling radars, and other attachments on weapons like thermal scopes. It also prevents other players using killstreaks for the duration.
25 Kills
Tactical Nuke
Basically, game over. As this suggests a nuke is dropped killing everyone.
All of the above can of course be customized as mentioned. So killstreaks appear under different amount of kills etc
Also included are deathstreaks. In an effort to prevent frustration, you will now be rewarded for dying so many times in a row. This is to help encourage you back into the game if you are having a particularly rough time of it. Perks inside here contain such things as a health boost at the next respawn and martyrdom to name just a few. It's good to see that martyrdom has been swapped out as a deathstreak rather than just a plain perk, as in the previous COD games many gamers would have this and increase their frag score significantly from just dying.
Not only do you receive weapon, equipment, killstreak and other perks as you progress through the ranks but you can also attain callsigns. Basically, as you move forward through the ranking system and build up points for achieving certain challenges you will now be able to unlock a massive catalogue of titles and emblems to customize your player character. As already discussed above, you will notice there is a wealth of features within the multiplayer aspect of MW2. I don't believe that anyone really conceived the multiplayer mode of this exciting new FPS would receive such an intense reinvention, but rather a few subtle tweaks and improvements. It's great to see that not only is MW2 multiplayer very engaging with a ton of action to be had, but its also feature packed and will keep you entertained for hours as you compete with friends and other gamers around the world.
