Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Title- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Author- Infinity Ward

ISBN Not applicable

Publication Information- Activision

 

Plot Summary- An extension of the Call of Duty series, Modern Warfare 2 is a first person shooter video game. These kind of games are difficult to summarize because they are part of a long series. Essentially, PFC Joseph Allen is recruited into an elite anti-terrorist force, Task Force 141, run by General Shepherd. However, in his first mission as an under-cover insurgent he is killed. The bad guys, Russian Ultranationalists set him up to be the fall guy sparking a war between the United States and Russia that engulfs the entire world. Over the course of events, the two main characters, Captains Price and McTavish learn that Shepherd is the true mastermind of the war- not the Russians- because he believes that a full scale war is good for the world. Price and McTavish decide they can only trust each other and eventually track and kill Shepherd.

Critical Evaluation- The storyline of this game only account for a small fraction of the playing time of this game. From a story perspective, it is convoluted and confusing. As a player, you cycle through 5 characters as they discover different elements and either die or move onto other areas. However, the real playability of this game comes in the multiplayer aspect. There are different forces you are assigned to and different games to play, including Free-For-All, Search & Destroy, Demolition, Sabotage, Domination, Team Deathmatch, and Capture The Flag. In each game, players earn points that unlock new weapons and abilities. Most players race through the storyline or skip it altogether to play online with their friends. The game is kept fresh by being able to download additional content in the forms of maps. My personal play on this game is limited because I cannot play console games, but I have watched my husband play literally hundreds of hours on this game with his friends (and some of my students). It is easily one of the most popular games available right now.

Reader's Annotation- The Russian Ultranationalists are seeking to destroy the United States. It is up to you to stop them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyASw-1KWyU

 

Author Information- Not applicable

Curricular Ties- Not applicable

Genre- Video Game, War

Book talking ideas- Not applicable

Challenge issues- some groups are upset at the portrayal of their countries, violence, and an easter egg in the game has been challenged as homophobic. However, I would not deal with these issues.

Interest Age- 17-adult but realistically there are many kids younger than that playing

Why I selected this piece- Because it's all my husband plays right now, and many of his online friends are students of mine.