Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II: PS5 Review

Developed by Infinity Ward
Published by Activision
Platform: PS5

A sequel to the 2019 reboot, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is exactly what you'd expect from the first person shooter franchise that's had somewhat of a bumpy ride the past few years.

Following the escapades of newly formed Task Force 141, a British special forces, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II's campaign follows them as they try and track down an Iranian terrorist who has nuclear capabilities.

It's not exactly if Call of Duty sets out to revolutionise the format - and on that front, its campaign is relatively perfunctory. But it is blessed with several standalone sequences that add a thrilling edge to a game franchise that often teeters dangerously close to both stereotype and cliche.

There are questionable moments as ever - from glorifying gun violence to threatening civilians, the game isn't edgy as much as it is icky. But if you're already in the franchise's thrall in general, moments like this won't matter.

Graphically the game manages to soar, with scenes wonderfully rendered and with bullets zipping by. There's a danger that renders bullets terrifying and grants the game an urgency. Tactics as ever matter, and skills of the usual FPS world will help throughout.

With 12 modes and 15 maps, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II's multiplayer is strong, and playable enough, even if once again it doesn't really reinvent the wheel. Capture the flag, conquest style games are all very familiar and while they're solidly executed, there's a feeling multiplayer may need a revamp in future instalments.

Overall, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is a solid iteration of the franchise, but it may help to rest the series a little now until some kind of new concept and less cliched stories can be told.