It is no secret that the multiplayer of anyCall of Dutytitle is one of the single most important factors of the game, with the franchise becoming one of the most ever-present providers of competitive online gameplay within the entire industry. With the upcomingModern Warfare 2recently concluding its beta, the identity and feel of the franchise’s latest multiplayer iteration is now known to fans.
One of the most controversial elements of the newCall of Dutybeta stems from the re-branding of the “camping” playstyle into something that appears to be actively encouraged and catered to. Given the history of onlineCoDgameplay as a high octane and arcade-like experience, it is no wonder that fans are having mixed reactions to the new sweeping changes.
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The Core Aspects of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
The aforementioned sweeping changes that are set to change thecore identity ofCall of Dutygameplaywill be brought about by the release of the massively anticipated upcoming title,Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Launching alongside a sequel to the popularWarzoneand possessing a previously unheard of two-year life-cycle, it is clear that Infinity Ward and Activision have massive expectations for the upcoming game.
While having an ambitious campaign and re-introducing the popularSpec Ops mode from the originalModern Warfare 2is exciting, the game sets itself apart from other franchise installments through the fairly comprehensive changes that have been made to its core multiplayer. There are many gameplay aspects that fans feel require changes following theMW2beta, but the way in which certain playstyles have been identified and rebranded appears to be a choice that will be sustained throughout the game’s life-cycle.
Rushers, Hunters, and Sentinels in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
It appears that Infinity Ward has taken the different playstyles that have unofficially characterizedCall of Dutymultiplayer gameplayfor some time, and has categorized them into three distinct groups. Known as rushers, hunters, and sentinels, it appears that there are three unique playstyles that have been identified, with each having certain equipment and perks that are catered specifically towards them.
The rusher is perhaps the most self-explanatory of these playstyles, describing players who use close-to-mid range weaponry to move around a map rapidly,using fast movement to close the distanceon and overwhelm unsuspecting enemies. Hunters are characterized as rather similar to rushers, but instead with an increased focus on actively tracking down exposed opponents without as much focus on movement and momentum.
Without sugar coating it, the sentinel playstyle essentially refers to campers, meaning players who have a propensity to stay in one spot within a map, often leveraging overpowered angles and spots to gain a combat advantage.Camping has long been a controversial element ofCall of Dutygameplay, as well as within the wider FPS industry as a whole, making it an inherently bold move for Infinity Ward to officially recognize it and offer catered benefits to camping gameplay.
It is clear that with theever-increasing realism ofCall of Dutytitles, the franchise is looking to move away from its more fast-paced and arcade-like roots. With things like more ambiguous mini-maps and loud footsteps actively punishing fast-paced gameplay, it is clear that “sentinels” inCoDare going to become a more prevalent and actively encouraged demographic within the popular shooter.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2launches on October 28 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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