Valve just sent us a press release with the best kind of news possible - Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be free to download and play on Steam from the 8th April to the end of the weekend. That's all you need to know - pre-loading is available right now.

Steam can be downloaded here.

Chris

Labels: Chris, Modern Warfare 2, PC, Steam

According to Modern Warfare 2 fansite, mw2blog.com, the current Modern Warfare 2 weapons roster goes something like the below.

Featuring current favourites from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, such as the G36C, M4 Carbine, SVD Dragunov and H&K MP5, as well as more recently released and concept weaponry, the weapons roster is currently looking pretty well rounded, with an already larger choice of weapons to the last Modern Warfare game.

Personally, I'm looking forward to trying out the various new shotguns and assault rifles, and seeing which packs the best punch. Also, the inclusion of a new pistol - the Glock, famous for reliablity and ruggedness - is nice to see, and shows that Infinity Ward haven't forgotten that a good sidearmis just as important as a primary weapon. Good stuff.

The full list is below, should you want to take a look and curb your growing desire for MW2 information.

Linford

Assault Rifles
FAMAS - Bushmaster ACR - M16 - AK-47 - Steyr AUG A2 - Imbel MD3 - FN 2000 - G36C - M4 - MK. 14 EBR - G3 - TAR-21 - FN SCAR - FN FAL

Sniper Rifles
SVD Dragunov - Walther WA2000

Sub-Machine Guns
FN P90 - UMP .45 - TDI Kriss - H&K MP5

Shotguns
Franchi SPAS-12 - W1200 - Armsel Striker 12 Guage - Remington 870MCS - Winchester 1887 - AA-12

Light/Heavy Machine Guns
RPD - MK46 - AUG HBAR-T - MG4 - M240

Pistols
USP .45 - Glock 18/22 - M1911 .45 - Desert Eagle or Baby Eagle

Melee
Combat Knife - Ice Picks

Explosives/Grenades
C4 - Frag Grenade - Stun Grenade - Smoke Grenade - Semtex

Gun Attatchments
Red Dot Sight - Heartbeat Sensor - ACOG - Silencer - EOTech Sight - Thermal Scope - Master Key

Grenade Launchers
GP-25 Grenade Launcher - M203 Grenade Launcher - AT4 Rocket Launcher (Heat Seaking/Lock-On)

Armor
Riot Shield

Labels: Call of Duty, Infinity Ward, Linford Butler, Modern Warfare 2

It seems that T.I. isn't the only rapper getting involved in videogames, as Mr. Cent (I think I'll call him that for safety's sake) has proven with a small cameo role in one of the most anticipated upcoming titles of this year. Or so it was, until the price was announced.

The 34-year-old rapper has bagged himself a cameo role in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, confirms Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling. Bowling went on to state that 50 Cent can be heard in various sections of the game's multiplayer section, with such stellar lines as, “Reloading,” “Watch your fire,” “I’m down, get me up!” and “Tango Down!”

Watch out for the cameo when the game releases in November.

Linford

Labels: Call of Duty, Linford Butler, Modern Warfare 2

Wii gamers, never fear - the games industry hasn't forgotten about you just yet. In fact, quite the opposite, as Activision has very kindly proven with the announcement that their biggest selling game of all-time will be coming to Wii this winter.

The Infinity Ward development has been ported to Wii by rival Call of Duty dev Treyarch, and will hit store shelves on 10th November, the same release date as CoD4's big brother, Modern Warfare 2.

It's no real surprise, considering that Treyarch have faithfully ported Call of Duty 3 and World at War to Wii in the past. Hopefully it'll stay true to the original, though, and won't suffer from issues due to the Wii's slightly different control mechanic.

We'll keep you posted.

Linford

Labels: Activision, Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2, Treyarch, Wii

Released via the Call of Duty dev site, FourZeroTwo, the latest Modern Warfare 2 video shows a little more than just CGI. Introducing the very first gameplay from the Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer mode, the trailer gives gamers a first look at the custom killstreaks option, in which players choose a particular speciality of the multiplayer gameplay to work at a killstreak in.

Other reveals in the gameplay include new weapons and the ability to pilot an AC-130 gunship in an online match. Keep your eyes on Gamer's Guide to Life for all the latest Modern Warfare 2 news and information. However, just to tickle your tastebuds, take a look at the trailer at the top of this post. You won't be disappointed.

Linford

Labels: Modern Warfare 2

The recently announced Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition - including a collector’s bust of Captain ‘Soap’ MacTavish from the game, a special edition Steelbook, an art book, a code to download the original Call of Duty game over PSN or Xbox Live and a fully-functional set of Night Vision Goggles - has been secured for the UK by HMV, and will be retailed at a hefty £119.99.

Along with the release of the Prestige Edition, which will hit shelves on 10th November, HMV is reportedly planning a series of in-store events to accompany the release.

“This is a fantastic limited edition exclusive for hmv.com customers for what is, undoubtedly, the game of the year,” said HMV’s commercial manager Jonathan Hayes. “We’re absolutely delighted that we can help make such a special premium product available to fans of the Modern Warfare franchise.

“We’ve been working very closely with Activision to make Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 one of the biggest entertainment events of all time. With this great exclusive and the upcoming launch we hope that everybody gets to play this brilliant game.”

The Prestige Edition will be on general release in the US, but will be exclusive only to HMV stores in the UK. If you fancy your own pair of night vision goggles along with possibly the biggest release of 2009, then you'd better get into your nearest HMV as soon as November 10th hits, as copies of the prestige edition are likely to fly off the shelves.

If you don't manage to get your hands on a copy, you're going to be looking at forking out £54.99 for the normal edition of the game.

Linford

Labels: Activision, Linford Butler, Modern Warfare 2

When the highly anticipated sequel to Infinity Ward's last Call of Duty outing, Modern Warfare 2, hits store shelves this winter, it'll be at a recommended retail price of £54.99, according to a report by games industry analysers, MCV.

The increase in price, triggered by fluctuating exchange rates, economic difficulties and the price of development costs, may see many of this winter's awaited titles undergo an increace in RRP, as the Pound weakens against the Euro.

“Exchange rates between the Euro and the pound are making it very difficult for publishers to show an acceptable operating margin in the UK,” THQ's EVP of worldwide publishing Ian Curran told MCV.

“You can’t continue to trade as normal when the biggest territory in Europe has seen cost of goods increase by 30 per cent due to the strengthening of the Euro. Publishers somehow need to offset this drastic increase in costs. I’m not surprised to see the [Modern Warfare 2] SRP go up and I feel this will continue across more key titles.

“Also, development costs for next gen software has increased at a time when the take-up on these machines is slower than expected and therefore the opportunity to sell more units is limited. The increase in cost of goods due to the weak pound has added to this burden, and therefore something has to happen to ensure publishers’ return on their investment.”

However, while Activision has risen the price of Modern Warfare 2 and will inevitably up the price of some of their other triple-A titles, other publishers are flatly refusing to jump on the bandwagon. Electronic Arts have already commented, assuring gamers that the price of their upcoming titles, such as FIFA 10 and Need for Speed: Shift, will not see a price increase this winter. While inflation continues, though, expect to see more price increases on games and hardware.

Linford

Labels: #Modern Warfare 2, Activision, Linford Butler, Modern Warfare 2

 

So, while everyone’s eyes are firmly secured on Infinity Ward’s upcoming sequel to the bestselling Call of Duty 4, Modern Warfare 2, it turns out that Call of Duty 7 is currently being worked on by Infinity Ward’s arch-rival, Treyarch (the people responsible for the Spiderman games and that other little title – what was it called? – Call of Duty: World at War).

It doesn’t seem as though Treyarch are letting Infinity Ward have all the limelight. David Kim, one of Treyarch’s Senior Animators, revealed that he is currently working on Call of Duty 7 via his online CV. Kim states “I am currently on my second title as a senior animator in the games industry with Activision / Treyarch on Call Of Duty 7.”

This is no surprise, the alternating dev cycle has been going on for quite a while now. With Modern Warfare 2 enjoying the limelight at the minute, and due for release this coming November, it’s likely that Call of Duty 7 will be hitting shelves at around the same time in 2010.

As for Modern Warfare 2, MTV Multiplayer managed to grab a quick interview with Robert Bowling, community manager over at Infinity Ward about the omission of the ‘Call of Duty’ prefix from the game’s title. The reason for the name change is because, “this is just not another one in the Call of Duty franchise. This is a direct sequel to Modern Warfare. This has never happened in Call of Duty before. They’re typically all their own campaigns, totally unrelated to the previous one.”

So, there you have it. Modern Warfare 2 will be a direct continuation of the story in Call of Duty 4. I’m looking forward to playing through some more intense SAS-based missions. Oh, and just in case you’re wondering, we also know where Call of Duty 7 will be set. Vietnam and Cuba, anyone?

Linford

Labels: Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2, Treyarch

It's been two days since Linford posted the Modern Warfare 2 Extended Gamplay trailer, and today for my first article I'm going to bring you two minutes more footage. Posted last night on IGN, this new trailer is much longer and seems to depict another global crisis with the ultranationalist Russians at the center - the story ties in with Call Of Duty 4 with references to Zakhaev, the ultranationalists and a quest for revenge.

In terms of gameplay, things seem better than it's predecessor, Call of Duty 4. Gunplay looks to have come on leaps and bounds since the first, with a faster pace and much meaner-looking enemies. The single player is looking as though it will be longer this time round, with the bigger set pieces and further-polished environments. From this trailer, it's certainly looking like Modern Warfare 2 is set to compete with other big titles due for release this year.

Jacques

Labels: E3 2009, Jacques Hulme, Modern Warfare 2, Trailer, Video

So, a week or so ago I brought you a gameplay teaser of upcoming and highly anticipated sequel to Call of Duty 4. And, if I’m honest, it was very short and actually quite underwhelming. That’s about to change with this extended trailer, including some of the shots you’ve seen before and some which you won’t have seen. So, sit back and enjoy.

More Modern Warfare 2 information will be coming at E3 2009. You can follow all the E3 action at our dedicated E3 coverage site, GGTL at E3 2009.

Linford

Labels: E3, Modern Warfare 2, Trailer, Video

Infinity Ward and Activision aren't half working hard to keep us in suspense. The latest of the hype for the latest in the Call of Duty series, Modern Warfare 2, comes in a short but very, very sweet trailer. Not much has actually been announced concerning Modern Warfare 2, but it looks like new melee moves, vehicles, swimming and cold, bleak winter environments are all par for the course this time round. Hopefully they'll be some more information at E3 2009.

Linford

Thanks to our affiliate MWG Podcast for bringing this to our attention.

Labels: Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2, Trailer, Video