Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, despite a mixed critical reception, has been a hit with gamers. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s sales have been amazing, as has its player count, and that success has been seen with Call of Duty: Warzone 2 as well. Many are enjoying the core multiplayer gameplay, new experiences like Knockout and Invasion, and the approach to camo unlocks. However, Spec Ops seems to have gone a bit under the radar.
The lack of discussion around Spec Ops likely comes down to the fact that the mode is just average in the eyes of many players. Though it is certainly more fun than the unfocused, overly difficult version of the mode from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019, it lacks the polish of the Spec Ops mode from the original trilogy, as it reuses Al Mazrah instead of crafting unique play spaces for every level. Still, as shown by Season 1’s new mission, there is at least a long term plan in place for the mode.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s High Ground is a Good Sign For Future Missions’ Quality
Though the environments for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Spec Ops mode are a bit repetitive and bland, the actual levels have succeeded in offering unique challenges and objective types. Low Profile sees players sneaking around an area and stealing three nuclear devices, while Denied Area has them driving across a large valley to destroy SAM sites. Defender is a fun mission type that will likely be seen in future content, as it asks players to hold off waves of foes.
The latest Spec Ops mission, High Ground, sees one player collecting data on the ground while another provides cover in one of Call of Duty’s helicopters. This feels the most like a traditional Spec Ops mission, as though it also reflects Spec Ops’ limited resources, the gameplay for each player is distinct and fun. With the player on the ground needing to bring Juggernauts into the open so that their teammates can kill them, proper coordination is a must.
High Ground is arguably the best Spec Ops mission yet, as it provides a proper challenge that gives gamers a reason to replay it in both of its distinct styles. With Spec Ops having unique Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 rewards to strive for, having a wider variety of missions like this one will be crucial. Hopefully, future Seasons will use High Ground as a source of inspiration, adding more content like it.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Spec Ops Will Likely Keep Growing
Spec Ops’ low mission count at launch was a bad sign, as three missions was a far cry from what was offered in the older Modern Warfare games. Fortunately, Infinity Ward is seemingly planning to keep the mode alive through its seasonal updates, regularly adding new missions for players to enjoy. High Ground is the first example of this, and if the mode gets additional missions often enough, it could eventually have a good amount of content to enjoy.
The current class progression feels pointless with such a low number of missions, as players have little reason to level up every kit. A growing mission lineup with diverse gameplay styles will give gamers a reason to engage with this progression, though, and they will be able to level up without grinding the same three missions. So long as missions continue to be added regularly, and assuming that Call of Duty’s inaugural raid delivers, Spec Ops has a brighter future ahead of it than its lackluster launch suggested.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.