# Modern Warfare 2 Edges Out MW1 as the Superior Call of Duty Game

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/modern-warfare-2-edges-out-mw1-as-the-superior-call-of-duty-game/
- Published: 2023-10-22
- Author: Nelson Ayers
- Categories: [Business & Worth](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/worth/)

---

There‘s no question that 2009‘s **Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is better than the original Modern Warfare.** The sequel took everything that made CoD 4 great and expanded on it tremendously to create one of the most ambitious and polished FPS games ever made. In my opinion, MW2 stands tall as the pinnacle of the series thanks to its blockbuster campaign, addictive multiplayer innovations, and advanced graphics.

Let‘s compare these two iconic games in depth across key areas to see why MW2 comes out on top.

## MW2 Had More Epic & Cinematic Single Player Moments

The original Modern Warfare delivered an entertaining campaign in 2007 that felt like an action movie. But Modern Warfare 2 took it to the next level with huge set-pieces and improved production values.

For example, MW2‘s "Cliffhanger" mission has you infiltrating an arctic base on the side of a mountain during a blizzard. The level design was much more complex than anything seen in CoD4. "Takedown" sees you pursuing an enemy through the Favelas of Rio, showing off smooth parkour animations and destructible environments.

Some of MW2‘s most ambitious moments include:

- Escaping a Brazilian slum as it collapses from missile strikes
- Repelling down a cliff to ambush a convoy in Kazakhstan
- Defending the famous Red Square in Moscow from invaders
- Fighting through the burning ruins of the White House

These cinematic scenes simply outshine anything in MW1 in terms of scale and thrills. MW2‘s campaign length also doubled to about 8 hours, providing a lot more value.

In terms of story, MW2 has more complex character arcs and political intrigue. The original MW is simpler with a more straightforward "good vs evil" narrative. Playing as different soldiers in MW2, like Roach and Ramirez, gives more diverse perspectives rather than just Soap.

MW2 broke sales records in part thanks to its blockbuster campaign that built on everything that made CoD4‘s single player experience great.

## MW2 Had More Content & Polish in Multiplayer

Modern Warfare 2 without a doubt has the superior online multiplayer experience. While CoD4 pioneered create-a-class, killstreaks and other features we now take for granted, MW2 expanded on this solid foundation tremendously.

Here‘s some key advantages MW2 has over MW1 in multiplayer:

- **More diverse maps:** MW2 launched with 16 maps compared to CoD4‘s 12. And they were more complex – Highrise had rooftop battles, Terminal had close and long range areas. MW1‘s maps now feel simplistic.
- **More weapons:** MW2 again has a bigger arsenal – 44 weapons versus CoD4‘s 33. New additions like the powerful UMP45, rapid fire P90, and SVG sniper rifle gave broader customization options.
- **More unlockables:** With prestige mode, hundreds of challenges to complete, and deeper cosmetic customization, MW2 gave players way more incentives to keep progressing.
- **New gameplay additions:** Features like custom killstreaks, riot shields, SZC mini-guns, and attack dogs fundamentally changed and improved the CoD formula.
- **Special Ops mode:** This was an entirely new co-op experience that added significant replay value with missions like "Breach & Clear."

| Feature | Modern Warfare 1 | Modern Warfare 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maps | 12 | 16 |
| Weapons | 33 | 44 |
| Max Level | 55 | 70 |
| Game Modes | 6 | 7 |
| Players Per Match | 18 | 18 |

MW2 built on MW1‘s multiplayer with expanded depth and variety across the board, from content to features. These improvements made it the most engaging online FPS experience at the time that outclasses its predecessor.

## MW2 Showcased Cutting Edge Graphics & Presentation

As a 2009 release, MW2 was able to leverage improved hardware power on Xbox 360 and PS3 to deliver a major visual leap over the first Modern Warfare.

Complex lighting effects, detailed textures, advanced physics, smooth animations, and support for larger multiplayer matches clearly demonstrate Modern Warfare 2‘s technical advantages. For example, maps like Terminal showcased massive and immersive environments not possible in CoD4.

The original MW still looks great, but MW2 represents an evolutionary leap in graphical fidelity and the overall presentation thanks to stronger technology. Critics widely praised MW2‘s visuals, with GameTrailers stating:

> "It‘s hard to find fault with the look and feel of MW2. The gameplay is tight and adrenaline-soaked, and the engine has been refined to keep you in the heat of battle."

This cutting edge presentation paired with cinematic single player moments and polished multiplayer made MW2 the most advanced Call of Duty release when it launched.

## MW2 Received Even More Critical & Fan Praise

The original Modern Warfare earned strong reviews in 2007 and sold millions of copies. But the reception for Modern Warfare 2 was on another level in 2009, breaking records across the board.

- MW2 earned even higher review scores, getting a 94 on Metacritic compared to CoD4‘s 92. Critics praised nearly every aspect.
- It was the biggest media launch ever at the time, earning $310 million on day one. The original MW made a fraction in comparison.
- Lifetime sales for MW2 are estimated at 23 million units – 50% more than the original‘s 15 million, showing its wider mainstream popularity.
- MW2 doubled the number of concurrent players on launch day with 2.5 million users online, showing massive community engagement.

Clearly players and critics considered MW2 a massive leap over the already great CoD4, demonstrated by its reception. This cemented MW2 as one of the most impactful FPS games ever made.

## Why I Consider MW2 the Best Call of Duty Game

While the original Modern Warfare remains a classic, MW2 is just a superior overall package in my opinion as a long-time fan.

The sequel expanded on all aspects of CoD4 in the right ways – the campaign feels like an epic action movie with amazing set-pieces, the multiplayer has an insane amount of depth and replayability, and the graphics were jaw-dropping at the time.

MW2 is the most ambitious Call of Duty game ever made thanks to its scope. Yet it also executes almost flawlessly on that ambition, avoiding major issues or shortcomings. The result is an incredibly polished and fun FPS experience that leaves a lasting impression and shaped the genre.

I have tons of fond memories from my time with MW2, like pulling off crazy cross-map throwing knife kills and sneaking around with silenced ACRs. It came at the perfect time when online multiplayer really hit its stride, and will remain the benchmark that future CoD games strive for.

## The Verdict: MW2 Surpasses MW1 to Become a FPS Masterpiece

In the end, while both are excellent games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 edges out the original to stand on its own as the pinnacle of the franchise.

MW2 built upon and expanded the already strong foundation of CoD4 with an engaging campaign, best-in-class multiplayer, and major graphical leaps to create the definitive first-person shooter experience of its generation.

From critics to fans, MW2 received almost universal acclaim and praise as a massive improvement, showing Infinity Ward‘s ambition and execution were on point. It still stands tall as one of the most impactful and successful launches in gaming history for good reason.

So while you can‘t go wrong with either title, if I had to choose just one to recommend it would be Modern Warfare 2, the apex of Call of Duty and one of the finest multiplayer FPS games ever made.

---

Source: [Modern Warfare 2 Edges Out MW1 as the Superior Call of Duty Game](https://33rdsquare.com/modern-warfare-2-edges-out-mw1-as-the-superior-call-of-duty-game/)