Well, at least it’s out there now. It’s not often you get a single add-on pack that generates about as much hype and expectation as a full blown Christmas release, but Infinity Ward and Activision have managed to create a points sapping epidemic by making the first map pack for Modern Warfare 2. This isn’t without a slight degree of controversy, as many people question the value placed upon this expansion due to the higher than expected price tag, bearing in mind that maps have already been played countless time on the previous Modern Warfare. Crash and Overgrown aside though, can this really stand up to a 1200 point purchase?
I could go into detail about every map; and for those who are unfamiliar with the previous encounters I will, but to be honest that will be about three people in a remote country in the middle of nowhere who have never seen a battery, let alone broadband equipment and an Xbox 360. For those well versed in the ways of the CoD however would be best to skip a few paragraphs until you hear mention of the three new arenas of death and destruction (Bailout, Storm and Salvage).
Best thing to do is to get the older maps out of the way then; and we’ll start with Crash. The gist of the level is more “Black Hawk Down” than anything, as there is a Sea Knight helicopter in bits across a small town square, with a mixture of structures surrounding it. This allows for short, fast paced team games, such as standard deathmatch and Headquarters, but it also works very well with Seek and Destroy. Newcomers will find the tall building just behind the fallen copter as one of the main focal points, especially as it has an open roof which allows wannabe snipers to scope out the place. Only trouble is the experienced players already know this and it’s normally the first place they’ll look, but the map as a whole is a good all-rounder.
Overgrown is a much more open plain affair, with the majority of it on one level, with only select structures giving people the chance to elevate themselves from ground level, in particular the upstairs section of a small farmhouse, the barn close by and two blocks of flats across the bridges which separate the land mass. There are plenty of hiding places here, varying from the abandoned petrol station to the large grass area near the barn (hence how this map got it’s name). It’s a great map for large numbered team events, as well as the more fast paced settings, like HQ and Sabotage.
Okay veterans, time to come back now. The first of the new maps we’ll take a look at is Salvage. What immediately strikes you as you look out onto the frosty, snow-ridden junkyard is that there aren’t really any major points for sniping. The upper floors only allow so much visibility, as the view from them is very limited, allowing for quick pick offs or some fast action grenades to be tossed through the window. The size of it is very decent, with every small section of it playing out like it’s an arena all by itself. Salvage is a mix of small, narrow corridors and some enclosed outdoor sections. Domination and some crazy Shipment style Team Deathmatches will work very well here, not to mention Search and Destroy, as the layout allows for some clever hiding spots.
Storm is like a mixed bag of other maps from the series. The size and shape has a Downpour feel about it, with the buildings hinting at a mix between Vacant and Quarry. This is more like a .50 cal paradise, as there are so many spots to choose from in terms of camping and sitting tight, waiting for the enemy to come to you. There are plenty of warehouses and office areas for you to move around though, not to mention multiple floors, so when there is a great deal of carnage going on you can be sure of a hectic battle. I would say it’s the weakest of the three maps, but that is not to say it’s bad, far from it. Big squad battles, as well as some stealthy Search and Destroy could prevail here. Another case of a multitasking option, as it seems capable of taking on all game modes rather easily.
The final choice is Bailout, which seems to be a much more interesting choice (it also has a tank in an Infinity Ward CoD for the first time in their multiplayer history, but don’t worry…. it doesn’t work). This is the equivalent of a best of compilation of the rest of the pack. The sheer variety allowed on Bailout is very impressive. Based in an abandoned resort destination, this map allows for a great mix of open air combat, as well as giving the campers their little elevated positions within buildings to pick people off at will. Small corridors within the complex itself add some quick witted survival action to the mix, culminating in a very finely balanced, well made area, which could house any of the options MW2 has with consummate ease. If I had to isolate a set playing option to this map then I reckon this would be a great map for Sabotage and Headquarters.
The new additions to Modern Warfare 2 are some well balanced and thought out affairs, allowing for some really interesting and varied matches. Is 1200 points a price worth paying though? If the Crash and Overgrown maps had been 2 brand new ones, or even re-vamped versions of their namesakes with extra bits then I’d have said yes. On principal though (not to mention staring through the looking glass from the eyes of a paying gamer, rather than a reviewer) I’m at a feeling that 1000 would have been a fairer cost to the consumer, as once you start to head over that unofficial milestone in DLC cost, you start to make people wince a little. The maps are good and I feel that any fan of the series will be pleased with them, but the price could turn out to be a slight deterrent to some.
Overall, if you don’t have CoD 4 then this is a great little package to sample some of what’s come before, as well as getting stuck into fresh content. Those that have earned their stars can be pleased with the new kids on the block, which truly do breathe some life into MW2. Either way, the Stimulus Package represents a good selection of maps, both old and new, for everyone to get their Pave Lows into. Just remember that the first hit won’t be on the battlefield; it will be on your wallet.
VideogameUK verdict: 7.5/10 (Add a point if you don’t have Call of Duty 4.)
