Great game, but doesn't live up to hype or predecessors
The single-player:
As usual, the single player experience is fast-paced, action-packed and far too short. The story is very weak and poorly constructed. Unlike in the other COD games I have player, however, this game is very easy, playing on veteran I felt like it was regular and I was still able to beat the game quickly without any major challenges or difficulties. Yes, the single player is fun for a few hours, but it really isn't anything special.
Special Operations:
The Cooperative Spec-Ops mode (no doubt inspired by WaWs Nazi Zombies) is a very welcome addition. Co-op was one of the few thing the Call of Duty 4 was missing and this mode does it very well. Although all the missions are remakes of COD4 and MW2 single player missions, they are fun and challenging, especially with a friend. The actual difficulty with the missions is not from the mission itself however. Most of the ops are not timed and you can take them as slowly as you want. The ability to revive your partner also reduces the challenge. What really makes this mode difficult is the fact that there are no check points. You screw up once, you gotta do the whole thing all over again. Playing with a partner really makes this made fun though, and it will probably take longer and be more enjoyable game play wise than the single player campaign.
Multiplayer:
This is why most (if not all) people buy the game, and it is the main focus of the game. It is also where Infinity Ward seems to have dropped the ball. With all the new killstreak rewards, I would expect for this to be a crazy, fast-paced game. Unfortunately, it goes very slowly with most people sitting and waiting. Now, a little camping is not a bad thing, but when almost everyone does it, it makes for slow, boring games. I have never been fond of IW's map design, but these are just atrocious. The maps are generally catered for slow, camping games, getting up close is difficult to do as there are few routes not exposed to all the people waiting to pick you off in the open areas connecting the camping spots.
In addition to map design, balance is way off, assault rifles are powered way up from the original and most other weapons have about the same effectiveness. Using a sub-machine gun is obsolete as the ranges at which they are more effective than assault rifles are almost unheard of. In addition, the machine pistols as a secondary are just as strong if not stronger than SMGs.
With ARs being good in all situations and killing ridiculously fast, the killstreak rewards so easy to obtain (4kill could get you an AC-130) and powerful. This game is much easier than the older ones and good players looking for a challenge have come to the wrong place. MW2 is catered for new players to make it accessible for everyone, the downside is that it is not as fun/challenging for experienced players.
LAG, much worse than before, the lag is so bad now that it can give you a huge advantage in combat.
If you are new to Call of Duty, I defiantly recommend this game. If you are a veteran of the series making a decision whether or not just to stick which their current COD of choice, I recommend this with hesitation, if you are happily playing, just stick with your game and if you ore getting bored with the game you are currently player, you may get a few extra months out of this, but remember, it is not some super awesome game, just another shooter, what you are currently playing is probably more enjoyable for you. I just don't see MW2 having the staying power for me like the pervious COD games.