How exactly does one improve on a game that has received universal acclaim, hundreds of awards and is played online by thousands of people everyday?

If you try and change the game, the loyalists will hate you; and if you decide to give it more of the same, the hardcore gamers will spit this fact in your face.

Infinity Ward's latest title has a lot to live up to and one of the main measuring sticks will always be the visuals - and fortunately the game does not disappoint at all. Sharp character models, with detailed textures, and meticulous facial animations are the first thing you'll notice.

The levels themselves are large, with so much going on - all without any framerate hitches. Infinity Ward managed to squeeze so much more out of the engine than anyone thought possible. From oilrigs and blizzards to sandstorms and Washington DC, every environment is truly an immersive one.

One particular level, set in the rain-soaked American capital at night, stood out. While clearing out building after building and trying to regroup with your squad, your group decides to venture outside into the pouring rain at night... The level of detail is astounding, with the rain creating some of the most awe-inspiring reflections and water seen in gaming yet. This is only helped by the lightning, with every crackle resulting in a symphony of shadows and light.

While the game looks and runs beautifully, there are some weird visual glitches to be had though. One particularly glaring one had me clearing out a passage in a double- storey house. A bad guy some 15 metres ahead suddenly teleported upwards, thinking that this was Call of Duty: Futuristic Warfare (or Modern Warfare 12).

Another glitch, on the same level, had me running down a street, clearing houses one by one. All of a sudden, an enemy 'jumped' over a tall white picket fence, with half of his body clipping through it. And he remained crouched and clipped, firing at my troops until I decided to take him out.

Thankfully, these incidents happen rarely but when they do happen, they are definitely glaring.

Of course, gameplay is where it's at and 'Modern Warfare 2' has it in dump trucks. The story sees you take on the roles of many people at various points, with the narrative putting you in the shoes of SAS troops, Army Rangers and Marines as it twists along. And, boy, does the story move...

There is nary a quiet moment to be had in 'Modern Warfare 2', with adrenaline-fuelled firefights at every corner. Every level has a sense of tension to it, and this goes for the new ones too, some of which see you escape bases using a snowmobile or using Predator drones to fire on enemy troops.

The gameplay itself is merely an evolution of what was seen in the first game, with tight controls and absolutely jaw-dropping set-pieces that will remain etched in my mind as some of the greatest moments to be had in gaming.

There were only two gripes I had with the gameplay. One being that I often found myself being stabbed in the back by enemies that I had missed (though playing online often results in the same thing happening... Shut up! I'm not good, okay!) and the other that the game is just too freaking short!

Seriously? Are you only going to give us six hours Infinity Ward? And that includes dying countless times. I know that creating games costs an obscene amount of money but... oh hello there Spec Ops mode, what a nice addition you are.

Yes, the challenge-based spec-ops mode allows you to take on a variety of levels to earn gold stars, with harder difficulties netting you more stars. These levels, all based on missions found in single-player, allow you to team up with a partner for split- screen or online co-op, dramatically increasing the value of the title. With levels ranging from fending off waves of enemies to controlling an AC-130 Hercules gunship to cover your buddy; there are plenty of heart-pounding moments to be had here as well.

Of course, as with almost any game in the series, online is an integral part. 'Modern Warfare 2' builds on the standard set by the first title, with more guns, perks, new stages and a deathstreak perk that you can use when you've died thrice in a row.

While online runs smooth almost all the time, there were times when the game would lag heavily and go haywire, even going so far as to lock up once while playing. Other than that, the online gameplay still remains as engrossing and as competitive experience as one can get. Awards are also doled out at the end of each round for everything for most kills of a higher rank and most SMG kills to most headshots and use of perks.

'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's' greatest strength lies in how well everything meshes together. A non-stop, heart-pounding story mode, a fun and addictive spec- ops mode and the brilliant online options melt together to create one of the most amazing games of the year.

9.5/10

Want a second opinion? GameState has its say: