What We Are Playing: “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2”

WHAT WE ARE ...

Playing

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2”

What is it?

“Modern Warfare 2” is the latest entry in the popular Call of Duty video game franchise, perhaps still best known for its earlier World War II-based releases. The game is a first-person shooter, in which the player's view of the game's world — usually the gun(s) they're holding and the surrounding environment — is through the character's eyes. This newest tome is, as its title implies, based on modern or even futuristic combat. Drone planes, snowmobiles and advanced weaponry update the basic grenades and pistols found in earlier Call of Duty volumes.

Who's playing it?

Half a billion dollars worth of people. That number, $550 million in sales in the first five days it was available (starting Nov. 10), is being called a record for the entertainment industry — including movies, CDs and video games. For perspective, this summer's box office behemoth, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” made a little more than $200 million over its opening weekend.

Why is it hot?

First, because the Call of Duty series is highly regarded. Second, as reviewer Adam Biessener of Game Informer, a major video game magazine, put it: “Modern Warfare 2 is a masterpiece of careful iteration, with an unmatched presentation and a well of content that will take months to run dry.”

The game's advanced graphics and online multiplayer modes are receiving high praise, along with an action movie-like plot (the U.S. accidentally provokes the Russians) that's just reckless and silly enough to be great. It scored a 94, or “Universal Acclaim,” on Metacritic.com, a game review aggregator.

How much is it?

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” is available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC for $59.99.

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