Downloadable content is usually a hit and miss affair. With the exception that is, of multiplayer map packs. The addictiveness of the online FPS has seen games like Halo 3 and the Call of Duty series consistently dispense new maps to keep the players refreshed. At around 800 Microsoft Points per pack, the player could get new content for a good price, whilst the developer made money from the royalties. Not bad eh? But, with the biggest entertainment launch title ever, the once 800MSP pack is now a considerably less impulsive 1200. Brand aside, is the new content worth it?
The Stimulus Package consists of 5 maps, unlike the usual 4 we’ve seen in the previous Call of Duty series DLC; two revamped favourites from CoD4, and 3 all new maps. Bailout, Crash, Overgrown, Salvage and Storm are the new arrivals to Modern Warfare 2, and some, more-so than others are deserving of their increased pricing.
Bailout
Bailout is the standout map, boasting a large urban environment of apartments, gyms and leisure areas to roam around in. You can even take a dip in the pool if you wish! Everything about the map screams balance, with each side featuring sniper vantage points and close quarters choke points. With plenty of cover for those who find it, or open areas for the impatient rusher, the map accommodates everyones playing styles. Like the original Modern Warfare 2 maps, there are multiple entrances to each area, with an added emphasis on multiple staircases, ladders and climbing scenery.
Salvage
Salvage is a hectic snow covered junkyard, pretty much alienating all players who aren’t used to close quarters combat. Amidst the crumpled cars, piping and vehicles, there are a few buildings offering slight vantage points for those snipers who don’t want to get messy in the middle. Compared to Bailout, the map is rather small with a very tightly situated battlezone with many paths leading around this area. Unfortunatly, unlike Bailout and its fresh and outstanding inclusion, Salvage seems less impressive. It’s a map that would most likely get skipped for most gamemodes because of its rather predictable SMG rushing tactics, one of the banes of Modern Warfare 2.
Storm
Storm is the third and final new map in this first piece of downloadable content, and is very reminiscent of ‘Downpour’ from Call of Duty 4. Set in a series of abandoned warehouses, this much darker map is full of little metallic hiding spots as well as a lot of crates akin to those from the CoD4 map ‘Shipment’. Unlike the other two maps, Storm features a ‘spawn snipe’ area much like ‘Highrise’ whereby unless you get moving from spawn (especially in Search and Destroy) you can be eliminated in seconds. And regrettably, I must inform you that, like Salvage, this map seems awfully dull compared to Bailout.
Much of the furore over this map pack has been that, whilst 1200 Microsoft Points for 5 new maps may have been accepted, the fact that 2 of the maps are from a game many players had already bought was a frustrating feeling. However, for any expecting the maps to be changed or different, I’m happy to say they aren’t! You might not like this, but this is certainly for the best.
Crash was undoubtedly one of my favourite maps, if only for the sniping vantage point atop the three story building. And, like Overgrown (the other returning CoD4 map), both have had no changes other than aesthetic. Colours are now much brighter and vibrant than Call of Duty 4, most likely due to the texture streaming offered in MW2. As well, new scenery is present, which whilst not offering much other than something to look out, fleshes out interiors to create a more realistic environment. Gone are empty rooms, plastered with bullet holes, replaced by boxes, barrels and cages. Basically, the maps you know and love have returned unchanged, and whilst prone to abuse by the new marathon and lightweight perk combination, are exceptional additions to the game.
Bailout and the returning CoD4 maps have made the Stimulus Package an exciting purchase, but the largely forgettable Storm and Salvage could easily have been so much better and emphasised the value for money of the DLC. Instead, we’re left with a high price for 3 great maps, and two which probably won’t receive much playtime except for in particular gamemodes. If you play Modern Warfare 2 regularly, you know this will only extend the longevity of an already fleshed out game, but for the casual player, or someone looking for a bargain, I’m afraid this isn’t for you.
