Modern Warfare 2 players claim new map is “most creative” ever
Modern Warfare 2’s new maps have been divisive since the game launched on October 28, but one map, in particular, has been praised for its unique layout and mechanics.
Maps can make or break any Call of Duty game, as dedicated players will be spending dozens of hours on them throughout its lifecycle. The series has delivered some iconic locations over the years, so the pressure was on Modern Warfare 2 to follow suit.
MW2 launched with 10 core maps and five larger Battle maps, and the response has been mixed to say the least, with certain maps like Santa Sena Border Crossing coming under fire for their design.
Despite the divided response, there is one map that is being hailed as one of the most unique maps in the series to date.
Reddit user Visible_name6125 heaped praise on Zarqwa Hydroelectric, one of Modern Warfare 2’s 6v6 maps, posting: “This is one of the most creative maps IW ever made.”
Zarqwa Hydroelectric may not look too groundbreaking on the face of it, but it is fairly varied for a relatively small map with a classic three-lane layout. One side is dominated by buildings to look out of, while other sections are mostly broken ruins that make cover hard to come by.
The real selling point, however, is the large stretches of water on either side, which offer huge tactical advantages thanks to Modern Warfare 2’s swimming and water mechanics. Players can move quickly and silently from one end of the map to the other, adding an extra dimension to every match.
“Seriously, once you learn to utilize water the whole map shifts on its head. Going from basic three-lane to allowing for 20,0000 IQ plays,” said the OP. “This has to be one of the most creative maps IW has recently made. I didn’t like it at first, but after I learned all the water tunnels and outside flanking routes it became one of my favorites.”
Other players seemed to agree and called for water to play a bigger role on the maps released in Modern Warfare 2 Season 1 and beyond.
“Wish they used the swimming mechanic in more maps, they put a lot of details and effort into the water physics just to barely use it,” replied Dependent-Double2177. “The water adds verticality in a way I didn’t know I needed in CoD,” agreed ZazaBOO.
Infinity Ward are set to release even more maps in the coming months, so players will be hoping they use the positive feedback surrounding Zarqwa Hydroelectric and double down on the swimming mechanics going forward.
For more on Modern Warfare 2, be sure to check out the best Sniper Rifles in the game, as well as the major UI overhaul that could be on the way.
Image credits: Activision