I know this is going to sound like a pretty hot take, but after spending some time playing the Modern Warfare 2 beta over the weekend, it turns out the best way to play this Infinity Ward shooter sequel is in the third person is perspective. Regardless of whether you use Modern Warfare 2’s best beta weapons or not, it’s clear that the developers’ improvements to the game’s physics engine and tactical pace of gunplay are much better matched to the available third-person game modes fit – and here’s why.
The first and most important reason Modern Warfare 2 is better in the third-person perspective is the fact that that perspective suits the gunplay on offer, which is just so much slower than other Call of Duty games – not that it a bad thing would be of course. I was fairly unimpressed with Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2019 gameplay, and not surprised to learn that the sequel to it offered more of the same – as much as I had hoped it would improve, having thought Treyarch’s Black Ops Cold Die was strong Vanguard by War and Sledgehammer Games.
So playing the Modern Warfare 2 beta left me with the belief that there was something special missing from Modern Warfare 2’s gunplay, just like the gameplay offered since its 2019 release. Well, that was until I jumped into the available third-person mosh pit playlist.
The third-person perspective allows you to better position yourself in your surroundings – which is even more important when mobility is restricted. When the days of slide-nulling on the map are over, this matters even more.
If you’re worried about missing the accuracy of a first-person perspective, don’t worry. Not only is it easier to adjust your aim for hipfire kills while playing in third-person, Infinity Ward decided to make sure you get the most out of your optics when using ADS as well. It’s a bit unnerving at first to zoom from an over-the-shoulder viewpoint to a red dot sight in a split second, but once you get used to it, you really do get the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re into running and shooting or pinpoint accuracy, the third-person moshpit playlist is by far the best experience the Modern Warfare 2 beta currently offers.
In addition, gameplay from the third-person perspective is also the best way to appreciate Modern Warfare 2’s stunning graphics and new player physics coming to the shooter.
From the way your Operator leans while shooting around a corner to the dramatic change in tempo as he slides into cover under enemy fire, it’s a lot easier to appreciate the improvements Infinity Ward has on the call of Duty gaming experience if you can see it in full for yourself from a third-person perspective. Looking at launch and beyond, once you get your hands on a new operator skin, I can only imagine that this will be a better way to play. Of course, you won’t see that many unique weapon blueprints and designs, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.
