PixlBit

When Modern Warfare originally released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, it made quite a splash in the gaming world. With its solid single player mode and new setting, along with the RPG-like multiplayer mode, players turned out in droves to check out Infinity Ward's latest creation. Unfortunately for Wii owners, the game did not release on the popular white box. Given the HD visuals and the specially formulated controls for a standard gamepad, it was obvious Activision didn't feel the game had potential for success on the Wii. However, since then, Activision has seen great success with its follow-up title World at War, and as such to coincide with the release of Modern Warfare 2, Activision has seen fit to port the original title to the Wii.

Wii owners will be immediately happy to learn that the Wii version of the game is not gimped in any significant way. Aside from a lack of local multiplayer and a reduction of online players from 12 to 10, the two games are exactly the same in terms of content. Players will naturally have to grapple with the lower quality visuals, but they will be privy to the pointer controls offered by the Wii Remote.

Anyone familiar with Modern Warfare is likely acquainted with the controls offered in the game. These controls worked well with the standard gamepads available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Though these controls are great and functional, as you might expect the Wii pointer controls are quite a bit more engaging, making the experience feel totally fresh and new, even for veterans of the series.

The only awkward part of the controls is looking down the sights. With the original design, looking down the sights was practically necessary in order to accurately shoot at your enemies. However, in this version aiming with the sights feels largely unnecessary. Shooting from the hip feels natural and accurate thanks to the pointer controls. This does make the gameplay feel slightly different and a bit more arcade-like, but it mostly feels the same.

As mentioned earlier, regardless of the very minor differences it is still the same as its hi-definition bretheren. This of course means that players have access to a truly fantastic experience in both single and multiplayer.

The single player adventure offers a guided experience full of high intensity moments and interesting mission objectives in a modern world. On the other end of the spectrum, the game's multiplayer mode retains everything that made it great in the original.

Players will compete against both friends and strangers for points, which are earned based on different scenarios, and will tally towards leveling up the player's weapons and skills. Wii owners searching for that much needed deep online experience needn't look further than Modern Warfare. Those still playing The Conduit online should undoubtedly make the jump to Modern Warfare. The mode list is robust and the experience is far more fulfilling, especially after some time is invested in the mode.

Those who have yet to experience Modern Warfare and are solely a Wii owner owe it to themselves to grab a copy of call of Duty 4: Modern warfare Reflex Edition. Though some small sacrifices have been made, the essence of the game is maintained and enjoyable pointer controls have been added. Between the solid single player experience and the RPG-like multiplayer mode, players will have plenty to enjoy for quite a while.