Modern Warfare 2 on Playstation 3 Multiplayer Impressions.

It's the subtle tweaks that make Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer a rip-roaring success. This is not evolution, it's iteration. And it's iteration at its very best. Modern Warfare 2's online competitive multiplayer is a masterclass in taking something good, and making it that bit better. The changes are minimal, but they mean so much. They're enough to bring back an audience of ex-CoD4 avids, or delight a group of newcomers. In fact, the only people that won't be pleased with Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer are those who didn't like CoD4 in the first place. And we're sure those people are few and far between.

We're on a map in Afghan. It's a tight, open map, with a few caves and huts to hide in. A sniper ledge overlooks a crashed plane in the centre of the map. We scout out the area. No signs of movement. We dash past the crashed plane and to the caves on our right. Movement. We slip down our sights, pull the trigger and... +200xp. It's the first noticeable difference between CoD4 and Modern Warfare 2. Infinity Ward want to reward everything you do. Sure, we scored 100xp for making the kill, but we also got 50xp for a headshot and 50xp for a long distance kill. Everything you do online in Modern Warfare 2 rewards you, and it's all accentuated with progress bar at the base of the HUD. Infinity Ward know what you enjoyed about Call Of Duty 4 - tight shooting, great map design and xp. Lots of xp.

It's the craving of those points that open up Modern Warfare 2 so much. There's tons to do. Every weapon in the game once again has its own set of challenges. Everytime you complete them you'll earn, yep you guessed it, xp. XP is used to help you level up, and it's with levelling that you unlock perks. Except again, changes have been made to the perks system too. Not only do the perks now carry their own upgrades and challenges, but you'll also be rewarded for playing badly. In an aim to balance the game, Infinity Ward have developed perks that unlock when you die. These perks allow you to steal the enemy's load-out - thus if they're ranked much higher than you, you can guarantee yourself access to their arsenal. You'll also be able to opt for increased health after a series of deaths. It's not going to help new players take on veteran CoD4 players, but it does help with balance. Sometimes we all need a helping hand.

Killstreaks are the other main improvement in Modern Warfare 2. You're no longer limited to UAV, Airstrike and Helicopter — there's the option to unlock a tactical nuke, sentry gun, or even send in resources. Many of these killstreaks have a risk and reward element. Sure a tactical nuke ends the game, but you need to get 25 kills to access it. Wouldn't you be better opting for more achievable kill streaks that can benefit more often? It's all about choice, and risk and reward benefits. If you send in resources, you risk the possibility of another team stealing them. The game is so well balanced like that.

Modern Warfare 2 also feels a lot more personal than previous games. As you play, you'll unlock emblems and logos to attach to your profile. These show up in killcam, giving your profile much more personality than just your PSN ID. The game is also packed with stats, constantly reminding you of your friend's scores and ranks, and pushing you harder to compete.

It's a rip-roaring multiplayer component that will keep many occupied for years to come. The promise of DLC can only make the component grow, and you have to feel sorry for those other shooters who are yet to be released and will attempt to compete with the MW2 juggernaut.

Special Ops is the final mode in Modern Warfare 2's arsenal that include co-op objectives. These can be played online, locally or alone. They're basically simple timed exercises involving the storming of a base, or the protection of an area. This mode is fun, but given the range of other things on offer in Modern Warfare 2 it's unlikely we'll be spending much time in Special Ops. Those wishing to play local co-operative multiplayer will get a kick out of Special Ops' various challenges however.