The gaming world was completely taken by storm with a game which altered the landscape of first-person shooters forever — CODMW2 (Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2). While the game is remarkably tight, intense and absolutely enthralling, there’s one small detail which truly takes the realism to a whole new level — the use of cats and bubblegum pink. It’s not so much the fact they’re used, but how they’re used, that creates a unparalleled level of realism.
From the very beginning, it’s the cats that take center stage when it comes to immersion. Many of the maps are part of urban landscapes; and there’s nothing that can draw you into a scene like cats roaming around. Not only do they mimic the actual behavior of cats in such settings, but also provide a more intimate feel to the playing ground. It’s the way that they meow when you leave them alone too long or rub against your leg as you make your way through the mission that brings the game to life and makes it an experience like no other.
It’s the bubblegum pink, however, that truly makes CODMW2 stand out from the rest. In urban scenes and combat maps, this hue can be seen in various signs and posters — from a baby stroller to a boutique. These kind of details make the game feel more like a trip to the city rather than a walk through a desolate battlefield. The bubblegum pink also adds a child-like innocence to the game, which helps further the idea that danger and death really are around every corner.
To create a peak level of realism, a game needs to be more than just guns and grenade launchers. This is how CODMW2 stands out amongst the competition; they use cats and bubblegum pink to make the player feel as if they’re in an actual city — just like in real life. By blending these two elements together, CODMW2 truly captures the essence of a modern urban battlefield.
