Modern Warfare 2 has such a realistic version of Amsterdam I can taste the stroopwafels

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A Modern Warfare 2 campaign mission takes place in an astonishingly beautiful Amsterdam

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) screenshot
(Image credit: Activision)

Modern Warfare 2 has an incredibly realistic version of Dutch city Amsterdam, so much so that I can almost smell the stroopwafels and weed.

While you'd expect Modern Warfare 2 to have incredible graphics and intense combat, I certainly didn't have "wildly realistic Amsterdam" on my Call of Duty bingo card. It's clear that Infinity Ward is making the most of current-gen graphics, so PS5 and Xbox Series X/S owners should really enjoy these visuals. Check out a snippet of the surprisingly serene Call of Duty scene below, and read on for more. 

The lighting, the leaves in varying fall colors on the trees, the slightly slick surface of the bricks, the wake on that boat going through the canal - all of it is so visually impressive that it's almost unbelievable. Add in the gentle sounds of rushing water, tourist chatter, and flapping birds, and it's like I'm back on the holiday I took midway through my Masters program.

Funnily enough, one Dutch citizen is (jokingly) outraged over the lack of "cultural sensitivity" in Infinity Ward's take on Amsterdam. They point out several issues in a semi-spoilery Twitter thread, including the fact that none of the cars have license plates, the public urination fine is incorrect, and an NPC is illegally feeding ducks in the canal. You can't please everyone.

This breathtaking look at a campaign mission is thanks to Modern Warfare 2's campaign releasing on October 20 for those who have pre-ordered the game. If you haven't taken advantage of the Modern Warfare 2 pre-order bonus, you can experience virtual Amsterdam in all its glory when it launches on October 28th. 

If you're looking for more of the best FPS games out there, we got you covered.

Alyssa Mercante
Alyssa Mercante
Former Features Writer

Alyssa Mercante used to be a features writer at GamesRadar+ and is now a freelance writer and editor. Prior to entering the industry, she got her Masters's degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University with a dissertation focusing on contemporary indie games. She spends most of her time playing competitive shooters and in-depth RPGs and was recently on a PAX Panel about the best bars in video games. In her spare time Alyssa rescues cats, practices her Italian, and plays soccer.