Call Of Duty Modern Warfare, Xbox Elite Controller V2

Well I think I'm going to get back into the swing of things and start pumping out some gaming blogs again.   I've gotten some new toys since I last posted and it's November now so there are a ton of games to talk about.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare (PC)

I remember when Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare first came out in 2007, and how addicted I was to the multiplayer.  I remember gushing about it to my friends, Joe and Rusty, and got them addicted as well, with Rusty so enamored he played just about every night for an entire year.  The leveling up and constant feed of new guns was exciting and addicting.  When you reached the max level it was a tough decision whether to prestige or not and start all over again. Each year when a new version would release I'd spend a couple of months playing with friends and having a blast. Since the release of the Xbox One though I really haven't played the series much at all.  The main reason is I like playing on the PC for the better graphics and loading times, but I also like to play with a controller and using that on PC vs users with a k/b mouse never turned out very well. 

I wasn't planning on buying the new version, but it came with my video card and I must say the game is stirring up those old feelings.  The best part is that the game is now cross platform and it groups users based on input mode so I'm able to play on my PC being match with others using a controller so now it's perfect.  The game went back to its origins and feels like the older games.  In the recent releases the game was about moving around the maps with lightning speed and twitch shooting, this game rewards tactical play which makes it much easier for us "older gamers".   There is so much to unlock, you still unlock a gun at each level, but now each gun its own set of unlocks so you are constantly getting something for every match you play.  There's been so many times I've started to quit the game and saw that I'm 2 kills away from an awesome attachment that I play another round. 

The campaign is great so far with some unbelievable graphics, this is one good looking game and it runs at 4K 60fps with HDR and ray tracing with no issues.  The sound is amazing as well and I've had to turn down the volume as the explosions and gunfire keep rattling my walls that I think I am in a warzone.  All the maps are free as well this year so no more map packs that split the community.  Call of Duty is back!!!!

Xbox Elite Controller V2

I've had the original Elite Controller since it first came out and it's my favorite controller. The main reason is the addition of the 4 paddles on the back which can be mapped however you like.  I hate clicking in the Left stick to run especially in COD where you do that a lot.   I bought a program, REWASD, that allows me to map the paddles to any keyboard or mouse button since the Xbox software only allows remapping to the original buttons.  The only issue I had was that the rubber grips came off and I tried super glue but that only worked for so long until I got some new grips. 

I wasn't sure that I really needed to get the new V2 since it's $179 which is $30 more than the V1 which is already a lot to spend on a controller.  After spending last night using it though for me this is the best controller I've ever used.

Pros

• Buttons have a nice tactile feel when pressed
• Every button, including the paddles, have a nice feeling "click" when you press them which sounds silly but somehow it makes a huge difference
• Paddles are shorter
• I wasn't sure that I'd like the feel of the shorter paddles but with the new "click" they feel awesome and much better than before. 
• With the longer paddles I would sit the controller down and it would trigger the button and this is no longer the case.
• Analog Stick Tension
• You can adjust the tension in the analog sticks and I've used that on the right stick to make aiming in FPS games so that I can up the aiming speed.  
• 3 Internal Profiles
• You can store up to 3 profiles for remapping different games.
• There is a now a light for this switch which I'm not a fan of since I play in a dark room. 

Mixed

• Built in Battery and Charger
• I'm not really a fan of non replaceable batteries
• Comes with a charger that sits in the carrying case so you can charge from there which I really like and it works with the chatpad attached as well. 
• Grips
• They have redesigned the grips, but I'll have to see if it holds up over the long run.

Cons

• The V1 accessories do not work with the V2.
• Not a huge deal but it would have been nice to have more stick choices.