In "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," Infinity Ward's answer to all the demands for co-op play was Spec Ops mode. The mode basically featured a variety of encounters set across sections of the single player game which you could play with another person, with varied objectives like "Get to Point A without being spotted" or "Defend this point using airstrikes for 5 minutes." It was actually one hell of a fun mode, and it's returning in "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" in the form of Spec Ops Mission. But there's a new kind of Spec Ops mode in the new game: Survival.
Spec Ops Survival is all about, well, survival. You and a buddy can play split screen or online, taking on wave after wave of invading soldiers across every multiplayer map in the game. It's like Horde mode in "Gears of War 2," but with one major twist: money. Killing enemies will earn you money which you can spend at computers scattered across the map. These computers let you buy guns and ammo, and you can upgrade the guns you already have, but there's more than just weaponry.
You can also purchase equipment and support. Equipment includes stuff like the Last Stand perk, which lets you revive yourself from being downed if you get a kill with your pistol. Other perks include more armor or placable auto turrets.
There's also air support to purchase. Guided missiles and air strikes are predictable additions, but you can also purchase a Delta Squad, a group of AI-controlled soldiers that fast-ropes down from a Blackhawk chopper to help out in the battle. Many of these upgrades require a certain Spec Ops level, separate from your multiplayer level, which goes up the more you play the mode.
Meanwhile your enemies are getting harder and harder after each wave. Pretty soon you're facing attack dogs with explosives strapped to them and juggernauts with riot shields. It gets pretty hairy pretty fast, but it's the kind of mode that has the potential to never get old, as you're constantly trying to beat your best wave. It's also considerably more friendly to newbies, at least compared to the often harsh Zombies mode of "Black Ops."
Spec Ops Survival is another indication that "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" won't be pulling any punches in this installment. Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer are still keeping true multiplayer close to the vest, but expect more info on that front to be released in the coming months.