Sharpen your senses, warriors – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is near.
Let’s dive into more detail on a special new Operator while we wait for the October 28 launch (Early access to Campaign MWII* is also available starting October 20 for those digital pre-orderers).
Announced at last month’s Call of Duty: Next launch event, PlayStation players who pre-order any digital version of the game at the PlayStation store will receive an Oni Operator Pack ** at the launch of Modern. Warfare II, featuring operator Hiro “Oni” Watanabe as well as premium weapon blueprints playable in Multiplayer, Special Ops, as well as the upcoming Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.
It’s not just creativity that has led to the development of this particular operator, it’s the wonderful partnership between Infinity Ward and PlayStation to develop an operator that PlayStation players will want to be their main in. the first day. Here are some details about the birth of the Oni.
Hiro “Oni” Watanabe
One idea that stood out early on was the idea of creating a samurai-inspired operator. One name that emerged at the top of the Infinity Ward team was “Oni,” which means “Evil,” and that helped start a unique story around the moderator.
When developing the narrative background for Oni, it was important for the narrative team at Infinity Ward to develop a unique character story that they could continue in the future.
Oni comes from an ancient samurai clan, a clan that is respected and lives by the code of honor. Decades passed and the samurai disbanded, the Oni family fell on hard times. These difficulties ultimately force them to live by means less than honor. By the time Oni was born, his father was already well known in the criminal underworld.
However, Oni’s grandfather tried to remind him that his family wasn’t always interested in this criminal enterprise. Oni learned that his family used to have a very high position in the community and had a noble title.
To get out of his father’s path, Oni leaves home and joins the army. He is very adept, quickly rising through the ranks and even earning a place in an elite multinational special forces unit with missions around the globe. He learned how to protect himself and how to use weapons effectively.
In time, he returned home, eager to return to Japan and do what his ancestors had done all these years ago – – defend and fend off threats on the home front – – while trying to trying to re-establish his family’s reputation.
At this point, Oni’s father had become a respected fixture in the criminal underworld. He exploits his corrupt influence to force Oni to demobilize.
Now, Oni operates as a gunsmith for hire, vowing to continue the fight against his father and anyone who must break the samurai precepts.
Behind the mask
With a solid narrative foundation, the Oni design work begins. When designing the Oni, the teams at Infinity Ward worked towards a streamlined aesthetic that feels contemporary but with the air of a majestic warrior tied to tradition.
To make the Oni feel right to form, the team researches the meaning of the Oni name, etymology, culture, mythology, and whatever else they can find. The aim is to make Oni stand out from other operators in Modern Warfare II.
Oni’s armor was a key design element to get it right, so Infinity Ward started there. The operator wears reflective, polished armor that’s almost iridescent in areas, but with the noticeable wear and tear you’d expect from a gun-wielding warrior.
The Operator’s helmet and ballistic mask were also carefully considered, modified to resemble the look of a samurai helmet. Oni’s headgear is inspired by feudal warriors who would wear similar-looking traditional armor. That said, the night vision goggles on his helmet clearly show Oni as a modern fighter despite his traditional attributes.
The Oni’s unique mask features a striking demonic design associated with the cultural lineage of the “Oni” name. It also frightens his enemies visually and instantly.
Finally, the blades are tied to the Oni’s back, reminiscent of the daisho blades of the ancient Samurai warriors. Operators wield these swords with great force in an ending move that PlayStation players should expect to see at launch.
The Future of Oni
Part of the excitement surrounding an operator like this is the opportunity to take advantage of strong plot and design elements to further research on him. This launch version of Oni is available to PlayStation digital pre-order players, but players will see various iterations of Oni in the Call of Duty Warzone 2.0 Battle Pack available for free to members PlayStation Plus starts with Season 01 of Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0.
Preparing to debut
There’s other exciting news beyond the Oni’s launch. The new era for Call of Duty begins October 20, with PlayStation players who digitally ordered Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II getting early access to the game’s Campaign mode ahead of launch Officially on October 28.
Spend the entire Early Access phase of the Campaign learning about Task Force 141, its relationship to Mexican Task Force, and the overall background story for the next chapter of the War story. Modern painting.
Get a quick start at launch with the newly unlocked Campaign Completion feature. Finish the Campaign to earn Weapon Blueprints, four Base Operators, and cosmetic items for Multiplayer and Special Operations.
Modern Warfare II Multiplayer defines outstanding gameplay with a focus on variety. On day one, there will be 12 unique Multiplayer modes: 10 traditional modes on Core Maps and two Ground War modes on Battle Maps. Multiplayer will also come with new features like new gunsmith, new shooting range, plus new maps and modes ready to welcome newcomers as well as fierce competitors. Along with signature multiplayer combat, Modern Warfare II will feature an evolution of the Special Ops mode from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019).
For additional benefits, download the Vault Edition to receive the Red Team 141 Operations Pack, the FJX Cinder Armory *** and a season of Battle Pass and 55 tier skips. ****
See you on October 28th.
* One week based on estimated access; Actual playtime may be subject to issue and time zone difference applies.
** PS players receive select bonus content not available on other platforms until OCT. 27, 2023. PS Plus required for online multiplayer. Content is also only available through retail pre-order in Japan.
*** FJX Cinder Weapon Vault and Red Team 141 Operator Pack content requires purchase of Modern Warfare II Vault Edition.
**** Battle Pass and Tier skip, or equivalent versions, will be accessible in Modern Warfare II after the Battle Pass season 1, or equivalent system, is made available in the game. The Battle Pass redemption is only applicable to part of the Modern Warfare II Battle Pass or equivalent system. For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com.
