The Call of Duty franchise has been a staple of the first-person shooter genre for over two decades, with each new installment delivering its own unique brand of fast-paced action and explosive gameplay. While the series is perhaps best known for its competitive multiplayer modes, the campaign has always been an integral part of the COD experience. With so many iconic games to choose from, the question remains: which COD game has the best campaign?
The Early Years: A Focus on World War II
The original Call of Duty, released in 2003, set the tone for the franchise with its World War II setting and focus on historical accuracy. The game’s campaign, while short by modern standards, introduced players to the chaos of war and established the series’ commitment to delivering an immersive single-player experience.
As the series evolved, the campaigns of subsequent games continued to focus on World War II, with games like Call of Duty 2 and Call of Duty: World at War refining the formula and introducing new gameplay mechanics. However, it wasn’t until the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in 2007 that the franchise truly began to push the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay.
The Modern Era: A Shift to Modern Warfare
Modern Warfare’s campaign was a game-changer, literally and figuratively. The game’s focus on modern warfare, as opposed to World War II, allowed for a more contemporary and relatable narrative. The introduction of Captain John Price and Soap MacTavish, two of the series’ most iconic characters, added a level of depth and complexity to the story.
The campaign’s set pieces, including the infamous “All Ghillied Up” mission, raised the bar for first-person shooter storytelling and showcased the series’ ability to balance action and emotion. The game’s success can be attributed, in part, to its well-crafted narrative, which explored themes of loyalty, duty, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
The Rise of the Modern Subfranchise
The success of Modern Warfare spawned a new subfranchise, with subsequent games like Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 continuing the story of Task Force 141 and their fight against global terrorism. While these games built upon the foundations laid by the original, they also introduced new gameplay mechanics and multiplayer modes that further solidified the series’ popularity.
However, as the Modern Warfare subfranchise continued to evolve, the campaigns began to feel more formulaic, relying on set pieces and explosive action rather than storytelling and character development. The series’ shift towards a more cinematic experience, while visually stunning, came at the cost of narrative depth and emotional resonance.
The Black Ops Era: A Return to Form?
The Black Ops subfranchise, which debuted in 2010, marked a return to the series’ World War II roots, while also exploring the Cold War and its implications on global politics. The campaigns of Black Ops and Black Ops II were notable for their focus on storytelling and character development, with the latter’s “Time and Fate” mission being a particular standout.
The Black Ops series also introduced a new level of player choice and agency, with the “Strike Force” missions of Black Ops II allowing players to command troops and make critical decisions that impacted the story. This added a layer of replayability to the campaign, as players could experiment with different strategies and approaches.
The Ghosts and Advanced Warfare Era: A Misstep?
The campaigns of Call of Duty: Ghosts and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, released in 2013 and 2014, respectively, are often cited as the weakest links in the series. Ghosts’ campaign was criticized for its lack of coherence and poor writing, while Advanced Warfare’s narrative was marred by a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters.
Both games’ reliance on set pieces and explosive action detracted from the storytelling, and the introduction of advanced technologies like exosuits and drones, while visually impressive, felt like a gimmick rather than a meaningful gameplay mechanic.
The Modern Reboot: A New Era for COD?
The release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in 2019 marked a soft reboot for the franchise, with the game’s campaign returning to the series’ roots and focusing on realistic, grounded storytelling. The game’s narrative, which deals with the consequences of war and the blurred lines between good and evil, is a deliberate commentary on the series’ own history and the impact of its games on players.
The campaign’s focus on character development, particularly with regards to Captain John Price, adds a level of emotional depth to the story, and the game’s multiplayer modes, which eliminate the series’ traditional season pass model, have been praised for their innovation and accessibility.
So, Which COD Game Has the Best Campaign?
Ultimately, the answer to this question is subjective, as opinions on the best COD campaign will vary depending on personal preferences and playstyle. However, if we’re looking at the campaigns that have had the most significant impact on the series and the gaming industry as a whole, it’s difficult to argue against the original Modern Warfare.
The game’s influence can be seen in countless other first-person shooters, and its narrative continues to be referenced and homaged in popular culture. The campaign’s emotional resonance, coupled with its well-crafted gameplay mechanics and memorable set pieces, make it a standout in the series.
| Game | Campaign Length | Notable Missions | Impact on the Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 6-8 hours | All Ghillied Up, Crew Expendable | Revolutionized the FPS genre, introduced Captain Price and Soap MacTavish |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops | 7-9 hours | Vietnam, Payback | Restarted the Black Ops subfranchise, introduced the ” números” storyline |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) | 6-8 hours | alex, The Wolf’s Den | Rebooted the Modern Warfare subfranchise, eliminated the season pass model |
In conclusion, the Call of Duty franchise has a rich history of delivering engaging, thought-provoking campaigns that have redefined the first-person shooter genre. While opinions may vary on the best COD game, the original Modern Warfare’s influence and impact on the series cannot be overstated. As we look to the future of the franchise, it’s clear that the campaign will continue to be an integral part of the COD experience, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay innovation.
What makes a Call of Duty campaign great?
A great Call of Duty campaign is one that balances action, storytelling, and player engagement. It should have a compelling narrative with well-developed characters, immersive gameplay, and a sense of progression. A good campaign should also offer a variety of missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. Furthermore, the game’s graphics, sound design, and overall presentation should be top-notch to create a memorable experience.
Ultimately, the best campaign is a matter of personal preference. Some players might enjoy a more fast-paced, action-oriented experience, while others might prefer a more strategic, stealth-based approach. Whatever the playstyle, a great Call of Duty campaign should leave players feeling satisfied and eager to play more.
Which Call of Duty game has the best multiplayer mode?
While the focus of this article is on the single-player campaign, it’s worth noting that Call of Duty games are also known for their excellent multiplayer modes. In fact, many players consider the multiplayer component to be the main attraction of the series. That being said, the best multiplayer mode is a matter of personal preference, and different games excel in different areas. For example, some players might enjoy the large-scale battles of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, while others might prefer the more tactical, competitive gameplay of Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Ultimately, the best multiplayer mode is one that offers a good balance of gameplay modes, map variety, and customization options. It should also have a strong online community and regular updates with new content. While opinions may vary, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s multiplayer mode is generally considered one of the best in the series, thanks to its well-designed maps, engaging gameplay modes, and robust customization options.
Can I play Call of Duty games in any order?
Yes, you can play Call of Duty games in any order, as each game has its own unique storyline and characters. While some games may share a common universe or characters, they are designed to be standalone experiences. This means you can jump into any Call of Duty game without worrying about missing out on previous storylines or characters.
That being said, playing the games in release order can help you appreciate the series’ progression and evolution over time. You’ll get to see how the gameplay mechanics, graphics, and storytelling have improved with each new installment. Additionally, playing the games in order can help you understand the series’ lore and characters better, which can enhance your overall experience.
Are Call of Duty games suitable for all ages?
Call of Duty games are generally rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means they are intended for players aged 17 and older. This is due to the games’ depiction of violence, strong language, and mature themes. While some younger players may be able to handle the content, it’s essential for parents or guardians to review the game’s rating and content to ensure it’s suitable for their child.
Ultimately, the decision to play a Call of Duty game depends on individual maturity levels and personal preferences. If you’re unsure about a particular game’s content, you can always check out gameplay videos, reviews, or demos to get a better sense of what to expect.
Can I play Call of Duty games on PC?
Yes, many Call of Duty games are available on PC, and they can be played using a variety of control methods, including keyboard and mouse, gamepad, or even a gaming console controller. In fact, the PC version of Call of Duty games often offers more customization options, better graphics, and a larger online community compared to console versions.
However, it’s essential to ensure your PC meets the game’s system requirements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. You should check the game’s minimum and recommended specs to ensure your PC can handle the game’s graphics, sound, and performance demands.
How long do Call of Duty campaigns typically last?
The length of a Call of Duty campaign can vary significantly, depending on the game and the player’s skill level. On average, a Call of Duty campaign can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, with some games offering longer or shorter experiences. For example, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s campaign is relatively short, lasting around 6 hours, while Call of Duty: Black Ops III’s campaign can take up to 10 hours to complete.
It’s worth noting that the campaign length is not always an indicator of quality or value. Some shorter campaigns can be just as engaging and memorable as longer ones, and vice versa. Additionally, many Call of Duty games offer additional content, such as cooperative play or bonus missions, which can extend the game’s overall length and replay value.
Will I need to play previous Call of Duty games to understand the story?
No, you don’t need to play previous Call of Duty games to understand the story of a new installment. Each game’s campaign is designed to be a standalone experience, with its own unique narrative and characters. While some games may share a common universe or characters, they are designed to be accessible to new players who haven’t played previous games in the series.
That being said, playing previous games in the series can help you appreciate the story and characters more, especially if you’re interested in the series’ lore and characters. You’ll get to see how the story has evolved over time, and how different characters have contributed to the series’ overall narrative. However, it’s not necessary to play previous games to enjoy the campaign of a new Call of Duty game.