The Call of Duty franchise has been experiencing a struggle with identity as of late. Anywhere from their battles in space to the return of boots on the ground with World War 2, the series has strayed from the usual formula that made it an excellent shooter game in recent years. Although most of the titles put out by Activision and Infinity Ward still dominate the market, they wanted to return to the Modern Warfare glory days with a remake of the original Modern Warfare from 2007. The new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has a campaign packed with action and adventure, in addition to hardcore multiplayer options that one would expect from the series. 

Modern Warfare is satisfactory and it delivers an experience that can be tailored to anyone’s taste, whether it be a newcomer or a veteran of the genre. The story mode delves into organizations such as the CIA, British SAS, and the freedom fighters united to fight Russian invaders of the fictitious country of Urzikstan. There are three playable characters throughout the campaign who are known as SAS Sergeant Kyle Garrick, CIA member Alex, and rebel leader Farah Karim. Although they may have the same goal in mind, they all provide their own viewpoint of the war. In doing this, the campaign does not get watered down or repetitive.

The campaign of Modern Warfare is one of the best in franchise history, but the multiplayer’s variety of modes force you to shoot the enemy before they shoot you. The variety in the multiplayer mode keeps you coming back for more. Modes such as Team Deathmatch, Headquarters, Free-for-All, Search and Destroy, and Domination are mostly untouched other than Search and Destroy now being regarded as “Cyber Attack”. If you’re a veteran of these games, these modes will give you a similar thrill as the older and more glorious titles. Modes like Gunfight are a new addition, which pits 2 teams of 2 against each other in 40-second rounds. This mode is more fast-paced. 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a sweet change of pace that the series needed. Infinity Ward was smart to return back to a “boots on the ground” formula. This helps the game to stand out against titles like Fortnite. Although it is quite challenged to overcome its counterpart from 2007’s intriguing campaign and great multiplayer, it is equipped to survive in the new shooter genre. New or old, this game is sure to satisfy any player who decides to jump in and play.