I recently returned from an immersive three-day review event in Los Angeles focused on Modern Warfare 4. With nearly 24 hours dedicated to exploring the campaign, multiplayer, and DMZ modes, I found the experience enlightening, yet I recognize that true judgment will only come after the public release. For now, I would like to share my reflections on the campaign, with further insights into DMZ to follow next week.
As the credits rolled on the campaign, a poignant realization struck me: I have been engaged with Call of Duty for over two decades—two-thirds of my life. While my current focus leans heavily towards multiplayer, it was the campaigns that initially captivated me. Back in 2006, as a timid fourth grader navigating a new school, I forged my first friendship over shared experiences in Call of Duty 3 on the Wii. Our lunchtime conversations were filled with excitement as we recounted our favorite moments from the game. By 2007, when Modern Warfare debuted, our lunch table buzzed with disbelief and thrill during the iconic scene where Captain Price hands over a pistol just before what we believed to be his demise. This moment marked a shift for the franchise, transitioning from relatable characters to larger-than-life operatives saving the world before breakfast. While the spectacle was undeniably thrilling, it came at the cost of the relatability that initially drew players in.
While the early World War II campaigns were often cheesy homages to films, they featured ordinary individuals yearning for home—grizzled sergeants and green privates who used humor to cope with their grim realities. They illustrated how large-scale victories could stem from the contributions of many. Infinity Ward appears to be attempting to recapture this essence in Modern Warfare 4, with varying degrees of success.
This campaign has provided me with the most enjoyment I’ve experienced in years, largely due to its fresh, relatable characters. Over half of the six-hour campaign centers around a group of young South Korean marines, alongside a few Americans, who are nearing the end of their mandatory military service when North Korea launches an unexpected invasion. The characters, though familiar archetypes—a serious leader, a quiet observer, and a jokester—are engaging enough that I found myself invested in their stories.
While the premise of a North Korean offensive continues Infinity Ward’s trend of simplifying complex geopolitical issues through a distinctly American perspective, it does offer a glimpse into the lives of those caught in the crossfire. One can easily predict which global superpower is pulling the strings this time around.
Going dark
Returning to the role of a “cog in a machine” unlocks some of Modern Warfare 4’s most memorable missions, reminiscent of the series’ golden days. Missions like “Mayhem” and “Losing Ground” depict a desperate struggle to defend the fictional Hajin City against overwhelming odds. These chaotic encounters showcase characters who are genuinely terrified, a refreshing change from the usual bravado seen in recent installments. The intensity escalates further in “Counter Attack,” featuring a massive beachfront assault that exemplifies the franchise’s commitment to grand scale and spectacle.
Infinity Ward could’ve crafted a whole campaign around Park’s squad, and I’m still not sure why they didn’t.
Even when the action shifts to smaller-scale encounters, following Private Park and his comrades remains enjoyable. The mission “Stranded” sees the squad crash-land behind enemy lines in North Korea, showcasing Infinity Ward’s best attempt at a sandbox level to date. This multi-hour mission introduces non-linear objectives, side quests, and a hideout for crafting better gear. It offers a quieter, more isolating experience compared to the preceding missions, almost akin to a micro version of Far Cry within a Call of Duty campaign. Initially jarring, it ultimately became a standout moment.
Concerns arose that this might be another instance of integrating Warzone mechanics into single-player gameplay, particularly given the use of the DMZ looting system. However, I was reassured that the map was specifically designed for the campaign, which is a welcome distinction.
Infinity Ward could have easily built an entire campaign around Park’s squad, leaving me puzzled as to why they chose not to. Instead, their narrative runs parallel to Captain Price’s disjointed escapades, who now finds himself a fugitive due to events from Modern Warfare 3 that many players may not recall (the game even includes a lengthy recap video). While Modern Warfare 4 attempts to delve into a darker portrayal of Price, it often feels like a series of obligatory sequences—a car chase, a foot pursuit, and a cinematic knife fight—each fleeting and quickly forgotten. This disjointed approach is particularly striking, especially as Price fades from the narrative in the latter half, never truly intersecting with the main heroes.
This feels like Infinity Ward is trying to appease fans expecting Price-centric content while simultaneously yearning to explore new territory. Marketed as the conclusion to the Modern Warfare saga that began in 2019, it often feels more like a hurried attempt to wrap things up. It’s unfortunate that Mads Mikkelsen was drawn into this less compelling aspect of the campaign, as he could have been a formidable presence in a storyline that allowed for more depth.
Given the current state of the series, the fact that Modern Warfare 4 delivers a robust campaign filled with extravagant set pieces, stunning cinematics, and solid gunplay is a significant achievement. Free from the constraints of Warzone or Zombies, this installment marks a refreshing return to form for Call of Duty, where the campaign no longer feels like an afterthought.