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CRITIK

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

2019
GenresAction, Shooter, Thriller, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective
AvailableOct 25, 2019
PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
DeveloperInfinity Ward
Overview

Prepare to go dark, Modern Warfare is back! The stakes have never been higher as players take on the role of lethal Tier One operators in a heart-racing saga that will affect the global balance of power. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare engulfs fans in an incredibly raw, gritty, provocative narrative that brings unrivaled intensity and shines a light on the changing nature of modern war. Players will be thrust into an immersive narrative spanning the entire game. Experience the ultimate online playground with classic multiplayer or squad-up and play cooperatively in a collection of elite operations, accessible to all skill levels.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

73

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

73

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics such as IGN, TrueAchievements, GameGrin, and PC Invasion praise the campaign for its well-designed missions, interesting mechanics, and meaningful depiction of war. They appreciate the game's exploration of uncomfortable themes, such as the nature of modern war and the duality of man. The campaign is described as dark, gritty, and realistic, with hard-hitting scenarios and morally challenging situations. The narrative also tackles the horrors of war and the human cost of conflict, providing emotional and thought-provoking moments. The campaign's serious tone and exploration of real-world events, such as terror attacks and foreign intervention, are commended by TheSixthAxis and Gaming Age. The inclusion of controversial and gut-punching scenes that encourage players to question their actions and feel sympathy towards the characters is also highlighted by TrueAchievements. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the story of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Critics such as EGM, Screen Rant, Shacknews, VideoGamer, ZTGD, and Metro Montreal express concerns about certain aspects of the narrative. EGM mentions that the campaign tries to say something about the nature of modern war but ends up saying confusing and contradictory things. Screen Rant criticizes the game for failing to properly represent the true events that inspired the missions. Shacknews mentions that the campaign struggles to stay interesting and intriguing, feeling ambiguous and overly complicated. VideoGamer states that the story does not effectively illustrate the harsh realities of war and lacks nuance. ZTGD criticizes the plot for being more interested in shock moments than telling a cohesive story, with unclear villain motivations and a lack of concrete statements. Metro Montreal criticizes the story for not being well developed and lacking character attachment. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has its strengths and weaknesses. The positive aspects include the well-designed missions, interesting mechanics, and meaningful depiction of war. Critics appreciate the game's exploration of uncomfortable themes and its serious tone. The inclusion of controversial and gut-punching scenes that encourage players to question their actions is also praised. However, there are concerns about confusing and contradictory storytelling, a lack of proper representation of real-world events, and a struggle to stay interesting and intriguing. Some critics feel that the narrative lacks nuance and fails to effectively illustrate the harsh realities of war. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that the campaign offers a dark, gritty, and realistic experience that tackles the horrors of war and provides emotional and thought-provoking moments.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's story. Positive aspects include well-designed missions, meaningful depiction of war, and exploration of uncomfortable themes. However, some critics criticize the confusing narrative, lack of proper representation of real-world events, and struggle to stay interesting. Overall, the campaign offers a dark, gritty, and realistic experience with emotional and thought-provoking moments, but falls short in some areas according to critics.

79

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

79

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare are generally positive. Many critics, such as IGN, TrueAchievements, EGM, and VideoGamer, praise the smooth gunplay and excellent pacing of the game. They highlight the enjoyable and varied missions, which include fast-paced action, tactical elements, and set pieces that break away from the standard Call of Duty formula. The gameplay mechanics, including weapon customization and the addition of new features like the "mounting" cover system, are also commended by critics like TheSixthAxis and Gaming Age. The multiplayer aspect of the game is often mentioned as a strong point, with critics like Shacknews, Guardian, and Xbox Achievements emphasizing the smooth and fluid gameplay, as well as the variety of modes and customization options. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Screen Rant and AusGamers mention the need for weapon rebalancing, suggesting that certain weapons may be overpowered or underpowered. Gaming Age also expresses disappointment with the SpecOps mode, finding it repetitive and not enjoyable. Game Informer notes that the gameplay in the story missions can feel pedestrian, lacking the large-scale conflicts that the series is known for. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is solid and enjoyable. The game offers a mix of familiar and innovative gameplay elements, with tight gunplay, varied missions, and a range of multiplayer modes. The positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the smooth gunplay, excellent pacing, and impressive set pieces, are frequently highlighted. While there are some criticisms regarding weapon balancing and certain game modes, the overall sentiment is that the gameplay experience is engaging and offers a good balance between traditional Call of Duty elements and new additions.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Call of Duty: Modern Warfare for its smooth gunplay, varied missions, and engaging multiplayer modes. Some criticisms include the need for weapon rebalancing and repetitive SpecOps mode. Overall, the gameplay is solid with a good mix of familiar and innovative elements.

91

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

91

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

0%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, considering it a masterpiece. They highlighted various positive aspects, such as stunningly detailed character models and weaponry, realistic visuals that enhance the impact of the story's early shocks, and the game's ability to push the boundaries of graphical capability. TrueAchievements commends the flawless visuals and their contribution to the immersive experience. Screen Rant specifically mentions the huge leaps in graphics, particularly in the nighttime missions. Gaming Age and Press Start Australia both acknowledge the excellent environments and character models, with the latter emphasizing the game's realistic and detailed character designs. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, there were a few minor drawbacks mentioned by the critics. Softpedia notes that the only issue lies in the time it takes to preload shaders, which could potentially disrupt the overall experience. However, this criticism seems to be more technical in nature rather than a reflection of the actual visual design. Therefore, it does not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the graphics. Overall, the critics unanimously agree that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare delivers exceptional Graphics and Visual Design. The game is hailed as the best-looking entry in the franchise so far, with stunning environments, atmospheric lighting, and realistic and highly detailed character designs. Critics like TheSixthAxis, Guardian, and PC Invasion specifically praise the game's stunning environments, atmospheric lighting, and intricately detailed in-game environments. The consensus among the critics is that the game's graphics are visually stunning, pushing the boundaries of graphical capability and making it a visual masterpiece. The positive feedback from multiple critics solidifies the notion that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare excels in its Graphics and Visual Design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's graphics, calling it a visual masterpiece with stunningly detailed character models, realistic visuals, and immersive environments. Minor issues like shader preloading delays don't overshadow the overwhelmingly positive reception. Overall, the game pushes the boundaries of graphical capability and is hailed as the best-looking entry in the franchise yet.

84

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

84

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

0%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare are overwhelmingly positive. TrueAchievements, TheSixthAxis, Xbox Achievements, Easy Allies, Critical Hit, and MMORPG.com all praised the game's sound design, with specific mentions of the weighty and satisfying feel of the weapons, the top-notch explosive soundscape, the excellent vocal performances, and the incredible audio design. The guns in Modern Warfare were described as having a unique and powerful feel, with thumping and cracking sounds that were satisfying. The overall presentation was also commended for being slick and familiar. These positive opinions highlight the attention to detail and the immersive experience that the sound design and music bring to the game. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions, there were no specific negative comments mentioned about the Sound Design and Music of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. This suggests that the game's audio elements were generally well-received and did not have any significant flaws or drawbacks that stood out to the critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is of high quality and greatly enhances the gameplay experience. The positive comments from TrueAchievements, TheSixthAxis, Xbox Achievements, Easy Allies, Critical Hit, and MMORPG.com emphasize the excellence of the sound design, with mentions of impressive audio design, top-notch explosive soundscape, excellent vocal performances, and unique and powerful gun sounds. The lack of negative comments further supports the notion that the sound design and music were well-executed and contributed positively to the overall enjoyment of the game. Players can expect to be immersed in a rich and satisfying audio experience while playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's Sound Design and Music for its immersive experience, top-notch explosive soundscape, and unique gun sounds. No negative comments were noted, highlighting the high quality and flawless execution of the audio elements. Overall, the game's audio enhances gameplay and offers a rich, satisfying experience for players.

83

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

83

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

0%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the voice acting in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, it becomes evident that the majority of critics were highly impressed with the performances. Gaming Age, Game Informer, ZTGD, Xbox Achievements, PC Invasion, Critical Hit, and App Trigger all expressed positive sentiments towards the voice acting in the game. The first paragraph focuses on the positives of the voice acting in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Critics such as Gaming Age and Xbox Achievements praised the voice acting, with Gaming Age specifically stating that the game has "great voice acting." Game Informer highlighted the fantastic performances of key characters like Captain Price, Farah, and Hadir. App Trigger also commended Captain Price for stealing the show with his demeanor and charisma. These positive comments indicate that the voice actors delivered strong performances, successfully bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall experience of the game. Moving on to the second paragraph, it is worth noting that there were no negative opinions expressed by the critics regarding the voice acting in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. This absence of negative feedback suggests that the voice acting was consistently well-executed and did not detract from the game in any way. The lack of criticism further reinforces the notion that the voice acting was indeed of high quality. In the third paragraph, the overall consensus of the critics becomes apparent. The majority of reviewers, including ZTGD, PC Invasion, and Critical Hit, praised the voice acting in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. ZTGD simply stated that the performances were "fantastic," while PC Invasion emphasized that the characters were "excellently voiced acted, adding to the overall experience." Critical Hit specifically highlighted the brilliant execution of acting between corridor shootouts and the likable cast flexing their incredible acting chops. This overall positive consensus among the critics solidifies the notion that the voice acting in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was highly impressive and greatly contributed to the game's overall quality. In conclusion, the voice acting in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. The performances were consistently praised for their quality, with specific recognition given to standout characters like Captain Price. The absence of negative comments further supports the notion that the voice acting was of a high standard. Overall, the voice acting in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was a strong aspect of the game, enhancing the immersive experience and receiving widespread acclaim from the critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the top-notch voice acting in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, with standout performances from characters like Captain Price earning particular acclaim. Not a single negative comment was made, highlighting the consistently high quality of the voice acting. Reviewers from Gaming Age to Critical Hit laud the fantastic performances that bring the game to life, cementing its status as a standout feature that enhances the overall gaming experience.

81

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

81

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the majority of critics found it to be very good across all gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, TrueAchievements, who played the game on Xbox One, mentioned that while there were some minor enemy AI hiccups, they did not significantly impact the overall quality of the game. They also noted that these issues could potentially be patched in the future. Press Start Australia, who played on PS4 Pro, highlighted that the game played well with no notable bugs or low-quality textures. PC Invasion, who played on PC, praised the smooth performance of the game even on lower-end hardware, with a locked 60 FPS at maximum settings. Softpedia, who also played on PC, commended the stunning graphics that enhanced the overall visual experience without impacting the hardware. Moving on to the negatives, EGM, who played on PS4, mentioned encountering bugs in multiplayer that changed equipped perks and killstreaks without input. Additionally, challenges were not accurately tracking progress on objectives. However, EGM described these issues as rough edges rather than fatal flaws. Gaming Age, who also played on PS4, mentioned some bugs with daily challenges not tracking progress but noted that overall stability was good. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is very good. The game received praise for its visuals and stability across all platforms. Critical Hit, for example, described the game as a feast for the eyes and commended its quality on both an audio and visual level. While some minor issues were mentioned, such as AI hiccups and bugs in multiplayer and challenges, these were not considered major detractors from the overall experience. The positive feedback from TrueAchievements, Press Start Australia, PC Invasion, and Softpedia further supports the notion that the technical performance of the game is commendable.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics laud Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's strong technical performance with praise for visuals and stability on all platforms. Minor hiccups like AI issues and bugs in multiplayer mentioned, but not seen as major flaws. Overall, game impresses with smooth gameplay and stunning graphics, making it a top choice for gamers.

70

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

70

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare are generally positive. Many critics highlight the multiplayer modes as a major factor contributing to the game's replay value. Screen Rant, VideoGamer, and Game Informer all mention the multiplayer modes as providing enough content to keep players interested. These modes include Gunfight and Ground War, which are praised for their addictive and varied gameplay experiences. The inclusion of crossplay capabilities also adds to the replay value, as players can engage with a larger community and have more opportunities for diverse matches. Additionally, the customization and progression systems in the multiplayer modes, mentioned by Gaming Age and PC Invasion, provide players with a sense of accomplishment and incentive to continue playing. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. VGC points out that while there are new modes and changes in the multiplayer, some modes feel less fleshed out. TheSixthAxis mentions that the maps are divisive and favor defensive playstyles, which may limit the overall enjoyment for some players. The cooperative mode, Spec Ops, receives mixed reviews, with Gaming Age and Gamers Heroes finding it not compelling and poorly executed, respectively. The difficulty and frustrating AI in Spec Ops are also mentioned by Push Square and App Trigger as drawbacks to the mode. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare offers a good amount of replay value, primarily due to its multiplayer modes. The inclusion of crossplay, addictive Gunfight mode, and customization options are highlighted as positive aspects. The negative aspects, such as less fleshed out modes and issues with Spec Ops, do not outweigh the overall positive sentiment towards the game's replay value. The critics appreciate the depth and variety provided by the multiplayer modes, which cater to the dedicated fanbase of the series. The progression systems and plans for additional rewards, as mentioned by Washington Post and Xbox Achievements, further contribute to the overall positive reception of the game's replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Call of Duty: Modern Warfare for its strong replay value, especially in multiplayer modes like Gunfight and Ground War. Crossplay adds to the experience, allowing players to engage with a larger community. Customization and progression systems keep players hooked. Some drawbacks include less fleshed out modes and issues with Spec Ops. Overall, the game's multiplayer offerings outweigh the negatives, making it a hit among fans.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

80

CRITIK

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

80

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

1%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, it is clear that the game has received a mixed reception. The first paragraph focuses on the positives, with several critics praising the game's campaign. TrueAchievements commends the gameplay, visuals, and sound design, while Gaming Age highlights the engaging storyline and great visuals. The campaign is described as thrilling and thoughtful by Critical Hit, and App Trigger reinforces that the reboot reinforces the best aspects of the series. These positive reviews indicate that the campaign is a standout feature of the game. However, the second paragraph reveals some negative aspects of the game. Multiple critics, including IGN, express disappointment with the multiplayer, specifically citing the lackluster launch maps. EGM criticizes the game for failing to grasp the lessons from previous entries in the series and lacking meaningful anti-war subtext. TheSixthAxis mentions that the survival mode is unimaginative and not rewarding, and AusGamers points out the broken state of the co-op mode and the move back to kill streaks in multiplayer. These criticisms highlight areas where the game falls short and may leave players feeling unsatisfied. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a mixed bag. While the campaign is consistently praised for its engaging storyline, thrilling missions, and impressive visuals, the multiplayer and additional modes receive more criticism. The disappointing launch maps and lack of innovation in multiplayer are mentioned by multiple critics, dampening the overall experience. However, there are still positive aspects to be found, such as the refined combat and the promise of free updates, as mentioned by Easy Allies. Despite its flaws, the game is still recognized as a solid entry in the series, with some critics, like MMORPG.com, considering it the best Call of Duty game in years. Ultimately, players who prioritize the campaign experience may find Call of Duty: Modern Warfare to be a worthwhile purchase, while those seeking a more innovative multiplayer experience may be left wanting.

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare receives mixed reviews from critics. The campaign is praised for its engaging storyline and visuals, but the multiplayer falls short with lackluster maps and uninspired modes. Despite its flaws, some consider it the best in years. Players valuing story may enjoy it, but those seeking innovation in multiplayer might be disappointed.

80

CRITIK

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Reviews

208 reviews found

90

PC Invasion

PC

Oct 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is the most complete multiplayer shooter of 2019, with a compelling narrative and the promise of free multiplayer content throughout the year.

Read full review

Full review

88

Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Oct 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Modern Warfare delivers a hell of a multiplayer experience, with some successful ideas that could become series staples. The story is engaging, but some gameplay sequences feel shoehorned in. Gunfight alone is worth the price of admission.

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Full review

85

Xbox Achievements

Xbox One

Oct 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A bloody brilliant game with a mature single-player narrative and addictive multiplayer

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Full review

85

Easy Allies

PlayStation 4

Oct 27, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare successfully reimagines the iconic series with refined combat and some of the best missions. With cross-play and free updates planned, the game is just getting started.

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Full review

85

Critical Hit

PlayStation 4

Oct 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty Modern Warfare is a ballsy reinvention of the franchise that is thrilling, thoughtful, and terrific. It may not hit every mark, but it is still the blockbuster benchmark.

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Full review

85

MMORPG.com

PC

Oct 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Small quibbles aside, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is the best Call of Duty game in years, offering a fresh and familiar experience. The reviewer gives it a score of 8.5/10.


85

AusGamers

PlayStation 4

Oct 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a very enjoyable game, with a well-executed campaign and a fresh take on multiplayer. However, the broken state of the co-op mode and the move back to kill streaks in multiplayer are seen as downsides.

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85

App Trigger

Xbox One

Oct 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a reboot that reinforces the best aspects of the series. Stellar campaign and solid multiplayer, although some game modes and maps have issues.

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Full review

85

Softpedia

PC

Nov 4, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is an excellent entry in the Call of Duty series, with well-defined characters, engaging storyline, and close-to-real events. However, it is short and the multiplayer is just okay. The graphics are stunning but there are some technical issues.

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85

Post Arcade (National Post)

PlayStation 4

Oct 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game effectively conveys the horrors and exhilaration of war, but the multiplayer and campaign feel incongruent.

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