As a gamer who has spent countless hours in virtual battlefields since the early days of Call of Duty, I can confidently say that the debate between Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2 is like choosing between my left and right hand – they’re both essential to me, but each for different reasons.
As a devoted admirer of gaming, I can confidently say that the Call of Duty franchise stands out as one of the most influential first-person shooter series ever crafted. Originally envisioned as an exploration of World War II, it transformed into a powerhouse of sales, becoming one of the greatest franchises ever thought up. To this day, the annual release of a new Call of Duty title continues to generate tens of millions in sales. In this analysis, we delve into each and every Call of Duty game, evaluating their impact and quality.
As a dedicated fan, I humbly present my perspective on the rankings of Call of Duty games. Keep in mind, these opinions are highly personal and open to debate. Feel free to review my list and share your thoughts. Here it goes:
All Call of Duty Games Ranked
21. Call of Duty: Vanguard
2021 saw Vanguard appearing impressive initially, but upon release, it fell flat for fans across the board. Its competitive environment was remarkably feeble compared to previous years, and both its single-player mode and multiplayer features seemed incomplete.
In an attempt to revive Vanguard, Sledgehammer Games incorporated maps from previous games, but it ultimately fell short. Moreover, the introduction of Caldera in Warzone is frequently viewed as a significant blunder by Activision, as it led players away from Verdansk and drew attention to this decision.
20. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)
Ah, Modern Warfare III. The ‘DLC’ Call of Duty game.
Back in 2023, as a diehard fan, I was left feeling disappointed when Modern Warfare III hit the shelves. The three-hour campaign left me yearning for more, and to make matters worse, it seemed more like an extension of the previous year’s Modern Warfare II rather than a fresh standalone game. Activision tried to appease us by labeling it as a premium release, but in the end, those who invested in it felt misled, much like I did.
Not good.
Related: All Modern Warfare Games, Ranked
19. Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4
In an unexpected move, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 abandoned the traditional single-player campaign found in other main installments of the franchise, instead focusing on conventional multiplayer options and introducing a new element to the series – the Battle Royale genre, through its Blackout mode.
This earlier version paved the way for the widely played Warzone mode launched in 2020. In essence, it was an entertaining adaptation of Call of Duty, yet the lack of a campaign limited its appeal for repeated play once Warzone and the subsequent installment in the series came out.
In the year 2018, Black Ops 4 was released by Activision, marking their most recent endeavor into creating a future-oriented Call of Duty game. Feel free to draw your own conclusions from this fact.
18. Call of Duty 3
If you haven’t played Call of Duty 3 yet, it’s probably not a game worth going out of your way for. Interestingly, this particular title was never released for PC, which makes replaying it challenging given that current consoles are several generations advanced. Therefore, it might be wiser to bypass this version and instead dive into the Call of Duty series from its next installment.
17. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Activision’s Infinite Warfare represented their last step in advancing Call of Duty into a futuristic setting before they returned to World War II themes. They briefly ventured back into the near future with Black Ops 4 in 2018, but its reception is reflected here among all Call of Duty games we’ve ranked.
This particular game tends to spark debate among fans due to its mixed reception – some praise it while others criticize it. However, I believe we can all concur that this signifies the closure of a difficult era for the Call of Duty franchise. Looking back, there have certainly been superior games in the series since then.
16. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
Players found Modern Warfare II lacking in excitement and connection. This game hit a new low for the series, and its competitive environment struggled as well. The game didn’t maintain the same level of enthusiasm as previous ones, although the campaign wasn’t terrible, it was simply too brief to hold players’ interest for long – and it had more than its fair share of technical issues.
It’s not the worst Call of Duty game ever, but it’s far, far from being the best.
15. Call of Duty: WWII
After spending three years developing games set in the future within the Call of Duty franchise, Activision decided to return to its historical roots by creating a game based on World War II events. While this shift in focus was refreshing, the final product fell short of expectations, eventually fading into obscurity as later World War II entries have proven to be more engaging and successful.
If you manage to grab the game at a discounted price, it’s definitely worth giving the campaign a try. However, you can easily move on without playing it and not miss out on much. Contrary to popular belief, many people seem to recall that World War II had strong multiplayer features, but their memories might be a bit hazy…
14. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
Following Sledgehammer Games’ leap into the future with Advanced Warfare, I found myself eagerly anticipating Treyarch’s take on it with Black Ops III. As a fan of the franchise, I must admit that the futuristic elements in Call of Duty games like these don’t quite resonate with me as a traditional CoD experience.
Black Ops 3 offers some standout instances, particularly in its engaging Zombies mode. However, when assessed against its predecessors in the series, Black Ops 3 tends to fall short.
13. Call of Duty: Ghosts
Similar to Infinite Warfare, Call of Duty: Ghosts generates diverse viewpoints among gamers. While some hold cherished recollections of it, others consider it one of the less impressive additions within the franchise.
In this game, we saw some early examples of elements that would become common in multiplayer games later on. For instance, it incorporated collaborations with popular culture figures, such as Snoop Dogg serving as the announcer, while allowing players to use Michael Myers from Halloween and Predator in downloadable content as playable characters.
We all know how that panned out, though.
12. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, which fell in the series timeline between Black Ops II (2012) and Black Ops 4 (2018), is generally regarded as an unremarkable addition that built upon the jetpack era of this popular franchise. The game’s campaign boasted a talented ensemble including Kevin Spacey and Troy Baker, but on reflection, I can’t remember any specific plot points from it.
In an attempt to add a touch of originality, Sledgehammer Games experimented with the user interface and several mechanics in Advanced Warfare. This creativity garnered some additional points when comparing all Call of Duty games. However, these enhancements were not sufficient to catapult it into the top ten best Call of Duty games of all time.
11. Call of Duty 2
From the very start of the first match, it became apparent that Activision was holding a potential hit, though hardly anyone foresaw the incredible success it would later achieve.
Call of Duty 2 shares similarities with its predecessor, yet one notable difference is that it wasn’t launched on PlayStation. Consequently, some gamers may not have had a chance to experience it. However, if you missed out on this outstanding installment in the franchise, it could be worth seeking out and giving it a try.
For many of today’s OGs, Call of Duty 2’s multiplayer platform is where it all began.
Related: Best Games Like Call of Duty
10. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
2020 saw Activision’s studios release Black Ops Cold War amidst the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This game was developed under a remote work setup and intense overtime hours, yet it managed to complete one of the quickest production cycles on record. Despite its speedy creation, it still offered an enjoyable experience. The multiplayer aspect drew in millions of gamers worldwide, while the campaign, though not perfect, wasn’t disappointing either.
As a dedicated gamer, I dived into an experience that was undeniably unique – a Zombies mode that, admittedly, didn’t quite strike a chord with fellow gamers. However, it showcased ambition and provided us with something different, a fresh layer of substance beyond the usual multiplayer or Call of Duty campaign.
It’s a love-hate game for many, but I for one adored Cold War.
9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the incredible accessibility of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. It was truly remarkable how it found its way onto platforms as diverse as the Nintendo Wii and DS, ensuring that gamers like me could join in on the action no matter what console we owned.
Since it was the closing act of the initial Modern Warfare series, the promotions for Modern Warfare 3 were quite extensive. What was eventually released checked off numerous preferences for fans, and it introduced some of the most essential features that we now associate with a Call of Duty game.
To illustrate, the multiplayer mode known as Kill Confirmed first appeared in Modern Warfare 3, and it’s now widely recognized as one of the top game modes in the entire Call of Duty series.
The campaign was a perfect ending to several years of Modern Warfare, the Spec Ops / Survival Mode was brilliant, and the multiplayer platform was polished.
8. Call of Duty: World At War
In a pattern that later became annual, Call of Duty: World at War was the second title developed by Treyarch, alternating with Infinity Ward’s releases.
World at War signified Treyarch gaining traction and setting itself up as a major player within the franchise with the Black Ops series. Notably, this was the first installment where the widely acclaimed Zombies mode made its debut, and it proved to be a significant draw for the game. Even today, if you’re a fan of the Zombies mode, it remains a worthwhile experience as it has aged remarkably well.
In some contemporary video games, you’ll find that certain maps from World at War are still being used – this demonstrates just how enduringly popular its multiplayer component remains.
7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
2019’s Modern Warfare was perceived as a fresh start for the long-standing franchise that had captivated millions of gamers throughout its history. It was often referred to as a revival of the series, and the excitement in the gaming community ahead of its release was truly tangible.
Upon its release, players worldwide found themselves captivated by the game’s campaign, while the innovative movement mechanics integrated into the multiplayer mode paved the way for future standards. Moreover, it laid the groundwork for Call of Duty: Warzone, a battle royale game that has earned a top spot in the genre and is considered one of the finest Call of Duty games to date.
The popularity of the Modern Warfare series seemed to decrease with the release of II and III, yet its captivating opening title has ensured it maintains a lofty position in the ranking of all Call of Duty games ever made.
6. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Here’s a surprising entry.
2024 saw Treyarch and Raven Software joining forces for the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, a highly anticipated game in the series that hadn’t generated such excitement in years. The game took several years to develop before it was unveiled, and when it finally went live, it broke records as the biggest launch for any Call of Duty title ever.
It’s not perfect, but it took all the failings of the previous games and turned them upside down.
As a gamer, I can tell you that this game had an immersive campaign lasting approximately 7 to 9 hours, if you were aiming for all the secret treasures and accomplishments. It reverted to a circular Zombies mode over two outstanding maps, while the multiplayer aspect offered great maps, innovative movement mechanics, and a fantastic collection of weapons.
Suddenly, there was a lot of buzz surrounding Black Ops 6. The camouflage challenges and aggressive advertising campaign had everyone talking about it, even those who didn’t usually play games. It seemed to be unavoidable, dominating the conversation, and many considered it to be one of the best Call of Duty games released in quite some time.
Related: Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Review
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is often rightfully hailed as one of the best entries in the series.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at this game that offers a unique, branching narrative unlike any other in the series – a feature that leads to multiple endings. It’s a fresh twist that keeps me on my toes, and it doesn’t stop there! The multiplayer mode is one of the best the series has ever produced. I can’t wait to dive back in and experience it all over again.
Black Ops 2 made more than half a billion dollars within its initial 24 hours of launch, setting a gaming sales record that lasted until Grand Theft Auto V came out in 2013. This was also the first game in the series to be available on the Wii U console, though if you haven’t experienced this version of the game, that’s perfectly okay.
4. Call of Duty
After several key developers left 2015, Inc. in 2015, a fresh studio named Infinity Ward emerged with the intention of creating a brand-new World War shooter game. This new creation surpassed the popularity and success of the Medal of Honor series.
Initially, the first Call of Duty game was only available for PC users. Later on, in 2009 after the launch of Modern Warfare 2, it was adapted and released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 under the name “Call of Duty Classic.
There’s no denying its significance – it was the starting point and remains among the most acclaimed Call of Duty titles ever produced. In other words, it doesn’t get much better than that!
3. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
In a significant shift, Call of Duty transitioned from the World War setting to the contemporary period with Call of Duty 4, an evolutionary step that catapulted the series to unprecedented success.
2007 saw the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, coinciding with Halo 3. This dual release catapulted me, along with countless others, into the vibrant world of online console gaming. The game’s global multiplayer mode drew in millions, eager to test their skills against fellow gamers from around the globe.
Modern Warfare garnered widespread critical praise, with Metacritic scores averaging between 92-94 across major gaming platforms. For many longtime Call of Duty enthusiasts, it serves as a pivotal point in the franchise’s history and its straightforward gameplay is still yearned for by players today. With the complexity that has crept into the Call of Duty world, Modern Warfare represents a time when games were simple enough to be genuinely enjoyable.
Back in 2016, Activision’s teams revisited the entirety of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and brought it back with an updated look, retaining what made the series stand out. To this point, it remains the sole Call of Duty game that has been fully remastered, including multiplayer features.
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops
By the end of that particular decade, Infinity Ward had solidified the Modern Warfare franchise as a mainstay, prompting Treyarch to create a spin-off for their biannual launches.
Call of Duty: Black Ops takes place during the Cold War era of the 1960s, and opinions on which series installment is superior are usually quite divided. Some fans favor Treyarch’s versions, while others prefer those from Infinity Ward. The game boasts a selection of licensed tunes by artists such as Eminem and The Rolling Stones; however, it also includes an original track by Avenged Sevenfold, a tradition that continued until Black Ops 4 was released.
This particular Call of Duty game is frequently regarded as its pinnacle, and it’s easy to see why Treyarch keeps going back to the game’s ideas. By 2024, there will be six Black Ops games in total, though not all have met the high standards players have anticipated from them.
Black Ops stood out as it offered an unparalleled campaign, an exceptional Zombies mode, and multiplayer that was simply incomparable. It played a significant role in introducing the notion of Call of Duty esports to many, a concept which would gain immense momentum with Black Ops II.
While this game is certainly in the running for the title of the greatest Call of Duty ever produced, it falls slightly short.
1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Modern Warfare 2 is legendary, and that’s all there is to it.
Moving forward from the growth of the series initiated by Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007, and continuing as a multiplayer destination that continues to draw players even today, Modern Warfare 2 significantly expanded the reach and popularity of the Call of Duty franchise to unprecedented levels.
2023 saw the launch of Modern Warfare III featuring an entirely revamped map collection derived from its predecessor, MW2, which was met with widespread acclaim and enthusiasm, especially among seasoned gamers who first played MW2 back in 2009.
Even the side content, like the game’s Spec Ops mode, was lauded by fans worldwide.
This game has produced some of the most iconic maps in history, such as Terminal and Rust, and even after all these years, every part of its campaign remains vividly etched in memory.
There is nothing bad to say about MW2, and it’s the best Call of Duty game ever made.
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2024-11-07 11:19