Call of Duty has become the most popular first-person shooter franchise to date since its release in 2003. Call of Duty was first created as a rival to EA's dominant Medal of Honor franchise, but it swiftly outperformed it in terms of popularity.
There are two main parts to the Call of Duty series: multiplayer and single-player campaigns. While many people prefer multiplayer gaming, individuals who prefer a solo gaming experience place a great importance on the single-player campaigns. In response, IGN worked closely with devoted Call of Duty fans to compile a ranking of the top seven campaigns from the franchise' lengthy history, which spans two decades.
7. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare arrived when gamers were beginning to tire of the franchise's epic, wall-running space adventures. This is unfortunate because beneath its predictable exterior lies a well-crafted shooter campaign with exceptional acting, some of the best seen in the series. While the plot itself may be somewhat thin, with players assuming the role of the newly promoted Reyes (portrayed by Brian Bloom from Wolfenstein), tasked with leading the American marines against the obviously evil SDF, led by Kit Harrington from Game of Thrones, there is more to the game than meets the eye. Beyond the overarching narrative, there exists a personal story of true friendship and camaraderie.
In many ways, we've often likened Infinite Warfare to the Halo Reach of Call of Duty campaigns, emphasizing its character-driven focus. However, it's important to note that the space-themed adventure still delivers incredibly enjoyable gameplay. From hacking robots to engaging in dogfights in Jackal spacecraft, Infinite Warfare offers a refreshing experience that may warrant a second look, even if the initially familiar setting didn't resonate with you at first.
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
Venturing into the territory of revitalizing a cherished and crucial game within the highly acclaimed Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) accomplishes a feat that has been rarely seen in reboots. Despite the Middle Eastern conflict setting lacking novelty, the game injects a renewed sense of vitality through innovative gameplay mechanics and an extraordinary attention to detail in its overall presentation. Notably, it delivers one of the most remarkable and realistic portrayals of a slow-paced infiltration of an enemy base ever seen in the series.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) serves as an exemplary model for successful series reboots and stands out as an outstanding addition to a franchise known for its memorable campaigns.
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Call of Duty: Black Ops II marked a refreshing change for the series when it was released. It gave players more control over the story through branching pathways, optional objectives, and multiple endings, making it highly replayable and intriguing. Set partially in the late '80s during the end of the Cold War and partially in 2025 during a Second Cold War, the game introduced new characters while bringing back familiar ones like Alex Mason. However, the standout aspect of Black Ops II is its compelling main antagonist, Raul Menendez. He goes beyond the typical Call of Duty villain and represents the tragic consequences of the Cold War. For fans seeking a shooter that emphasizes creative storytelling over mindless action, Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a must-play.
4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
As the follow-up to the highly successful leap into the modern era with the first Modern Warfare game, Infinity Ward delivered exactly what players wanted with Modern Warfare 2. The game further developed the fictional political landscape, allowing players to delve deeper into the lives of characters like Soap and Captain Price. The campaign featured an unforgettable ending where the player character exacts revenge on the antagonist, Shepherd. Modern Warfare 2's campaign was a must-play, as it sparked numerous conversations among players.
3. Call of Duty 2
Call of Duty 2, the follow-up to the inaugural title crafted by Infinity Ward, represented a notable milestone for the franchise. Released as one of the initial titles for the Xbox 360, it served as a testament to the console's capabilities through its awe-inspiring World War II campaign. The game's remarkable visuals, particularly the rendering of volumetric smoke effects, showcased the technological prowess of the new console and heralded the dawn of an illustrious era in high-definition gaming.
2. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Before the release of Modern Warfare in 2007, Call of Duty was already a popular franchise. However, Modern Warfare took it to new heights by shifting the setting from World War II to the modern era. This move solidified Call of Duty as the leading first-person shooter series. The campaign introduced iconic characters like Soap and Captain Price, and it featured memorable moments such as the AC-130 gunship mission, the stormy cargo ship escape, and a shocking nuclear blast sequence. The campaign concluded with an unforgettable finale, leaving players with a sense of satisfaction.
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Call of Duty: Black Ops elevated the series to unprecedented levels by immersing players in a thrilling espionage adventure set in the 1960s, encompassing iconic locations such as the Bay of Pigs and Vietnam. Widely hailed as the pinnacle of the Call of Duty franchise, it stands out for its enthralling storyline and exceptional soundtrack, which combine to create a fully engaging experience. Black Ops delivered a mind-boggling plot twist that caught players off guard, cementing its status as a prominent installment in the franchise. Developed by Treyarch, the game showcased the studio's immense talent and firmly established the Black Ops sub-franchise as a vital component of the Call of Duty brand.
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