Do you know that some people have never played a Call of Duty game? These individuals exist, and I feel compelled to explain what Call of Duty games are. They are action-packed, first-person shooters with a leveling system and unlockable weaponry/upgrades.
They’re also known for having some of the best single-player campaigns in gaming history, but some argue that the COD series has been degrading over the last two decades. Maybe that’s true, but there were some decent releases in the last few years.
Anyway, we’re going to discuss the finest Call of Duty games ever made, so hop on the nostalgia train and prepare to replay some of the best games of your childhood. Let’s go:
Call of Duty 1
I remember playing this game when I was in kindergarten. Back in the good old days, my parents thought that video games were having a negative impact on me. This game might look like garbage right now, but back then, it was literally real life. Everything seemed real, and the combat was beyond satisfying. Still, the storyline and the atmosphere of soviet soldiers pushing through Stalingrad is something that I didn’t forget to this day…
One of the greats, although, to be honest, you only play this game to relive your childhood. The graphics, fighting, and pretty much everything else appears to be out of date, but your childhood keeps bringing you back.
Call of Duty 2
Cod 2 is a WW2 game with everything you’d expect. Outstanding sound design, a chaotic and violent atmosphere, and gameplay will keep you returning for years to come. The plot is intriguing, with various notable characters such as… Cpt. Price. The AI for a game that’s around 17 years old still works fairly well. The campaign presents you with different war fronts throughout the game, so you get to play more than just the Americans.
What else can be said about this game? It was released 2 years after the first part, and it was just as epic. Anyone who enjoys WW2 games should definitely give this one a shot!
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
You’ve spent the last three Modern Warfare games battling Russians or hunting Makarov. This game contains some outstanding moments that no other war-related game has produced, loaded with pure chaos or emotional segments. The soundtrack of this game, on the other hand, is out of this world; it’s supposed to give you chills and the feeling that you can get through anything.
Of course, this game has multiplayer as well – a new list of maps, weapons, and point streaks. Not too different from the previous MW game, but fun nonetheless.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare(2019)
This game, like any other Call of Duty title, is action-packed and spectacular. However, it contains numerous serious topics and missions that may be upsetting to some. It even sparked some controversy, resulting in the game being banned in Russia. It was certainly a start in a new direction, attempting to shock its audience rather than generate yet another basic, easily forgotten FPS game.
Everything about this game seems fun, although if you’re a fan of politics, you might be slightly disappointed with certain narratives that this game is pushing.
Call of Duty: World at War
Any game with Viktor Reznov is a great game. The atmosphere throughout this game is grim, plus it’s realistic, it also doesn’t shy away from killing your comrades while you can only sit and watch. The campaign is displayed on two fronts – the Eastern Front/the Pacific, both of which include vicious fighting and plenty of graphic content. The mix of helplessness, as well as a disturbing lack of mercy, is what shaped the identity of this game. It’s one of the most unique Call of Duty games available.
The multiplayer is fun and addictive. In addition, this is also the first CoD game to feature zombies. Fun game, I always find time to return to this classic!
Call of Duty Warzone
Battle royale games are usually not my cup of tea, but CoD: Warzone is a pleasant exception. You get to enjoy big maps, which is unusual in the CoD series, and this time you can actually fly helicopters and crash them into other players! In addition, if you get killed, you are literally put in a gulag. To gain back your freedom, you must combat another player and win. It’s bizarre, and at release I expected this game to be a flop, but it surprised me with how much fun it was.
If you want to try this game, it’s worth a try – it still holds up pretty well and has a stable player count.
Call of Duty Black Ops II
Black Ops 2 is different from its predecessor, as it involves a lot more futuristic content. You still get to see the old cast, such as Hudson, Woods, or Mason, although they’re a little bit old at times. The game is filled with many gut-wrenching, disturbing scenes, as well as emotional parts that somehow humanize the villains. Additionally, there are 8 endings in total, plus your actions have consequences in this game and they can affect your ending.
In general, this is a great game with very fun multiplayer. The soundtrack, smooth gameplay, and badass campaign are what this game offers.
Call of Duty: WW2
We all know what happened on June 6th, 1944 and this CoD portrays that period the same as every other video game and movie – complete mayhem on the shores of Normandy, death, destruction, and seeing your comrades perish without even getting a chance to walk on the beach. There’s more to that game than just the beach, but COD fans were mixed between either hating or loving it. It was a breath of fresh air for me, as it had been a long since a World War II-themed game was released, but don’t be surprised if the campaign is not your cup of tea.
Frankly, I liked this game. Despite some stupid moments that didn’t make sense, this game managed to pull through and was relatively fun. If you haven’t played a WW2 game for a long time, you should definitely give this one a try!
Call of Duty Black Ops I
Black Ops takes place during the Cold War period, which was taking place between the Soviet Union and the United States. The campaign saw action in a variety of locations, including Cuba, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, just to mention a few. Each mission has something epic to offer, let it be awesome cutscenes, massive battles taking place between various factions, or sneaky gameplay where you take down unsuspecting Charlies. After all, you’re a member of MACVSOG!
One of my favorite Call of Duty games; everything about it seems epic and gives you the feeling of being a one-of-a-kind soldier. The incredible plot, epic soundtrack, and interesting characters!
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare(2007)
Makarov, one of the most known villains, appears for the first time in this game. Overall, this game presented many unforgettable characters that we still remember after 15 years. Everything about this game screams epic, from breathtaking nuclear explosions to one of the most badass endings to be ever made. It’s one of those games that you have to try at least once in your life.
In terms of multiplayer, it’s pretty fun and addicting, although I always considered MW2 to be better in terms of replayability. Still, playing this game is an unforgettable experience, and if you haven’t played it yet, you’ll fall in love with it!
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2(2009)
MW2 has to have one of the most epic campaigns in the history of Call of Duty games, with nothing more chilling than the Russian invasion of the United States and exquisite soundtracks composed by the one and only Hans Zimmer. You’re still on the hunt for Makarov, but as you progress, you’ll face betrayal and sorrow that will leave you grieving more than a decade later.
Those were the good old days when you’d play this game just to trash-talk other players. Perhaps you wanted to run around with G18 Akimbo and cause an immeasurable amount of salt from little squeakers. In any case, MW2 has one of the most fun multiplayer games out there, with tens of different game modes, as well as hacked lobbies that will boost your level to 70, whether you want that or not. Unlock new weapons, set up your kill streaks, and perhaps one day, activate the nuke. You won’t find anything else like the MW2 multiplayer!