Modern Warfare Vs Cold War: Which Call Of Duty Reigns Supreme?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two massive Call of Duty titles: Modern Warfare (2019) and Cold War. Both games brought a lot to the table, but they also have key differences that make them appeal to different types of players. So, which one is the king? Let's break it down.

Modern Warfare (2019): A Return to Gritty Realism

Modern Warfare 2019 was designed as a complete reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series, and it brought with it a renewed focus on gritty realism. Infinity Ward aimed to create a more believable and mature experience, drawing inspiration from contemporary geopolitical conflicts. This design philosophy permeated every aspect of the game, from its campaign to its multiplayer modes.

Campaign

The campaign in Modern Warfare 2019 is a gripping and intense experience. It tells a complex story involving international terrorism, morally ambiguous characters, and high-stakes covert operations. Players step into the shoes of various characters, including SAS operatives, CIA agents, and freedom fighters, each with their own motivations and perspectives. The narrative explores the gray areas of modern warfare, forcing players to confront difficult choices and blurring the lines between right and wrong. One of the most lauded aspects of the campaign is its realistic portrayal of combat. The developers consulted with military advisors to ensure that the weapons, tactics, and environments felt authentic. This commitment to realism is evident in the detailed weapon models, the weighty and impactful gunplay, and the realistic sound design. Missions often involve tense, close-quarters combat in urban environments, as well as stealth operations and long-range engagements. The attention to detail creates a visceral and immersive experience that sets it apart from previous Call of Duty campaigns.

Multiplayer

Modern Warfare's multiplayer component introduced several new features and mechanics that revitalized the franchise. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of Ground War, a large-scale mode that supports up to 64 players. This mode features sprawling maps, vehicles, and objective-based gameplay, creating chaotic and epic battles reminiscent of the Battlefield series. The game also brought back classic Call of Duty modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy, but with a modern twist. The maps in Modern Warfare are generally smaller and more intricate than those in previous titles, encouraging tactical gameplay and close-quarters engagements. The game also features a robust customization system, allowing players to modify their weapons with a wide range of attachments, optics, and camos. This level of customization allows players to tailor their loadouts to their preferred playstyle, whether it be aggressive run-and-gun or tactical sniping. Another notable addition was the Gunsmith, which provides an unprecedented level of control over weapon customization. Players can fine-tune their weapons to optimize them for specific roles and playstyles. The game also introduced new mechanics like mounting, which allows players to stabilize their weapons by attaching them to surfaces, providing increased accuracy and recoil control. This feature encourages tactical gameplay and rewards players who take the time to set up advantageous positions.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, Modern Warfare 2019 is a stunning game. The developers utilized a new engine that allowed for incredibly detailed environments, realistic character models, and advanced lighting effects. The game supports ray tracing on compatible hardware, further enhancing the visual fidelity. The sound design is equally impressive, with realistic weapon sounds, environmental effects, and positional audio that helps players pinpoint the location of enemies. The combination of cutting-edge graphics and immersive sound design creates a truly cinematic experience.

Cold War: A Stylish Throwback

Cold War, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, takes a different approach. It's a direct sequel to the original Black Ops, set in the early 1980s during the height of the Cold War. This game emphasizes a more stylized and narrative-driven experience, with a focus on espionage, conspiracy, and historical events.

Campaign

The campaign in Cold War is a mind-bending thriller that puts players in the role of a customizable operative known as "Bell." The story follows a clandestine team of operatives as they hunt down a Soviet spy known as Perseus, who is believed to be plotting to destabilize the global balance of power. The campaign features a branching narrative with multiple endings, allowing players to make choices that impact the story's outcome. One of the most distinctive features of the Cold War campaign is its emphasis on player choice and agency. Players can make decisions that affect the story's progression, relationships with other characters, and even the ending of the game. This level of interactivity adds replayability and encourages players to explore different paths through the narrative. The campaign also includes a variety of gameplay styles, from stealth missions to all-out firefights. Players can use disguises, gadgets, and hacking skills to infiltrate enemy bases, or they can go in guns blazing with a variety of Cold War-era weapons. The missions take players to diverse locations around the world, including East Berlin, Vietnam, and the Soviet Union, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges.

Multiplayer

Cold War's multiplayer is more in line with classic Call of Duty gameplay, with a faster pace and more arcade-like feel compared to Modern Warfare. The maps are generally larger and more open, encouraging a more aggressive and mobile playstyle. The game features a variety of modes, including Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search and Destroy, and Combined Arms, which is a large-scale mode that combines elements of Ground War and traditional Call of Duty gameplay. One of the key differences between Cold War and Modern Warfare is the movement system. Cold War features a more fluid and responsive movement system, allowing players to slide, dive, and mantle with ease. This encourages a more aggressive and dynamic playstyle, rewarding players who can quickly navigate the maps and outmaneuver their opponents. The game also features a streamlined customization system, with fewer attachments and options compared to Modern Warfare. However, the attachments that are available have a more significant impact on weapon performance, allowing players to create specialized loadouts that cater to their preferred playstyle. Cold War also introduced new mechanics like VIP Escort, where one player is designated as the VIP and must be escorted to an extraction point, and Fireteam: Dirty Bomb, a large-scale mode where teams compete to detonate dirty bombs scattered around the map.

Zombies

No discussion of a Treyarch Call of Duty title would be complete without mentioning Zombies. Cold War features a thrilling Zombies mode that continues the Dark Aether storyline. Players team up to fight hordes of the undead, uncover secrets, and complete objectives in a variety of maps and modes. The Zombies mode in Cold War introduces new features like weapon rarity, armor, and field upgrades, adding depth and complexity to the gameplay. Players can also use crafting tables to create useful items and equipment. The mode also features a robust progression system, allowing players to unlock new weapons, perks, and abilities as they level up. The Zombies mode in Cold War is a cooperative experience that rewards teamwork and communication. Players must work together to survive the onslaught of zombies, strategize their movements, and coordinate their attacks. The mode also features a variety of Easter eggs and secrets to uncover, adding replayability and encouraging players to explore the maps in detail.

Key Differences: A Quick Breakdown

Which One Should You Play?

So, which game comes out on top? It really depends on what you're looking for! If you prefer a more realistic and tactical experience with a gripping campaign and detailed weapon customization, Modern Warfare (2019) is the way to go. The graphics and sound design are top-notch, creating a truly immersive experience. However, if you prefer a faster-paced, more arcade-like experience with a focus on narrative and player choice, Cold War is a great choice. The Zombies mode is a fantastic addition, and the stylized graphics and punchy sound design give the game a unique feel. Ultimately, both Modern Warfare (2019) and Cold War are excellent Call of Duty titles that offer something different for fans of the franchise. Consider what aspects of Call of Duty you enjoy most and choose the game that best aligns with your preferences. You might even find yourself enjoying both for different reasons!