Ready, Aim, Critique: Modern Warfare II’s Impact on the Call of Duty Franchise

Garon Taitz
2 min readJul 26, 2023

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Photo by 4kwallpapers.com

Alright, gamers, let’s dive into the world of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, the blockbuster release of 2022 that earned a jaw-dropping $1 billion in revenue. But hey, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Behind the dazzling numbers lies a tale of mixed reviews and divided opinions. In this article, we’ll dissect the highs, lows, and the what-the-hecks of Modern Warfare II, and what it could mean for the future of the franchise.

Setting the Stage: What’s the Game About?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the scene. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor (Modern Warfare 2019), Modern Warfare II plunges players into a gritty, modern-day battlefield. Picture this: a high-stakes chase involving Task Force 141 and the Mexican Special Forces unit Los Vaqueros as they hunt down the elusive terrorist leader Hassan Zyani. And what’s he got? Oh, just some American-made ballistic missiles. No big deal, right? Strap in, folks, ’cause it’s about to get intense.

Gameplay Mechanics: Fast or Furious?

Now, onto the gameplay. Modern Warfare II decided to switch gears with a slower, more tactical approach. Some players are all in, loving the added depth it brings to the table. Others? Well, let’s just say they’re not exactly doing cartwheels. And then there’s the perk system. Charging up perks before you can use them? It’s like waiting for your pizza delivery guy to find your house. Not everyone’s idea of a good time, that’s for sure.

Progression Systems: Unlocking Attachments, the Grind Edition:

Progression in Modern Warfare II takes a detour from the usual route. Want to pimp out your guns with attachments? You’ll need to level them up first. Some players don’t mind the grind, while others feel like they’re stuck in a never-ending loop. And let’s talk about the battle pass. It’s shorter than a TikTok video, and there’s even a premium version called BlackCell. Pay-to-win or just pay-to-look-fancy? You be the judge.

Looking Ahead: Learning from Mistakes

So, where does Modern Warfare II leave us? It’s a reminder that even the biggest franchises can stumble. But fear not, there’s still plenty of love for Call of Duty, flaws and all. Moving forward, the devs need to find that sweet spot between innovation and staying true to the series’ roots. And hey, listening to the players wouldn’t hurt either. After all, they’re the ones holding the controller.

In a nutshell, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is like that rollercoaster ride you’re not sure you want to go on again. It’s had its ups and downs, but hey, that’s what makes gaming so darn interesting, right? Here’s to hoping that the next installment learns from the past and aims for the stars.

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Garon Taitz

History buff, who writes engaging articles on the side for Medium about gaming, tech, and history. Additionally, serves as the CEO of Speakcord.