Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) Review Roundup - Is It Worth Playing?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a return to one of the franchise's most iconic settings. Developed by Infinity Ward, the creators of the original Modern Warfare in 2007, this reboot follows a storyline featuring a new cast, along with the return of Captain Price. Much like other Call of Duty campaigns, it focuses heavily on a globe-trotting plot that will see its cast of characters through several set-piece encounters and other thrilling events. However, Modern Warfare's presentation leans more on realism. There's a greater weight to the game's narrative and shooting gameplay, which will likely make some players feel that some of its moments hit more close to home than they expect.

In GameSpot's Modern Warfare review-in-progress, editor Kallie Plagge stated that the new campaign has some standout moments full of high-octane action and thrilling scenes. However, it can fall short when it comes to addressing the more harrowing aspects of war in modern times. The big standout in Modern Warfare is the suite of multiplayer offerings, including traditional competitive multiplayer and new variations like the Gunfight mode, resulting in an extremely robust game for players looking for a new multiplayer shooter to dive into.

So far, only a few outlets have published their comprehensive reviews of the game. Below, you'll find a quick roundup from other gaming outlets who have shared their thoughts on what Modern Warfare is all about. Over the coming days, we'll update this post to add in new highlights and along with GameSpot's finalized review of the game after we spend more time testing it out online with more players.

• Game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
• Developer: Infinity Ward
• Release date: October 25
• Price: $60 / £50 / $68 AUD

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GameSpot - 7/10

"Outside of any thematic contradictions, Modern Warfare's multiplayer is up to par, with a variety of game types for different kinds of players. Across all the modes, maps move away from the obvious three-lane structure in favor of nooks, crannies, and tons of cover; there's generally a balance of close-quarters and long-range approaches. The standard, highly customizable toolkit for your chosen loadouts returns, with a good selection of perks to suit different game types and playstyles. Modern Warfare largely stays within the strong foundations of Call of Duty multiplayer without pushing them much, with the exception of the excellent Realism mode." - Kallie Plagge [Review In Progress]

Game Informer - 8.75/10

"All told, Modern Warfare should have received a new Call of Duty subhead given just how different its avenues of play are. Not every one of Infinity Ward’s ideas works, but a few are successful enough that I could see them as series staples. Modern Warfare’s accomplishments may not be as pronounced as Black Ops 4’s (Blackout being one of them), but it still delivers a hell of a multiplayer experience. Gunfight alone is worth the price of admission." - Andrew Reiner [Full Review]

GamesRadar - 4/5

"Infinity Ward was always going to have to simplify the complexities of modern warfare to make this game work. What's important is what it chose to emphasise in service of that. For the most part, the studio has decided to pull focus onto the chaos born out of proxy wars and the debilitating pressure of being under fire from a seemingly unstoppable force, and it works when it does so. When it works to emphasise some perceived darker reflection of the world, it comes across as callous and a little cynical. That isn't enough to detract from what this Modern Warfare revival is ultimately able to achieve, but there's still work for Infinity Ward to do as it works to re-establish this series for a new generation." - Josh West [Full Review]

PC Gamer - 80/100

"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has sold itself as a return to the setting that "started it all." It’s a snappy marketing line that tugs the nostalgic strings of fans who remember the magic of 2007, and it’s not entirely misleading. The warfare is once again modern and, yes, Captain Price is still your likeable squad dad. Yet it's Modern Warfare's moments of unfamiliarity that impressed me—rebuilt weapon handling, ambitious new multiplayer modes, and characters that aren’t the cookie-cutter operatives we've seen in the last decade." - Morgan Park [Full Review]

PCGamesN - 8/10

"Modern Warfare also boasts the best cast of any entry in the series, all brought to life with grounded performances and the most realistic mo-capped cinematics to date. Barry Sloane takes on the iconic role of Captain Price with swagger and charm to spare, while Claudia Doumit’s performance as freedom fighter Farah Karim brims with humanity and grit. From start to finish, the six-hour campaign is a polished, immaculately produced, and genuinely affecting experience that plunges players into the murkiness of modern warfare and doesn’t pull any punches. This is easily one of the best, if not the best, Call of Duty campaigns yet." - Jordan Forward [Full Review]