Modern Warfare 2019: Analyzing the Epic CoD Reboot

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid Call of Duty fan who has extensively played every franchise entry since the original trio of CoD games, I receive one common query:

Is 2019‘s Modern Warfare a remake, remaster or reboot?

Well, let‘s analyze Activision‘s latest military shooter blockbuster in depth and uncover why it kicks off a rebooted arc for the record-shattering CoD series…

Modern Warfare 2019 is Not a Remake or Remaster

First, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) is neither a remake nor a remaster of the 2007-released Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, widely credited for revolutionizing first-person shooters.

  • Remake refers to recreating the original game from scratch – updated visuals but same storyline and features.

  • Remaster involves enhancing textures, graphics etc. of the original game while leaving its core content mostly intact.

Instead, MW (2019) features an entirely new plot with fresh characters while retaining the military-techno thriller tone of the original Modern Warfare arc.

For instance, players control tier-one operators like CIA officer Alex and rebel leader Farah Karim instead of Soap MacTavish. Environments like the fictional Middle East nation of Urzikistan replace classic locales such as Russia and Afghanistan.

Modern Warfare 2019 Serves as a Reboot of the Sub-Series

So if it‘s not a remake or remaster, what exactly is Modern Warfare (2019)?

It‘s a reboot – kicking off a reimagined storyline for the Modern Warfare branch of the Call of Duty games with enhanced visuals and gameplay.

Blending New Tales with Familiar Elements

Reboots redraw franchise lore while retaining some key characters and integral backstory elements. MW 2019 does exactly that.

Alongside debuting protagonists like Alex and Farah, pivotal characters like Captain John Price return. Fan-favorite maps such as Scrapyard get revamped too.

So think refreshed settings and plots interspersed with occasional callbacks to the original 2007-2011 trilogy.

Upgraded Visuals, Mechanics and Progression

Naturally, a decade later, MW (2019) ushers boosted graphics with support for up to 4K resolution, HDR, unlimited framerates and photorealistic material rendering.

Core mechanics see uplifts too – the signature tight CoD gunplay gets enhanced with tactile feedback and real-world weapon ballistics data. Customizable weapon mounts, door breaches and night maps amp up tactical options.

Modern progression systems also override 2007-era unlocks – Battle Pass rewards, Operator skins, deeply customizable gunsmith options that change attachments on the fly etc.

Reception: Critical Acclaim and Record Sales

Launching on October 25, 2019, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare received widespread critical acclaim for seamlessly blending campaign set-pieces with moral choices.

With a gripping narrative spanning covert operations from London to Azerbaijan, players commended the emotionally charged military drama filled with unflinching violence.

Critically, it scored higher than the preceding half-dozen Call of Duty entries.

  • Metacritic Aggregate Score – 86/100 (31 positive reviews)
  • GameRankings Rating – 88% (65 positive reviews)

More importantly, MW (2019) instantly dominated sales charts, outgrossing top 2019 releases like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and NBA 2K20.

  • $600 million in retail sell-through worldwide within first 3 days
  • Best-selling Call of Duty game of this console generation
  • Top PS4 and Xbox One launch of 2019, 2nd highest of all time behind 2018‘s Black Ops 4

Thanks to explosive demand from both critics and players, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) ignited the reboot of Activision‘s crown jewel franchise.

Expanding Into Warzone and Future Crossovers

Capitalizing on Modern Warfare‘s reinvigorated foundation, Activision launched the free-to-play Call of Duty: Warzone battle royale mode on March 10, 2020.

Within 2 years, Warzone‘s unique sandbox warfare raked over 125 million players as Modern Warfare‘s shared universe expanded ambitiously.

The interconnected storylines aim to tie-in upcoming entries too. 2024‘s rumored Modern Warfare 3 remaster could depict WW3 after MW2 (2022)‘s Cliffhanger ending.

Importantly, this shared narrative indicates Activision‘s focus on enlarging Call of Duty‘s lore – converting isolated sub-series into an ever-expanding fiction that challenges Destiny and other shooter MMOs.

The Verdict: A Polished & Personalized Reboot

As someone who waited for years in queues to snag my copy of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare back in 2007, the reboot makes me equally nostalgic and optimistic.

It retains the tight gunplay and conspiracy-fueled plots of military techno thrillers that anchored the series‘ meteoric rise. But the reboot also propels the franchise into contemporary geopolitics wiith moral shades of grey.

The excellent campaign continues via Modern Warfare II (2022) too while Warzone has evolved into an addictive metaverse.

So Call of Duty has successfully pulled off a defining reboot – resurrecting its most acclaimed sub-series for existing fans while inviting newcomers.

It might just be what the franchise needed to cement its iconic status for the next decade rife with disruption.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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