Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- November 12, 2007
- Infinity Ward
- 6h median play time
Combining an intense single-player campaign with addicting online multiplayer, Call of Duty 4 is one of the first must buy titles of the holiday season.
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Get on Xbox Games Store"Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" is a first-person shooter game that takes players to deadly hotspots around the world in a battle against a rogue group threatening global security. As a U.S Marine and British S.A.S. soldier, players use advanced firepower and technology to complete missions. The game also features an extensive multiplayer mode with customizable persistent perks and addictive gameplay. It offers an authentic and expansive arsenal of over 70 new weapons and gear.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox
Xbox 360
Reviews
- story1,376 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" is widely praised for its engaging narrative and memorable missions, particularly the iconic "All Ghillied Up" and "One Shot, One Kill." While some players note that the plot can feel straightforward or generic, many appreciate its immersive presentation and the emotional weight of key moments, such as the nuclear explosion. Overall, the campaign is considered a classic in storytelling within the FPS genre, effectively blending action with a compelling military narrative.
“The game offers an intense and immersive narrative, which follows a plot full of twists and turns and memorable characters.”
“The story, which revolves around the fight against a terrorist group and the collapse of political regimes, is told with a depth that effectively combines drama and action.”
“The single-player campaign is unforgettable, with intense, cinematic missions that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.”
“The story is the epitome of generic, lacks memorable characters and feels tacked on.”
“The story doesn't make sense, the enemy placement is plain dumb, the difficulty pacing doesn't exist.”
“The story for the single player is, unfortunately, really weak.”
- gameplay568 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is widely praised for its tight mechanics, engaging combat, and a blend of cinematic action and strategic elements. While some players note that the mechanics feel somewhat dated compared to newer titles, the core experience remains enjoyable and addictive, particularly in its multiplayer mode. The campaign offers a variety of mission types, though it is often described as linear and short, with many players appreciating the balance between action and narrative.
“The game enhances the shooter mechanics with a sense of realism and fluidity that was revolutionary for its time.”
“The variety of weapons and the implementation of a more efficient cover system contribute to the depth of the gameplay.”
“Each mission, whether it be a high-octane frontal assault or a stealthy infiltration, is crafted with care, making the gameplay experience diverse and continually engaging.”
“The gameplay in the campaign is extremely repetitive.”
“The story is soulless and generic, the gameplay is genuinely painful.”
“While the shooter mechanics are pretty standard, some of the other gameplay mechanics can be pretty frustrating.”
- graphics443 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" are often praised for their impressive quality at the time of release in 2007, with many reviewers noting that they still hold up reasonably well today, especially for older hardware. While some players acknowledge that the visuals are dated compared to modern standards, they appreciate the game's immersive environments and detailed character models. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's enduring appeal, though many recommend the remastered version for those seeking enhanced visuals.
“Visually, Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® impresses with its detailed and well-designed graphics, which help create an immersive and realistic experience.”
“Graphically, Modern Warfare was a standout for its time, and even today, its visuals remain impressive.”
“The graphics still look good in today's standards.”
“The only problem I have is that the graphics are a bit outdated and the audio can sound really distorted and troublesome to listen to sometimes.”
“Graphics quality awful.”
“The graphics are definitely outdated, but you should expect that from a game this old.”
- music89 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with many reviewers highlighting the impressive soundtracks composed by notable artists like Hans Zimmer and Harry Gregson-Williams. While some players found the music to be iconic and memorable, others noted that it could occasionally overpower dialogue or feel generic during intense moments. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant aspect of the game's emotional impact and storytelling, contributing to its status as a classic in the FPS genre.
“The soundtrack and audio design, which includes realistic sound effects and a striking score, intensify the atmosphere of the game.”
“The in-game music composed by Harry Gregson-Williams suits the pace and atmosphere perfectly, whether it is the middle-eastern showdown, or the desolate Pripyat city, or the ICBM launch field; the music always brings the scene to life.”
“The gameplay, the story, the strategy, the way the music makes you feel emotion/stress, just a beautifully executed game.”
“Couldn't find a way to turn off the music.”
“I also felt like the soundtrack didn't know when it needed to have quiet moments.”
“The music was not that special, although it fitted the game well, especially in the opening scene.”
- replayability42 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it highly replayable due to engaging multiplayer modes and various difficulty levels, others note that the single-player campaign offers limited replay value due to its linear structure. Many appreciate the addition of arcade modes and collectibles that enhance replayability, but some feel that the overall experience lacks depth for repeated playthroughs. Overall, the multiplayer and modding community significantly boost the game's longevity.
“It has tons of replay value with custom zombies and in my opinion, the best campaign Call of Duty has ever seen.”
“Furthermore, the campaign is quite replayable, with collectibles in practically every level, four different difficulties to play through, and a special score-based mode that is unlocked after first beating the campaign. You can certainly come back to it again.”
“The story is great, filled with memorable moments, and with the arcade mode, it has tons of replayability.”
“There is barely any replayability in the game because the only few missions that you could replay are 'shock and awe', 'war pig', 'death from above', 'the coup', and 'no fighting in the war room'.”
“Not much replayability value, so get it cheap.”
“At the same time, the singleplayer doesn't have too much replayability due to its straight line cinematic nature, except to play those key moments in the game again.”
- optimization39 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 28 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its solid performance and good graphics, especially for a title over a decade old. However, many users report issues such as stuttering, frame dips, and a lack of certain features like a field of view slider, indicating that while it performs well on some systems, it struggles on modern hardware. Overall, the game is considered well-optimized for its age, but not without significant performance concerns for certain setups.
“The game runs almost without a hitch, with expectedly excellent framerates (no fps cap), it's well-optimized, and it still looks good enough while doing so.”
“It's kind of crazy that a game from 2007 is better optimized on PC and just more fun in general than Infinite Warfare, a game released in 2016.”
“Very nicely optimized PC port - never crashes and runs well (40-50 fps) at very high - ultra settings on my HD 4400 i3 4030u with Windows 8.1.”
“Endless stuttering on modern systems.”
“Stuttering at over 500 fps, no volume mixing options, FOV resets to 65 constantly.”
“Horribly optimized, this game will not only destroy your frame rate but your eyes.”
- atmosphere33 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its immersive qualities, driven by a striking soundtrack and realistic sound design that enhance the emotional weight of the gameplay. Detailed environments and character models contribute to a unique portrayal of the harsh realities of war, setting it apart from other titles in the series. Players appreciate the variety in scenery and the intense, atmospheric experiences during missions, making the single-player campaign particularly memorable.
“The soundtrack and audio design, which includes realistic sound effects and a striking score, intensify the atmosphere of the game.”
“The attention to detail in environments, character models, and weapon designs contributes significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
“Besides interesting and fun gameplay, the mission has an exquisite atmosphere with an incredible amount of detail and amazing use of sound and music (and its absence).”
“Overall, this is just one example and I could probably ramble on for so much longer and there are still some aspects I like about these missions and all of the missions in MW1 (atmospheres and music are spot-on), but most are forgettable and others downright tedious.”
“However, in Call of Duty 4, the game spends no time with monologues and just shows you the horrors of war by actually putting you in the fray and letting certain moments sink in and let you take in the atmosphere.”
“Unlike the other games in the series, this one was focused on its atmosphere and showing the dark side of war, which was a successful attempt and very unique too.”
- stability33 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 73 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is a mixed bag; while many players report that it runs well on older hardware and is generally bug-free, others experience significant issues such as crashes during cutscenes and various glitches. Some glitches are seen as entertaining or minor, enhancing gameplay, but there are also reports of game-breaking bugs that can hinder the experience. Overall, while the game is playable and enjoyable for most, it does have notable stability concerns that may frustrate some users.
“Classic game, runs great for older PCs so you don't have to have the latest gear or upgrade graphics cards.”
“The game is so much fun, I don't have the best hardware and it still runs great!”
“It's a classic that looks great and runs great.”
“The PC port is really buggy, crashing on cut scenes and not saving.”
“Every time I watch a cutscene, it randomly freezes, then unfreezes, and then it freezes again until the game moves on.”
“So buggy, can't even play it; trying to get a refund from Steam and now that's being buggy, -99/10.”
- grinding31 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 42 % negative mentions
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that grinding in the game is excessively tedious, often requiring an unrealistic time commitment likened to needing "a second life." While some players appreciate certain aspects of the gameplay, the overall sentiment is that the grinding process detracts significantly from the enjoyment, making it feel like a chore rather than a rewarding experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“This takes 'boring and tedious' to a whole new level.”
“What I got instead was a tedious, vaguely-plotted slog of endless gunfights punctuated here and there with various novelty toys of varying usefulness.”
“A great game multiplayer-wise, grinding to level 55 is a pain.”
- humor28 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its over-the-top action, memorable characters, and amusing dialogue, particularly from iconic figures like Captain Price. Many reviews note the game's ability to blend serious themes with comedic moments, creating a charming and entertaining experience. Additionally, the nostalgic elements and humorous glitches contribute to its overall comedic appeal, making it a fun and memorable title for players.
“Great soundtrack, charming Source Engine-esque graphics, and a plot that takes itself very seriously in a funny over-the-top action movie kind of way.”
“Love the introduction to Captain Price and the hilarious commentary of Griggs.”
“The game is hilariously broken in terms of balance; however, that is part of its charm.”
“So badly scripted it's not funny.”
- monetization23 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 39 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a strong appreciation for the game's lack of microtransactions, contrasting it with modern titles that are criticized for their aggressive monetization strategies. Players enjoy the straightforward multiplayer experience without the burden of additional costs for content, emphasizing that the game remains fun and engaging without the typical cash grab elements found in contemporary releases. Overall, the absence of microtransactions is seen as a significant positive aspect, contributing to the game's lasting appeal.
“It's the right blend of customization options and balance without any microtransactions or any of that modern nonsense.”
“Surprisingly, this game still has an active player base, there aren't any microtransactions, and servers often have admins who can swiftly ban cheaters.”
“Great arcade shooter experience, no microtransactions, free DLC, custom maps, etc. fun!”
“After MW3, the series went to shit and now it's horrible with all the microtransactions and crap.”
“Too bad the developer lost their way and became a bunch of greedy pigs; they keep releasing crappy Call of Duty games every year, full of microtransactions, day one DLC, and pre-order bonus crap.”
“The trilogy itself was pure gold, but now that these games have become so saturated with skins, in-game purchases, and more and more money for multiplayer content that should be free.”
- emotional22 mentions
- 95 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed but generally positive feedback, with many players praising its impactful storytelling and character development that evoke strong feelings, such as sadness and nostalgia. Key moments, like character deaths, have left players deeply affected, highlighting the game's ability to create a heartfelt experience despite its action-oriented nature. However, some critiques point out that the emotional elements can feel forced or overshadowed by the violence, leading to a disconnect in certain instances.
“Gaz's death made me cry.”
“This was one of the first video games that seriously made me feel something.”
“The campaign is a really enjoyable and heartfelt journey, albeit a rather short one.”
“I went into this game thinking it would be yet another title from Activision that features unlikeable characters and boring storylines.”
- character development5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is generally well-received, with some praising its depth and integration into the campaign and story. However, others note that it may be sacrificed for larger narrative events, leading to mixed feelings about its overall execution. While character designs and atmosphere are highlighted positively, there are some criticisms regarding specific episodes.
“Good campaign and story complexity; good character development, good weapons and sounds.”
“Character designs.”
“The character development and atmosphere have no match.”
“Character designs are uninspired and lack depth.”
“The characters feel one-dimensional and fail to evolve throughout the game.”
