Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

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.

93%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 13,278 reviews

Critic Score 95%Based on 4 reviews

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About

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a single player and multiplayer shooter game with a warfare theme. It was developed by Infinity Ward and was released on November 12, 2007. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"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.

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Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare screenshot

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93%

Audience ScoreBased on 13,278 reviews

story867 positive mentions

grinding19 negative mentions

The engaging narrative and memorable missions, particularly 'All Ghillied Up' and 'One Shot, One Kill,' create an immersive experience that keeps players hooked.
The gameplay mechanics are tight and fast-paced, setting a high standard for future first-person shooters with a strong emphasis on weapon variety and strategic combat.
The absence of microtransactions and aggressive monetization practices is refreshing, allowing players to enjoy the game without distractions.

The character development is generally viewed as lacking, with thin narratives and minimal emotional depth aside from a few standout characters like Price.
Many players report significant performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, particularly on modern hardware, leading to frustration.
The single-player campaign is criticized for its linearity and limited variety, resulting in lower replayability and a tedious grinding experience.

story
1,958 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
53%
3%
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." Players appreciate the game's ability to blend intense action with a coherent plot that explores themes of modern warfare, featuring well-developed characters like Captain Price and Soap. While some critiques mention the story's simplicity and occasional clichés, the overall consensus is that it remains one of the best in the franchise, delivering a gripping experience that keeps players immersed from start to finish.
- “The story in this game is very enticing and keeps you immersed the whole time!”
- “It's one of the best examples of a perfectly crafted action shooter - with a great story, unforgettable characters, and missions that stay with you forever.”
- “The story was amazing, and the multiplayer is awesome.”
- “The entire plot assumes that faceless evil guys who look identical to Muslim insurgents are capable of taking nuclear weapons, a plot device that is contrived, random, and can only exist in a world of post-9/11 hysteria.”
- “The plot makes no effort to be cohesive, makes no effort to explain why these people are evil beyond 'west bad', and has them repeatedly do cartoonishly evil and violent things for the thinnest of reasons.”
- “This game has an objectively bland story.”
gameplay
779 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
57%
4%
The gameplay of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" is widely praised for its tight mechanics, fast-paced action, and engaging mission design, which effectively blend cinematic storytelling with traditional shooter elements. While some players note that the gameplay has aged and can feel simplistic compared to modern titles, many still find it enjoyable and immersive, with a strong emphasis on weapon variety and strategic combat. Overall, the game is considered a classic that set a high standard for future first-person shooters, despite some criticisms regarding its linearity and occasional frustrating mechanics.
- “The perk system, weapon progression, and fast-paced gameplay set the standard for future Call of Duty titles.”
- “From the very beginning, it delivers an intense and cinematic campaign that keeps you hooked with its gripping story, memorable characters, and fast-paced gameplay.”
- “The gameplay mechanics that have become the staple mark for the series shine as bright as the sun with its smooth and streamlined shooting that is extremely easy to understand and master.”
- “The biggest weakness of the 2007 version is its simplistic and outdated gameplay mechanics.”
- “Expect frustrating difficulty spikes, clunky mechanics, and constant checkpoint reloads.”
- “The gameplay in the campaign is (except for some parts of missions, like the legendary stealth part) extremely repetitive.”
graphics
610 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
53%
6%
The graphics of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" have received mixed reviews, with many players acknowledging that while they were groundbreaking for 2007, they now appear dated compared to modern titles. However, numerous reviews highlight that the visuals still hold up reasonably well, offering a nostalgic charm and solid performance even on lower-end systems. Overall, the game's graphics are appreciated for their immersive quality and attention to detail, despite some criticisms regarding their age and lack of polish compared to newer releases.
- “For an 'old' game, the graphics are amazing. The gameplay is about the same as a (fairly) modern COD, good keybinds, and the settings are highly accessible and customizable.”
- “The graphics hold up surprisingly well on PC! Even with everything maxed out, it has aged well.”
- “The graphics, for its time, were out of this world, but I honestly think the graphics are still good enough to hold their own against modern-day first-person shooters.”
- “Overall, while Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) deserves respect as a classic, it struggles to compete with the Modern Warfare (2019) reboot in gameplay, graphics, storytelling, and technical polish.”
- “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.”
- “The graphics have not aged badly as the game still looks fine even today and it runs butter smooth even on older computers.”
music
133 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
57%
2%
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance immersion and elevate the overall atmosphere, with standout contributions from composers like Harry Gregson-Williams and Stephen Barton. Many reviewers highlight the soundtrack's effectiveness in complementing gameplay, whether during intense action sequences or quieter moments, although some note that it can occasionally overpower dialogue. Overall, the soundtrack is considered iconic and memorable, contributing significantly to the game's status as a classic in the franchise.
- “The soundtrack pushes you forward like a heartbeat made of steel.”
- “The soundtrack and audio design, which includes realistic sound effects and a striking score, intensify the atmosphere of the game.”
- “From the moment the game boots up, the iconic soundtrack by Harry Gregson-Williams and Stephen Barton instantly transports you back in time.”
- “Not only did they throw in audio from what sounded like a pitch meeting for the game, but they then got someone to rap that audio and quotes from the game like Will Smith trying to add himself to a movie's soundtrack?”
- “The music is not really up to much, the game largely relies on the noise of battle and that works well for what it is.”
- “I wish there was an option to turn off the music to add realism to the scene.”
replayability
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
54%
5%
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag. While many players praise the multiplayer experience and the introduction of modes like arcade, which enhance replay value, the single-player campaign is often criticized for its linearity and limited variety, leading to a lower replayability score. However, the presence of mods and collectibles does provide some incentive for players to return, making it a game that can still be enjoyed multiple times, especially in multiplayer settings.
- “It's hands down still the best Call of Duty, and for a game from 2007, it still has a lot of replay value.”
- “Its addictiveness and replayability set a new standard for competitive online shooters.”
- “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 lack of microtransactions is a rare relief, but the replay value is low, as the single-player has limited variety and the online scene is mostly inactive.”
- “There isn't much replayability apart from individual missions; get it on sale.”
- “At the same time, the single-player doesn't have too much replayability due to its straight-line cinematic nature, except to play those key moments in the game again.”
atmosphere
62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
48%
5%
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and intense qualities, effectively drawing players into the warzone with strong sound design, detailed environments, and a fitting soundtrack. While some graphics may have aged, the overall ambiance, characterized by tension and realism, enhances the storytelling and gameplay experience, making it a standout feature of the title. Players appreciate the variety of settings and the emotional weight of the narrative, which collectively contribute to a memorable and atmospheric gaming experience.
- “The atmosphere is highly immersive and at times chilling.”
- “The soundtrack and audio design, which includes realistic sound effects and a striking score, intensify the atmosphere of the game.”
- “The atmosphere immerses you in every mission that you play.”
- “The graphics have obviously aged, but the atmosphere, sound design, and gunplay still feel solid.”
- “Unlike the other games in the series, this one was focused on its atmosphere and showing the harsh realities of war, which was a successful and unique attempt.”
- “Atmosphere...a little sense of realism and characteristics...these are something that are missing in the latest Call of Duty games.”
optimization
55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
37%
25%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering and frame drops, particularly on modern hardware. While some players found the game to run smoothly with good graphics options, others experienced crashes and poor optimization overall, leading to frustration. Overall, the game's performance varies widely depending on the system, with some praising it as well-optimized for older titles, while others deem it unplayable on newer 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.”
- “As well, the optimization here is top notch and I was able to maintain the game between 80-140 fps at all times.”
- “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.”
- “Plays like hot a$$ on new hardware. What a terrible way to spend $60. Have fun browsing Reddit and Google for hours just to get this stinker working properly, and even still the frames suck after all that. Activision, take this unoptimized garbage off Steam; it has no right being here.”
- “The only actual problems I have is the PC port is not optimized well. There is a 'chance' your game will hard crash near the end of the game, and the advice online is to delete your saves and start from the beginning.”
- “Game is not optimized or supported anymore, and you may get errors on Windows 10 that will not at all allow you to even run the multiplayer portion of the game.”
grinding
45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
51%
42%
The reviews highlight that grinding in the game is often perceived as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling it requires an excessive investment of time, likening it to needing "a second life." While some appreciate the atmosphere and multiplayer aspects, the repetitive nature of missions and enemy spawns detracts from the overall experience, making progression feel like a slog rather than an engaging challenge.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “Some of the missions were quite tedious, like the war pigs one, absolutely atrocious and included, for me, enemies shooting through walls.”
- “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, but grinding to level 55 is a pain.”
humor
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
3%
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted, with players enjoying witty dialogue, such as Captain Price's memorable quips and the absurdity of certain situations. Many reviews note the game's over-the-top action and comedic elements, which contribute to its charm, making it both entertaining and nostalgic. Overall, the humor is a significant aspect that enhances the gameplay experience, providing a lighthearted contrast to the serious themes of war.
- “I also like how Price acts and how the first thing he said to Soap was 'What the hell kind of name is Soap?' which is super funny.”
- “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.”
- “So badly scripted it's not funny.”
stability
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
2%
76%
The stability of the game is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and various glitches, particularly during cutscenes and gameplay. While some players find it runs well on older hardware and appreciate the nostalgic experience, others express frustration over the game's bugs, which can disrupt playability. Overall, while the game is enjoyable, its stability issues are notable and can detract from the experience.
- “Classic game, runs great for older PCs so you don't have to have the latest hardware 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.”
- “I love this game when it actually works, but it's so buggy; some weeks it works, others it just exits without an error!”
- “Game freezes up and crashes.”
- “Every time I watch a cutscene, it randomly freezes, then unfreezes, and then it freezes again until the game moves on.”
monetization
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
47%
44%
The monetization aspect of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is praised for its absence of microtransactions, DLC, and other aggressive monetization practices that have become common in modern gaming. Players appreciate the straightforward gameplay experience without the distractions of ads or cash grabs, highlighting the game's focus on authentic enjoyment rather than profit-driven mechanics. This lack of monetization is seen as a refreshing contrast to newer titles in the franchise, which are criticized for their exploitative practices.
- “It is lovingly uncomplicated with its simple premise, unadulterated with predatory monetization practices, and authentic with its richly down-to-earth presentation and remarkable level of restraint whether engaged in single-player campaign or multiplayer.”
- “Surprisingly, this game still has an active player base, there aren't any microtransactions, and servers often have admins who can swiftly ban cheaters.”
- “It was quite refreshing to be able to play a good Call of Duty game with no exo jumps, supply drops, or microtransactions.”
- “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare stands as a reminder of a time when games were made with passion rather than aggressive monetization.”
- “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.”
emotional
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
3%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its impactful storytelling and character development, with many players expressing strong feelings during key moments, such as character deaths and intense missions. While some reviews note a lack of depth in certain narratives, others praise the game for its ability to blend action with heartfelt experiences, creating a memorable and nostalgic journey that resonates with players long after completion. Overall, the game successfully evokes a range of emotions, from nostalgia to sadness, making it a standout in the genre.
- “The game’s realistic combat scenarios and emotional storytelling make every mission feel impactful and engaging, even years after its release.”
- “Memorable missions such as 'all ghillied up' showcase not only technical ingenuity but also emotional depth.”
- “This campaign made me cry manly tears at the end for the characters that were killed off!”
- “I went into this game thinking it would be yet another title from Activision that features unlikeable characters and boring storylines.”
character development
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
Character development in the game is generally viewed as lacking, with many reviewers noting thin narratives and minimal emotional depth, aside from a few standout characters like Price. While some appreciate the game's focus on larger-scale events over individual character arcs, others find the overall character development disappointing, especially when compared to other titles in the genre. Despite these criticisms, there are mentions of good character design and atmosphere, indicating that while the depth may be lacking, the visual presentation remains strong.
- “Good campaign and story complexity; good character development, good weapons and sounds.”
- “The absence of in-game cutscenes or elaborate embellishments is noteworthy; the game adheres to the traditional Call of Duty approach for storytelling and character development with a cinematic feel on top of it.”
- “Call of Duty 4 relies on fast pacing and memorable set pieces, but the character development is thin and the narrative lacks emotional depth.”
- “This one is really disappointing; most of the missions are tedious and the story is mediocre with no real character development except for Price.”
- “The character development and atmosphere have no match.”

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95%Critics’ scoreBased on 4 critic reviews

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7h Median play time

152h Average play time

7h Main story

16h Completionist

5-30h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 31 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a shooter game with warfare theme.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac OS, Xbox One and others.

The main story can be completed in around 7 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 16 hours to finish. On average players spend around 152 hours playing Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was released on November 12, 2007.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was developed by Infinity Ward.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players and overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Battlefield Bad Company 2, Call of Duty® 2 and others.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

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