Summary
Call of Dutyhas taken long-time players on a rollercoaster ride, delivering a series of iconic titles—each widely different from the last. While the current era ofCall of Dutyis thriving, many fans argue that the franchise’s older titles are just better, leading some to revisit older classics from the golden era.
Although players can still boot up these classic games,Infinite Warfare’srelease seemed to attempt a trend of remastering older titles with the debut ofModern Warfare Remastered. In later years,Modern Warfare 2received a campaign remaster, but this trend has since been abandoned. With that in mind,here are someCall of Dutygames that truly deserve a remaster.
IfModern Warfare Campaign Remasteredis anything to go by,Call of Duty: Black Ops 3may not be the best candidate for a potential remaster, if the focus is solely on adapting its single-player mode. WhileBlack Ops 3’scampaign features intricate missions and excellent gameplay,its narrative is notoriously confusing and difficult to followthrough just a single playthrough. However, if a remaster were to include all the game’s modes, thenBlack Ops 3could be an excellent all-round pick.
For many,Black Ops 3’sMultiplayer is the bestofCall of Duty’sshort-lived futuristic era,featuring fluid advanced movement mechanics, a diverse roster of Specialists with powerful and fun-to-use abilities, and excellent map designs that worked seamlessly with the game’s movement system.Black Ops 3is also one ofthe most beloved titles when it comes to Zombies content, boasting a large selection of expertly crafted maps. Though the Zombies mode still maintains a niche playerbase over on Steam thanks to its dedicated community of modders continuously adding new content, a fullBlack Ops 3remaster—if done justice—could be an incredible addition to the franchise.
When it comes to great stories that deserve a remaster, many might immediately think ofBlack Ops,World at War, or even the originalCall of Duty. While all these titles are excellent candidates, oneCall of Dutygame that often flies under the radar isCall of Duty 2: Big Red One, a Treyarch title that—despite being frequently confused withCall of Duty 2—is actually a standalone spin-off with its own unique story.
Big Red Onefollows the 1st Infantry Division through the perspective of Sgt. Roland Roger, as he and his squad of American soldiers take part in real-world historical battles during World War II. The game placesa strong emphasis on character development, allowing players to form a connection with their squadmates as the story progresses. In many ways, the game’s storytelling feels reminiscent ofBand of Brothers, which is fitting, as several members of the show’s cast lent their voices to the game. With its compelling action, immersive historical battles, and great storytelling, aCall of Duty 2: Big Red Oneremaster could be abigsuccess.
Of all theCall of Dutygames on this list, the most likely candidate—and the one that arguably deserves a remaster the most—isModern Warfare 3. WithCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfarereceiving a full remaster across all major modes, along with a roster of new and original content, andModern Warfare 2getting a remastered Campaign, it’s only fitting that theoriginal trilogy gets a much-needed upgradefor the next generation of hardware.
Modern Warfare 3is undoubtedly an iconic title, serving as the climactic conclusion to theModern Warfaretrilogy. Given the success ofModern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered—and the fact that players who have only experienced that remaster would find the conflict with Vladimir Makarov left unresolved—now may be the perfect time to finally bring the trilogy back to life.
Call of Dutyhas largely moved away from the World War II setting, especially afterCall of Duty: Vanguardreceived a mixed reception. However, with many ofVanguard’sissues stemming from its core gameplay elements and a clear avoidance of overall realism, it may be time for Activision to test the waters with another World War II shooter. And what better way to do so than by remasteringone of the most acclaimed WWII-eraCall of Dutytitles?
Call of Duty: World at Waris a dark and gritty entry in the franchise, dedicated to showcasing the brutality and horror of a conflict that changed the world forever. Itscampaign is often regarded as one of the best, featuring a range ofmemorable missions such as Semper Fi, Little Resistance, and Vendetta.But that’s not all—World at Waralsoboasts a stellar Multiplayer experienceanda terrifying yet more simplistic Zombies modethat could make for excellent gameplay in a remaster. With a wealth of content and a return toCall of Duty’sroots, aWorld at Warremaster could be the nostalgic revival the franchise needs.
Black Ops Cold WarandBlack Ops 6are both excellent spy-thrillers when it comes to their campaigns, butCall of Duty: Black Opsis what started it all. AmongCall of Dutycampaigns,Black Opsis often held in high regard, immersing players in the Vietnam and Cold Wars before unraveling a deeper story filled with dark secrets, mind control, and psychological twists never before seen in the franchise. IfBlack Opswere to receive a remaster,its campaign alone could be a major selling point.
However,Call of Duty: Black Opsis much more than just its campaign. While unlikely, remastering its other modes alongside the story could make for an even bigger success. Itsmultiplayer provided a classic style of gameplay, bringing with it unique features, while itsZombies mode pushed the bar with its content.If handled properly, aCall of Duty: Black Opsremaster could be a major win for the franchise, especially if it retains its original charm.
When the topic of remastering aCall of Dutytitle comes up, no game is as heavily requested asBlack Ops 2—an entry that many regard as the best in the franchise. At the time of its release,Black Ops 2took a bold leap into the near future, and whilesome of its fictional elements have since become reality, its campaign remains a thrilling experience. Jumping between past and future events,Black Ops 2delivers an excellent sequel toBlack Ops, and while some missions may not be the most memorable, reviving its story could reignite interest in remastering classicCall of Dutytitles.
Beyond its gripping campaign,Black Ops 2also boastsone of the most beloved multiplayer experiencesinCall of Dutyhistory, as well as a Zombies mode that introducedsome ofthe franchise’s most iconic maps.While a rumoredBlack Ops 2sequel could be a nail in the coffin for a full remaster, demand for one is undeniable. If it doesn’t happen, it may be one of the biggest missed opportunities inCall of Dutyhistory.
