Call of Duty. A name synonymous with explosive action, iconic characters, and pulse-pounding campaigns that take you to the heart of global conflicts. While juggernauts like Modern Warfare and Black Ops grab the spotlight, there are hidden gems within the franchise – campaigns that deserve more love for their innovative gameplay, gripping stories, or historical settings.
So, put down that well-worn copy of Modern Warfare 2 and join us as we delve into the underrated Call of Duty campaigns that deserve a replay (or maybe even your first playthrough!):
1. World at War (Call of Duty: World at War): Stepping away from the contemporary settings, World at War throws you into the brutal battles of the Pacific and Eastern Fronts of World War II. This campaign doesn't shy away from the grime and desperation of war, offering a grounded and often harrowing experience. Witnessing the horrors of the Banzai charges and the desperate last stand at Stalingrad leave a lasting impression.
2. Black Ops (Call of Duty: Black Ops): Often overshadowed by its flashier sequels, the original Black Ops campaign boasts a gripping Cold War narrative with several twists and turns. You play as a CIA operative entangled in a web of espionage and assassination missions across the globe, from the jungles of Vietnam to the rooftops of Cuba. The interrogation sequences add a layer of moral ambiguity, making you question the nature of covert operations.
3. Call of Duty 2: Big Red One: This early entry in the series might not have the bells and whistles of its modern counterparts, but Call of Duty 2: Big Red One excels in its historical accuracy and level design. You fight your way through iconic WWII battles like D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, experiencing the chaos and camaraderie of close-quarter combat. The focus on portraying the different experiences of American, British, and Soviet soldiers adds a unique perspective.
4. Ghosts (Call of Duty: Ghosts): While not without its critics, Ghosts' campaign offers a compelling narrative with a focus on a fictional war between the United States and a newly formed South American Federation. The underdog story of the Ghosts, a group of elite special forces fighting for their homeland, injects a fresh layer of emotional attachment. The dynamic environments and challenging set pieces keep the gameplay engaging.
5. Infinite Warfare (Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare): Dismissed by some for its sci-fi setting, Infinite Warfare's campaign surprised many with its surprisingly emotional story and well-developed characters. You fight alongside Captain Reyes to defend Earth from a ruthless alien invasion force. Zero-gravity dogfights and high-tech weaponry add a unique twist to the Call of Duty formula, while the focus on character relationships creates a sense of camaraderie amidst the futuristic battles.
6. Black Ops II (Call of Duty: Black Ops II): Pushing the boundaries of storytelling, Black Ops II boasts a branching narrative that lets your choices impact the outcome of the campaign. Jumping between the 1980s Cold War and a future with advanced robotics, the story explores themes of technological dependence and global conflict with a surprising amount of depth.
7. WAW: Campaign (Call of Duty: WWII): While the multiplayer of Call of Duty: WWII may not have garnered universal praise, the campaign offers a solid and respectful portrayal of the European front of World War II. You fight your way through iconic battles like the D-Day invasion and the liberation of Paris, experiencing the courage and sacrifice of the Allied forces. The campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
8. Advanced Warfare (Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare): Another title that embraced a futuristic setting, Advanced Warfare features a compelling narrative about a powerful private military corporation wielding advanced weaponry. Kevin Spacey's performance as the villainous Jonathan Irons adds a layer of intrigue, while the high-tech gadgets and exoskeleton suits elevate the gameplay beyond traditional Call of Duty fare.
9. The Resistance (Call of Duty: WWII): Taking a lesser-known perspective on World War II, The Resistance follows a group of French Resistance fighters as they fight against Nazi occupation. The campaign explores themes of civilian resistance and the fight for freedom from a more personal and intimate angle.
10. Declassified Missions (Call of Duty: Black Ops): Often overlooked, the Declassified Missions in Black Ops offer a unique experience with bite-sized, objective-based missions across various historical settings. From assassinations in Vietnam to rescuing hostages in Iran, these missions provide a diverse gameplay experience that complements the main campaign.
This list is merely a starting point. The Call of Duty franchise holds a treasure trove of underrated campaigns waiting to be rediscovered.