Call of Duty, one the most successful video game franchises in history, has dominated the gaming scene over the past couple of years. The games have sold over 100 million units and have over 40 million active uses per month. The series features compelling, movie-like campaigns and arguably the best online multiplayer of any other online first person shooter. With all the success Call of Duty has generated, it seems as though this series has begun feeling a bit repetitive. Activision had recently announced the development cycle will be moved to three years, with Sledgehammer games at the helm in 2014. Whether it’s the yearly installments, or the lack of innovation in recent years, this franchise needs a dire overhaul.
The Call of Duty series has seen a release every year since 2007’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, arguably the best game in the series. The first Modern Warfare marked the first time that Call of Duty had a setting other than World War 2. It had been the first game to implement most of the features still used in the current formula. Perks, killstreaks, weapon classes were some of the innovations online shooters hadn’t seen before. Those key features set Call of Duty apart from other online shooters. Due to its popularity, another was developed a year later, and another after that. These frequent installments did little to alter the feel of the game, leaving gamers with a perception of deja vu. A different, but familiar set of weapons, perks, killstreaks, and maps have led to a sense of redundancy.
While we know what makes these games feel old, making them feel new again isn’t an easy task. Much of what makes this franchise popular lies in its gameplay. In order to reinvigorate this series, a new engine must be built. An engine that would keep the game familiar, but unique. I’ve composed a list of possible changes.
- Dynamic weather effects – ( Blizzards, Typhoons, Sand storms, etc.) Don’t make different maps with the same weather conditions, have certain maps cycle through different ones. Having played one map in the rain, it would be nice to play the same map in the snow.
- Day & Night cycle – This should be self explanatory. Have every map cycle through different times. It would be cool to play on one map in the day time, and later play the same map during the night. It keeps the atmosphere different.
- Maps in stages – How awesome would it be to play on a ship, having that ship crash onto an island, and continuing the fight on the island?
- Map Location – Underwater subs? The moon? The scenery needs to change. Interesting places like the arctic tundra, or the great pyramids of Egypt should be considered.
- Campaign. – The campaign should be a lot less linear. Introducing different ways to play the game would keep it feeling new and fresh. Having the game playable in all stealth, or run and gun, leaving the player with the option to kill or not, should be considered.
- Online Balance. Having the perks, killstreaks, maps, weapons, and gameplay mechanics balanced should be the number one focus. Balancing has always been an issue with the series. Over-powered weapons, the drop-shot, quick scoping, and insufficient health have always plagued these games.
With a three year development cycle, there’s hope this once great franchise could regain its footing. While I would love to see a Call of Duty 4:Modern Warfare “Definitive Edition”, I’m certainly optimistic this series will improve on the Xbox One and PS4. What do you guys think? Can the Call of Duty name be restored to greatness, or has the time past it by? Let us know in the comments below.