Players who pre-ordered Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 digitally are now able to experience its campaign, and initial player reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Sentiment across various online communities suggests that the campaign is a significant return to form for the popular shooter franchise.
The campaign for Modern Warfare 4 sees Captain Price confronting Makarov amidst escalating tensions between North and South Korea, with a new threat known as The Archer emerging. The narrative incorporates high-stakes political and military thriller elements, alongside open-ended levels that hint at the upcoming DMZ mode. This contrasts with the less favorable reception of last year's Black Ops 7 campaign, with players finding Modern Warfare 4's story to be a strong point.
Discussions on the Modern Warfare 4 subreddit indicate a widespread appreciation for the campaign. One user described it as the "best campaign since original trilogy," noting it as a "perfect blend of the modern entries and the original trilogy." This sentiment is echoed by others who view the campaign as a revitalization of the Modern Warfare series after a series of less impactful entries. Some players have even compared the storytelling to that of the original Modern Warfare 2.
While Polygon has not yet published its full review, external outlets have also noted the campaign's strengths. IGN's review, for instance, commended the campaign for successfully managing a large cast through a "consistently strong set of missions." This positive reception comes at a time when some feel the Call of Duty franchise has been at a relative lull, making the strong player response to Modern Warfare 4's campaign particularly noteworthy.
The official release date for Modern Warfare 4 is October 23, coinciding with its physical release and the full launch of its multiplayer modes. Digital pre-order customers gain early access to the campaign and will be able to play the DMZ extraction shooter mode starting October 20.