Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – 2007 vs. 2019: A Deep Dive
No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) is not the same game as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007). While they share the same iconic title and some familiar characters, the 2019 release is a reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series, not a remaster, remake, or direct sequel to the original. The 2019 game introduces a new storyline, reimagined characters, and a different timeline, making it a distinct gaming experience. It’s a fresh take on the beloved universe, designed for a modern audience while retaining the spirit of what made the original so great.
The Modern Warfare Legacy: Reimagined, Not Replicated
The confusion between the two titles is understandable. Both are powerful entries in the Call of Duty franchise and both carry the Modern Warfare brand. However, their relationship is more of a spiritual successor rather than a direct copy. The 2019 title doesn’t simply update graphics and gameplay mechanics. Instead, it acts as a soft reboot, starting the series anew while retaining key themes, characters, and a general sense of familiarity with the original. This approach allows both new and returning players to enjoy the game without feeling completely lost.
A New Story, Familiar Faces
The most important differentiator lies in the narrative. While the 2007 game’s plot and the 2019 game share certain commonalities such as a global scale conflict and featuring the characters like Captain Price, Soap, and Gaz, they are not connected from the timeline aspect. The 2019 Modern Warfare presents a different sequence of events, often with reimagined scenarios and character backstories. The narrative of the original unfolds in a different universe than the reboot, so actions and outcomes will vary significantly. The 2019 version’s story takes place in the year of its release, 2019, while the original’s campaign doesn’t have a fixed year of reference.
Continuity Reboot – Same Spirit, Different Execution
The 2019 Modern Warfare can be described as a continuity reboot. This means that it keeps certain core elements such as characters and themes, while discarding the old plotline in favor of a new one. Characters like Captain Price are re-introduced with updated appearances and new perspectives. Their pasts are alluded to, but the story isn’t a rehash of the 2007 game, but rather a foundation for a new series of games. This allows the developers to take risks with the plot and introduce new elements, enriching the experience of both new and old players.
A Technical Leap
Technically, the 2019 release is superior. It boasts improved graphics, modern game mechanics, and an updated engine. The older game will feel dated when compared to this fresh, modern approach. While Modern Warfare Remastered (released in 2016) does enhance the graphics of the 2007 game, it only gives a cosmetic and technical update to the original game. The 2019 version is completely new with advancements across all gameplay and design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the differences and nuances, here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Modern Warfare games:
1. Is Modern Warfare (2019) a remake of Modern Warfare (2007)?
No. The 2019 game is a reboot, not a remake. It retells the story with significant differences, whereas a remake would generally try to stick very close to the original story.
2. Is Modern Warfare 2019 a prequel to the original series?
The new Modern Warfare is not a prequel to the original series. It takes place in its own separate timeline and re-establishes the characters to set the stage for future games in the rebooted sub-series. The 2019 game’s events take place in 2019, while the original is set in a time that’s never specified.
3. Is Modern Warfare Remastered the same story as the original?
Yes. Modern Warfare Remastered is a graphical and technical update of the original 2007 game and retains the exact same story, characters, and settings.
4. Are the old and new Modern Warfare games connected?
While they share the same name and some of the characters like Captain Price, the old and new *Modern Warfare* games exist in **different timelines**. The new games essentially function as a rebooted universe.
5. Is Modern Warfare 2 (2022) a remake of the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009)?
No. *Modern Warfare 2* (2022) is also a **soft reboot** and is a continuation of the 2019 *Modern Warfare*, and not a remake of the 2009 game. It introduces an alternate timeline to the original timeline.
6. Why does Modern Warfare 2 (2022) have the same name as the 2009 game?
The similar naming is a **marketing strategy**. Using the popular *Modern Warfare* name helps to drive sales and generate excitement amongst the players.
7. What is the difference between the Modern Warfare 2009 and 2022 timeline?
The 2009 game is part of the original timeline of the series, while the 2022 is part of the reboot timeline, it is a separate, parallel timeline with reimagined character dynamics and plotlines.
8. Is Modern Warfare 3 (2023) a remake?
*Modern Warfare III* (2023) is **not a remake**. It is the third entry in the rebooted sub-series and is a direct sequel to *Modern Warfare II* (2022), continuing the story and building the rebooted timeline further. It does include remastered versions of the 2009 *Modern Warfare 2* maps.
9. Is MW19 still active?
Yes, *Modern Warfare* (2019) is still actively played and enjoyed by many. It still receives considerable attention for its multiplayer mode, Special Ops mode, and its well-received single-player campaign.
10. Which Modern Warfare should I play first?
If you wish to follow the rebooted series, you should start with *Modern Warfare* (2019), followed by *Modern Warfare II* (2022), and then finally play *Modern Warfare III* (2023). If you want to experience the original series, start with *Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare* (2007). You can also start with *Modern Warfare Remastered* for a good starting point.
11. Is there a single-player campaign in all the Modern Warfare games?
Yes, every mainline *Modern Warfare* title, including the rebooted series, has a **single-player campaign**, each with their respective story that builds on the lore and character development.
12. Who plays Ghost in Modern Warfare (2019)?
The character **Simon "Ghost" Riley** in *Modern Warfare* (2019) is portrayed by **Jeff Leach**.
13. Did Modern Warfare (2019) introduce a new storyline?
Yes, it introduced a **completely new storyline** within the *Modern Warfare* universe, distinct from the original series, thus establishing a separate timeline.
14. Are Modern Warfare 1 and 2 connected?
While they share the same name as the originals, *Modern Warfare* (2019) and *Modern Warfare II* (2022) are connected in the rebooted timeline and introduce characters such as Ghost, Captain Price, Gaz, and Soap of the Task Force 1-4-1, but with fresh story perspectives.
15. Why was Modern Warfare rebooted?
The reboot aimed to **revitalize the sub-series** for a modern audience, provide a fresh start, and to introduce a new narrative and character development that wasn’t constrained by the previous titles' timeline. This was also done to ensure a new and engaging experience for both returning and new players.