I’ve been a fan of both the Call of Duty and Battlefield franchises for decades. They were a big part of my teenage years, and I continue to enjoy playing both games today. And yes, even Battlefield 2042 has its moments.
There’s no denying that the two series have a lot in common. Both feature fast-paced action, large maps, and various weapons and vehicles. But some key differences set them apart.
Battlefield has always been known for its large-scale battles, with up to 64 players fighting it out at once. On the other hand, Call of Duty has typically focused on smaller squads of 6-12 players.
This difference is most evident in the game’s multiplayer modes. Call of Duty’s multiplayer has always been about close-quarters combat and intense firefights. Battlefield multiplayer, on the other hand, is more about strategic teamplay and controlling the battlefield.
So, which series does modern warfare better?
The Future of Modern Warefare Is Here, and It’s Call of Duty
Right now, I’m fortunate enough to have access to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 beta test for PC, and within hours, I had made up my mind. Modern Warfare 2 does Battlefield better than Battlefield does Battlefield.
Though Battlefield 2042 has improved a lot since its launch, it’s evident now that it’s never going to achieve what Battlefield fans like me really want. Namely, a near-future military shooter that’s all about large-scale battles and team play, with beautiful environments, weapons, and characters grounded in reality.
Modern Warfare 2, on the other hand, looks to be precisely that game. It’s a Call of Duty game through and through, but it also happens to be one of the best Battlefield games I’ve ever played. And I would even argue that the TDM (team deathmatch) feels more “right” than any matches I’ve played of Battlefield 2042 since release.
What I Love About Modern Warfare 2 (So Far)
Modern Warfare 2 is smart, it’s tactical, and the graphics are beautiful.
The guns feel more realistic and satisfying than in any Battlefield game I’ve played. They have a good amount of recoil, and the sound effects are spot-on. And the time-to-kill is short but fair. No one is a bullet sponge, which is one of the most frustrating things about Battlefield games. This makes for a much more immersive experience and helps you get into the action.
Because the audio engine is so good now, a massive improvement over the previous Call of Duty games, you can pinpoint your enemies by listening to their footsteps. Upgrading the sound engine may sound minor, but the sound has become a big part of the gameplay. It makes the tone of the game more tactical than in previous games, where there’s now a solid incentive to listen and ambush instead of constantly sprinting around the maps like a lunatic at high speeds.
And the weapon customizations in the new Gunsmith 2.0 system are insane. You can mod your weapons in many ways, from adding scopes and suppressors to changing the barrels, grips, stocks, and more. And so far, at least, everything is grounded in reality. No neon gun skins or anime charms, and hopefully, it stays this way.
The maps feel huge and well-designed. They’re not just big for the sake of being big, like in Battlefield games. There are plenty of places to take cover and strategic points to control. But there’s also plenty of open space for long-range engagements.
And finally, the game looks gorgeous. The lighting and particle effects are some of the best I’ve ever seen in a shooter. The maps are incredibly detailed, and the character models look great.
Where do we go from here?
I can’t speak to the future of the Battlefield franchise, but for the time being, if you’re looking for the ultimate near future, modern combat experience, then Modern Warfare 2 is the way to go. If what I’ve experienced in the beta is any indication, the full game will be even better. So, if you’re on the fence about which game to get, I would say go with Modern Warfare 2. You won’t be disappointed.
I hope DICE can learn from what Infinity Ward has done with Modern Warfare 2 and make the next Battlefield game even better. Until then, I’ll be enjoying the beta test and looking forward to the full release.
