Is Modern Warfare a Reboot or Prequel?
The Call of Duty franchise has been a topic of discussion among gamers, with the latest installment of the Modern Warfare series garnering attention. The modern warfare franchise has undergone some significant changes, leaving players wondering whether it’s a reboot or a prequel. In this article, we’ll delve into the series’ history, characters, and plot to determine if Modern Warfare is a reboot or a prequel.
The Original Modern Warfare Trilogy
The original Modern Warfare trilogy, consisting of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, and Modern Warfare 3, was released between 2007 and 2011. The series followed an elite squad of operatives who fought against terrorist organizations such as Al-Qatala and the Ultranationalist movement. The trilogy established a narrative that explored global terrorism, war, and the consequences of military action.
The Reboot Debacle
In 2019, the franchise reintroduced the Modern Warfare moniker with a new storyline, characters, and setting. The reboot, also referred to as Modern Warfare, took place in 2019, with a standalone campaign that explored themes such as terrorism, war propaganda, and the consequences of military action. The franchise’s creators claimed that Modern Warfare was a soft reboot, retaining some elements of the original trilogy while presenting a new narrative.
The Connection Between Modern Warfare 1 and 2
Many fans are left wondering whether Modern Warfare (2019) is connected to Modern Warfare 1 and 2. On the surface, the similarities between the two series raise questions about the continuity and timeline of the franchise.
Characters and Settings
One of the most obvious connections between the two Modern Warfare series is the use of familiar characters. Key characters such as Captain Price, Sergeant Gaz, Soap, and Ghost appear in both the original trilogy and Modern Warfare (2019). However, their roles have changed, with some gaining promotions and others experiencing backstories.
Plot Crossovers
While there are no direct plotline crossovers between the original trilogy and Modern Warfare (2019), there are subtle nods to the classic series. For example, the Modern Warfare (2019) campaign features Easter eggs and references to historical events from the original Modern Warfare trilogy.
Setting and Timeline
The time period and setting of both series are distinct. The original Modern Warfare trilogy occurred between 2011-2013, while the 2019 reboot is set in 2016. The timeline of events is separate, with minimal overlap between the two periods.
Conclusion
While Modern Warfare (2019) is a standalone reboot, it retains some key elements from the original series. The connection between Modern Warfare 1 and 2 is primarily through familiar characters and subtle nods to the classic series. On the surface, the continuity between the two series might seem tenuous, but the shared narrative threads keep the franchise’s history tied together.
Key Differences
Here’s a bullet-point comparison of the major differences between the original trilogy and Modern Warfare (2019):
- Time Period: 2011-2013 (original series) vs. 2016 (Modern Warfare, 2019)
- Setting: Global battles against Al-Qatala and Ultranationalism (original series) vs. A fictional Middle East conflict (Modern Warfare, 2019)
- Characters: Different narrative arcs and roles for major characters like Captain Price and Soap
- Tone: More serious, realistic tone in Modern Warfare (2019) compared to the original series
By examining the characters, plots, and settings of Modern Warfare, we can infer that it is a soft reboot, retaining enough elements from the original trilogy to maintain continuity while presenting a new narrative. The use of familiar characters and historical references provides a sense of continuity, while the overall tone and setting have undergone significant changes.
Further Reading
For a detailed analysis of the Modern Warfare franchise, check out some of the following resources:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Wiki
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: The Story So Far
- The History of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare