Well, if you read the "Before We Get Started" chapter, you will know that MW is my favorite installment in Call of Duty. Instead of reviewing each game separately, I will review the trilogy as a whole to save us some time.

Modern Warfare is the fourth installment in the CoD games, directed by Jason West, and written by Jesse Stern. It was nominated and won The VGX Best Shooter award, BAFTA Games Award, VGX Best Military Award, and BAFTA Games Award for Character and Story, among a few other awards in 2009 (with the exception og VGX Best Shooter, which was awarded in 2007).

So, let's get on with the rubric:

1. Graphics: When CoD 4 came out, it was claimed to be "the best animation of its time", as stated on the reviews found on the back of the game's case. The animation indeed is very well done, even in today's standards. There are a lot of moving parts- trees, grass, rubble, cars, etc.- and there are a lot of details in the scenery and characters. Another impressive graphic design was the addition of reflections in Sniper Rifle scopes. In game, if you look in the scope of a Sniper Rifle while moving, you can see the scenery behind you, which was not a detail in games previous. In the second and third parts of the trilogy, the graphics are much the same, with the addition of interactive (ish) vending machines that will expel cans if shot (or, for Xbox, if you press "X" when aiming between the bottom two beverage selection buttons). 

Which brings me to another part of the graphics I enjoyed: how many interactive materials there were: cans and fruit you could knock or shoot off shelves, glasses that broke, and car windows that would be shattered. While I don't recall very well the original CoD games (it's been a while...), I don't remember there being that many interactive pieces. Thus, once again, showing how much meticulous detail the developers went into to produce these games.

Having recently been redone, it looks even better, as certain details that were skimmed over before- for example, added brick detail to the buildings in "Charlie Don't Surf"- as well as the reconstruction of character design- Price's face has more age lines, hair details are independent pieces rather than blocks of hair-like patterns, dogs have a less ghoul-ish appearance, Nikolai had plastic surgery (I mean, look at that face!) and, let's not forget, the addition of Makarov to "One Shot, One Kill". 

As for Character animation, in the original rendition of game, the animation is quite well done, with there being details in animation such as Gaz falling back when opening a wire fence in CoD 4, Makarov tripping in "No Russian" in MW 2 (which I think is actually a bug, because when he does that, he'll tell the player to watch their fire.... even though you didn't shoot at him...) and so on and so forth.

In the revised edition of MW, though, there have been reconstructed movements that add much more to the scenes. For example, in the End Game level, when Gaz is killed, in the original, he simply tried to struggle to support himself, tilted his head back as if to look up and behind him before he was shot; in the new game, he turns around to see Zakhaev before he is killed. This one stood out particularly to me (mostly because Gaz is among my favorite supporting characters), but there are many more corrections similar to this one that upped the effect of the scene.

But, as with any game there are faults. With the original renditions, some designs were ill-fitting. Like I mentioned earlier, the dogs look ghoul-ish, with gaunt faces, wire-y fur, and shortened teeth. Also, While there was much detail put into the reflections in the Sniper scopes, there is little detail in reflections in blood and glass. Though they are mostly unnoticed details, they could have made for more realistic surfaces.

Over all, graphics: 5/5 stars

2. Setting: The MW trilogy takes places between the years of 2011 and 2016 (okay, well January 2017, but it's only for the very last level of MW3). What is enjoyable about the setting is that despite it's futuristic setting for the time, most of the universe hadn't changed. There were no super-new weapons or technology, thus making it believable; there likely wouldn't be a new type of helicopter or widely-used assault rifles. 

The universe is set mostly in Europe with only a few levels taking place in America, apparently in the same universe as World at War and Finest Hour. What's nice about it it that the map isn't so broad that there is too much change is maps; there is enough map to provide variety (desert, mountain, city, and village settings) but not so much that there is too much bouncing around (desert, mountain, arctic, rain forest, city, and ocean). 

Russia is the main source of antagonists in the series, but there is involvement of Middle Eastern and African powers as well, especially in MW. This is very interesting because, unlike many of the newer games, there are multiple villains involved, which is similar to real wars: there are generally allies. 

For protagonists, we have the American military and the British military. What is interesting here is that the American forces bounce between USMC and the American Army, occasionally throwing in the Navy, while our source of British military is only from the SAS (and the Royal Army in one level in MW3, if I recall). Though it is mostly in part to the fact that our main characters are in the SAS, it also seems peculiar as most of MW2 revolves around Task Force 141 (TF141), which is a joint operative between the USMC, The US Navy and the SAS as far as we are aware. 

This leads me to the cons: Not only is the SAS the only British power we really see, there is also the fact that though Makarov has started what is called World War III, only America, the UK, Russia, The Middle East and only one part of Africa that we are told. Many other countries are involved, yes, but only because they are attacked by the Ultranationalist forces; we don't see them joining the fight. While this is the only con for settings, I still find it to be a rather major component. Even if the other countries didn't actively ally with England and/or America, in the very least, more military should have been involved.

My rating for this section would be 4/5 stars.

3. Plot: First of all: WOW. This game is perhaps the most original story of all the games. Let us review.

In the beginning of the story, the world is pretty much settled. No one's doing anything too threatening, although Russia is in the middle of a civil war (which isn't uncommon) and in the Middle East, there is a man by the name of Khalid al Asad who is trying to gain political power (which no one realizes is similar to what is going on in Russia at the same time). By the Third level, things start ramping up, which involves England and America in the affairs going on on the Easter side of the world. By the time Captain Price executes as Asad about half way through the game, we have already lost Paul Jackson to a nuclear explosion in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, I believe?), and discovered that the Middle East and Russia are connected, not only because Russia supplied al Asad with nukes, but that the Ultranationalist leader, Imran Zakhaev, is actively involved with al Asad, the two of them being a part of a group of four "Horsemen". The connection is not as surprising as Price's story about how he is familiar with Zakhaev: a failed assassination attempt that severed the dictator's arm. 

While the first game doesn't seem terribly riveting, once the player finishes the trilogy, it becomes so much more important. The entire first part is dedicated to developing the characters and countries. 

The second game is five years in the future (2016), and, as stated before, focuses mostly on the join force, TF141. This part introduces our prime antagonist: Vladimir Makarov. The cruelty shown in Makarov's actions are breathtaking in their brutality and they strike close to home with his introducing scene being a massacre at Zakhaev Memorial Airport in Moscow. Not only do they introduce him, but also an even more interesting twist: Russia's recation to the death of Zakhaev and the rise of Makarov. 

After Zakhaev's death, a statue was erected as a tribute, the plaque on its base reading "Hero of the New Russia". That is definitely a fascinating aspect, as Zakhaev seemed rather brutal and unlikable with his attacks on small villages and his use of nukes on two occasions (once in the Middle East, and once with two nukes in Russia). This is not only interesting because of how divided Russia seems, but also makes the audience wonder why. After all, Zakhaev was evil and so is Makarov, right?

There was also the introduction of evil on the side of the Americans. Lieutenant General Shepherd betrays Ghost and Roach in Russia on Makarov's Estate, and attempts to kill off Price and Soap in Afghanistan.  This was also interesting because, at first, we have no idea why he did it. What did Roach and Ghost do? It is so out of nowhere that it shocks the audience, and definitely pulls on the heart strings of anyone playing. Shepherd is eventually killed by the end of the game, and, oddly enough, Makarov is partially to blame as he aids Price and Soap by telling them where Shepherd's headquarters are.

Finally, the third and final part of the trilogy is the climax and conclusion of the story. The most characters are killed in this part, and the most intensity is wrapped into the story, plus the most casualties of war. Makarov not only captures the Russian president, but also launches a massive gas attack on the whole (or many of the major countries) west of Russia. It is alarming to say the least, especially as we see a cut scene with a father videoing his wife and daughter in London right as the beginning of Makarov's attacks happen, killing him, his wife and his daughter in the snap of a finger.

Yuri is introduced as a new informant separate from Nikolai (although is known by Nikolai, and we are never told how the two know each other), and he aids Price and Soap in the pursuit of Makarov. Towards the end, it is revealed that Makarov knows Yuri, and Soap is killed. Yuri works to prove to Price that he is, in fact, trust worthy, although why he didn't reveal this in the past is unclear. Price and Yuri rescue the kidnapped Russian President and his daughter from Makarov, at the expense of three American soldiers. The finale concludes with the death of Yuri and Price killing Makarov by hanging him from the roof of a hotel in the Arabian Peninsula. 

While my descriptions likely did not do this story justice, it is very original from the games before it. World at War and Finest Hour are centered around WWII stories, most of which are familiar to anyone who sees them. This is the first time terrorist attacks and developed villains are introduced. It is very original, and contains many components that leave the audience feeling swept up by the current of the events.

Yet another thing unique about this story is its focus on England rather than just on America. In other installments, American troops are the center of focus, making for a repetitive protagonist; therefore, the unique take on things with its own language (literally) is very intriguing.

The problems, though, are common for many stories: plot and character holes. We don't know much about Nikolai other than he's an informant and was discovered by the Ultranationalists leading up to the "Black Out" mission. We also don't know why Yuri never told Price and Soap he was once a close ally of Makarov's, nor do we know why he and Nikolai met or how. Also, it is somewhat unclear entirely what Shepherd's motive is for killing Ghost and Roach. While shocking, it isn't explained very well. To quote, his explaination was:

 "five years ago, I lost 30,000 men in the blink of an eye, and the world just _____ing watched. Tomorrow, there will be no shortage of volunteers, no shortage of Patriots.... I know you understand."

It doesn't explain his motive of attack, and it can only be assumed that he doesn't want the Brits to be recognized for the raid on Makarov's Estate or for any of their work in the war, but it's still unclear. 

There is also the problem with breaks in story telling. While Activision was likely still trying to display the Americans in this story, it disrupted the flow quite often until the last game, where Sandman and his team's story was built up to be entwined with Price and Yuri. But in the other games, the levels seem independent and don't flow very well. Though they didn't kill the mood, they certainly didn't seem to be contributing much to the over all tale.

Finally, and this bugs me more than it should: where the heck did Frost go? He is written out of the story when Sandman and the gang are killed in action. There is no reason for his absence, and it makes him the only surviving member of that team. 

All in all, my rating for this would be 4/5-5/5 stars

4. Characters: As said previously, most of the characters in MW are British with the exception of some Americans. There are a few others, however, that are Scottish: Soap and MacMillain. Plus, we have our Russian villains, and our handful of Arabic and African antagonists. Over all, a decent amount of ethnic diversity. 

The characters in this trilogy are very entertaining in the fact that none of them are terribly alike. Soap is a graduate from a military school, from what we understand since he arrives in the SAS as a sergeant FNG (____ing new guy). While in game he says nothing until MW2, his character is apparent from the beginning: he has something to prove, and he hates not being taken seriously. Gaz is a self-confident beta-male who takes orders from no one except Price who has to reel him in at times. Ghost is shrouded with mystery, and we only understand that he has a detailed method of interrogation and torture (which makes him all they more mysterious) and that while he's a total badass, he is a loyal companion with a compasionate side for his close friends; when his comic was released in 2010, his character became more clear as a bitter, PTSD-plagued soldier with a traumatic past. 

Not only are the characters unique, but they are well rounded. They don't only fit in their own situation in the military, but apparently have a life outside the story as well that doesn't revolve around the military. They also have flaws, and, for villains, good complexes. For example, Price is compassionate towards those in need (MW & MW3 when he saves villagers about to be executed, and in MW 1, 2 & 3 when in succession Griggs, Roach, Soap, and Yuri are hurt and/or in danger), and does have moments where he reveals his gentler side. But, we also notice that a more overbearing trait is how cruel he himself can be. If he senses betrayal, it's not outside the realm of possibility for him to kill the traitor, evident when he nearly kills Yuri after Soap's death, and when he launches a pursuit and assassination of General Shepherd. 

Likewise, Makarov is portrayed by the press and his actions to be nothing but a terrorist, a man without a heart who kills anyone and is willing to sacrifice even his own men for an objective without the batting of an eye. But, if we look at his political views and his life style we notice that he is actually out for the best for Russia, wanting to remove them from the Communist economy, although weather he wants to devolve (going back to Monarchy) or evolve (likely a Capitalist, but possibly Socialist system) the government is unclear. We are also shown that he has hobbies other than shooting up airports: he has a green house full of various flowers (most of which are pink, oddly), has a house in the middle of nowhere that is beautifully decorated, there is a moose head on the wall of said house in the middle of nowhere, and he also has multiple Poetry books and Grimm's fairy tale stories on his shelves, suggesting that outside of his political and military pursuits, he lives a quieter life (aside from the moose head, unless he bought that somewhere). 

Finally, it is also fascinating because we see other life details in Soap, unfortunately only after his death, such as he was Roman Catholic. Also, when we read his journal, we see more of his opinions and his reactions to the more traumatic parts of the story, and how he evolves through these situations. 

Any issues? There is so much mystery surrounding some of the characters that it leaves the audience dissatisfied. Unless there are behind the scenes features like the Ghost graphic novel or Soap's Journal, we don't get to know them quite well enough.

But none the less, I give this section 5/5 stars.

5. Realistic qualities: The characters are well portrayed and, as said before they are all unique from each other. With that, they have their own faults, and their faults make the realistic. For instance: Gaz is short tempered, has a habit of using the word "wanker" to describe anything that irks him. Price is quick to take the most brutal measures to deal with enemies. And the villains... Well, obviously they have flaws, most of which involve killing people or, in Makarov's case, bank robbery, human trafficking, genocide, and weapon and money laundering. But that's what makes these characters so realistic. There are ranges of emotions (Price being not only badass in battle, but also having enough capacity to personally notice the passing of Soap), and they aren't limited to just one personality type.

Also, the settings are very realistic. In Pripyat, for example, the entire map is based off of the real map, down to the field where Price and MacMillain encounter the tank brigade. Of course, there are some details that are slightly different, but they are very minor: overgrowth, misplaced trees, etc.  

As for as realism of the portrayal of the military, it is mostly realistic. The writer was formerly in the military and based the settings and story on his experiences in service. Behavior is similar to according military, for the most part there are no rogue missions aside from when Price and Soap go rogue after they kill Shepherd, but it's excusable because they are no longer affiliated with TF141, and seemingly not the SAS either aside from Price's contact with MacMillain that still seems stressed when they speak in MW3. 

The only thing unrealistic is the personal contact with villains. While, yes, in reality there is no way to kill a terrorist without there being personal contact, the fact that Soap kills 2/3 of all the villains in the series, and that Price nearly assassinated Zakhaev, and also was captured and spoke with Makarov, it's a little implausible. 

I say, 5/5 stars.

All in all, I think MW should get 5 stars.

What do you guys think? Do you agree? Anything I missed or judged incorrectly? Comment below!