Meta Information
- Title: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered – A Nostalgic Ride Through a Classic
- Meta Description: A deep dive into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered on Xbox Series X. Does it hold up in 2025? Read our full review!
- Target Keywords: Call of Duty, Modern Warfare Remastered, Xbox Series X, FPS Classic, COD Veteran, Nostalgia Gaming, COD, Best FPS Campaigns, Remastered Games
Introduction
The Nostalgia Hits Instantly
Firing up Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered on my Xbox Series X was like stepping into a time machine straight back to 2007. The nostalgia was immediate, hitting hard as I navigated through the iconic opening sequences. Having sunk countless hours into the original on Xbox 360—racking up 800 achievement points and even reaching prestige in multiplayer—this remaster was less about discovery and more about reliving a cherished FPS experience.
But does it hold up in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Core Gameplay Loop
The gameplay remains largely untouched, which, depending on your perspective, is either a blessing or a curse. Modern Warfare Remastered sticks closely to the original formula: tight gunplay, cinematic set pieces, and a campaign that delivers on intensity. If you’ve played it before, muscle memory kicks in almost instantly. The updated visuals help modernize the experience, but don’t expect a full overhaul—it’s still the same game, just with a fresh coat of paint.
Controls & Accessibility
The controls are as responsive as ever, but the remaster doesn’t include some of the modern quality-of-life options that players might expect today. The lack of an adjustable Field of View (FOV) slider, aim sensitivity refinements, or the ability to toggle motion blur and camera shake feels like a missed opportunity. This is especially noticeable for players accustomed to today’s customizable FPS settings.
Difficulty & Learning Curve
The difficulty in Modern Warfare Remastered largely stems from the same elements as the original. The infamous infinite enemy spawns return, forcing aggressive pushes to trigger level progression. This can be frustrating at times, but once you embrace it, you can use it to your advantage—rushing enemy positions, flanking, and using AI squad mates as distractions to clear objectives efficiently.
Playing on veteran difficulty is still as brutal as ever. If you remember ‘No Fighting in the War Room’ from the original, you know exactly what kind of pain awaits.
Performance & Bugs
On Xbox Series X, the game runs smoothly, maintaining a consistent frame rate with no major performance hiccups. However, it’s clear that this isn’t a full next-gen optimization, and minor texture pop-ins and occasional AI oddities persist. While the game does look crisper, it’s not pushing the full power of the Series X.
Graphics & Sound
Visuals
While not mind-blowing by today’s standards, the graphical updates are significant enough to make revisiting this classic feel worthwhile. Environments are sharper, character models are more detailed, and lighting is vastly improved, making certain missions—like the infamous All Ghillied Up—even more immersive. That being said, compared to modern FPS titles, Modern Warfare Remastered still feels a bit dated.
Soundtrack & Audio
The audio design remains top-tier, with gunfire, explosions, and voice acting retaining their original impact. The soundtrack, particularly in high-tension moments, enhances the experience, reinforcing the cinematic feel that made Modern Warfare such a landmark title in the first place. If you have a good surround sound system or gaming headset, this is definitely a game that benefits from it.
Story & Characters
Narrative Overview
The campaign remains one of the strongest in FPS history. With its blend of intense combat, well-paced missions, and blockbuster-style cinematics, Modern Warfare Remastered delivers the same gripping story that helped define a generation of shooters.
Standout Moments
It’s impossible to talk about this game without mentioning All Ghillied Up. This mission is still a masterclass in stealth and atmosphere, offering an unparalleled sniper experience through the eerie remains of Pripyat. The slow, methodical pacing followed by the sudden eruption of chaos makes it an unforgettable highlight.
Pro Tip: When preparing for the final shootout under the Ferris wheel, use your claymores strategically to cover blind spots and slow down enemy waves.
Character Development
While Modern Warfare is primarily about the action, it still manages to create memorable characters like Captain Price and Soap MacTavish. The voice acting elevates their presence, making the campaign feel more personal rather than just a series of shooting galleries.
Replayability & Value
Length & Content
The campaign isn’t particularly long—clocking in at around 6-8 hours—but every mission is packed with action. It’s the perfect length for a focused, cinematic FPS experience.
Replay Factor
For those who love a challenge, veteran difficulty offers a brutal but rewarding experience. The campaign also features hidden intel collectibles, which unlock cheats and add a layer of replayability for completionists.
DLC & Updates
Unlike the original release, the remastered version includes the full campaign and multiplayer without requiring additional purchases. However, the multiplayer scene has dwindled over time, meaning finding matches can sometimes be a challenge.
Pro Tips
Use Cover & Flashbangs Smartly – Stay behind cover, peek around corners, and use flashbangs to disorient enemies before pushing forward.
Smoke Grenades for Infinite Spawns – Throw smoke grenades to safely advance past areas where enemies respawn endlessly, especially on Veteran difficulty.
Conserve Ammo & Use Enemy Guns – Pick up enemy weapons like the AK-47 or G3 when low on ammo, and use the Desert Eagle as a powerful backup.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Pros:
- Faithful remaster that preserves the original experience
- Still one of the best FPS campaigns ever made
- Updated visuals enhance immersion
- Tight gunplay and cinematic storytelling hold up well
- Works well on Xbox Series X with stable performance
- ❌ Cons:
- Infinite enemy spawns can be frustrating
- Lacks modern gameplay refinements (FOV slider, sensitivity options, etc.)
- Multiplayer is mostly inactive compared to newer Call of Duty titles
Final Verdict
Overall Thoughts
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered is exactly what it says on the tin—a polished-up version of the 2007 classic. While it doesn’t introduce any major new features or enhancements, it stays true to what made the original so special.
Rating: 👍 Thumbs Up
Who’s It For?
- Nostalgic gamers looking to relive the classic
- FPS fans who appreciate tight gunplay and great storytelling
- Players who enjoy cinematic, linear campaigns
👍 Recommended by RetroTechTonic
Check out another game review here of the hidden gem, Jusant, a change of pace from COD
