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"Call of Duty Evolves: Good or Bad?"

by Carter Apr 01,2025

Call of Duty has been a staple in the gaming world for over two decades, evolving from gritty, boots-on-the-ground warfare to the high-speed, slide-canceling chaos we see today. This evolution has left the community divided, with long-time fans and newer players holding different views on the direction the franchise should take. In collaboration with Eneba, we delve into this debate to explore whether Call of Duty should revert to its roots or continue on its current path.

The Nostalgia vs. The New Wave

Veteran players often reminisce about the golden days of Call of Duty, particularly citing Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and Black Ops 2 as the pinnacle of the series. They argue that the game was at its best when it focused on skill, classic maps, and straightforward gunplay without the frills of over-the-top abilities and extravagant cosmetics. In contrast, today's Call of Duty features flashy operators in glowing armor, bunny-hopping with laser-beam weapons, which newer players embrace for the excitement and customization it brings. If you're looking to enhance your style, you can find some of the best COD skins on Eneba to make a statement on the battlefield.

However, for older players, this shift can feel like a departure from the franchise's military shooter roots. They yearn for a return to the gritty, tactical gameplay that defined their early experiences, rather than the neon-lit warzones filled with anime skins and futuristic laser rifles.

Fast-Paced Chaos: A Blessing or a Curse?

Call of Duty Gameplay Screenshot

In 2025, Call of Duty is known for its breakneck speed. The game's skill ceiling has risen with advanced movement mechanics like slide-canceling, dolphin diving, and instant reloading becoming standard. Newer players appreciate this fast-paced action as it keeps the gameplay thrilling, but long-time fans argue that it emphasizes reaction speed over strategic play. They feel that the essence of war has been lost, replaced by an arcade-like shooter with military aesthetics.

The days of tactical gameplay and methodical positioning seem to be fading away. In the current meta, if you're not mastering these new movement techniques, you might find yourself at a disadvantage.

Customization Overload?

Gone are the days when customization was limited to choosing a soldier and a camo. Today, players can choose to play as characters like Nicki Minaj, a sci-fi robot, or even Homelander. While this variety is a hit with some, others believe it dilutes the game's identity, turning a military shooter into something resembling a Fortnite cosplay event.

However, customization isn't entirely negative. It keeps the game fresh, allows for personal expression, and some skins are undeniably cool, adding a fun element to the gameplay.

Is There a Middle Ground?

The future of Call of Duty lies in finding a balance between its nostalgic roots and modern innovations. Perhaps the solution is a dedicated Classic Mode that strips away the wild movement and extravagant cosmetics, catering to the long-time fans, while the main game continues to evolve with contemporary trends.

Call of Duty thrives when it honors its past while pushing the boundaries for the future. The series occasionally nods to its roots with classic map remasters and simplified game modes, offering a glimmer of hope for old-school fans. Whether you prefer the traditional gameplay or the modern chaos, one thing is clear: Call of Duty isn't slowing down.

As the franchise continues to evolve, embracing the changes might be the best approach. And what better way to do so than by grabbing some stylish operator skins and bundles from digital marketplaces like Eneba? Flex on your enemies in every era of Call of Duty, and enjoy the ride, no matter which side of the debate you stand on.