Summary
When it comes to first-person shooters, map design can play an integral part in a game’s success, and theBattlefieldfranchise is a prime example of that. Memorable maps like Siege of Shanghai that offered levolution allowedBattlefield 4to survive a problematic launch, while Amiens’ beautiful city setting helpedBattlefield 1shine. On the flip side, though both games had other problems,Battlefield 5and2042’s lackluster maps did them no favors, withBattlefield 2042’s maps in particular even receiving huge reworks.
WhileBattlefield 1942,Battlefield 2, and theBad Companyseries all contained some exceptional maps, many would agree thatBattlefield 3served as the series’ peak in terms of maps. It offered unforgettable large play spaces like Caspian Border while providing brilliant Rush experiences in levels like Noshahr Canals, meaning there was something for everyone. Not only shouldBattlefieldcontinue to embraceBattlefield 3’s classic maps with more Portal remasters, but withCall of Dutyalso struggling to provide standout original maps in its recent entries, it may be time for it to borrow ideas from its main competitor. While stealing the exact maps is a no-go, maps inspired by a handful ofBF3locations could thrive inCoD.
Operation Metro
While maps like Damavand Peak would lose their“Only in Battlefield” momentsif they transitioned toCall of Duty, as the leap from the mountain would surely be removed or kept to a pre-match cinematic, Operation Metro could absolutely survive the transition. As for which part of the map is transformed into a small 6v6Call of Dutylocation, the actual metro with its hectic upper levels and close-quarters train car fights would be a terrific fit. Shotguns and grenades would shine here, though snipers and ranged weapons would be usable given some long sightlines in the tunnels.
Scrapmetal
EssentiallyBattlefield’s version of Nuketown but on a rooftop, Scrapmetal was added inBattlefield 3’s Close Quarters expansion and proved to be a lot of fun for fans of mid-long range funs. While there were lower levels to fight over in order to capture flags and flank, a lot of sniper battles saw players firing at each other from rooftop to rooftop, as there were essentially two “sides” to the map. IfCall of Dutyadds a map like Scrapmetal, it could aim to invoke feelings of theBlack Ops 1classic Kowloonvia some ziplines as well.
Donya Fortress
Like its name suggests, Donya Fortress saw players fighting over an old Iranian fort that was transformed into a palace, and it offered some interesting verticality via its second story and underground catacombs. This layout feels perfect forCall of Duty, as it awards all forms of play; snipers can take the high ground, shotgunners can fight over the cramped catacombs, and the large ground level building is perfect for mid-range fans. As anotherClose Quarters map, it is one of the smallestBattlefieldplay spaces ever, and as such it would not need a redesign.
While Scrapmetal and Donya Fortress suit theCall of Dutyfranchise best, the other Close Quarters maps would also suitCall of Duty. Ziba Tower’s expensive, modern design and elevators made it plenty of fun, while Operation 925’s three floors would work well ifVanguard’s destructionreturned to let players make holes to access the other levels.
Seine Crossing
Siene Crossing was an excellent Rush map that tookBattlefield 3fans to downtown Paris, with unique architecture making it feel different from the usual city map. Those who played on the map will surely remember fighting in buildings, on streets, and especially around the map’s bridge. Here, players could peer over the edge to find gamers doing battle in small boats and within the water of the Siene River. Given the presence of swimming inmodernCoDmaps, a map with water is sure to be a natural fit, so a 6v6 version could center on this bridge area and some nearby buildings. WithCall of Dutyhaving some great city maps, something that plays like Siene Crossing would fit right in.
Grand Bazaar
Last but certainly not least, Grand Bazaar would make a fine addition toCall of Duty, even if CoD has ran into issues using real locations in recent years. Instead of featuring the big road from the one side of the map where a tank would often patrol, aCoDversion could limit things to the more hectic portions of this arena. WithCall of Duty: Modern Warfare2019 already having a Bazaarmap for Gunfight, expanding that location to feature some surrounding markets and the long alley that madeBattlefield 3’s Grand Bazaar shine would be a recipe for success. Plus, ifCall of Dutywants to feature a version that is a bit flashier,Hardline’s Chinatown reskin could be worth pulling from.
