Summary
As a reboot and reimagining of an iconic video game universe, the newerCall of Duty: Modern Warfaregames are in a tough position. Gamers will be expecting unique stories to be told and will want the developers to take the characters in a different direction, but if that new direction is not an improvement, nostalgic fans will be quick to say that the modern games do not come close the originals. The mostly negative response to General Shepherd in 2022’sCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2is an example of this, andSledgehammer Gameswill have to be extra careful when makingCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3is going all-in on the return of Vladimir Makarov, one of the best antagonists in the entire franchise. Living up to the villainy of the original version will be no easy feat, but with a version of the No Russian terrorist attack set to feature in the campaign, Sledgehammer is certainly trying to make Makarov a major threat. Still, Makarov has more moments to his name than just No Russian, and one should be repurposed inModern Warfare 3.
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Can Reverse The ‘Enemy of My Enemy’ Moment
While Vladimir Makarov is positioned as the main villain of the originalCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, as the campaign goes on players will realize that there is another threat lurking around the corner. Eventually, General Shepherd betraysTask Force 141, killing fan favorite character Ghost in one of the series’ saddest scenes. Though this betrayal has been memed in the years since, it is an iconic moment, and both the players and characters quickly forget about Makarov.
As Captain Price seeks vengeance for what Shepherd did to his team, things start to look dire, with Shepherd’s Shadow Company protecting him and all signs pointing to him getting away with his plan. However, an unlikely and temporary ally emerges, with Vladimir Makarov givingCaptain Pricethe assistance he needs to save the day. Obviously, the partnership is short-lived and Makarov serves as the main villain ofModern Warfare 3, but this moment was a genuine surprise and made the story more interesting. Makarov’s reason for helping was simple: it gets Price off his back so that he can continue plotting, but Shepherd was also a threat to Makarov. As such, him dying was beneficial, and enabling Price was the best way to make it happen.
Thus far, gamers know very little about the actual story ofCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3beyond Makarov’s debut. It is unclear if Shepherd and Shadow Company will make an appearance at all, as the plot could be completely focused around Makarov,No Russian, and his hopes to spark a third World War. However, the perfect way to use Shepherd would be to treat him like Makarov inModern Warfare 2, having him assist Task Force 141 before an eventual showdown inModern Warfare 4.
Though he is morally corrupt and a war criminal, the new version of General Shepherd is less openly villainous than the original. There are more shades of gray to his character, and he is clearly a proud American who wants to defend his country no matter the cost.World War 3surely would not benefit the United States, so Shepherd would want Makarov stopped as much as anyone. In turn, he could give Price some helpful info or even send Shadow Company to assist him on his mission, with the members of Task Force 141 forced to swallow their pride and work with their rivals.
Though there is no guarantee that there will be an “Enemy of my Enemy” moment inModern Warfare 3, the rebooted series has paid homage to the original timeline several times now. This particular tribute would benefit the new story and characters, too, as it can make Shepherd an even more complex character while laying the groundwork forModern Warfare 4. For players with a fond memory ofthe originalModern Warfare 2, the role reversal would be a familiar yet fresh moment, perfectly blending nostalgia and new ideas.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3launches on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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