Round Up: Modern Warfare 4 Is the Highest-Rated Call of Duty in 15 Years

This year's rendition of Call of Duty has arrived, and with it the first batch of reviews. It seems this might be one to pay attention to, as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is the highest-rated entry in the series in 15 years.

With a Metascore of 86, it's the best-reviewed game in the long-running franchise since Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011), which managed an 88.

It seems most critics agree that the campaign is the best the series has seen in a while, and the extraction-style DMZ mode is another strong element that bolsters the offering. The usual suite of multiplayer modes rounds things out, resulting in a more consistent overall game.

We're not completely ready to deliver our verdict just yet, but in the meantime, let's take a look at what some other outlets are saying.

Game Informer - 8.5/10

"While the plot execution is a bit shaky, engaging multiplayer options, including DMZ, aptly demonstrate that Infinity Ward can still deliver compelling military-FPS experiences. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is a strong return to form that serves as a solid sendoff for the rebooted subseries."

GamesRadar - 4.5/5

"Modern Warfare 4 is a confident cinematic shooter that brings almost a decade of storytelling to a satisfying conclusion. Its spectacular set pieces, strong performances, and surprising moral complexity make for a campaign that's hard to put down. With solid multiplayer and the new DMZ mode's tight extraction loop, this is a real return to form.

GameSpot - 8/10

"Modern Warfare 4 delivers a strong and engaging multiplayer experience to complement an epic campaign conclusion and captivating DMZ mode."

IGN - Unscored (In Progress)

"Modern Warfare 4 made me feel something for the series again. A consistently strong set of missions manages to juggle a bloated cast successfully, saying goodbye to familiar faces while building impressive bonds with new ones. Its expansive behind-enemy-lines mission that borrows most of its ideas from the DMZ mode is a real highlight, as is whenever its blockbuster ambitions are fulfilled and full-throttle battles break out. It may not have quite enough to be considered amongst the very best Call of Duty campaigns, but if it’s to be the end of this particular saga, then at least Modern Warfare is going out on a high note."

PC Gamer - Unscored (In Progress)

"It speaks to the quality of this series lately that producing a regular campaign with extravagant setpieces, lavish cinematics, and basically great gunplay is a big win. Uncompromised by the influence of Warzone or Zombies, this is the first time in too long that Call of Duty's campaign does not feel like the afterthought."