Back in 2016, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare was widely slammed. The community trashed its trailer so much that it ended up as one of the most disliked videos in YouTube history.
Much of it boiled down to timing, plus fans had already grown tired of futuristic settings, wall-running, and jetpacks. They saw Infinite Warfare as the tipping point after a series of sci-fi-themed releases. Time has shown that the game had much more to offer than people gave it credit for.
The change in sentiment toward Infinite Warfare has become part of a wider conversation about overlooked titles—something visible even in gaming-related communities, from Reddit to betting sites in Japan.
Behind the scenes, ambition, creativity, and an audacious attempt to evolve the franchise were at play. A sequel now would be perfect—maybe even needed. I was more impressed by the campaign than I expected. After revisiting it today, I'd put it up there with the best in the franchise, with cinematic quality, well-written characters, and a unique setting.
Captain Reyes, the central figure, anchored the emotional resonance of the plot. Many players were deeply affected by the game's ending, particularly the understated conversations between Reyes and Ethan. It wasn't just the writing that made this campaign stand out, but the structure as well.
Missions were up for grabs, space exploration in The Jackal Fighter was on the table, and side content added depth to the universe. The campaign didn't follow a straight path. It lets you explore, which makes you feel more involved and connected to the characters. It marked a conscious move toward deeper storytelling, something the series doesn't usually do on this level.
Infinite Warfare's Zombies mode took a different approach from the darker, lore-heavy style that Treyarch made famous. Zombies in Spaceland embraced neon visuals and a retro theme park setting and even featured David Hasselhoff. Even years later, this version of Zombies retains a strong following.
I still return to its maps, constantly impressed by the creativity, visual identity, and pacing. Unlike other entries that got lost in complex narratives, Infinite Warfare remained engaging and accessible and set itself apart from the rest of the franchise. The multiplayer in Infinite Warfare was probably the weakest part, mainly because of all the microtransactions and random progression.
To unlock important weapons, players frequently had to rely on supply drops, which frustrated many and hurt the game's longevity. The movement was advanced but felt way smoother compared to the chaos of games like Vanguard. Weapons like the VPR or Akimbo LMGs stood out for their novelty.
Scorestreaks were customizable and could loop, giving skilled players a reason to push for performance. The game also featured a variant system that, while divisive, introduced a layer of experimentation rarely seen in the series. If I had to sum up Infinite Warfare's multiplayer now, I'd call it underrated.
Despite its flaws, the gameplay still holds up, especially compared to newer entries that struggle with identity and pacing. In recent years, the Call of Duty franchise has stuck to familiar territory. From repeated Modern Warfare iterations to yet another World War II title, the formula has become predictable.
A new installment set in the Infinite Warfare universe wouldn't just be different—it would be timely. The next installment could enhance the good parts of the first while addressing its shortcomings. With modern hardware, improved systems, and a better grasp of player preferences, developers can enhance the setting, refine the systems, and offer a fresh experience that stands out from the crowd.
Infinite Warfare failed to meet expectations not because of poor design but because it arrived at a time when players weren't interested in what it offered. With hindsight, the narrative ambition, immersive setting, and daring creative risks are what truly differentiates it. A sequel could finally do the concept justice while giving Call of Duty the one thing it's missing: a clear vision.