An Epic Canon Event Connects Both Installments of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

This article contains major spoilers for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Article Key Points

Soap's reappearance in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 falls short in terms of emotional impact when compared to the memorable death he experienced in the original trilogy. The limited opportunity for fans to develop a genuine connection with the revamped version of Soap undermines the significance of his demise.

The death of Soap in the 2023 game is surprising, but it doesn't feel deserved, even though the final cutscene tries to make up for the lack of emotional impact.

In general, the last two Call of Duty: Modern Warfare games have had little in common with the original versions from 2007 and 2009. The 2019 Modern Warfare and last year's Modern Warfare 2 only included a few familiar weapons, old maps, and some returning characters. Other than that, the reboot series has offered completely new and unique experiences, which holds true for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 as well.

Soap Dies In Both Versions of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Although Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's campaign draws inspiration from the original series, it introduces fresh elements. However, not all of the game's outstanding moments are unique to Sledgehammer. Surprisingly, the most significant moment in Modern Warfare 3 originates from the original 2011 MW3, where John "Soap" MacTavish meets a tragic demise in both versions.

How Soap Dies in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)

At the conclusion of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Captain Price and his team make a shocking revelation. They uncover Makarov's sinister plot to seize control of the London Underground, intending to demolish the tunnels using explosives. Determined to thwart him, the team races against time to disable the bombs. However, their progress is abruptly halted when Makarov himself appears. He shoots Soap, causing him to fall to the ground, while also throwing Price down. In a surprising turn of events, Soap inexplicably rises from the ground and attempts to disarm Makarov. Tragically, he is shot once again, this time fatally in the head. Makarov manages to escape swiftly, leaving Price to successfully disarm the bomb, as the rest of the team stands in shock, gazing upon Soap's lifeless body.

Soap's New Death Doesn't Feel Quite as Impactful

The sudden and nonchalant death of Soap in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has been one of the major criticisms of the game's storyline. Throughout the original Modern Warfare trilogy, players had the opportunity to develop a strong attachment to Soap, who was the most memorable playable character in the first Modern Warfare and had a significant presence in Modern Warfare 2. This, in turn, made his eventual death in MW3 in 2011 a poignant moment for many players. However, the same emotional impact cannot be said for the 2023 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Introduced just last year in Modern Warfare 2, fans haven't had much time to familiarize themselves with this new iteration of Soap or develop a genuine connection. Despite a few standout moments, Soap lacks depth, and any affection fans may have for the character likely stems from nostalgia for his previous portrayal rather than his screen time in this rebooted series.

As a result, Soap's death in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 feels underwhelming. He is rapidly shot, yet manages to briefly stand and fight before ultimately being gunned down. This interaction seems awkward rather than climactic or emotionally impactful. While the moment itself is technically shocking, its significance is quickly diminished due to the rushed and unearned nature of the scene. The final cutscene, in which Ghost, Price, and Gaz scatter Soap's ashes together, does help to bring some closure, but for certain fans, it may not be enough.

The highly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) by Activision is scheduled for November 10, 2023. This thrilling installment will further unfold the gripping narrative of Captain Price, building upon the events depicted in the 2019 and 2022 games.

Franchise: Call of Duty

Game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: November 10, 2023

Developed by: Sledgehammer Games

Published by: Activision

Genre: First-Person Shooter

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the death of Soap in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. On the one hand, I understand that the developers wanted to create a shocking and memorable moment for players, and they certainly succeeded in doing so. The scene where Soap is shot and killed by Makarov is incredibly intense and emotional, and it's clear that the developers put a lot of thought into making it as impactful as possible.

On the other hand, I can't help but feel that Soap's death was a bit too sudden and unearned. We don't get to spend much time with Soap in the new Modern Warfare 3 before he's killed off, and as a result, his death doesn't have the same emotional impact as it did in the original MW3. I think the developers could have done a better job of building up to Soap's death and giving players a chance to really connect with him before he's gone.

Overall, I think Soap's death in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a well-done scene that will stay with players for a long time. However, I can't help but feel that it could have been even more impactful if the developers had taken more time to develop Soap's character and give players a chance to really get to know him.