The Controversial Decision of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's Finale
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's final mission takes a controversial turn, but did it make the right choice? Exploring the impact of Soap's demise and questioning if Price would have been a more fitting character for a significant death in the new Modern Warfare series
Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's campaign. The campaign for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is now available to players through early access. However, the response to the campaign has been largely negative so far. Before its release, Trophy hunters were disappointed by the lack of a Platinum trophy to collect, and the availability of the mode has led to considerable criticism about Open Combat Missions. Additionally, the campaign has faced backlash for certain choices, particularly one made in its final mission.
While there are a few memorable moments in the narrative of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, such as Price finally confronting Shepherd and the intense Passenger mission, there are also some questionable decisions regarding the story. The biggest issue undoubtedly lies with the death of Soap MacTavish, a beloved character in the Modern Warfare series, who made a return in Modern Warfare 2. While it may be a case of history repeating itself, as Soap has now died in both Modern Warfare 3 games, it feels like the wrong character was chosen to meet their demise.
Why Killing Soap Off in Modern Warfare 3 Was a Mistake
Soap Had More To Give The New Modern Warfare Series
Introducing consequences and risks into the narrative of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was a wise move, especially with the introduction of the malevolent Vladimir Makarov. Nonetheless, the decision to eliminate Soap is perplexing. It seems as though Soap was intended to have a more significant role in the story, and while this choice may have been intended to make his demise more shocking and sorrowful, it also feels undeserved.
Plenty of attention has been focused on this particular iteration of Soap, highlighting his youth and his growth through the companionship of his fellow soldiers. In the first game, a strong bond is established between Soap and Ghost when Soap sustains an injury during their mission "Alone." Additionally, in "Modern Warfare 3," Soap is depicted smoking while undercover, a behavior that is uncharacteristic of him but reminiscent of the classic Price trait. This suggests the possibility of Soap eventually stepping into Price's shoes. Furthermore, it is evident throughout the storyline that Soap shares a significant rivalry with Makarov, rather than Price. It would have been intriguing to explore this dynamic further in another game, especially if Makarov had been responsible for the death of one of Soap's comrades. Ultimately, it feels as though several narrative elements were being developed for Soap, only to have them abruptly taken away.
Price Was a Better Candidate For a Big Death in MW3
Not only did Soap's death feel sudden and like a waste of a beloved character, but it also felt like a story that fans had already seen. In the original Modern Warfare 3 campaign, Soap was killed off, and the focus shifted to an angry and grieving Price, who was desperate to avenge Soap by killing Makarov. Now, in the next Modern Warfare game, Price will once again be hunting Makarov to avenge Soap. Instead of rehashing Price's vendetta against Makarov as the central storyline, it would have been refreshing to see a twist where Price is killed, shaking up the narrative. Fans were divided on Soap's death in Modern Warfare 3, partly because of the way it happened, but also because Soap had just survived a fatal injury in MW2. It seemed strange to have him die shortly after being saved. Ironically, the same pattern repeated in the new timeline, with Soap barely surviving in MW2 only to meet his end in the next game.
Captain Price's death would have deviated from the established storyline, where he emerged as the sole survivor while all his Task Force 141 comrades fell. It would have held a certain poetic quality if Price had made the ultimate sacrifice, allowing his friends to carry on, rather than rehashing the same narrative elements from previous installments. Alternatively, Soap assuming the role of Makarov's pursuer could have injected a fresh and intriguing dynamic. Given his deep-rooted animosity towards the antagonist in MW2, players could have witnessed a volatile and rule-breaking Soap seeking vengeance for his former leader. Regrettably, the new Modern Warfare series has once again disregarded Soap, favoring Price as the central figure.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
Set for a November 10, 2023 release, Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) continues Captain Price's story from the 2019 and 2022 games.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of the Call of Duty franchise, particularly the Modern Warfare series, I feel compelled to express my sentiments regarding the controversial decision made in the finale of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. While the campaign introduces some memorable moments, such as Price confronting Shepherd and the intense Passenger mission, it also includes questionable choices, especially in the final mission.
The most contentious decision, in my opinion, is the death of Soap MacTavish, a beloved character who made a memorable return in Modern Warfare 2. While the intention may have been to evoke shock and sadness, eliminating Soap feels undeserved and like a waste of his potential. The narrative had been building up Soap's character, showcasing his growth and camaraderie with fellow soldiers. Hints were dropped about his potential to follow in Price's footsteps, and his rivalry with Makarov was left unexplored. Abruptly ending Soap's story feels like a missed opportunity for compelling storytelling.
