Unveiling the Epic Twist: How Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Revolutionizes the Makarov Moment

Highlights

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is bringing back the iconic antagonist Vladimir Makarov, and it should put a new spin on one classic moment he played a part in.

The "Enemy of my Enemy" section from the original Modern Warfare 2, where Captain Price is aided by Makarov, could be recreated in Modern Warfare 3. In this iteration, General Shepherd could assist in bringing down Makarov, adding depth to his character and laying the groundwork for an epic confrontation in Modern Warfare 4. By repurposing this particular moment, a perfect balance of nostalgia and fresh concepts would be achieved, appealing to both long-time fans of the original trilogy and newcomers to the modern games.

Being a reboot and reimagination of a beloved video game universe, the newer iterations of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare are facing a challenging situation. Gamers expect compelling and fresh narratives while desiring innovative character development. However, if this new direction fails to surpass the original, nostalgic fans will swiftly dismiss the modern games. An example of this can be seen in the predominantly negative reception towards General Shepherd in 2022's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Consequently, Sledgehammer Games must exercise extreme caution when developing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

In an endeavor to fully reintroduce Vladimir Makarov, one of the franchise's finest antagonists, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is wholeheartedly focused on his return. Meeting the level of villainy set by the original version will undoubtedly be an arduous task. Nevertheless, Sledgehammer aims to establish Makarov as a formidable threat by incorporating a segment reminiscent of the No Russian terrorist attack in the campaign. However, Makarov's significance extends beyond this single event, and it is imperative that one of his other impactful moments be repurposed in Modern Warfare 3.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Can Reverse The ‘Enemy of My Enemy’ Moment

While Vladimir Makarov is initially portrayed as the primary antagonist in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the storyline takes a twist, revealing another lurking threat. General Shepherd ultimately betrays Task Force 141, leading to the heartbreaking death of the beloved character Ghost. Despite the subsequent years of memes, this betrayal remains an iconic moment, overshadowing Makarov.

Captain Price, seeking revenge against Shepherd, faces grim circumstances as Shepherd's Shadow Company shields him from justice. However, an unexpected and temporary alliance forms when Makarov offers assistance to Captain Price in his quest to foil Shepherd's plans. Although this partnership is short-lived, Makarov emerges as the main antagonist in Modern Warfare 3, adding an intriguing element to the storyline. Makarov's motivation for helping was simple – by supporting Price, he could evade pursuit and continue his own plotting. Furthermore, Shepherd posed a threat to Makarov, making his demise advantageous, while empowering Price proved to be the most effective means to achieve it.

Gamers have limited knowledge regarding the story of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, with Makarov's debut being the only significant detail known thus far. It remains uncertain whether Shepherd and Shadow Company will make an appearance, as the plot might solely focus on Makarov, the No Russian incident, and his desire to ignite a third World War. However, incorporating Shepherd in a similar manner to Makarov's role in Modern Warfare 2 would be an ideal approach. This would involve having Shepherd initially assist Task Force 141 and eventually leading to a confrontation in Modern Warfare 4.

Despite being morally corrupt and a war criminal, the revamped version of General Shepherd possesses a less overtly villainous demeanor compared to his original portrayal. His character exhibits more shades of gray, highlighting his pride as an American and his unwavering commitment to protecting his country, regardless of the consequences. Shepherd realizes that the United States would not benefit from a World War 3 and, therefore, shares the same objective as others in wanting to stop Makarov. As a result, he could provide valuable information to Price or even dispatch members of Shadow Company to aid him on his mission. This would require the members of Task Force 141 to reluctantly collaborate with their rivals, setting aside their pride in the process.

There is no guarantee of an "Enemy of my Enemy" moment in Modern Warfare 3. However, the series has made several nods to the original timeline. This tribute could enhance the new story and characters, adding complexity to Shepherd and setting the stage for Modern Warfare 4. Those who fondly remember Modern Warfare 2 would find the role reversal both familiar and refreshing, combining nostalgia with innovative concepts.

Modern Warfare 3 will be released on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.