Calling All Compadres: A Hilarious Look at Co-Op Campaigns in Call of Duty
So you're itching to tackle a Call of Duty campaign, but going solo just feels a bit...well, lonely? Fear not, comrade! We've all been there, staring down the barrel of a campaign mission and desperately wishing for a buddy to watch our backs (and maybe revive us when we inevitably get sniped from a rooftop). But fret no more, soldier, because this guide will be your intel drop on which Call of Duty titles let you unleash mayhem with a friend.
Campaign Buddies: Not Just for Zombies Anymore
We all know and love blasting hordes of the undead in co-op zombie mode, but what about that epic campaign story? Believe it or not, only two Call of Duty games offer a full-fledged co-op campaign experience, and even then, it's a tale of two generations. Buckle up, because we're about to deploy into the history books!
1. Call of Duty: World at War - Brothers in Arms (Literally)
This 2008 gem was the pioneering title that brought co-op to the Call of Duty campaign. Taking you back to the bloody battles of World War II's Pacific theater, World at War lets you team up with a friend and tackle missions as a hardened soldier duo. Imagine storming the beaches of Peleliu or defending Stalingrad side-by-side – that's the kind of camaraderie this co-op campaign fosters. Just remember, if your friend keeps stealing all the ammo and health packs, a quick grenade at their feet might be a tactical decision (not that we'd recommend it...).
Here's the catch: While the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions boasted glorious split-screen co-op, the PC version relegates co-op to the online realm only. So, dust off those old consoles or grab a headset if you're on PC – World at War's co-op campaign is a blast from the past you won't want to miss.
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 - The Future is Shared (and a Little Glitchy)
Fast forward to 2015, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 took the torch (and the cybernetic enhancements) for co-op campaigns. This futuristic adventure throws you and up to three friends into a world of black ops soldiers with fancy gadgets and questionable moral compasses. The co-op campaign is undeniably fun, but a heads up: some technical hiccups and balance issues might occasionally throw a grenade into your well-oiled teamwork. Still, it's a wild ride with a wild co-op experience – just don't be surprised if your cybernetic arm glitches out and punches your friend in the face at a crucial moment.
Bonus Round: Spec Ops Survival
While not a true co-op campaign, a special mention goes out to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and 3's Spec Ops Survival mode. This horde-style co-op mode throws wave after wave of enemies at you and your teammate, testing your teamwork and trigger fingers to the limit. It may not be a narrative-driven experience, but it's a fantastic way to bond with a friend over endless waves of carnage.
So, Grab a Buddy and Get Bootlegging!
There you have it, soldiers! Your intel on co-op campaigns in Call of Duty is complete. Now get out there, assemble your squad, and prepare to dominate the battlefield (or at least provide hilarious commentary while you both get inevitably blown to bits). Remember, communication is key, reviving your teammates is a good deed, and stealing all the ammo is a court-martial offense (but hey, we won't judge... too harshly). Now go forth and conquer, comrades!