The golden era of Call of Duty is something that many players are nostalgic for, as the FPS games from 2007 to 2012 are remembered fondly for their memorable maps, intense gameplay, and sense of magic for those who were in high school or college at the time. For some, reminiscing about the days of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (COD4) to Black Ops 2: Zombies (BO2) is a way to express gratitude for the impact that Call of Duty had on their lives.
"The golden age of Call of Duty is the reason I'm alive today," one user writes, while another says that they spent "countless hours playing Black Ops online." The black ops themes are still iconic and evoke a sense of nostalgia for many players.
The flavor of Jacked Ranch Hot Wing Doritos and Gatorade associated with playing Call of Duty during this era is particularly distinct. Some users reminisce about playing Call of Duty on the Wii, despite the console's reputation. Others believe that World at War is the best Call of Duty game and that subsequent entries were parodies of the original.
"I'm 28," one user writes. "I feel the [golden] era ended with Black Ops 2." This user explains that they enjoyed playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 with friends, waking up early to download new zombie maps before school. Another user who identifies with the golden era is 35, but still plays the games on Xbox because the multiplayer has been fixed.
Some are more critical of later installments, as one user writes, "I miss the days when COD wasn't a meme." This user is likely referring to the jokes that have been made at the expense of later entries in the series, such as Modern Warfare 3 (MW3).
MW3 is a divisive entry, but some users absolutely loved it. "MW3 was the best," one writes. "I'd play it over 2 or 1," another admits. Others simply loved the Wii version, especially because of the Wii-gun.
Others still prefer World at War, especially for its zombies mode. "I'm 28 as well and I miss this era the most," one writes. "WaW Zombies was the best thing ever," another adds.
MW3's Spec Ops mode was highly addictive and had a lasting impact on players, as one of them writes, "I have PTSD from the AC-130 gunner position in MW3."
