If you didn’t read the article, I think you should: you’d get more perspective into why it’s that particular game. The areas he focuses on (like graphics and audio) are improved from the original trilogy, mostly from years of dev experience and technical progress (and loads of money).

IMO though, those old COD games have much better longevity and community though because of the server browser, modding support and some general design stuff (they’re not just live service).

I wouldn’t call it rubbish though, both games have many merits.