Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: Epic Shooter or Just Another Game?
Modern Warfare 3 has been one of the most anticipated game releases this year, with Activision spending millions to ensure every gamer knows about its arrival.
Promising to continue the storyline from the original Modern Warfare, Activision introduces new variations and features in the Spec Ops missions, improvements in multiplayer modes, and the latest Strike Packages. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 certainly has its work cut out.
Will It Stand Out Among Shooter Games or Fade into the Background?
Story
The Modern Warfare series has always strived to deliver a unique storyline. While the original followed a pattern of modern military forces racing against time, its sequel relied more on surprises, such as Russia’s invasion of the United States or the infamous “No Russian” level.
In Modern Warfare 3, the balance between its predecessor’s elements is maintained, offering a compelling narrative of conflict involving former British SAS members Price and Soap, and the main antagonist, Makarov.
Players once again take control of various soldiers across global battlefields, starting with Frost, a Delta Force member who thwarts Russia’s invasion of New York and launches a counterattack in France or Germany. The storyline continues with Yuri, a troubled ex-Spetsnaz operative tangled with Makarov, joining forces with Price and Soap’s squad.
While not groundbreaking from the start, the game’s story develops steadily. Completing the best of the Call of Duty series typically takes around 6 to 7 hours of gameplay, depending on skill level and chosen difficulty.
Gameplay
Without reiterating the strengths of its predecessors, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 delivers a familiar flavor that fans have come to expect.
In terms of gunplay, there are subtle additions like foldable scopes that transition rifles from mid-range to sniper roles and vice versa. The game boasts a variety of weapons, though most players will find themselves sticking to the regular arsenal acquired early on, except for specific situations like RPGs or Javelin Launchers.
Player movement precision is commendable, while enemies demonstrate smarter AI, requiring more thoughtful engagement. Level design remains robust, featuring notable locales like Czech castles or African villages, characteristic of its predecessors.
Multiplayer
Modern Warfare 3 shines brightest in its online modes, introducing significant enhancements over Spec Ops and regular competitive modes in its predecessors.
In Spec Ops mode, players traverse new maps with a friend, acquiring new armaments and completing 48 stars, along with special Survival Maps that pit players against waves of enemies.
Competitive multiplayer has undergone drastic changes. Points are now earned not just through kills but various other achievements within matches. Special Strike Packages—Assault, Support, and Specialist—reward players with different perks upon reaching specific pointstreaks, offering versatility to suit different playstyles.
These features make Call of Duty appealing to a wide range of gamers, with 16 maps and modes spanning classics like Search and Destroy and Headquarters to newcomers like Kill Confirmed and Team Defender, ensuring intense gameplay.
Visuals and Sound
Graphically, Modern Warfare 3 may not surpass Battlefield 3 or Crysis 2, lauded as the most visually stunning games of 2011. Nonetheless, it maintains good graphics overall, although closer scrutiny reveals some lower-quality textures. Sound design shines with orchestral music and immersive audio.
In conclusion, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 blends familiarity with subtle innovations, offering an engaging experience across its campaign and multiplayer modes. Whether it achieves uniqueness among its shooter peers or blends in, depends on how players embrace its storyline and gameplay refinements.