Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer offers a fascinating, if somewhat uneven, experience. It essentially continues Modern Warfare 2 (2022)’s multiplayer, a first in the franchise’s 20-year history. Sharing the same core mechanics and DNA as its predecessor, subtle changes may be lost on those unfamiliar with the intricacies of MW2. While criticized for stagnation, this year’s iteration offers a unique blend of familiar and new, making it worth exploring for Call of Duty enthusiasts.
Back to Basics: Refined Gunplay and Movement
Recent Call of Duty titles have grappled with identity, particularly MW2 (2022). Its lightning-fast time-to-kill, while rewarding quick reflexes, encouraged camping and slower gameplay. MW3 refines this, fostering a faster, more aggressive experience. Veterans will immediately feel the difference. Movement feels fluid and dynamic, allowing for graceful sprints, mantling, and even parkour-like maneuvers. Sliding, diving, and bunny hopping are reintroduced as viable tactical options, discouraging camping and promoting engagement. The increased time-to-kill (TTK) and player health make gunfights feel like genuine battles, giving players time to react and counter. Faster movement enables dodging, weaving, and precise aiming, enhancing the overall combat experience. However, inconsistencies plague the TTK, with some encounters feeling unfairly weighted despite skill. While these issues likely stem from network code and player connections, their prevalence detracts from the otherwise exhilarating gunplay. When functioning optimally, MW3 boasts the best Call of Duty feel in years, rivaling the frenetic pace of Black Ops 3 but without the futuristic elements.
Questionable Changes: Progression and Perks
MW3’s menus closely resemble MW2, leading to changes in loadouts and progression that feel superficial rather than substantial. The Armory Unlocks system, while offering early access to weapons and gear via daily challenges, ultimately hinders progression. With limited daily challenges and essential items locked behind them, this system risks becoming redundant quickly. The revamped perk system, now represented as gear like gloves and vests, offers no visual customization and feels like change for change’s sake. The removal of weapon tuning, however, is a welcome simplification.
Nostalgia’s Grip: Remastered Maps and Their Limitations
MW3 revives all 16 launch maps from the 2009 MW2, a fan-favorite entry. While faithfully restored, some maps haven’t aged well. Wasteland, Derailed, and Estate, with their vast empty spaces, feel particularly out of place in 2023. These larger maps, combined with modern graphical fidelity and increased engagement ranges, become sniper havens and frustrating to navigate. The ability to vote for maps is a plus, but the option for a randomized third map would be welcome. Despite these shortcomings, standout maps like Favela, Rust, Sub Base, and Terminal capture the essence of classic Call of Duty. The addition of some worthwhile MW2 (2022) maps, like Shoot House, further enhances the experience.
The Verdict: A Worthy Contender?
Sledgehammer Games navigated a difficult development cycle, delivering a faster, more arcade-like experience with faithfully recreated maps. While not without flaws, MW3 is a significant improvement over MW2. Its $70 price tag, however, is debatable considering the wealth of quality games released in 2023 and its underwhelming campaign. The ultimate decision depends on individual Call of Duty playtime and preferences.
Multiplayer Rating: 3.5 out of 5
A PC review copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was provided by Activision for this review.
