Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Introduction
The Call of Duty franchise can proudly go into the record books as one of the most successful first-person shooter franchises in gaming history. The latest installment, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) has already got its own spot as the biggest entertainment launch of all time, selling more than 6.5 million copies in the US and UK alone. It is not just the solid history of the franchise and the amazing marketing that went into Modern Warfare 3 but also more importantly, the content of the game itself. MW3 combines a heart pounding cinematic campaign with a challenging multiplayer system, while driving to emotionally connect players to the game.
The plot maybe rather cliché and overly dramatic but you usually get too engrossed in the stunning environments and fast-paced action to give it too much thought. After you are done, you simply move on to the multiplayer mode and start battling it out online. In fact, something you have to love about this series is the way in which players can effortlessly shift their attention from the intense single player campaign to the multiplayer system and still enjoy the game for several months; a good balance that few other games have mastered.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Single Player Campaign
The single player campaign story picks up from MW2. Like the previous games, it features three different “Acts” with a variety of diverse objectives. Players get to assume the role of different characters while fighting in different locations like London, New York and Paris. Along the way, players are plunged into different combat roles featuring close air support, spectacular vehicular scenes and intense close-up firefights. The entire Modern Warfare 3 campaign takes around 6 hours to complete and while it may not be long, every minute of it is worth it.
Apart from the immersive combat experience, the game focuses heavily on the environmental visuals and the carnage you can expect to find while battling it out in the streets of the world’s most major capitals. The pace of the game also means that you never become comfortable in a single mind-set for too long; sometimes you are involved in heart-pounding combat while at other times you are too busy absorbing the chaos and destruction around you. Players are also exposed to a lot of emotional chaos as both key characters and hundreds of civilians and soldiers meet their tragic end (this is World War III after all). If you don’t think you will comfortable with that kind of imagery, you can opt out of it before the campaign begins.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Spec Ops
While the MW3 campaign is a single player affair, Spec Ops mode adds another dimension to the overall game. The Cooperative mode allows players to battle it out in 16 different missions with another player (online or split-screen). Importantly, players will get to experience a variety of different combat roles that are designed to complement the narrative of the single-player campaign. Players can also opt to fight it out alone and perhaps get a good spot on the online leadership boards. While even the longest missions may not take more than 10 minutes, the varying difficulties and challenges provide potentially hours of great combat.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Survival Mode
This also allows either solo or cooperative combat. Players face hordes of hostile unites ranging from low-ranking militia to deadly mercenaries. This mode is not just about holding your ground and taking kills; it requires players to strategize while buying weapons and equipment as you survive each wave. Overall, it may seem futile but it is great fun and the right kind of game if you just want to kickback and settle for something less serious.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer mode is probably the central element of MW3 and the enhancements to the game are certainly noteworthy. Players can choose from three different strike packages depending on their preferences: the Assault Package, Support package and the Specialist package. The Assault package is designed for offensive players. If you opt for this package, the killstreak count increases as you build up your kills but automatically resets to zero if you are killed. Rewards form this package include R/C assault drones, air strikes and proximity-based I.M.S.
The Specialist Package allows players to reap extra rewards instead of the traditional perks. This really helps you customize your rewards based on the game you are playing, which is perfect if you are trying to build a strategy for a particular type of map.
In addition to the core changes, there are a number of other tweaks that can be used to enhance the MW3 multiplayer gaming experience. For instance, the new Kill Confirmed introduces a new dimension to traditional multiplayer games, forcing teams to work closer together. When this mode is active, players will have kill opponents and then take their tag as well. To deny a kill, a teammate would have to recover the tag of a fallen comrade first. Not only does this mean the whole game becomes more challenging but also provides new tactical options in the midst of heavy firefights.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Call of Duty Elite
This service provides a rather elaborate performance tracking system including a stats database, clan management mechanism, load out customization and social network integration. You can see detailed information and graphs regarding your performance, which in turn lets you highlight your vulnerabilities. However, while the tools are impressive, casual gamers can have virtually the same level of fun without it. More hardcore fans or clans, on the other hand, might find it rather useful.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Conclusion
Despite a sense of repetition, MW3 is a powerful and thrilling installment. Both the single-player and multi-player campaigns feature enough diversity to enjoy the game for months (or long enough for MW4). From the cinematic battles of the campaign mode to the extraordinary levels of customization available in the multiplayer mode, MW3 provides gamers with the finest first-person shooter experience. Let us know what you think about the MW3 Review and in the meanwhile check out the Most Anticipated Games of 2012 and the Best Games of 2011.Click Here To Order Call of Duty: MW3 On Amazon
, PlayStation 3 for $39.99
, PC for $46.99
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(at the time of writing).