This in-depth exploration of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer experience delves into its nuances. While relishing the nostalgia of iconic maps like Highrise, Rust, and Afghan, there’s a tangible disappointment in the absence of groundbreaking innovations, making it seem more like an expansion of Modern Warfare 2 than a distinct evolution.
Unveiling the development challenges, a constrained timeline and the original expansion plan shed light on the game’s evolution. Despite these obstacles, standout maps like Rust and commendable gameplay changes, such as slide canceling and faster mantling, receive praise.
Optimism for the game’s future is cautiously expressed, highlighting prompt post-launch adjustments and the seamless continuation of weapons and skins from Modern Warfare 2. However, the review doesn’t shy away from critical aspects, including the lackluster campaign, imbalanced weapon arsenals, and questionable elements in the progression system like the Armory Unlock Challenge.
The multiplayer experience is further dissected, emphasizing the dichotomy between comfort in familiar maps and disappointment due to the lack of innovation. The review scrutinizes map dynamics, praising favorites like Rust and criticizing newcomers like Quarry for feeling out of place.
Slide canceling takes center stage in the movement mechanics discussion, presented as a revitalizing maneuver that adds depth to firefights and enhances multiplayer fluidity. The evolution of movement mechanics is acknowledged, with improvements like faster mantling and reduced weapon recoils contributing to a more engaging experience.
The continuity of weapons and skins from the previous installment is lauded as a significant positive, breaking away from the traditional model of losing progress with each new release. The reviewer expresses contentment with this inclusion, hoping for its persistence in future Call of Duty iterations.
Transitioning to the campaign, Modern Warfare 3 is criticized for its globe-trotting action thriller approach resulting in boredom. Underbaked story moments and attempts at introducing new open combat missions fail to elevate the narrative, leaving players with a lackluster experience. Despite top-tier gunplay, graphics, and sound design, the campaign falls short of the series’ past glory.
Addressing the multiplayer’s connection to its predecessor, the review acknowledges disappointment in the arsenal from Modern Warfare 2 not measuring up to the new weapons. Default classes are considered strong, making older weapons less viable.
A critical eye is cast on the new progression system, specifically the Armory Unlock Challenge, deemed awkward and uninspiring. Limitations on tracking challenges and the inability to have multiple Armory Unlocks activated simultaneously are flagged as issues, contributing to a less-than-ideal player experience.
In conclusion, the review reflects on Modern Warfare 3’s standing in the Call of Duty series, asserting it falls short of Modern Warfare 2’s high bar. The lack of substantial innovation and perceived reliance on recycled elements leave the reviewer unimpressed, questioning the justification for a whole new installment in the series. Acknowledging the potential for future adjustments, Modern Warfare 3 is seen as a sequel that currently fails to meet its predecessor’s expectations.
