The latest iteration of the iconic franchise, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023), marks a significant milestone, but not for reasons to celebrate. This anniversary edition emerges as a letdown, failing to deliver the innovation and excitement expected from such a renowned series. It’s a stark reminder that even the most successful titles need to pause and rejuvenate. The game’s attempt to honor its legacy feels rushed and uninspired, suggesting that a hiatus could be beneficial for the future of the series.
Need to Know
- What is it? A direct sequel to Modern Warfare 2
- Release date: November 10, 2023
- Expect to pay: $70/£65
- Developer: Sledgehammer Games, Treyarch
- Publisher: Activision Blizzard
- Reviewed on: GeForce RTX 2080 Super, Core i9 9900KS, 32GB RAM
- Steam Deck: Unsupported
Our Verdict
The latest entry in the Call of Duty series, Modern Warfare 3 (2023), has been met with disappointment. Garnering a score of 47, it’s clear that this installment is considered an unessential addition to the franchise. The game struggles to justify its existence, failing to bring anything new or exciting to the table that would appeal to long-time fans or newcomers alike.
Gameplay Review
The gameplay of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) brings a mix of nostalgia and modern mechanics to the forefront. The multiplayer experience, a core aspect of the franchise, revisits classic maps from the original Modern Warfare 2, but fails to introduce new arenas, leading to a sense of overfamiliarity. Weapon variety also suffers, with many firearms feeling indistinguishable from one another, lacking the distinct personality that players have come to expect.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Multiplayer Maps | 16 remade maps from the original Modern Warfare 2, no new maps at launch |
| Weapon Variety | Approximately 30 launch weapons, many with overlapping functionalities |
(Image credit: Activision Blizzard)
Campaign Analysis
The campaign mode of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) introduces a new mission format known as Open Combat Missions. These missions diverge from the traditional linear narrative, offering players sandbox-style environments that encourage exploration and strategy. However, this new approach is a double-edged sword, as it also contributes to a disjointed storyline that lacks the cohesive and polished presentation that fans have come to expect from the series.
(Image credit: Activision Blizzard)
Zombies Mode
The Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) sees Treyarch taking the helm to deliver a fresh spin on the beloved survival experience. This iteration departs from the traditional closed-off maps and instead utilizes the expansive Warzone map, Urzikstan, to offer a more open-ended zombie-slaying adventure. Players can now undertake contracts and extract at will, adding a new layer of strategy to the undead chaos.
(Image credit: Activision Blizzard)
In conclusion, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) struggles to live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. While it attempts to pay homage to the series’ storied past, it ultimately falls short in delivering a memorable and engaging experience. The game’s lackluster campaign, stale multiplayer maps, and uninspired weapon roster suggest that it may be time for the franchise to take a step back and reassess its direction. Fans of the series might want to consider skipping this installment and hope for a return to form in future titles.
