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3.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5387 Ratings

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  1. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Don't believe all the Battlefield trolls here. They are really angry (and I'm too, since I bought that mess of a game) because BF3 on the PS3 is such a BUGGY FAIL with the enormous input lag (http://getsatisfaction.com/battlefield3/topics/input_lag_on_ps3_large_number_of_people_affected & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XHf5NdLG-I ), the broken voice chat (Don't believe all the Battlefield trolls here. They are really angry (and I'm too, since I bought that mess of a game) because BF3 on the PS3 is such a BUGGY FAIL with the enormous input lag (http://getsatisfaction.com/battlefield3/topics/input_lag_on_ps3_large_number_of_people_affected & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XHf5NdLG-I ), the broken voice chat ( http://getsatisfaction.com/battlefield3/topics/voice_chat_issue ) and lots of other problems like splitting squads, broken connections and laggy "dedicated" servers.

    Now, to MW3. I've logged hundred of hours on MW2's multiplayer (read again: hundreds). Modern Warfare 3 is a net improvement over MW2. The graphics are better (not breathtakingly better, but better) is still super smooth 60FPS the gameplay is funny and thilling, the single player campaign is first class and yet they improved the multiplayer gameplay with:

    - Point streaks instead of killstreaks, rewarding playing the objectives and making people camp less.
    - Removed the camping-friendly nuclear bomb.
    - Removed some annoying perks like OMA
    - Nerfed the noobtubes
    - Less camping friendly maps
    - Less air support streaks and SAM turrets like the one in Black Ops
    - etc...

    So if you liked Modern Warfare 2 you'll like this even more becase it is like a perfected MW2. If you liked Black Ops on the PS3 this MW3 is 600p instead of the 544p of Black Ops.
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  2. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    I have had it with the Call of Duty trash talkers. You guys should be completely honest. You fakes are clearly trashing the score by putting a zero just because. This game is awesome (and yes I love COD, but I also love Battlefield ((got the Limited Edition)) and most FPS for that matter) , so seriously lets counterbalance the unfair and completely inaccurate negative reviews that haveI have had it with the Call of Duty trash talkers. You guys should be completely honest. You fakes are clearly trashing the score by putting a zero just because. This game is awesome (and yes I love COD, but I also love Battlefield ((got the Limited Edition)) and most FPS for that matter) , so seriously lets counterbalance the unfair and completely inaccurate negative reviews that have been heaped on this game! Support the epic MW3 vote 10! Expand
  3. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Nice graphic, very good sound (better than mw2), singleplayer owns everything, and perfect multiplayer. Guys this game is amazing!!!! I think this game is really good, the best of all modern warfare.
  4. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    OK....so yes it's the same as MW2....because this is a series!! It's all about character/ antagonist progression within the storyline, and the back references allow you to relate to previous encounters in CoD4 and MW2. I was hooked on the campaign because it was an interesting storyline. As far as the reviews on here saying it's a £40 (or $60) map pack....let's beOK....so yes it's the same as MW2....because this is a series!! It's all about character/ antagonist progression within the storyline, and the back references allow you to relate to previous encounters in CoD4 and MW2. I was hooked on the campaign because it was an interesting storyline. As far as the reviews on here saying it's a £40 (or $60) map pack....let's be honest....FIFA12....Madden?? I love FIFA and it's a game i always play with friends, but granted they re-vamp the tactics and game engine, all you're paying for it an updated team sheet. As far as the multiplayer goes, yea nothing's changed much....but what was that old saying......"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"? They have around 2 million people playing online at any one time....that is some great statistics and achievement for any gaming company. Look how far we've come from getting all your friends round and playing with just 2 people at a time or 4 if you had the PS1 quad adapter. Be grateful that people can create such high quality products, regardless of the game title. I'm not a CoD fan boy at all, i'm a video gamer and I have more games and consoles than I can name (sad I know), and I probably will be trying BF3....not because I don't enjoy MW3, but because I want to appreciate what other games can offer. I think that's why people are slating this game, not because it's generic and they're used to the story (and admit-tingly it is only a 5 hour campaign), but because people like alternatives and trying new things....hell we'd all be stuck in the stone age if it wasn't for people advancing in their thoughts right? People can hate this review as much as they like, but it's all about personal opinion, and if you don't like the game then that's your opinion of which you are totally entitled to. All i'm saying is don't beat up a game that may have not lived up to the "hype" it was meant to, and what ever console or game you play people are always going to hate, but be happy that games can bring people together online and have something to talk about. Nothing's a negative, always a positive. Peace. Expand
  5. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    I've played both BF3 and MW3...and to be honest they are both great games but I think MW3 wins out in terms of single player storyline and multiplayer. A lot of people are disappointed that MW3 is using the same engine..but why honestly fix something that isn't broken. I also 'had' Black Ops but that game had nothing on MW3. I immediately traded Black Ops in when i found out that MW3 wasI've played both BF3 and MW3...and to be honest they are both great games but I think MW3 wins out in terms of single player storyline and multiplayer. A lot of people are disappointed that MW3 is using the same engine..but why honestly fix something that isn't broken. I also 'had' Black Ops but that game had nothing on MW3. I immediately traded Black Ops in when i found out that MW3 was on it's way and I don't regret it it whatsoever. People complain that it's MW3 is too much like a Michael Bay movie and isn't realistic...last I checked...this is a video game and you're supposed to be having fun. Mix in a little Michael Bay and a little Jerry Bruckheimer, and that's an easy formula of fun in a video game in my opinion. People are also saying that MW3 and BF3 won't be as good as SkyRim. The only thing I have to say to that is I'll be getting SkyRim too, but I'll be playing that game when I'm taking breaks from Multiplayer MW3. Expand
  6. Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Love it! Solo, spec ops and online are all brilliant! Survival mode is another great addition as well. Each to their own, i know this game isn't everyone's idea of what a FPS should be but it works for me!
  7. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    One of the best ways i've heard Call of Duty described recently is 'similar to a sports franchise'. Every single year Fifa, PES, Madden and others are released as refined versions of themselves edging ever closer to a perfectly balanced formula. These titles don't re-invent the wheel, they don't need to. They do what they do well with a finesse that is enjoyed by millions of peopleOne of the best ways i've heard Call of Duty described recently is 'similar to a sports franchise'. Every single year Fifa, PES, Madden and others are released as refined versions of themselves edging ever closer to a perfectly balanced formula. These titles don't re-invent the wheel, they don't need to. They do what they do well with a finesse that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Call of Duty is the sports game of shooting people.

    As the franchise moves on, the focus is clearly on the lasting experience of multiplayer. Nowhere is that more evident than in this years release of Modern Warfare 3. People who have played Call of Duty online before will know what to expect here, though this year the refinements have made it the best in the series so far. Subtle emphasis on teamwork can be found in game modes such as Kill Confirmed and the Stike Package system. These new tweaks encourage players to try out different play styles and to work together helping their team towards victory. It's a very encouraging and welcome move by Infinity Ward. The multiplayer on a whole feals much more balanced than MW2 and is a deeper experience than Black Ops. The amount of content in the game is fairly staggering when you consider the number of hours that can be lost to levelling your character, your weapons, completing challenges and upgrading your loadout. Combined with a solid 6 hour campaign that will be a good challenge on the harder difficulties, and robust co-op modes this really is a wealth of content.

    The Spec ops mode is back from MW2 and is far more robust than last time. The missions focus on giving players different roles (similar to Overwatch in MW2). This technique basically doubles the amount of play you can get out of these side quests as you can play them all as both roles. Survival mode is a welcome new feature that is Call of Duty's take on Gears of War's Hoard mode. Pitting you against waves of increasingly difficult enemies this sounds like 'Zombies mode with soldiers'. However, it si far from it. By killing enemiesy you recieve money to buy upgrades and more weapons / armour. Eventually you will hit a point where you can't progress any further and it'll be game over. However, the catch is that you level up in spec ops in a similar way to multiplayer. This means that as you return for a second round of survival, you will have increased your level and more robust defensive and offensive equipment will be availible to you, thus enabling you to progress further. It is this reward and progress system that has made call of duty so addictive, and with each iteration the teams involved are finding new and impressive ways to keep you hooked for the 12 months until the next installment is released.

    The final major change comes with Call of Duty Elite. A free service similar to bungie.net that enables you to track all of your stats over both Black Ops and MW3. You can study your performance on each map, compare yourself to your friends, assign custom loadouts (which appear next time you start up the game) and read up on all manner of strategies and tips. There is a premium version availible for $50 / £35 which includes all the map packs to be released for the whole year (meaning that you save money in the long run) and other premium content such as video guides.

    This is the most complete Call of Duty package that we have seen yet. With a plethora of game modes this will satisfy even the most hardcore of players. However, the tweaks to the multiplayer and the options to act as a support character and still feel like you make a difference to the match makes this game one of the most welcoming to new players as well. If you have played Call of Duty and are not exhausted of the formula then you should pick this up. If you've never played Call of Duty then there has never been a better time to get on board.
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  8. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    I was very hesitant about purchasing this game, I was set on buying Battlefield 3 straight away. Then when I went to Gamefest and actually played Modern Warfare 3 along with Battlefield 3. I really enjoyed both. The gameplay is very different to the previous Modern Warfare games , its actually incredible compact and close quarters which me and my friends had to adjust to (especiallyI was very hesitant about purchasing this game, I was set on buying Battlefield 3 straight away. Then when I went to Gamefest and actually played Modern Warfare 3 along with Battlefield 3. I really enjoyed both. The gameplay is very different to the previous Modern Warfare games , its actually incredible compact and close quarters which me and my friends had to adjust to (especially considering Battlefield 3 so huge) and once you get over the very close CQC it is very intense and action packed. Snipers are reduced to a minimum, which is interesting. Sometimes the spawn points do seem bad though which is a negative (friends been spawned right into grenades or enemies).

    The concept of how capturing domination points gives you a point for your killstreak, was a great idea and support killstreaks is a interesting addition and gives you quite a power to help your team and EMP is really useful finally. Also the weapon leveling is great addition and the weapon proficency is rather intriguing and kinda awesome. But giving people a point to their killstreak when capturing points is a very great idea. Now people actually bother to capture points. Many times in BLOPS and previous MW games have I been capturing and pretty much only 2 other people with me, now people actually bother to capture. Yes the engine does look dated and hopefully the will design a new engine, I dont see it selling too well if they continue to use the same engine. The knifing is really fast, and I do get annoyed with the quick stabbing (unrealistic) but it looks like its been set for everyone commando style melee which makes it balanced but its much better in BF3 how the knife works, its far too fast. Also I think the shotgun is far to lobotmized, it completely cut out at a certain range which I can see why would be done but ultimately that have gone to far with it. Especially considering in CQC fighting a shotgun is really deadly. However the gameplay is still pretty fun, and better graphics does not mean better gameplay any real gamer will tell you that. Lastly it still runs pretty well, also the Sweeping Helicopter Killstreak is incredible and awesome and one of the best ever. I do however express annoyance that delta force isnt available in Multiplayer only in Spec Ops, really love that re-enforcement. I do support Infinity Wards original members whom got the short end of the stick with activision refusing to pay royalities, which is wrong but Sledgehammer and the outer layer of Infinity Ward have certainly done a good job with Modern Warfare 3. It is completely miles better then Modern Warfare 2 and Sledgehammer and this Version of Infinity Ward show they are the right people for the job.
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  9. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Wow, I am surprised with all the hate on here for a single game. Personally I love the MW series and was very excited for MW3. This hype was well worth it. Campaign is the best for any FPS and Multiplayer is fun. Don't understand why this series needs a revamp with every release, I like the gameplay as it is and will continue to support the MW/COD series.

    Funnily enough, I believed the
    Wow, I am surprised with all the hate on here for a single game. Personally I love the MW series and was very excited for MW3. This hype was well worth it. Campaign is the best for any FPS and Multiplayer is fun. Don't understand why this series needs a revamp with every release, I like the gameplay as it is and will continue to support the MW/COD series.

    Funnily enough, I believed the hype from so many others about BF3 and I was bored with it after an hour. Tough to outdo the best BF3 fanboys. Campaign falls way short of the what MW3 delivered. Guess you all have time to sign up and post negative reviews on here because after MW3 got released you have nobody to play with anymore, they are all playing TRULY the better game MODERN WARFARE, where it has gone ABOVE AND BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD.
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  10. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Its a great game.I like this game more than battlefield 3, this it the best FPS shooter franchinse in the world its so awesome everybody is a retard who say the opposite to hell with the haters
  11. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    It's Call of Duty! If you like Call of Duty, then you'll like Call of Duty! Sure it looks and feels the same but, Hello???? IT"S CALL OF DUTY!!!!!!! If you want something different, buy something different. If you want the best Online Mulitplayer Experience then look no further!!!! Call of Duty has the largest fan base of any other video game!!! Buy this game, you won't regret it!!!!
  12. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    I see that dark forces are at work again! I cannot quite believe what I am reading. Having owned the entire Call Of Duty series, and played online for endless days/weeks MW3 is amazing. I do think that some of the maps in Black Ops are better, but that is it. Nobody likes unfamiliarity. It is a new game. It will seem foreign at first, it may take a couple of weeks before you feel at home.I see that dark forces are at work again! I cannot quite believe what I am reading. Having owned the entire Call Of Duty series, and played online for endless days/weeks MW3 is amazing. I do think that some of the maps in Black Ops are better, but that is it. Nobody likes unfamiliarity. It is a new game. It will seem foreign at first, it may take a couple of weeks before you feel at home. I did not like the maps in Black Ops at first, coming from MW2. As it turned out, these were some of the best maps I have played. Black Ops was not perfect, it has frame rate issues, it has lag issues, and online games often fail. I do not know how many times I have had the message â Expand
  13. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Everyone that said it is a the same as MW2 is an idiot or hasn't played the game, the only thing the same is the graphics, new campaign, new spec ops, new multiplayer features and the graphics make all the difference? Get real everyone.
  14. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Despite the hatred for this franchise from an increasing number of people, this game still does one thing better than any other: it's fun to play!
    The graphics are surely not the best on the consoles or the PC, but it is in no way an ugly game. Singleplayer, in my opinion, is better than MW2 and multiplayer is still as great with some few new additions. And Spec-Ops is the reason why I
    Despite the hatred for this franchise from an increasing number of people, this game still does one thing better than any other: it's fun to play!
    The graphics are surely not the best on the consoles or the PC, but it is in no way an ugly game. Singleplayer, in my opinion, is better than MW2 and multiplayer is still as great with some few new additions. And Spec-Ops is the reason why I bought it!
    All in all I really liked this game, it's a great purchase. At least in my opinion.
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  15. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Some say that this game is the same as modern warfare 2 but it is and isnt at the same time. It is still a fun and engaging multiplayer and campaign, and has a lot of small tweaks making the games very different and this game is so polished and controls are so tight that it rises above all call of dutys before it. For that I applaud and give this game a perfect score. And before you saySome say that this game is the same as modern warfare 2 but it is and isnt at the same time. It is still a fun and engaging multiplayer and campaign, and has a lot of small tweaks making the games very different and this game is so polished and controls are so tight that it rises above all call of dutys before it. For that I applaud and give this game a perfect score. And before you say I'm a fanboy, I wasnt picking this game up until some urges from my cousin but i've been COD for a minute. Now I'm glad i picked it up. Expand
  16. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    If you enjoyed mw2, then you'll enjoy this one. You dont mess with sucess. It seems like some bf3 trolls made their way over here, because the game is better than a 1 or 2...
    The game is way smoother and polished than bf3. The lvls are appropriately sized for the amt of players. It about comes down to if you want to b rambo, or a camper. Camping is ok and all, but in a video game it
    If you enjoyed mw2, then you'll enjoy this one. You dont mess with sucess. It seems like some bf3 trolls made their way over here, because the game is better than a 1 or 2...
    The game is way smoother and polished than bf3. The lvls are appropriately sized for the amt of players. It about comes down to if you want to b rambo, or a camper. Camping is ok and all, but in a video game it gets old for me.
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  17. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Single player is very short (beat it in 5 hours 40mins on hardened) and totally throw away. There are too many turret/on-rails sequences and the stealth sections allow for very little improvisation. However no other game can rival its coop and multiplayer modes.
  18. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    The best game in earth, the campaign is better than mw2, the multiplayer is the best in the series. Spec Ops is back and survival mode is a great thing!!!
  19. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Great end to a great game...what were these people expecting?

    How could they totally re-envisage the game to be different on the last segment of a game trilogy? This flows from the previous chapter and I wouldn't have expected anything else!

    Well done to all! Saying that I'm expecting great thing from the next one...innovations in abundance!
  20. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    GREAT GAME! Been a fan since COD4, and gotta say each game has improved upon the previous. For some reason, Halo 1,2,3 and reach all get good reviews, and beside new guns n improved skins, same game. Counter strike was a HUGE HIT, and was a RESKINNED HALF LIFE, a MOD with no single player and still cost 25-30 bucks. Flamers rejoice, you've made a statement and given a great game anGREAT GAME! Been a fan since COD4, and gotta say each game has improved upon the previous. For some reason, Halo 1,2,3 and reach all get good reviews, and beside new guns n improved skins, same game. Counter strike was a HUGE HIT, and was a RESKINNED HALF LIFE, a MOD with no single player and still cost 25-30 bucks. Flamers rejoice, you've made a statement and given a great game an overall **** score for a personal vendetta.

    The graphics are better, the weapons are more balanced, maps are fun, online coop is entertaining, single player is a cinematic experience. Obviously the trolling is done by small little men who have no interest in expanding their gaming, but this is ridiculousness.
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  21. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    All the new additions (Gun levels and Kill confirmed mostly in my opinion) makes this games life longer than any of the other call of dutys so far. Fun as hell
  22. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    The reason i bought this game is becuase the call of duty games last for a very long time. If your a gamer like me, then you play alot of games in a short time becuase you get bored easily. This game has alot of content and is very fun. If you have never played a previous modern warfare game, this game is a ton of fun and you should pick it up. If you have played a previous modern warfareThe reason i bought this game is becuase the call of duty games last for a very long time. If your a gamer like me, then you play alot of games in a short time becuase you get bored easily. This game has alot of content and is very fun. If you have never played a previous modern warfare game, this game is a ton of fun and you should pick it up. If you have played a previous modern warfare game, it may seem similar but is still worth picking up. If you love call of duty then this game is for you. If you start a product, and make a ton of revenue out of it. Theres nothing wrong with it. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Its sad that everyone tends wto focus on the negative side of things. But this game is definetally worth your time. And it will take much of your time beating it. The survival mode itself is awesome. Also, if you dont like the repetitive multiplayer, then the campaign still makes this game worth a buy. I am a person who shys away from hyped games, much like angry birds or facebook, cod is a hugely popular attraction. But even its hype and huge fan base could not shy me away from one of the best gaming experiances ive had in years. Expand
  23. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    From a Battlefield 3 Fan Perspective this game is very good, it's not a DLC of MW2 the MP has improved over with the spec ops giving the shine it is just as good as zombies and the unlocks will keep you going on for a while and Prestige and 80 levels will definitely be alot of time too., COD Elite is just as good as Battlelog everything is good (MP is a dead heat) and Campaign is a bitFrom a Battlefield 3 Fan Perspective this game is very good, it's not a DLC of MW2 the MP has improved over with the spec ops giving the shine it is just as good as zombies and the unlocks will keep you going on for a while and Prestige and 80 levels will definitely be alot of time too., COD Elite is just as good as Battlelog everything is good (MP is a dead heat) and Campaign is a bit cliche but slightly better than BF3s I will see you guys on the BATTLEFIELD and the MODERN WARFARE, THIS GAME IS **** AMAZING! Peace out Fans and trolls :P Expand
  24. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    I think this game is awesome. It's a perfect sequel to MW2 in campaign and in multiplayer
    They've added enough refinements to killstreaks an ranking system. The
    Graphics are slightly better in this game, and the gameplay is smooth as
    Always.
  25. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Every year the same game......this mw3 doesn't value my â
  26. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    This game does not deserve the negative criticism it is being dealt. It is an excellent game and I already know that the playtime I am going to get out of it will, by far, warrant the $60 purchase. I don't understand why people bash the game for "unoriginality." Seriously, has anyone compared Madden '08 to Madden '11? The differences between all of Madden's iterations are EXTREMELYThis game does not deserve the negative criticism it is being dealt. It is an excellent game and I already know that the playtime I am going to get out of it will, by far, warrant the $60 purchase. I don't understand why people bash the game for "unoriginality." Seriously, has anyone compared Madden '08 to Madden '11? The differences between all of Madden's iterations are EXTREMELY miniscule, especially when you compare it to the changes between all of the Modern Warfare versions. Ignore the public's grudged misconception and give the game an open-minded try. You'll have some fun!! Expand
  27. Nov 13, 2011
    10
    Modern Warfare 3 is just another marvel from infinity ward. With a brand new spec ops survival mode, players are certainly going to sink hours into this with an all new ranking mode, guns to unlock and different maps to unlock. The single player campaign has its ups and downs and is overall pretty decent. Although the multiplayer seems to be very similar to previous games, with tons ofModern Warfare 3 is just another marvel from infinity ward. With a brand new spec ops survival mode, players are certainly going to sink hours into this with an all new ranking mode, guns to unlock and different maps to unlock. The single player campaign has its ups and downs and is overall pretty decent. Although the multiplayer seems to be very similar to previous games, with tons of challenges to complete, new improved weapons, new strike packages systems, and a very fun kill confirmed mode, MW3 is a marvel. Expand
  28. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Its a fitting end to a good trilogy. Saying that its the same stuff is like watching Lord of Rings and complaining about all the Orks and the Hobbits and the Swords. Yes its Modern Warfare 3, indicating that there have been two predecessors, but it kind of needs to be that way. And let it not be forgotten, that the Multiplayer is one of the best today in FPS gaming. Changing too much ofIts a fitting end to a good trilogy. Saying that its the same stuff is like watching Lord of Rings and complaining about all the Orks and the Hobbits and the Swords. Yes its Modern Warfare 3, indicating that there have been two predecessors, but it kind of needs to be that way. And let it not be forgotten, that the Multiplayer is one of the best today in FPS gaming. Changing too much of that would have probably been a very very risky operation (Think of Starcraft II, 10 years later and what changed apart from the Storyline? A handful of new units and Kickass graphics, not too much for such a long wait.
    I loved the first two and the third is a lot of Fun as well, a perfect ending for the Storyline.
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  29. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    I personally don't like this game, but the user review score is so low that I have to give it a 10.
  30. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    i am having a blast with this game. yes i wish the elite was up and running, but thats only cause i want to use the clan abilities. i think once all is fixed best COD to date
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Feb 10, 2012
    90
    There's a tangible insistence from gamers that this series needs to evolve, but it seems unwarranted when it still leads the FPS class. The engine's definitely in need of an overhaul, but when it comes to thumping set-pieces and addictive multiplayer design, Modern Warfare 3 is still in a league of its own.
  2. Feb 1, 2012
    85
    By sticking to the series' strengths, Modern Warfare 3 delivers some of the best competitive, cooperate, and single-player shooting in the business.
  3. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Jan 4, 2012
    90
    As a complete package, Modern Warfare 3 takes the cake. [Jan 2012, p.67]