User Score
3.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5387 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Nov 9, 2011
    0
    Please do not buy this rehashed trash. This is just a pathetic cash grab. Jut rent it and witness is pointlessness for a much cheaper price like I did. I still question the point of a rental.
  2. Nov 9, 2011
    10
    All the compliants make me laugh. It sounds like you all wanted a totally different game , of course the gamplay ect going to be similar it's call of duty. Yes the graphics havent changed much but maybe this is because its sill a playstation 3 not playstation 4. you moan at forking out 60 bucks for a game blimey it not much concidering the hours of fun you have with it. Stop complainingAll the compliants make me laugh. It sounds like you all wanted a totally different game , of course the gamplay ect going to be similar it's call of duty. Yes the graphics havent changed much but maybe this is because its sill a playstation 3 not playstation 4. you moan at forking out 60 bucks for a game blimey it not much concidering the hours of fun you have with it. Stop complaining and be grateful for all the hard work Actision ect put into giving us another game. I say thanks developers , cheers for all the efforts into giving me yet another great game. Have to admit i'm really annoyed at all the negative people on here. Just a question to all you negative people tell me what you would have like to of seen different. what would you have done to make this the best game since sliced bread. Expand
  3. Nov 8, 2011
    7
    I give this game a 7. It's not a 10 (That would require a lot more work on the engine for graphics and other tweaks) .. 7 is probably fair, maybe a little high, but it helps balance out all of the 0's and 1's. The game isn't a 0 or 1, If you just play the Multiplayer it is a lot like MW2, that's true. Graphics - not much improvement. Maps overall maybe a little bigger for some of themI give this game a 7. It's not a 10 (That would require a lot more work on the engine for graphics and other tweaks) .. 7 is probably fair, maybe a little high, but it helps balance out all of the 0's and 1's. The game isn't a 0 or 1, If you just play the Multiplayer it is a lot like MW2, that's true. Graphics - not much improvement. Maps overall maybe a little bigger for some of them (some of them are actually pretty good) .. I traded in my worthless Black Ops, so I only paid about $45 for the game. So not out that much overall. Are there things I would like to see in the game? Sure. Part of the issue was obviously Sledgehammer not being used to the IW Engine 4.0 enough to upgrade it to a true 5.0 iteration. So it's basically IW 4.4 Engine (some of the stuff from MW2 is actually directly copied over in the multiplayer campaign which WAS somewhat lazy on their part)

    If you like campaigns, it's not bad. Short, but almost all of the shooters are. It felt somewhat less "roller coaster" over Black Ops, but it is still a linear story (obviously)

    There are many things I haven't even really used yet, like changing up killstreaks. There are some different ones.

    The game is worth playing, but I wouldn't suggest getting CoD Elite, and if you can find it used (which I'm sure after all of the raging there will be used copies popping up) I would go for it. It's definitely not as bad as Black Ops, but it's not as revolutionary as it could be either.
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  4. Nov 8, 2011
    1
    This game was awful. Purely disgusting. The gameplay mechanics have not changed in the past 10 years. Although might be tried and true. The ending when Price kills makarov and smokes a cigar was a terrible way to end the game. And killing that little girl in the cutscene, was that really appropriate?
  5. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    Yet another mod of CoD4 they are releasing to take money from uninformed players. This game brings *nothing* new, fun or interesting to the industry, it just perpetuates the boring respawnfest that is allowing real innovation to happen. I genuinely played it looking for reasons why it's any different from the last 3 identical titles. I honestly couldn't say I found a thing. Hopefully thisYet another mod of CoD4 they are releasing to take money from uninformed players. This game brings *nothing* new, fun or interesting to the industry, it just perpetuates the boring respawnfest that is allowing real innovation to happen. I genuinely played it looking for reasons why it's any different from the last 3 identical titles. I honestly couldn't say I found a thing. Hopefully this trend blows over so progress can be made int he industry. Expand
  6. Nov 8, 2011
    6
    Having just completed the game on Hardened, I can say that this was both the shortest Call of Duty campaign yet (it took me ~5 hours) and the least inspired. There are few whiz-bang spectacles that put a smile on my face like piloting snowmobiles or defending a fast food restaurant did in Modern Warfare 2. It actually played more like a checklist for a focus group. Sniper levels? Check.Having just completed the game on Hardened, I can say that this was both the shortest Call of Duty campaign yet (it took me ~5 hours) and the least inspired. There are few whiz-bang spectacles that put a smile on my face like piloting snowmobiles or defending a fast food restaurant did in Modern Warfare 2. It actually played more like a checklist for a focus group. Sniper levels? Check. Vehicle sections? Check. "Controversial" moment? Check (poorly, I might add). The narrative lacks the focus, cohesion, professionalism, and sheen that the second game had (the watermark for the Modern Warfare franchise), and is over much, much too quickly. The levels are also something of an eyesore, with a nearly monochromatic color palate (save for a batch of welcome blue skies) and blurry, pixelated textures. In short, buy this game for its multiplayer, not for a satisfying conclusion to a series in whose characters you're invested. Expand
  7. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    I dont understand the critics from the major companies....clearly Actavision wrote them a big fat cheque so that they would give it some sort of positive score. This game lacks everything its a COPY PASTA of MW2 what a joke and their charging us full retail price. This game sucks KEEP your money and instead play MW2........ Im going for a refund as we speak.
  8. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    "This game is horrible, glad I only rented it, I saved some serious cash" "Modern Warfare 3, more like Modern Warfare 2.1. Adding some new maps and guns is not a new title. It's a very expensive expansion pack. Activision better stop trying to ride the Call of Duty wave and get IW to produce an actual successor to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare"
  9. Nov 8, 2011
    9
    Most insane trolling ever! Wow! This is interesting to behold. All these people who bought the game on day one and obviously enjoy the COD formula are stupid enough in their anonymity to give the game a 0... which is a score you'd give a game you have zero desire to ever play again. Funny! You guys are losers ;)
  10. Nov 8, 2011
    6
    This game doesn't deserve all the 0's it's getting, but it doesn't deserve the 10's either. Does this game live up to it's hype? Not even close. The game is basically MW2 with new maps. The game is still plagued by knife lunging, bad host based games, the dreaded HeartBeat Sensor (really infinity ward? really?), and the usual suspect of problems in a CoD game. Since there was no engineThis game doesn't deserve all the 0's it's getting, but it doesn't deserve the 10's either. Does this game live up to it's hype? Not even close. The game is basically MW2 with new maps. The game is still plagued by knife lunging, bad host based games, the dreaded HeartBeat Sensor (really infinity ward? really?), and the usual suspect of problems in a CoD game. Since there was no engine change, the graphics remain pretty much the same as in MW2. The weapons are unbalanced (*cough* UMP *cough*). And ofcourse, you get the insane amount of tent pitchers that only a CoD game can provide (not to mention the boosters). The campaign I did somewhat enjoy, despite the occasional unseen death, or magic phasing of bullets through the enemy. The story wasn't terrible, though, it pretty much plays like every CoD campaign before it. The saving grace of this game is in the co-op mode, which I've actually quite enjoyed. Survival mode can be fun when done with a friend. In conclusion, if you MUST have all CoD games, than go ahead and get this one, otherwise, with Skyrim on the way, and Arkham City and Uncharted 3 already out, and a multiplayer gem like Battlefield 3 out as well, this CoD is skippable. Expand
  11. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    This game is absolutely horrible. Hardcore mode is screwed, one hit and someone is dead just like black ops. They basically just made black ops "modern warfare" and slapped the 3 on it to sell.
  12. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    Wow, this game is the same thing, over and over again. MP offers zero competition. 10 year old kids might enjoy this game, but other than that? Steer clear.
  13. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    No real changes, again... multiplay is only decent because of the players, the same level of enjoyment can be had with the other games, nothing new, no point in buying.
  14. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    Well, what shall i say? Its a $55 mappack. I had high expectations, and yes i'm disappointed! I mainly blame Infinity Ward and hope that Activision will never work with them again.
  15. Nov 8, 2011
    1
    There is no difference from Modern Warfare 2 and this steaming failure of a game. All these official critics should be ashamed for not being able to stand up and say what this game really is, pathetic, boring, see-it-before waste of money.
  16. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    After paying $60 on this game I went home and put it in my PS3. After a couple hours of gameplay I realized I had been ripped off! I looked in my DVD rack and grabbed a CoD game I bought 2 years ago, it looked the same but had a 2 on it instead of a 3. I then realized it is the same exact game, with a few minor tweaks. Biggest waste of money ever. Yet, there are still trolls on theAfter paying $60 on this game I went home and put it in my PS3. After a couple hours of gameplay I realized I had been ripped off! I looked in my DVD rack and grabbed a CoD game I bought 2 years ago, it looked the same but had a 2 on it instead of a 3. I then realized it is the same exact game, with a few minor tweaks. Biggest waste of money ever. Yet, there are still trolls on the internet like Destructoid's own Jimmyx Sterling getting paid big bucks to give it high review scores. Expand
  17. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    SAME GAME. They just want your money. Why pay for a 60 dollar game that has 90% of the same stuff as the games before? They do this all for money. You have to pay 50 dollars for a lil stupid COD social network? Please. They are just fooling all the rich people into paying 60 dollars for this sht. Should have just made a huge expansion pack for like 10-30 bucks. End of story, like what theySAME GAME. They just want your money. Why pay for a 60 dollar game that has 90% of the same stuff as the games before? They do this all for money. You have to pay 50 dollars for a lil stupid COD social network? Please. They are just fooling all the rich people into paying 60 dollars for this sht. Should have just made a huge expansion pack for like 10-30 bucks. End of story, like what they did with borderlands. Pathetic and sad Expand
  18. Nov 8, 2011
    3
    I am simply a gamer who likes a $60 game to be at least somewhat polished and offer something that is intriguing as well as visually and emotionally stimulating. This game simply does not deliver and I am embarrassed to say i bought it... We all bought into the hype, I just wish some of the developers would treat us as human beings and not mindless open wallets. I will give this game aI am simply a gamer who likes a $60 game to be at least somewhat polished and offer something that is intriguing as well as visually and emotionally stimulating. This game simply does not deliver and I am embarrassed to say i bought it... We all bought into the hype, I just wish some of the developers would treat us as human beings and not mindless open wallets. I will give this game a "3". It did offer some entertainment but absolutely nothing different then MW3. And as I was getting ready to log off last night someone said "your mom is a **** And that's when i remembered that this game is for children.. Expand
  19. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    Oh man, this is worse than most of the Call of Duty games.... I mean really, everyone was just going on and on and on about it, and when it finally gets here, it was just flat out awful! It ended up being such a disappointing game. Hopefully, the next game (if there is one...) won't be as bad. Just get Uncharted or Sonic Generations.
  20. Nov 8, 2011
    3
    OK. What are we looking at, 2 years of development. What have we got? 3 months of work, 21 months of holidays that all i can see. Yes the game has strong combat elements and exiting but thats far from the point here. We pay £40 quid for this game and expect to get our moneys worth, well in this case we dont. The graphics look like a high end PS2 title at best ( would go as farOK. What are we looking at, 2 years of development. What have we got? 3 months of work, 21 months of holidays that all i can see. Yes the game has strong combat elements and exiting but thats far from the point here. We pay £40 quid for this game and expect to get our moneys worth, well in this case we dont. The graphics look like a high end PS2 title at best ( would go as far to say worse then MW2) weapons sound affect remind me of paint ball guns and the maps are as small as my back garden. In all a poor show, didnt expect this at all. Will think again before spending my cash on this franchise. Expand
  21. Nov 8, 2011
    1
    Who is paying these "critics", this game is full of cow turd.

    -repetitive
    -3 year old engine based on an even older engine
    -sounds are terrible
    -not even fun anymore since COD 1-3 maybe even 4
  22. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    The fact that there is an audience for Call of Duty astounds me. This generic shooter is the same copy and paste formula we have been seeing year after year from Activision. With its low skill ceiling and over powered incentives this game lacks any variety what so ever. This game is more fitting as a map pack, a bad one at that.
  23. Nov 8, 2011
    2
    woops srry about that i accidently gave this game a 10 so i came back to change it.deservers a 4 or somewhere around those numbers.DO NOT buy this game.Its is overrated.Story mode was just so horrible n very outdated gfx
  24. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    Absolute crap. Don't buy this game or even rent it. I wouldn't even be willing to pay $10 for this garbage let alone $60. There's so much recycled stuff from sound to graphics and even the buildings
  25. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    This game is just another death knell of the FPS genre. Activision is riding previous success by releasing yet another clone that adds nothing progressive to the series. It's unfortunate that the massive amount of money they make is not being used to create something new. It appears this time they didn't even bother to update the graphics, despite the amazing graphics in their competitor'sThis game is just another death knell of the FPS genre. Activision is riding previous success by releasing yet another clone that adds nothing progressive to the series. It's unfortunate that the massive amount of money they make is not being used to create something new. It appears this time they didn't even bother to update the graphics, despite the amazing graphics in their competitor's Battlefield 3. There are many great games coming out in the following months, don't waste your money on this one. Expand
  26. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    terrible. same old same old garbage. wake up players. I bought this title with the intention of getting a game that was worth $60. Turns out that it was just a waste of money. Activision should have just released this game as DLC for MW2, because thats basically what it is. Don't waste your money with this game.
  27. Nov 8, 2011
    5
    To the people wondering if Modern Warfare 3 would take a hit due to the 40+ staff of Infinity Award leaving, look no further. The answer sadly, is yes. It has taken a huge hit. This review is primarily focused at the multiplayer (which I have loved both (COD 4: MW & MW2).

    Unfortunate to say MW3 is nowhere near as good as the previous games in terms of multiplayer, with the major drawback
    To the people wondering if Modern Warfare 3 would take a hit due to the 40+ staff of Infinity Award leaving, look no further. The answer sadly, is yes. It has taken a huge hit. This review is primarily focused at the multiplayer (which I have loved both (COD 4: MW & MW2).

    Unfortunate to say MW3 is nowhere near as good as the previous games in terms of multiplayer, with the major drawback being the map design. With 16 maps included on the disc you'd think there would be atleast a dozen of good quality maps, instead you're met with 16 small, maze ridden maps that have no flow whatsoever. In my opinion there are about 3-5 bearable maps, the rest are so poor even the maps from Black Ops outshine. I seriously think when the **** hit the fan at IW all the map designers left because the 16 on offer are truly awful. Pretty much all buildings are locked out and everything is basically flat, there are no areas to cover your six and it's completely geared toward the Rambo COD gamers that run around like blue arsed flies shooting and running constantly.

    It is a severe disappointment,. I was expecting this game to not match the quality of the previous two games but even then I was still majorly let down.

    This is the worst COD MP I have ever played, and that includes COD2, COD4, W@W, MW2 & Black Ops.

    This is a completely truthful opinion from a big fan of the series, unfortunately it seems that it is now time to leave it for dead (or atleast go back to the awesome MW2).

    Seriously, the maps are truly awful. I am selling this game as soon as I have finished the campaign.
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  28. Nov 8, 2011
    0
    Worthless PoS, same EXACT lagfest as MW2, nothing changed at all, the maps blow, are WAY too small, and make absolutely NO sense. IW has destroyed a once great series.
  29. Nov 8, 2011
    4
    Multiplayer is busted and that's what you buy it for its just plain BS. Spawning is terrible maps are way too tight you can't see 10 feet in front of yourself. I've never been shot in the back soooo many times.
  30. Nov 8, 2011
    4
    Its great how they tune it and made it really smooth and made big improvements. But not worth the $60. This is what MW2 should have been in the first place. For people who plan to buy. Beware that the game is just like MW2 but just redefined and just made improvement. However, you will get bored and start noticing how dull it gets.
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]