Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Can Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 be considered an expansion sold at full price? In part yes, and this element inevitably affects the vote, like the questionable single campaign. At the same time, however, it is impossible to pretend nothing has happened: the multiplayer component is the most fun to play in recent years and includes a pack of maps much loved by fans. Unless you buy COD just for the campaign and are willing to turn a blind eye to the lack of major innovations compared to last year, it is really difficult for you to be disappointed by the classic multiplayer of this chapter.

Let’s see what you get if you are willing to pay not just the full price, but also the over-the-top cost of Modern Warfare III: a short and uninspired single player campaign, a solid co-op and multiplayer experience, both relying on recycled maps, and an overwhelming amount of micro and not so “micro” transactions. It is not just the regurgitated and uninspired content that makes Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III one of the worst games in the series, but also the absurd pricing scheme that pushes over the edge both the industry professionals and players alike. Ultimately, it’s up to each and every one to decide if the game is worth all the basic and extra costs, but I definitely don’t want to encourage anyone to support these more and more questionable business practices, so wait for a sale if you really want to check this one out.

After playing the multiplayer game enough to review it, I can’t say that I feel all that compelled to jump back into it. That’s a first for me, and I’ve been playing the game since before it even had a multiplayer mode. Modern Warfare III is the most disappointing entry in the series for me in a while – I haven’t been this disappointed probably since Ghosts. The franchise would have better served its fans by taking this year off and putting the time into creating a better-balanced, more complete entry in the franchise. You can certainly skip this entry in the series, or at least wait until it is heavily discounted, because it’s just not worth it.

Modern Warfare 3 completely drops the ball with its campaign, but some redemption is found in its multiplayer action and Zombies experience. While these are the two most enjoyable modes in MW3, technical issues will often frustrate you. There is also an inescapable sense that this was a rushed game, due to its over-reliance on reused assets and a lack of fresh ideas.

The gameplay is enjoyable as always, and the return of classic maps is a nice reunion. At the same time, Activision did make it very easy on itself by recycling a lot of content, adding older maps and more. This makes it not a new game, but simply downloadable content. Moreover, the amount of bugs that have been present for a long time is ridiculous and the menu is a mess. The shooter has potential, but it's time to consider the community as gamers, not cash cows.