Call of Duty 3

 Wii
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 42
  3. Negative: 2 out of 42
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  1. PGNx Media
    93
    Call of Duty 3 is a great showcase for the Wii’s unique control scheme. While the Wii controls work with other games, of the games we’ve played so far, Call of Duty 3 is the one that most benefits from the motion sensing controls.
  2. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    86
    Still the best WWII shooter around and the Wii Remote and Nunchuk serve to enhance the experience. With a multiplayer mode it would have been pure gold. [Christmas 2006, p.78]
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  3. GamingTrend
    83
    A pretty good game, even if the time and place are a bit overdrawn.
  5. GameZone
    83
    The Wii controller makes this a laborious, intense experience. The game mechanics and general feel of the game are not overly different from what gamers are used to, but that this is brought to such vivid life on a console is a tribute to the diligence of the developers.
  6. eToychest
    83
    Call of Duty 3 on the Wii is one of the best examples of the system’s ability to make up for substandard visuals with really engaging control. The Wiimote is a fluid and, mostly, precise method of directing all of the carnage, and there’s no denying the fact that pointing and shooting is infinitely more fun than weaving around with two analog sticks.
  7. Kombo
    81
    The controls are not perfect, but they do prove that a nearly pixel-perfect “mouse-and-keyboard” configuration can work on the Wii.
  8. Computer and Video Games
    80
    Call of Duty 3 is, even without multiplayer, undoubtedly a better game than "Red Steel" mostly thanks to its greatly superior controls, more varied gameplay, better AI and constantly more intense action from start to finish. The lack of multiplayer stops it from getting a 9, but consider its score to be the highest kind of 8 there is.
  9. Nintendo Gamer
    80
    It controls really well and it handles heavy gunfire better than "Red Steel." Shame that it's just the same old Call of Duty experience all over again. [January 2007, p.48]
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  10. 3DAvenue
    80
    One of the Wii's better launch games and the control system is unmatched at this stage.
  11. GameTrailers
    78
    The Wii version of Call of Duty 3 probably isn’t the best choice for die-hard shooter fans, yet it’s still a solid game. Realistically, you’re trading online multiplayer and cutting edge visuals for a fun, hands-on method of picking off enemies with the Wii controller.
  12. Worth Playing
    78
    Call of Duty 3 on the Wii obviously had to take the route of gameplay over graphics and it succeeded with first-person-shooter controls unlike any other console game. However, the exclusion of multiplayer was a major blow and will hurt someone’s decision on the fence about whether to buy this game.
  13. IGN
    77
    If you’re expecting anything more than a solid single player adventure and GCN/Xbox graphics, you may be disappointed. Still, Call of Duty 3’s control is definitely something to experience, and seems to be second only to "Metroid."
  14. Cheat Code Central
    76
    The Wii-mote setup does take some time to adjust to and feels great in terms of aiming and movement, but loses points for some unavoidable fumbling which can occur at the most inopportune times.
  15. Game Chronicles
    76
    The best thing I can say about Call of Duty 3 on the Wii is that after playing I actually felt like I had been through a war, both emotionally and physically.
  16. GameBrink
    75
    Take one part classic Call of Duty scripted FPS action, add in two parts improved level design, another one part updated graphics, and just about four parts upgraded multiplayer and you’ve got the ultimate Call of Duty stew.
  17. PALGN
    75
    It's easily the best of the three shooters on the Wii right now in every respect, and leaves the patchy Red Steel in the dust.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Wii Game of 2006
7
#7 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2006
6
#6 Most Shared Wii Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 79
  3. Negative: 21 out of 79
  1. BeboFett
    Dec 19, 2018
    6
    It could not take advantage of the Wii Remote, it lacks MultiPlayer and its campaign is probably more short than others CoD. It has a coupleIt could not take advantage of the Wii Remote, it lacks MultiPlayer and its campaign is probably more short than others CoD. It has a couple of good moments but far from what was CoD 2. A wasted WWII, it feels that the action decays and ends up becoming boring.… Full Review »
  2. JonGum
    May 17, 2017
    8
    I really enjoyed this game. I've never been much of a COD fan but I have all the COD games for the Wii. This was the last one that I boughtI really enjoyed this game. I've never been much of a COD fan but I have all the COD games for the Wii. This was the last one that I bought (second hand for just a few dollars) and it turns out it's actually my favourite. The controls are quite responsive and intuitive for movement and shooting. I found the non-standard tasks to be tricky (operating the crane, driving the jeep, setting explosives or hand to hand fighting) as the movements just weren't registering quickly with the nunchuck. It shouldn't detract from the fact that for 99% of the time the controls are perfect, The game isn't overly long and the 14 relatively short "missions" are perfect for someone like me who plays for an hour at a time. The graphics were pretty good and the soundtrack was pretty authentic (I had to play with headphones as my wife couldn't put up with the constant gunfire and sirens any longer). Overall this was a really enjoyable game which I'll definitely replay. Solid title well worth the time!… Full Review »
  3. notoco42
    Feb 26, 2016
    4
    Such an unoptimized mess of a game. The devs should be ashamed of themselves that they shipped un unfinished product. What do I care if it wasSuch an unoptimized mess of a game. The devs should be ashamed of themselves that they shipped un unfinished product. What do I care if it was rushed? If I spend my hard-earned money on sth, I expect it to work. There were no patches on the original Wii, so the defects show all the more. The COD 3 is living proof that not only the Wii was inferior in the graphics department, which I can turn a blind eye to, but also that it would intentionally be treated like a lesser platform because devs thought they could get away with a piss-port of an otherwise decent game. Whoever did that port, shame on you! The flaws are almost game-breaking.
    As for the framerate, it oftentimes drops below 30, might as well be below 15 or less. It's not permanent but way too frequent not to notice. The game is capable of maintaining a relatively decent fluidity but the steady 30 FPS is wishful thinking. Further, the game died on me several times.
    The most atrocious negligence on the devs' part, though, are the controls. Mind you, I don't mind the default Wii control scheme. The problem is there are moments in this game where the controls are totally broken. Every time you play it, in the same part of a mission, you will face the same issue - of the Wii controller set not responding to your button mashing or the pointer wandering all over the screen. It happens, at least, in five to six missions. The control issue affects driving the vehicle as well. Before you know it, the wheel gets stuck and you crash against the wall. I've tested the game using three different controllers. And the issue will recur every time at the same spots.
    Another thing that leaves the bad taste in my mouth is the tank mission, the draw distance in particular. It can make you feel like it's the PSX era again with the objects appearing before you on the go when you least expect it. Couldn't the console handle it or was it the dev's laziness?

    In spite of all of the above, I still find this game sufficiently entertaining to keep me coming back for more... a couple times at most. I like the fact that it's slow-paced, for instance in comparison with the World at War. You've got more time to plan your moves and practice your accuracy. Surprisingly, the levels are so designed that you are sometimes allowed to choose your path out of, say, three. The shooting mechanics, when the framerate is OK and the pointer is not losing it, are implemented well. In that respect, I think it's safe to say the COD 3 is more immersive than Modern Warfare or World at War.

    Storywise, the COD 3 proves that its devs don't always take themselves too seriously. I enjoy watching the protagonists bickering and being spiteful toward each other. It gives many opportunities for comic relief. The plot could be featured in some WW II b-movie. It's cheesy but entertainingly cheesy.

    The bottom line, only for die hards intent on playing all the available versions of the game. And only if their vision can transcend all the game-breaking bugs. Otherwise, don't touch it with a ten-foot pole or you are in for frustration.    … Full Review »
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