User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 8685 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Nov 9, 2011
    9
    The user reviews given to this game are crap. Most are just stupid people that get caught up in the hype that hating call of duty makes them seem cool and above the cod fanboy trend. Having just finished the game and starting multiplayer and spec ops I can honestly say that the game was thoroughly enjoyable. Probably my favorite campaign right around cod4, a little on the short side butThe user reviews given to this game are crap. Most are just stupid people that get caught up in the hype that hating call of duty makes them seem cool and above the cod fanboy trend. Having just finished the game and starting multiplayer and spec ops I can honestly say that the game was thoroughly enjoyable. Probably my favorite campaign right around cod4, a little on the short side but the was a definite satisfaction upon finishing it. The improved spec ops only adds to the experience and the multiplayer just really can't be beat. People complain about how little innovation there is, but seriously they have changed quiet a bit with the new emphasis on support kill streaks and weapon leveling. I don't know what they would have to do for the game to be new and amazing for all these haters, they have already put so much content into it. So please just don't listen to these pathetic people that give the game a bad score because it makes them seem like they are going against a trend because this really is a great game and a definite buy if you are any kind of fan of shooters. Expand
  2. Nov 9, 2011
    8
    Well, I'm giving it an 8 because the MP is really a lot of fun. Sure, its a bit of an update of MW2, but a lot of the broken stuff in 2 is better. I was surprised at the similarities, but I really like the changes. Hopefully there will be a major update and they will bring out a brand new experience next year or the next. Worthwhile and fun game. BF3 wasn't really that muchWell, I'm giving it an 8 because the MP is really a lot of fun. Sure, its a bit of an update of MW2, but a lot of the broken stuff in 2 is better. I was surprised at the similarities, but I really like the changes. Hopefully there will be a major update and they will bring out a brand new experience next year or the next. Worthwhile and fun game. BF3 wasn't really that much different than 2 either, so its what we've got in the fps world. Expand
  3. Nov 8, 2011
    8
    If you have played all the COD's then fair enough I dont why you bought this game. Were you expecting a world of difference? becuase I certainly wasn't. I'm fairly new to COD I played 4, MW2 and Black Ops. I loved them all. This game has awesome multiplayer and new maps, most of which are top class. A new campaign,  and yes its like the other ones but the storyline is betterIf you have played all the COD's then fair enough I dont why you bought this game. Were you expecting a world of difference? becuase I certainly wasn't. I'm fairly new to COD I played 4, MW2 and Black Ops. I loved them all. This game has awesome multiplayer and new maps, most of which are top class. A new campaign,  and yes its like the other ones but the storyline is better than ever and the graphics highly improved. All these haters need to pipe down. Why are people giving this game 0? Thats not how metacritic works you give 0 to some free arcade game you got off the Dashboard. 3 as a user score is just ridiculous. Call of Duty IS on the way out but I cant say I think its lost its touch just yet.t. Expand
  4. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    I love it, people here giving it a lot of hate, I dont know exactly what they are expecting. Does the campaign suck? Maybe, but I will never know because I don't buy these games for crap single player, that is what RPGs are for. Played for about 5 hours so far and the gameplay is tight, maps are nice, guns and perks have been rebalanced which I feel is a vast improvement over MW2. As farI love it, people here giving it a lot of hate, I dont know exactly what they are expecting. Does the campaign suck? Maybe, but I will never know because I don't buy these games for crap single player, that is what RPGs are for. Played for about 5 hours so far and the gameplay is tight, maps are nice, guns and perks have been rebalanced which I feel is a vast improvement over MW2. As far as people calling this a map pack or an expansion, what call of duty hasn't been such? If EA wanted to invest money and time in a huge engine upgrade for BF3 then so be it. I have that too and it's also quite enjoyable, but I'm not going to blame a developer for not dishing out a bunch of cash to upgrade an engine on an outdated system when new consoles are around the corner. Four of us purchased it and played it last night. The extra gun damage was a little bit of an adjustment but all in all we love it. I noted the people giving it 0s are taking extraordinary time to post across all platforms, really EA employees and fanboys? Metacritic cannot be trusted because of this crap. If you loved MW2 but couldn't stand all the BS danger close/commando, or felt Black Ops fell short because you had to pump a full clip into someone, you will like this game. Is it like an extension of MW2, yes completely, the fixed version. Expand
  5. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Its so obvious how butthurt BF3 fan boys are for having their game get a lesser score then CoD:MW3. Don't get me wrong, I am not siding on either front. I've played both BF3, and CoD:MW3 multi-player, and i'll be honest, they each have their strong points. This review is SOLELY over multi-player for both games (sorry, i ain't spoiling anything). BF3 for instance is gorgeous and featuresIts so obvious how butthurt BF3 fan boys are for having their game get a lesser score then CoD:MW3. Don't get me wrong, I am not siding on either front. I've played both BF3, and CoD:MW3 multi-player, and i'll be honest, they each have their strong points. This review is SOLELY over multi-player for both games (sorry, i ain't spoiling anything). BF3 for instance is gorgeous and features great use of large maps and vehicles to pit large groups of players together in spectacular, coordinated assaults. CoD:MW3 specializes in smaller, quicker, fast paced team, or FFA matches, that hardly fair worse. IMHO though, if you must get a console based shooter, go with CoD:MW3. Why? Because the campaign is undoubtedly more rock solid, and the multi-player (while not necessarily better) is hands down funner and notably balanced. Now, on the other hand, if you want the next big PC shooter, look no further then BF3. Its going to be much more beautiful, and a keyboard and mouse are the only controls to do it justice. You have to use EA's lackluster origin service, mixed with an in browser based launcher; but its a small price to pay. For me, MW3 may not be as pretty as BF3, but it feels much more familiar, polished, and just plain fun. Expand
  6. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Good....Good...Let the butthurt flow through you. Seriously fan girls, whats wrong with you? Its not battlefield so it sucks. Same can be said the other way around.
  7. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    MW3 is what every CoD fan should want. A polished version of the great game we all love. I'm surprised how many negative user reviews they are? How many of the bad reviews were written by disappointed BF3 players???? There's no such thing as a CoD killer.........
  8. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    What's up with all the review bombers on here? Metacritic ratings are completely irrelevant and CoD: MW3 is the exact reason why. Nobody cares if you bought and loved Battlefield 3, and nobody cares if you bought and Hated the last CoD game. Stop bombing Metacritic ratings trying to influence scores based on never having played the game. Yes, the game is generally the same gameplay as theWhat's up with all the review bombers on here? Metacritic ratings are completely irrelevant and CoD: MW3 is the exact reason why. Nobody cares if you bought and loved Battlefield 3, and nobody cares if you bought and Hated the last CoD game. Stop bombing Metacritic ratings trying to influence scores based on never having played the game. Yes, the game is generally the same gameplay as the previous Call of Duty games. That's the reason it sells so damn many copies: A lot of people like what it offers. If you're not one of those people, fine. Find an alternative game and stick with it. You don't have to troll review sites to try to force other people to think like you do. I'm seeing a list of reviewers who apparently didn't like the last CoD but still bought MW3. HELLO?? it's your own fault you were dumb enough to continue to buy something you hate. You don't constantly go to McDonald's when you hate Hamburgers, do you?? Then dont buy games that aren't your style. Nuff said. Anyone looking for objective reviews I would suggest skipping Metacritic completely and just rent the game yourself. if you like it buy it, if not then return it. Simple as that. Expand
  9. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Great game. people knew it's CoD and wasn't going to change much yet still going to complain, in the end it's your fault for hyping yourself up so much it is fun though.
  10. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    played this for a few hours now with a friend we both have mw 1+2... he loves it because its more of the same.. i don't for exactly same reason . trading standards should be able to intervene on what is basically redrawn graphics.... i cannot for life of me understand why people fall for it ? interesting too after playing both this and bf3 that the journo's praise mw3 for the single playerplayed this for a few hours now with a friend we both have mw 1+2... he loves it because its more of the same.. i don't for exactly same reason . trading standards should be able to intervene on what is basically redrawn graphics.... i cannot for life of me understand why people fall for it ? interesting too after playing both this and bf3 that the journo's praise mw3 for the single player in which bf3 is VERY similar yet freely criticised !! somethin stinks if u ask me !! at least the journo's will have a nice xmas...
    should have been dlc for say 15-20 pound... just cannot see how activision can justify any more....
    can hear the cash cow moo from here..... disappointing
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  11. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Reading through all these reviews I remember not 16 hours ago reading on **** /v/ how they were going to "downvote the **** out of it" I was going to give this game a 8 but I'll give it a 10 since the number's are so skewed
  12. Nov 19, 2011
    9
    A brilliant game, that, with the minute exception of a slight graphical degrade, trumps BF3 in every respect. The campaign is lengthy, and well worth playing, with a very interesting story capable of serving as a conclusion to a brilliant trilogy as well as a stand alone title, so newcomers don't feel at all confused. The gameplay has been refined to an inch of its life and you'll findA brilliant game, that, with the minute exception of a slight graphical degrade, trumps BF3 in every respect. The campaign is lengthy, and well worth playing, with a very interesting story capable of serving as a conclusion to a brilliant trilogy as well as a stand alone title, so newcomers don't feel at all confused. The gameplay has been refined to an inch of its life and you'll find here the sleekest shooter experience available on any platform. Multiplayer returns with an aplomb, and its the best in the series, bringing back everything we love with a sleuth of new maps and new game modes, as well as teaks and spins on the classic CoD MP formula that do nothing but enhance the experience and shake off any feelings of, "haven't I been playing this for the last two years". Then there's the Spec. Ops, a host of new missions that are frustratingly difficult and incomparably satisfying to complete that'll have you and a friend entertained for hours on end, there's also a neat variation on Spec. Ops known as survival, which is essentially a mix between Zombies (BlOps) and Horde (GoW3), (and by Horde, I mean a version of Horde that doesn't suck balls). Overall, the greatest standard FPS of this console generation, and a must buy for anyone who wants a game that'll last them for months on end. And a personal message to everyone, I'm not a COD fanboy, and i don't hate BF3, in fact, you'll see I've given it an "8", which given the fact that its a $90 game that's only real claim to fame is a decent multiplayer, I think is quite a generous score. Also thanks BF Fanboys for rendering this user review section useless with your completely unbalanced reviews, I hope you feel you've done your duty you half-wited **** Expand
  13. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Don't let the BF3 fan-boys deter you from buying the best Call of Duty title of this generation. To sum up MW3, think Modern Warfare 1 and 2 mixed together with added modes and gameplay to enhance the experience. If you love any Call of Duty game, you owe it to yourself to check this one out! This game will more than likely be Shooter of the Year, so go play and have fun...no need toDon't let the BF3 fan-boys deter you from buying the best Call of Duty title of this generation. To sum up MW3, think Modern Warfare 1 and 2 mixed together with added modes and gameplay to enhance the experience. If you love any Call of Duty game, you owe it to yourself to check this one out! This game will more than likely be Shooter of the Year, so go play and have fun...no need to compare it to BF3. Expand
  14. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    These scores mean nothing so I might as well donate my 10 to the mix. Hey 0's, go play BF and quit complaining about a game that you are biased against from the beginning. I didn't go give BF a 0 because I like COD because I'm not a petty child.
  15. Nov 8, 2011
    9
    Modern Warfare 3 is an excellent game and one of the most enjoyable FPS games I have played, especially online. I wanted to start off with the verdict on this game as there seems to be a lot of negative feeling towards it, a lot of which appear to have no substance. Is MW3 similar to previous Call of Duty (CoD) games? Yes. Is this a bad thing? No. Once again the single player experience isModern Warfare 3 is an excellent game and one of the most enjoyable FPS games I have played, especially online. I wanted to start off with the verdict on this game as there seems to be a lot of negative feeling towards it, a lot of which appear to have no substance. Is MW3 similar to previous Call of Duty (CoD) games? Yes. Is this a bad thing? No. Once again the single player experience is decidedly short, probably no more than six hours, and delivers the usual array of intense gun battles and jaw dropping set-pieces that have become the norm for the CoD series. The visuals have been polished from previous entries in the series, although these aren't groundbreaking improvements, and there are also significant improvements in the sound department also. The real reason why anyone forks out their cash for a FPS, be it Battlefield or CoD, is for the multiplayer experience and once again CoD delivers in a big way. The variety of maps available is very good and the new focus of finding a preferred gun and developing it is an interesting new feature that allows the player t refine their online style. The new pointstreak system is also an excellent system and is much more welcoming for newer player to the series. When I first got into the online gaming experience with MW2 it took me quite a while to build up the skill to be able to effectively use killstreaks and I would've welcomed this feature when I was first starting out! My favourite new addition to the multiplayer experience this year has to be the Kill Confirmed game mode. The added pressure of having to round up dog tags following your kill makes for a frantic experience, and popping a grenade into a room full of camping enemies and collecting all those tags for yourself is a very satisfying experience! It's important to note that the frenetic online multiplayer experience has always been the charm of CoD for many people, including myself, and people need to realise it is perfectly acceptable for BF3 and MW3 to be very different and both excellent at the same time. I personally don't find the large maps and style of online play in Battlefield as exhilarating as the quick CQC in CoD, but nonetheless it is an excellent online experience. But if fast paced, adrenaline pumping online play is your thing MW3 is a must have game and will certainly keep you entertained for many months to come! Expand
  16. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Now that all the midnight trolls are off the forums... This game expanded upon a very successful predecessor. For everyone saying its the same as MW2, what do you think a sequel is? Most sequels are like the previous game. BF3 is like BF2 except they stray away from bad company to an elite team to compete with CoD. Uncharted 3 is like uncharted 2 but with a new story. The call of dutyNow that all the midnight trolls are off the forums... This game expanded upon a very successful predecessor. For everyone saying its the same as MW2, what do you think a sequel is? Most sequels are like the previous game. BF3 is like BF2 except they stray away from bad company to an elite team to compete with CoD. Uncharted 3 is like uncharted 2 but with a new story. The call of duty series is for more fast pace action where battlefield is for more strategic spaced out action. The gameplay is completely different an it is soley personal preference which style you prefer. For me I like to mix it up and think both games are outstanding. Expand
  17. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    This game is dangerous, will leave you without sleep for many hours... been just amazing sofar (9 hours straight) and still does not fail to surprise in both scenes and gameplay.
  18. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    This game may not exactly break new ground, but it's polished and smooth--which is what we've come to expect from Call of Duty. And until Metacritic wakes up and realizes they need to filter the fanboy hate with these ratings, I'm forced to give this high rating to balance out the clearly fraudulent "zero" ratings on here.
  19. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Honestly you Battlefield fanboys are sad. If you are a fan of the Call of Duty franchise you will be insanely impressed by MW3. Or as the fanboys here are calling it, MW2.5. The multiplayer is what good multiplayer should be. It is challenging but still amazingly fun. It drives you to keep playing with multiple unlocks. I have seen zero flaws with the multiplayer so far. If you are aHonestly you Battlefield fanboys are sad. If you are a fan of the Call of Duty franchise you will be insanely impressed by MW3. Or as the fanboys here are calling it, MW2.5. The multiplayer is what good multiplayer should be. It is challenging but still amazingly fun. It drives you to keep playing with multiple unlocks. I have seen zero flaws with the multiplayer so far. If you are a Battlefield player you will find it very difficult to be competitive with MW3. I have a friend that is beast mode in BF3 and I only think he went positive once tonight while we were matchmaking. Keep in mind there is a learning curve but it is worth every minute. Sadly I have to sleep now since I have been playing non stop since release and have to get some rest before this adult goes to work tomorrow. Good luck! Expand
  20. Nov 8, 2011
    9
    I am sick of people on Metacritic giving games a 0. REALLY a 0?? Get a life and go love your battlefield. Call of Duty MW3 is a great game, and a wonderful addition to the series. THERE has NEVER been Zombies in an infinity ward game so get educated and learn what companies are developing what games, and what they include.
  21. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Got this last night and have been having a blast ever since. Improves upon MW2 in every possible way. I'll be playing this for a long, long, long, long time.
  22. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    The game is exactly what was expected. I guarantee that if Activision/Sledgehammer/Infinity Ward changed the game, there would be more people pissing and moaning about how they preferred it before and that they shouldn't have changed what was not broken...blah blah blah. Somebody call a "whaa-mbulance". The game provides a continuation of a series, not an entirely new game.
    As the gaming
    The game is exactly what was expected. I guarantee that if Activision/Sledgehammer/Infinity Ward changed the game, there would be more people pissing and moaning about how they preferred it before and that they shouldn't have changed what was not broken...blah blah blah. Somebody call a "whaa-mbulance". The game provides a continuation of a series, not an entirely new game.
    As the gaming industry progresses, gamers will undoubtedly continue to **** about how they are let down by publishers and developers and how they disappointed they are with their new releases. Well you bought it, why don't you try enjoying it, or go back to your Angry Birds, oh wait, Angry Birds Seasons is the same as the previous version, what a gyp... sod off.
    The game is enjoyable and can definitely pass the time. It does possess all the same characteristics that made you buy the previous versions (shocker).
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  23. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    The most polished gameplay shooter I have ever played, the weapons balance is perfect, the multiplayer is addicting, obviously the main objective was invest on polishment, it pays each euro.
  24. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Gotta love people coming on here saying MW3 is simply the same ol game ( everybody hates what is on top ).. Call of duty is the best because all they have to do is refine the multiplayer just abit every year to keep it on top of the competition. Simply put the single player is the best story you will get with a fps, while it may not be quite on par with games like TES series it is still anGotta love people coming on here saying MW3 is simply the same ol game ( everybody hates what is on top ).. Call of duty is the best because all they have to do is refine the multiplayer just abit every year to keep it on top of the competition. Simply put the single player is the best story you will get with a fps, while it may not be quite on par with games like TES series it is still an awesome experience. The multiplayer is more fun then ever before! the gameplay is by far the smoothest around, Battlefield 3 is a great game but Call of duty just takes the cake once again Expand
  25. srp
    Nov 8, 2011
    10
    I've played all MW incarnations extensively and this is the finest overall.

    A really tight campaign with only a couple of minor blemishes and the usual immaculate high standard MP experience. Add in Spec Ops and you have a fantastic package.

    The best MW experience to date - a must buy.
  26. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Now all the BF3 fan boys will buy this game and make this the best selling game of all time. BF3 was a letdown. Even their honest fans know it. Terrible campaign, over hyped multiplayer to go with it. See you at Modern warfare 3 lobby fan boys.
  27. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Call of Duty has a good thing going and is wise not to reinvent the wheel every iteration. There is a lot of strength in starting with a fantastic game and making it better. Starting from scratch with new tech, new engine, new assets,etc, never goes the way you'd expect and you end up spending lots of time just getting **** to work. Polish is key. These guys did just that... The game isCall of Duty has a good thing going and is wise not to reinvent the wheel every iteration. There is a lot of strength in starting with a fantastic game and making it better. Starting from scratch with new tech, new engine, new assets,etc, never goes the way you'd expect and you end up spending lots of time just getting **** to work. Polish is key. These guys did just that... The game is polished and tight. Read the professional reviews. I've so far agreed with most of their comments. And I've not red one yet that seems insincere. I think they're legit. These negative user reviews are all haters. Expand
  28. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    I love this game. All of these haters are BF3 fans that can't stand to admit that MW3 is better in every single way. I have both games and MW3 blows BF3 away. It's the truth. If you enjoy shooters you have to try this game.
  29. Nov 8, 2011
    9
    The single player and the special ops add depth and value to the overall package. The multi-player experience is where this package stands out, it will leave you addicted for months especially with call of duty elite and the vast amount of information it offers. The new modes also make it a worthwhile game.
  30. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    The game is great!!There are waaay too many trolls on this site!!If you dont like CoD dont buy it,for that matter,dont even play it.Im enjoying this game a lot,one of the best to come out this year,right next to Gears 3,and Deus Ex!!
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 81
  2. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. Jan 11, 2012
    85
    Ultimately, Modern Warfare 3 feels similar to it's brethren, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great game. The single player element is still exciting, and multiplayer has more options than ever – if you're a fan of Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 3 is a no brainer.
  2. Dec 28, 2011
    84
    Modern Warfare 3, while still an excellent thrill ride in its own right, feels far too similar to MW2 or even Black Ops for my taste.
  3. I never expected Modern Warfare 3 to go toe-to-toe with EA's juggernaut this year, but it came out of the gates with a tour de force campaign and co-op mode. It loses points with a perhaps too-familiar multiplayer that caters to the juvenile on Xbox Live; though don't be mistaken, Modern Warfare 3 is one hell of a shooter and a highlight for a series that just won't die – no matter how much we wish it bloody would, at times.