User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 8685 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. 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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  2. 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
  3. Nov 8, 2011
    6
    Reviews of this game on Metacritic are HORRIBLY biased from a fanboy point of view. Being a fan of all first person shooter games, I feel that I am eligible to post to valid review of the game.

    Campaign: The campaign is fantastic. It meets all expectations of the game, and more. The story is very refreshed and is NOT a 'rehash' of other games in the series. 10/10. Multiplayer: I do not
    Reviews of this game on Metacritic are HORRIBLY biased from a fanboy point of view. Being a fan of all first person shooter games, I feel that I am eligible to post to valid review of the game.

    Campaign:

    The campaign is fantastic. It meets all expectations of the game, and more. The story is very refreshed and is NOT a 'rehash' of other games in the series. 10/10.

    Multiplayer:

    I do not feel I can review the Multiplayer as of yet as I have not played it enough. Expect a further review of the multiplayer on a later date.

    Engine/Graphics: Although the engine and graphics of this game do not meet those of a certain competitor in the FPS genre, they are still much better than some on the market, and again, are no where near as bad as have been suggested. Although it is disappointing that the graphics could not be improved, the engine is still better (in my eyes) than the same certain competitor. This is because of the very nice, crisp sound that is a huge improvement over both IW 4.0 and Black Ops' varient 3.0. 8/10

    Gameplay:

    Now this is where I believe the game REALLY stands out. The gameplay of Call of Duty, especially this installment (which has gone back to the trademark gameplay of COD4) is usually fantastic. The AI is well polished and MUCH better than a certain competitor on the market and you actually become attached to the characters that you play as. 10/10

    Overall, I give the game 9.5/10, which I will round to 10/10 in order to combat the obviously fanboy-esque reviews of the game.

    If you want to verify that I am not a 'fanboy' myself, please see my other reviews of both Call of Duty and Battlefield installments. This game DOES NOT deserve 2.8 (at this time of writing), and you if you've played it you know that.
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  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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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  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. Nov 8, 2011
    7
    Same gameplay, same graphics, same sound, and the worst same multiplayer, i prefer battlefield 3, its a much better game in all aspects, and i love the multiplayer in that game.
    No es que el juego sea del todo malo, pero es exactamente lo mismo que los anteriores, la campaña no esta tan mal, exageradisima eso si, pero el multijugador me parece estupido, repetitivo, solo
    Same gameplay, same graphics, same sound, and the worst same multiplayer, i prefer battlefield 3, its a much better game in all aspects, and i love the multiplayer in that game.
    No es que el juego sea del todo malo, pero es exactamente lo mismo que los anteriores, la campaña no esta tan mal, exageradisima eso si, pero el multijugador me parece estupido, repetitivo, solo correr y disparar como loco, y a años luz del gran multijugador de battlefield, trabajo en equipo, estrategia, mapas enormes y mucho mejores graficos (basta con comparar Paris en ambos juegos) y sonido soberbio.
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  23. 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!!
  24. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    I made an account just to say all the negative reviews are just from BF3 fanboys or people who are convinced CoD2 was the last good CoD

    MW3 plays nothing like MW2, the pace the games run at is completely different, the perks and weaponry works in completely new ways which does make the game play a lot different. The maps are of different size to previous CoD's and the gameplay I would say
    I made an account just to say all the negative reviews are just from BF3 fanboys or people who are convinced CoD2 was the last good CoD

    MW3 plays nothing like MW2, the pace the games run at is completely different, the perks and weaponry works in completely new ways which does make the game play a lot different. The maps are of different size to previous CoD's and the gameplay I would say is improved in every aspect.

    Survival is kick ass fun and the campaign owns
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  25. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    This game is fantastic, Infinity Ward have done an excellent job in ironing out all of the flaws and annoyances in MW2 and Black Ops, and created the perfect sequel to MW2.
  26. Nov 14, 2011
    0
    Horrible feels just like CODMW1 and 2, p2p servers for ranked, paid DLC, a very short and less than impressive story. COD games have had their time its time to retire this franchise and try something new but that won't happen cause its a cash cow and nothing more. COD is not inovative,creative, or even fun anymore I feel like I have been playing the same game for over 6 years now.
  27. Nov 17, 2011
    0
    The only way a game can get a 0 and make sense is for it not to exist. Every game deserves at least a 1. Im not a fan of Call Of Duty, I haven't even played this new one. But I can tell you right now that it does not deserve any less than a 5. Becuase no matter what way you look at it, it is a well produced game, copy or not. The controls have always handled well. And its always been aThe only way a game can get a 0 and make sense is for it not to exist. Every game deserves at least a 1. Im not a fan of Call Of Duty, I haven't even played this new one. But I can tell you right now that it does not deserve any less than a 5. Becuase no matter what way you look at it, it is a well produced game, copy or not. The controls have always handled well. And its always been a little bit of fun to play. Single player has always been fun and I doubt this is any different. I hate user reviews on metacritic. If you are going to review a game people do it right. Expand
  28. Nov 18, 2011
    1
    A mediocre expansion pack being sold as a new game.....its the same game as MW2 and the campain is only 5 hours long......do not belive gaming sites FPS are overated rigth now
  29. Nov 11, 2011
    0
    60 Euros map pack? It's time to make a stand and say to being exploited by these damn huge gaming corporations that took the fun out of our games and make them into cash grabbing schemes. Most worthless game out there and it's pretty clear by this point that all media taking covering this game got payed big money to cover for it's HUGE flaws.
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.