User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 8685 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Nov 23, 2011
    0
    I was looking forward to this until... I saw the trailer & EVERYTHING LOOKED THE SAME! INFINITY WARD & TREYARCH ARE SO LAZY!!! LOOK AT HALO & EVEN ZELDA & MARIO!
  2. Nov 23, 2011
    0
    I am resubmitting a review, because I accidentally gave this game a 10. I meant to give it a 3. So I'm giving it a 0. one hundred and fifty characters long huh... lets seeeeeee
  3. Nov 23, 2011
    0
    I can't believe how much I looked forward to this and how after a few plays I just gave up - with a 'meh...'.

    Might of helped to keep those original Infinity Ward devs....

    Lame cash in - well done Activision.
  4. Nov 23, 2011
    0
    Glen asked me to rate this game. And I did. It deserves 0/10 for giving me MW2 for full price. Thank you Glen, won't make any mistake like this again.
  5. Nov 22, 2011
    5
    The campaign in MW3 was a lot of fun to me, while the writing could have maybe used a little improvement, the gameplay was top notch. A ton of action and varying gameplay features kept it quite fresh, to me anyway. The Special Ops aren't anything ground breaking, and survival is a welcomed addition, but after a few games of both you'll grow tired of them quickly. That leaves the us withThe campaign in MW3 was a lot of fun to me, while the writing could have maybe used a little improvement, the gameplay was top notch. A ton of action and varying gameplay features kept it quite fresh, to me anyway. The Special Ops aren't anything ground breaking, and survival is a welcomed addition, but after a few games of both you'll grow tired of them quickly. That leaves the us with the multiplayer, this is the bread and butter of CoD games. This is where you will spend countless hours fragging friends, and foes alike. The only problem is that MW3's multiplayer is arguably worse then previous installments overall. Sure, some things they do tight, such as the perk rebalancing, and gun leveling, but gameplay-wise it is a step backwards. Spawns are bad at best, maps aren't memorable, after 3 installments they still have failed to give us a proper system link option and private game options, which are vital to competitive CoD, they did away with the dive from Black Ops. I feel that if you really are a fan of what CoD is all about, the multiplayer, then you might-as-well stick with Black Ops, as it already has quality maps, very polished gameplay, and an overall better multiplayer experience. Expand
  6. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    I think this is the worse cod until now, it shows that infinityward have runed out of ideas.Its exactly like moder warfare.Infinity-ward is a realy disapointment this time. Tyst havent almost changed enithing.
  7. Nov 22, 2011
    8
    I am neither a fanboy or hater of COD, just a gamer who can appreciate plain dumb fun when it's presented. Thats what MW3 is, and thats what it does well. As much as I'm enjoying Skyrim, its nice to take some respite and unplug my brain for a while with some white knuckle set pieces and satisfying gunplay. Great fun and to be honest, if you buy MW3, you know exactly what youre getting.
  8. Nov 22, 2011
    8
    There are many Call Of Duty Fanboy's giving this game 10's. There are even more Battlefield Fanboy's giving this game a 0 or a 1. There are VERY few reviews actually containing honest information. With that being said, I'm going to recommend you don't read any perfect 10 reviews and don't read any reviews under 5. I am going to try to be as honest as possible with my review. First, I'dThere are many Call Of Duty Fanboy's giving this game 10's. There are even more Battlefield Fanboy's giving this game a 0 or a 1. There are VERY few reviews actually containing honest information. With that being said, I'm going to recommend you don't read any perfect 10 reviews and don't read any reviews under 5. I am going to try to be as honest as possible with my review. First, I'd like to say that Modern Warfare 3 is a VERY DECENT GAME. Although it is probably the least innovative game of the year, the formula that Call of Duty brings in every game is always extremely addictive and, to the anger of Battlefield fan's as they read this, very fun. As a fairly neutral gamer, I like to think of the Call of Duty series as a sports game, kind of like Madden or NBA Live. This is because Call of Duty releases on an annual basis, so you honestly cannot expect a COD4 like game every year. Just like sport's games update their rosters and add slight tweaks, COD adds new gun's and tweaks its formula a bit every year and I would just like to say: THIS ISN'T A BAD THING, COD IS STILL VERY FUN. That is what I have to say. If you are a hardcore gamer, get this game. If you are a casual gamer and you have money to spare, get this game. The Call of Duty franchise is number 1 in sales every year for a reason, although it is not innovative or very creative for that matter, it is fun and addictive and get's gamers to waste day's of their lives playing it. On a closing note, I would also like to ask my fellow reviewers to be a little more mature and a little more professional in there reviews and not flame on a game for outselling their favorite game. Expand
  9. Nov 22, 2011
    10
    Actually i like the new game engine called "MW3 Engine" and it is not copy paste and the single player experience is fun, graphic are good but always run on 60 frame rate but still good and multiplayer is the best but i was pretty disappointed that this user score has receive alot negative review just because they say it is an "old engine" and "just copy paste" and also said it "it felt toActually i like the new game engine called "MW3 Engine" and it is not copy paste and the single player experience is fun, graphic are good but always run on 60 frame rate but still good and multiplayer is the best but i was pretty disappointed that this user score has receive alot negative review just because they say it is an "old engine" and "just copy paste" and also said it "it felt to similar to MW2" and having problem with BF3 vs MW3 and most of BF3 fan won't stop giving this game negative review because of their BF3 game score are less in user score by MW3 fan. Expand
  10. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    sledgehammer games has messed MW3
    MW when all the old parts better than MW3
    i hope Treyarch let's not buying from the sledgehammer games monkeys
    I hope you can understand my, INTERPRETATION (translation)
  11. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    If you want the same single player, the same multiplayer, the same extra modes and the same engine as what was available 3 years before, and $40 cheaper, by this game, but if not, be sane and by a different game like battlefield 3 for a fps, or big rigs for a racing game
  12. Nov 22, 2011
    10
    If you have not played a call of duty, this is the perfect call of duty for you. It has new multiplayer modes, weapons, perks, attachments, campaign, and also a SURVIVAL MODE!!! its the perfect game for hardcore gamers, but if you are a beginer you will die in multiplayer easy
  13. Nov 22, 2011
    10
    This game is great BUT

    -need to fix spawning system
    -need to fix the problem when it says "4 bar connection" even though it feels like 1 bar.
    -teleporting lag
    -Getting shot after you turn the corner as if the bullets magically hit you.
  14. Nov 22, 2011
    1
    I highly agree with all of the negative reviews. I have just played multiplayer. I have logged around 22 hours and have a K/D of 1.25. I am going out on the limb and saying this game is worse than MW2. Why? There's no improvement in game mechanics, weapons, graphics( which i feel are actually worse than MW2), the hit detection does not seem as smooth. Everything just feels like it's a stepI highly agree with all of the negative reviews. I have just played multiplayer. I have logged around 22 hours and have a K/D of 1.25. I am going out on the limb and saying this game is worse than MW2. Why? There's no improvement in game mechanics, weapons, graphics( which i feel are actually worse than MW2), the hit detection does not seem as smooth. Everything just feels like it's a step back. My biggest gripe is the map layouts. Most maps are way too small to get any time of rhythm/momentum. It reminds me of playing Rust nonstop. It's a joke. I would definitely hold off on buying this game and lean towards exploring BF3 or just continue playing MW2. I'm not happy about wasting 60 dollars on a downgraded game! Expand
  15. Nov 22, 2011
    6
    * Headnote- I refer to the "physics and mechanics" as the feel of game as well as gun damage/range/knockdown system*

    I am a long time player of the Call of Duty series. We'll start off with Call of Duty 4 for times sake. Brilliant. Utterly and thoroughly brilliant. Mechanics, physics, perks system, guns, damage, levels, and every other aspect of the game was flawless. I still play it to
    * Headnote- I refer to the "physics and mechanics" as the feel of game as well as gun damage/range/knockdown system*

    I am a long time player of the Call of Duty series. We'll start off with Call of Duty 4 for times sake. Brilliant. Utterly and thoroughly brilliant. Mechanics, physics, perks system, guns, damage, levels, and every other aspect of the game was flawless. I still play it to this day if I can find a loby that isn't full of hackers. World at War... it was good. It wasn't COD4, but it worked as a refreshing take on the game. Treyarch, however, has never lived up to the standard that was set by Infinity Ward (MW1 and 2 Era). Modern Warfare 2... **** EPIC. This game refined COD4 and enhanced the game to the next level. Everything that was good about COD 4 was even better in MW2 including the better graphics/environment. Plus, the best thing about this game was that it rewarded players for being good. Yes the noob toobs, and rockets were annoying, but you could still manage. It seemed that IW was telling the players that "If you can't play with the big dogs, go play Mario Kart". There was no "leveling out the playing field" or any trash like that. Me and my buddies would party up and **** on kids all night. And that is the way it was. Perfect. Black Ops (or Wack Ops IMO).... total **** Just as MW2 hit the nail on the head, so to speak, Wack Ops missed and hit their thumb, time after time. This game leveled out the playing field because Treyarch felt sorry for the kids who got **** on in MW2. Every gun was the same. No matter whether level 56 or 6 you could do just as good as the next as far as having a good gun because they were all alike. Camping was rewarded because the maps were full of camping spots and a camper could hide behind a rock or dumpster and kill as many people as a runner with actual skill. And the mechanics/physics were just **** Characters felt wierd knifing, reloading, and moving. Treyarch essentially **** up big time as far as skilled players were concerned. Now, why we are here. Modern Warfare 3. Let me say this; Activision, when you lost the original Infinity Ward dev team, you lost everything. They knew what it was to make a good game. When you try to bring "innovation" into gaming you usually **** it up for the majority of your followers. What you needed to do was re-vamp the graphics, make new and original levels (not cut and paste), and basically do what EA did with Battlefield. Keep the same game in tact, but REFINE it. MW3 is pretty good don't get me wrong. I like the feel of the game, I like the new game mode ideas, and I like the weapons system. The weapons mechanics and physics and unlock system is just as good as MW2. The MAJOR gripe that I have is the perks system. In a multiplayer game designed around perks and player/gun enhancements.... the perks and gun enhancements are PRETTY IMPORTANT. You took what MW2 had and you took out what YOU thought were the BAD perks. You did not come up with anything new and creative, but you took Basic mechanics out of the BASIC game (like moving fast while looking down the sights and acquiring targets at a further range) and made them perks. All the while you divided up good perks and pro perks to make the game more leveled. Sleight of hand and faster ads should have never been split up. Invisibility to radar AND airstreaks only makes sense. Not one perk for each. It seems as if you were in such a bind to come up with new ideas that you took a Shelby GT500, removed the engine, and put in a 4 cylinder in order to claim that you get better gas mileage with this years model. You did nothing except make it worse and tried to pass it off as being MIND-BLOWINGLY innovative.
    Activision, don't let Treyarchs views cloud the Modern Warfare series because that is what it fells like is happening. Don't "innovate" the game. Just make it better. Fine tune it. You don't have to replace the engine and transmission in a car to make it faster. Use what you have and build off of that. Go back to MW2 and fine tune the following;
    1. Graphics
    2. NEW environments/levels
    3. Guns and unlock system (MW3's has a good balance)(Maybe some cool new guns wouldn't hurt)
    4. Explosions - Lets face it. Grenades, rockets, and mines do more damage and rightfully should. Take it back to MW2 days.
    5. PERKS!!! LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!

    Do this and I guarantee that I would be back to your game. Until then.... I'll be on Battlefield 3. A truly better game.
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  16. Nov 22, 2011
    7
    call of duty Modern Warfare 3 is easily the most anticipated game of this year. However the fact that there are little changes makes me wonder why it is so expensive. The multiplayer is just the same as modern warfare 2, but is even faster paced. It is to fast paced, you never truly know what is going on and you have only time to run around the map and shoot first. Also, the assault riflescall of duty Modern Warfare 3 is easily the most anticipated game of this year. However the fact that there are little changes makes me wonder why it is so expensive. The multiplayer is just the same as modern warfare 2, but is even faster paced. It is to fast paced, you never truly know what is going on and you have only time to run around the map and shoot first. Also, the assault rifles are very overpowered and you will get raped if you dont use them. The maps are average- none of them are amazing. the one bright spot to the game is the special ops mode, where you survive as long as you can against waves of enemies. It was a blast to play with my sister, but i doubt it will stay fun for long to to the repitive nature of the mode. i would recomend to ll people who are thinking about buying the game to rent it first, because the multiplayer is very hit and miss. As i did not play the campaign i am only basing this review over the multiplayer and spec-ops. Overall this game is average, but not terrible. If you liked modern warfare 2, you will most likely like the game. however if you are looking for a groundbreaking expierience full of new things then you should go play another game(SKYRIM!!!!!) Expand
  17. Nov 22, 2011
    6
    To say that MW3 is more of the same is correct to an extent, the main thing is that it goes both ways. Why fix what isn't broken and conversely why are the same mistakes being made? MW3 is an easy to pick up game that encourages fast game play and gives a positive reinforcement to continue playing with the way the leveling system works. However the idea of rewarding players who get killsTo say that MW3 is more of the same is correct to an extent, the main thing is that it goes both ways. Why fix what isn't broken and conversely why are the same mistakes being made? MW3 is an easy to pick up game that encourages fast game play and gives a positive reinforcement to continue playing with the way the leveling system works. However the idea of rewarding players who get kills is ludicrous outside of adding points to the score board. IW and Sledgehammer openly admitted that their reward system was designed around the high kills low death players for previous games, so why is that system still implemented into the game? Even if someone is running a Support package the other team is spammed Stealth Bombers and EMPs giving negative reinforcement to even bother continuing the game. Initially I liked the idea of the new game modes Kill Confirmed and Team Defender but I quickly noticed that Kill Confirmed still has too many campers and Team Defender seems to suffer from people spamming the Riot Shield Juggernaut making getting the flag near impossible. How is it that the original issues still exist and new ones are made? It's become obvious that the CoD series is nothing more than a cash grab to Activision, no real advancements were made and only one or two things were added to the overall experience. But it's not enough to keep the series alive for any longer. Hopefully the creators of Black Ops (Treyarch) can take what they did with Black Ops (simply adding total player customization) and add to the CoD series instead of rehashing the same thing, because it's clear IW and Sledgehammer have no clue where to take Call of Duty. Expand
  18. Nov 22, 2011
    7
    CoD is a good game and this is coming from someone who was not blown away by the series but was interested in the games and I overall had a good time. Yes I admit that MW3 does not change that much nor does it bring many new things to the table but honestly the people who hate it now would hate the game if it changed completely anyways. Now how many of you would play Uncharted 3 if itCoD is a good game and this is coming from someone who was not blown away by the series but was interested in the games and I overall had a good time. Yes I admit that MW3 does not change that much nor does it bring many new things to the table but honestly the people who hate it now would hate the game if it changed completely anyways. Now how many of you would play Uncharted 3 if it changed the whole single player or BF3 if its MP was completely different and no Im not saying that their should be no improvements but look at Dragon Age 2 fans DESPISED that game in every single way and with such a large fanbase as CoD reinventing it's image would make fans hate it and it would sell no copies. Yes MW3 had a few problems like the graphics should have been updated and it could have changed a few things but who cares about graphics anyways!! If you don't like CoD then just don't post a review and play the games you like instead of wasting the time of people who just want a honest Truthful review about the game. To anyone confused if you are interested in the game but are not sure if it is good here are a few tips. If you don't have ONLINE don't get this game, you will get bored of it quickly and to people who are more of a singleplayer kind of person you most likely will also be disappointed by the game. MP fans of the FPS genre will like this game most likely and once you get into the MP it is very fun. Graphics are a bit of a disappointment but honestly for ANY gamer they should not be that big of a deal. In the end it is all up to you if you like the game. Expand
  19. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    Utter **** Feels like an arcade game from the 80s. No tactics. No strategy. No intelligent gameplay whatsoever. Feels like its been designed for 5 year olds. What an enormous disappointment to months of waiting.
  20. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    Man was this game crap. I cant believe i payed 100 bucks for this **** Its on sale ill get rid of it for anything. the campaign wasnt even worth it shorter then usual. man can they just stop making these. either way just my opionion there are alot better games to play like skyrim and revelations plus new counter strike coming out.
  21. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    Congrats on screwing over fans.
    These games have just been CODMW1 rehashes ever since.
    Still using the same 1999 Quake 3 engine with just modifications.
    Time to move on. Remake the game, get a real engine.
    They all play the same, look the same. Everything about every COD now are the same. Sadly the only good ones were COD:2 MW1.
  22. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    This game seriously brings nothing new to the table for Call of Duty, it's almost as if it's an expansion from MW2. At least the transition from Modern warfare to MW2 had new innovation but, when you look at the transition from MW2 to MW3 you see nothing new. Don't get me wrong, CoD is a solid shooter but, being a sequel and looking at the overall game you're paying 60 dollars for, itThis game seriously brings nothing new to the table for Call of Duty, it's almost as if it's an expansion from MW2. At least the transition from Modern warfare to MW2 had new innovation but, when you look at the transition from MW2 to MW3 you see nothing new. Don't get me wrong, CoD is a solid shooter but, being a sequel and looking at the overall game you're paying 60 dollars for, it isn't worth it and Infinityward/sledgehammer should be ashamed that they even released a mockery like this to the gaming industry. The Graphics are poor being the second sequel, the game play is dull and repetitive, the story is so cliche and feels like you could see whats coming from a mile away. They haven't fixed any of the problems that were apparent in the last two games and I feel like they never will. This game is no 9.5 (ign) and it sure as hell isn't an 8-7-6 either. This game at the most is a 5, but it deserves a 0 for the lack of an attempt to make a good game. What made Halo's multiplayer so good? Innovation, how about you take a look at your rival Bungie for once IW/Sledge', you might make a great game like you did with CoD4. Expand
  23. Nov 22, 2011
    5
    Disappointing in many ways. It was hard to get through the game as it felt as if it were the same game over. It's more of a MW2.1 Even if you enjoyed the previous games, it's more of a burned out feeling at this point as it does nothing to improve on older games.
  24. Nov 22, 2011
    1
    modern warfare 3 is a good game but he is so predictable. every years, we have the same game. looks exactly as modern warfare 2 and black ops, with the same gameplay and the same multiplayers and. the worst of all, it's elite.
    it is the biggest scam of the year.
  25. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    maps are crappy, the hit detection is a mess, the lag compensation system **** the game up. the perks are a mess. like it has been developped by a bunch of braindeads
  26. Nov 22, 2011
    10
    Honestly people got to relax, if they wanted a new game, buy one from a differnet series. suppose to be a continuation not a new game. Very well put together, challenging, and fun
  27. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    After paying yet another £40 for the SAME game I won't be buying another. Modern Warfare 3 should be thought of as Modern Warfare 2.5. It is exactly the same game re-packed, yet CoD fans are happy to keep handing over the money. With all the money that these games make you would think they would actually use some to improve the game (for example, improving their engine). ThisAfter paying yet another £40 for the SAME game I won't be buying another. Modern Warfare 3 should be thought of as Modern Warfare 2.5. It is exactly the same game re-packed, yet CoD fans are happy to keep handing over the money. With all the money that these games make you would think they would actually use some to improve the game (for example, improving their engine). This game is completely deprived of any innovation. Games should be about pushing the boundaries of technology and attempting new things, instead they simply stick to the same formula and recycle the same game, yet get more millions and awards every time. Its games like Skyrim in which developers like Bethesda try and push the limits, increase innovation and thrive to not only simply tweak things but completely overhaul their engine, put their profits into making something new, more immersion and deep in order to create these stunning environments which capture the player and feel like an entirely new game. Though CoD isn't an RPG it could take some pointers from a company like Bethesda in order to not keep providing the same game but come out of the 'safe' zone and try to make something better/new. I think if this franchise keeps going like this it will meet the end of its product cycle. I for one will not be getting another, I already have one and some spare copies. At least its a good feeling knowing if Modern Warfare 2 breaks I have another copy of it (Modern Warfare 3).

    Bare in mind this review is only to make a point, I am sure much hard work goes into the campaign side of things (story, acting, etc) but my review focuses on the lack of 'new' features and innovation which equate to it feeling disappointing.
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  28. Nov 22, 2011
    9
    I'm pretty suprised at the outrage here about this game. No, it isn't very different from MW2, but it did make some nice new additions to multiplayer (Kill Confirmed, Assault, Support, and Specialist packages) and the gameplay is still very smooth and continues to be a great first person shooter. The multiplayer is still addicting and the single player campaign is a good story. SorryI'm pretty suprised at the outrage here about this game. No, it isn't very different from MW2, but it did make some nice new additions to multiplayer (Kill Confirmed, Assault, Support, and Specialist packages) and the gameplay is still very smooth and continues to be a great first person shooter. The multiplayer is still addicting and the single player campaign is a good story. Sorry haters, but this is a good game. Expand
  29. Nov 22, 2011
    5
    the campain was ok, but way too short and pretty much relies on set pieces to keep people interested, i have only played spec ops 5 times but can honestly say iv never really enjoyed it. when i first played multiplayer i loved it but after a day it just got boring, should have just been a map pack for mw2
  30. Nov 22, 2011
    0
    I brought this game at launch and am a big fan of COD games, However saying that this game reminds me to much of MW2 to justify the £42 I paid. You can pick the 1st two games up for less than £14.
    The story is action packed with great set pieces (which COD has always done well) the Spec ops give the game added replay value. But I feel the online mutiplayer stuff
    I brought this game at launch and am a big fan of COD games, However saying that this game reminds me to much of MW2 to justify the £42 I paid. You can pick the 1st two games up for less than £14.
    The story is action packed with great set pieces (which COD has always done well) the Spec ops give the game added replay value. But I feel the online mutiplayer stuff is better on MW1 & 2

    I was going to give this 7/10 however seeing many fanboys giving out 10/10 for no good reason I decided to do the same.....0/10
    Expand
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.