Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (From Daily Echo)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

12:39pm Friday 11th November 2011 in Game Reviews By Ian Crump

Just as I thought the overflowing pool of modern combat games would stagnate, Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer churn out another that makes me want to jump in head-first and have my fill.

A game of three-thirds, gameplay is split into three distinctive and different modes. Like Modern Warfare 2, players get the option to delve into the campaign, multiplayer or spec-ops. This time around however, spec-ops is so fleshed out it could almost be a game on its own.

The campaign, as with previous Call of Duty games is short, offering around eight hours gameplay even on veteran, but the experience is one to truly be relished.

Satisfying gunplay makes up the bulk of play, whilst an abundance of beautiful setpieces break up the action and create a truly cinematic feel, fit for a warmongering king.

Although it can’t escape the linear feeling, nor can it hide the often embarrassing AI, the different shoes to be filled across the many different countries is outstanding.

With a radical change of locale from one mission to the next, there’s something new to see and experience every march of the way. And because action fleets from one battlefield to the next, there’s never a dull moment – barely a moment’s breathe.

There’s little doubt in my mind that this is the most enjoyable Call of Duty campaign ever, and a beautiful way to conclude the epic struggles of Soap and Price.

Spec-ops mode is split into two parts, one with missions, and the other with a survival mode. The missions are similar to those in Modern Warfare 2’s, where players fight solo or online to complete objectives.

Three stars are available in each, dependent on result, and an overall rank is given which tots them all up.

The survival mode is Modern Warfare’s equivalent of Treyarch’s Zombie Mode, but instead of fighting Zombies, players are pitted against wave after wave of humanbased AI. A survival ranking system is in place that rewards with perks, weaponry and extra maps. Survival Mode is a wonderful addition – one that’s bound to extend the longevity greatly.

Multiplayer is clearly the pinnacle war for most Modern Warfare soldiers out there, and this latest offering does not disappoint.

There’s a plentiful amount of perks, a medley of maps and a godly gifting of gameplay modes to get stuck into. Along with an upgraded killstreak system and a better way of handling perks – Modern Warfare sports the most comprehensive and feature- packed Call of Duty multiplayer to date.

As far as graphics go, Modern Warfare 3 is another giant leap for the series.

Barnacles and seaweed envelope underwater scenery in a visually pleasing way, whilst overground the textures of something as simple as a crumbling wall can easily take one’s breath away. To play in amazingly created real-life cities with a war-torn twist is a truly mind-blowing experience.

My thirst for action has been suitably quenched by Modern Warfare 3. It’s modern combat at its finest – not a watered down experience in any way.

TITLE: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 PLATFORM: Xbox 360 GENRE: First Person Shooter PUBLISHER: Activision RATING: 18 (PEGI) Rating: 9/10