Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III was released on November 10, with the campaign being made available for pre-order customers of the digital version as early as November 2. What is the critical reception like so far?
Online reviews have started to surface, and it seems that the overall opinion is that this year's campaign is lacking in many aspects. Our Website's review of Modern Warfare III gave it a score of 5/10, stating that the campaign is the weakest since the 2019 reboot of Modern Warfare.
In Our Website's review of Modern Warfare III, Summer E. Doster described the game's opening as exciting, due to the early reveal of Makarov. However, the introduction of the new Open Combat missions disrupted the pacing of the story and resulted in a lackluster ending. The campaign of Modern Warfare III includes both Open Combat missions, which allow players to explore and complete objectives in their own way, and more traditional linear missions. However, these Open Combat missions have not been well received by critics.
Modern Warfare III is a rare occurrence as Activision usually does not release direct sequels back-to-back. Speculation arose about whether or not Activision would release a new Call of Duty game in 2023. Activision remained tight-lipped about their development process, only confirming the release of a "premium" game in 2023. Ultimately, fans received a full-priced game that critics felt did not meet the standards set by previous installments, particularly in terms of the campaign.
The multiplayer and Zombies modes of Modern Warfare III will be released on November 10. Stay tuned for Our Website's upcoming multiplayer review of Modern Warfare III. If you're interested in the campaign, read some review excerpts from other publications below. Don't miss out on the exciting game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4
Developer: Sledgehammer Games, Infinity Ward, Raven, Beenox, High Moon, Demonware
Release Date: November 2 (campaign with early access), November 10 for everyone else
Price: $60 for last-gen/$70 for current-gen
GameSpot -- 5/10
Despite its enjoyable narrative setup, Modern Warfare 3 fails to deliver, with nearly half of the missions falling short in the underwhelming Open Combat style. The inconsistent pacing and abrupt ending tarnish Makarov's anticipated return, ultimately making Modern Warfare 3 the weakest installment in an otherwise impressive reboot series.
IGN -- 4/10
The campaign of Modern Warfare 3 commits the cardinal sin of a globe-trotting action thriller: it is simply dull. What was expected to be a captivating web of mystery turns out to be a forgotten, dusty cobweb hidden in the depths of a shed, clinging to memories of toys from 15 years ago. It pales in comparison to the past, featuring underdeveloped story moments that clash with attempts to introduce new open combat missions aimed at promoting player freedom, but instead falter disgracefully.
Captain Price in Modern Warfare 3's campaign
GamesRadar -- No score yet
"When I think of the Call of Duty franchise, I envision epic action sequences and unexpected missions that introduce innovative mechanics or ideas, creating a captivating gameplay experience. Unfortunately, Modern Warfare 3 falls short in this regard. It appears to be constrained by limited resources and fails to deliver the exhilarating moments that the franchise is known for. The overall result is underwhelming, and it feels like the game is aware of its untapped potential." -- Leon Hurley [Full review]
VGC -- No score yet
"Describing Modern Warfare 3's single-player campaign as substantial would be an overly generous assessment. Apart from a strong opening mission and a few intriguing concepts that hint at the future of these games, the solo experience in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is superficial, brief, and seemingly obligatory. It lacks depth and fails to leave a lasting impression." -- Jordan Middler [Full review]
Kotaku -- No score
"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III introduces intriguing concepts, but they are merely blueprints. Unfortunately, the storytelling falls short of expectations and fails to do justice to the otherwise entertaining characters. The fate of the multiplayer remains uncertain, but when it comes to contributing to the overarching narrative of the Modern Warfare reboot, the overall experience can be best described as neutral at its peak, hastily executed, and even perilously uninteresting, squandering the potential of the charismatic cast." -- Claire Jackson [Full review]
Game Crater -- 4/10
"The MW3 campaign relies heavily on Call of Duty's polished gunplay, devoid of any other significant elements. Its perplexing storyline nosedives from the start, particularly due to the prerequisite of having played each Warzone Season to comprehend it fully. Additionally, it becomes astonishingly monotonous, an exhausting and fruitless endeavor that masquerades as a deep exploration of politics and current global affairs. Yet, it ultimately comes across as feeble and tedious, burdened further by mundane mission designs that fail to extend beyond basic objectives of 'go here' and 'shoot them.' Investing in MW3 for its campaign mode alone is an exorbitant waste of both money and time." -- Tom Wilson [Full review]
Editor's P/S
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has finally arrived, and the reviews are in. While some critics have praised the game's exciting narrative and innovative Open Combat missions, others have criticized its inconsistent pacing and abrupt ending.
In my opinion, Modern Warfare 3 is a solid entry in the Call of Duty franchise. The campaign is well-written and engaging, and the multiplayer is fast-paced and chaotic. However, the game does have some flaws, such as its short length and lack of innovation.
Overall, I enjoyed Modern Warfare 3 and would recommend it to fans of the series. However, if you're looking for a revolutionary new Call of Duty experience, you may be disappointed.