This Groundbreaking Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Feature is Set to Shatter a Disheartening Pattern

Highlights

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 faces criticism for being seen as a glorified DLC and relying on past game content, but the recent beta has convinced some fans of its value.

The Call of Duty franchise has faced challenges in satisfying both fans looking for something fresh and those who prefer the traditional formula. This has unfortunately led to a pattern of abandoning new features after just one release, leaving players disappointed.

However, Modern Warfare 3 introduces a potential game-changer called "Tac-Stance," which has received a positive response during beta testing. Sledgehammer Studios now has the chance to break this trend of feature removal and make a significant impact on the multiplayer aspect of Call of Duty.

The annual Call of Duty cycle continues to generate controversy, and unfortunately, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 does not appear to address this issue. Earlier this year, there were strong rumors suggesting that there would be no full release of Call of Duty, which excited many fans. The idea that Activision would take a year off to refocus and deliver an exceptional Call of Duty experience was enticing. However, the announcement of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 dashed those hopes, and the journey since then has been filled with difficulties.

When Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was initially revealed, many fans perceived it as nothing more than an expansion pack, lacking original 6v6 maps and heavily relying on content from previous games. While this perception still lingers among fans, the recent Modern Warfare 3 Beta managed to convince some individuals of the game's worth. Nevertheless, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 must still prove itself and break the disappointing trend that has been seen in recent franchise entries.

Call of Duty Needs to Stop Abandoning New Features After One Entry

The Call of Duty franchise, which has been alive for twenty years, has faced constant criticism for sticking to the same general formula in the majority of its modes. Pleasing the notoriously difficult Call of Duty crowd is a challenge. When the developers introduce new mechanics, they are openly mocked for attempting something different, with demands for a "return to form." However, when the game maintains the same formula, fans complain about purchasing the same game year after year. Striking a balance is tough, and most Call of Duty games in the past decade have not quite achieved it.

This constant quest for pleasing everyone has resulted in one of the saddest trends in Call of Duty history. Over the past decade, whenever a new feature is added to Call of Duty and fails to become an instant hit, it is removed by the next annual release, often never to be seen again. Examples of this disappointing trend include Call of Duty: Ghosts' Extinction mode, Call of Duty: WW2's Headquarters and War game mode, and Advanced Warfare's speed reload.

Sledgehammer's Call of Duty games have often been the ones to experiment with new features, modes, and mechanics. However, they are also the games that tend to have these features removed in future installments. With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Sledgehammer has the chance to change this pattern. They are introducing a mechanic called "Tac-Stance," which allows players to transition between aiming down sights and hip-firing. In Tac-Stance, players have increased mobility and accuracy but cannot fully aim down sights. The reception of Tac-Stance during the Beta has been positive, indicating that it could have a significant impact on Call of Duty's multiplayer. This could be the breakthrough mechanic that sets Call of Duty apart, and it would be fitting if Sledgehammer is the studio responsible for it.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launches on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.