As a long-standing fan of the Call of Duty franchise, I've experienced its evolution from the early days of World War II adventures to the modern battlegrounds of today. Call of Duty's single-player campaigns have been a source of excitement and entertainment for gamers worldwide. However, in the case of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3," it's with a heavy heart that I must confess that this particular entry falls far short of the high standards set by its predecessors.
Nostalgia Over Innovation
"Modern Warfare 3" feels like a step backward. Rather than blazing a new trail, it treads the path of familiar missions, which have lost their luster. The single-player campaign attempts to recapture the magic of previous games in the series but ends up playing like underwhelming cover versions of its predecessors. It's a disappointment for those who expected innovation and memorable moments.
Open Combat Missions: A Missed Opportunity
One of the major additions in this game is the introduction of "open combat missions," which account for half of the single-player story's chapters. These missions aim to offer more freedom by allowing players to tackle objectives in any order and by any means they see fit. Regrettably, they fail to deliver the dynamic, engaging gameplay the series is known for. These missions lack the careful curation and storytelling that made previous Call of Duty campaigns memorable.
While the concept of open combat missions has potential, it remains largely unfulfilled in "Modern Warfare 3." These missions feel more like empty spaces where players are dropped in with little direction, leaving them to create their own fun. It's unfortunate because this game could have taken inspiration from missions like 2019's "Lights Out," which expertly handled non-linear objectives in an FPS setting. However, "Modern Warfare 3" misses the mark.
Familiar but Flawed Gameplay
The attempt to blend sandbox-style gameplay with the Call of Duty formula is a misstep in the single-player campaign. It tries to mimic the mechanics of the game's multiplayer mode, with elements like scavenging for better weapons and gear, but these mechanics feel out of place in a single-player narrative. This shift dilutes the cinematic storytelling that the series is renowned for, detracting from the immersive experience that players expect.
The option to approach missions with stealth or guns blazing provides a layer of personalization but doesn't compensate for the lack of engaging content. The campaign is marred by repetitive firefights with endlessly respawning enemies. The lack of variety in encounters and the absence of camaraderie with AI teammates contribute to the feeling of monotony.
Lack of Memorable Moments
The few traditional linear missions that do exist in "Modern Warfare 3" offer some enjoyment, but they lack the high points that fans have come to expect. The absence of standout moments like the Eiffel Tower falling around you or the explosive ending of "Shock and Awe" from the original Modern Warfare trilogy is conspicuous.
The recycled environments from Warzone and the absence of fresh, exciting locations are particularly disappointing. The story lacks innovation and variety, making the game forgettable overall.
Shallow Storytelling
The narrative of "Modern Warfare 3" fails to engage players through gameplay. Instead, it relies heavily on underwritten cutscenes to progress the plot. This storytelling approach distances players from the action, and it feels more like watching a story unfold rather than participating in it. This lack of player agency contrasts with the impactful storytelling of previous Call of Duty games.
The attempt to include a terrorist incident reminiscent of the notorious "No Russian" mission is underwhelming and fails to contribute meaningfully to the plot. It touches on complex themes like terrorism and information warfare but misses the opportunity to provide depth and thought-provoking commentary.
Conclusion
"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" presents a lackluster single-player campaign that struggles to live up to the series' standards. While the gunplay and presentation remain strong, the uninspired gameplay, repetitive missions, and shallow storytelling result in a forgettable experience. The game misses the chance to innovate and create new memorable moments, instead dwelling on past glories. If this is the level of quality we can expect from Call of Duty campaigns, it may be time for the series to take a break and rediscover the heights it once reached.
As a long-time fan of the franchise, I hope to see Call of Duty return to the excellence it's known for in future installments. For now, "Modern Warfare 3" stands as a disappointing chapter in the series' history.