Modern Warfare 3 does include a few traditional linear missions that offer more consistent entertainment.
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The single-player campaign in Modern Warfare 3 falls short of the high standards set by its predecessors. It is shallow, unimaginative, and appears to be a collection of recycled missions rather than a creative successor. The game appears to be more concerned with reliving past glory than with producing fresh memorable moments, and the plot is nearly incomprehensible. This poor story attempts to merge parts of Warzone into sandbox missions, ultimately failing to capture the core of what made Call of Duty great in its prime. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Single-Player Campaign
Sledgehammer Games introduced “open combat missions” as a significant addition to Modern Warfare 3. These missions, which make up half of the campaign, aim to provide players with multi-objective arenas where they can tackle tasks in their preferred order and style. However, they reflect the game’s flawed approach as a whole, favoring a thin veneer of openness and choice over Call of Duty’s signature blockbuster storytelling. While there’s potential for these missions to reach the heights of 2019’s Lights Out, they fall short, lacking the curated and authored feeling that defines a great Call of Duty mission.
The sandbox approach employed in this campaign departs from the traditional Call of Duty single-player story, introducing elements reminiscent of the game’s multiplayer modes. This deviation results in a shared mechanics system, such as scavenging for better gear and customizing loadouts, communicated through a near-identical user interface. While this approach offers players more freedom in how they approach each mission, it often leads to inevitable firefights with endlessly spawning enemies once discovered, making stealth options a temporary reprieve.
The campaign’s attempt to inject innovation and variety into its missions falls flat. The solo character missions lack the camaraderie and squad mentality that were pillars of earlier Call of Duty titles. The open combat missions, with three nearly identical objectives, become repetitive and fail to engage players in unique ways. While there are moments of joy in finding alternative methods to complete tasks, they are fleeting, and the “open combat mission” label becomes wearisome.
Modern Warfare 3 does include a few traditional linear missions that offer more consistent entertainment. Notably, a mission set in a frozen tundra with a snowstorm-decorated shootout and a stealth-focused mission provide some excitement. However, these missions lack the great highs and lows that made earlier Call of Duty campaigns iconic.
The campaign’s opener takes place in a dark, rainy gulag, reminiscent of past Call of Duty missions, but it fails to deliver the same excitement due to simplistic enemy encounters. The storytelling primarily occurs through underwritten cutscenes, diminishing the player’s involvement in the narrative. The campaign misses opportunities for memorable in-game moments, often keeping players at arm’s length, resulting in a lack of emotional connection.
Modern Warfare 3 touches on themes like terrorism and information warfare, but it fails to explore them deeply. It does not attempt to provide a nuanced perspective on these hot-button issues, opting for surface-level shock value instead. While it features a version of the controversial “No Russian” mission, it lacks the impact and relevance of the original.
The campaign attempts to redefine Makarov’s character, but the effort falls short. The new version lacks the depth and complexity of the original antagonist, making him a one-dimensional character. Although well-performed by Julian Kostov, the character is let down by a lack of nuance in the script.
The campaign offers limited thrills with predictable twists and nostalgic references. The lack of emotional connections with squadmates and a sudden, underwhelming ending result in a lackluster storytelling experience. Despite the game’s impressive gunplay, sound design, and graphics, it feels like a shinier but less subtle version of previous entries.
Modern Warfare 3’s campaign disappoints with its uninspired storytelling and lack of innovation. While it maintains solid gunplay and high-quality visuals, it fails to live up to the Call of Duty legacy. Perhaps it’s time for a reevaluation and a return to the heights of older entries in the series.
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