Greetings, fellow gamers! Today, let’s dive into the adrenaline-pumping world of “Modern Warfare 3.” Now, we might be a bit fashionably late to the party, but better late than never, right? Today, our focus is solely on the campaign, because, well, campaigns are our jam. Buckle up, because this one’s a bit of a rollercoaster.
Late to the Party, Early to the Campaign
So, hot off the heels of “Modern Warfare 2,” we find ourselves in the action-packed universe of “Modern Warfare 3.” Now, we’re usually the campaign enthusiasts, and we’ve played through every “Call of Duty” campaign out there – the good, the bad, and the explosively entertaining. Why? Because who doesn’t love a bombastic adventure?
Low on Length, Light on Excitement
Now, let’s cut to the chase. “Modern Warfare 3” is, well, short. Not the sweet kind of short, unfortunately. It’s the kind of short that leaves you wanting more, and not in a good way. The campaign lacks the excitement we’ve come to expect from the “Call of Duty” series. Sure, there are a few moments that make you sit up, but they feel like they’re desperately trying to stand out in an otherwise lackluster experience.
Plotting World Domination, Call of Duty Style
Now, onto the story. The gang’s all here – Ghost, Price, Gaz, Soap, Laswell, Farah – assembled to tackle the big bad villain, Vladimir Makarov. He’s up to no good, threatening the world, launching bombs, causing chaos – your typical villainous agenda. But here’s the twist: despite the world-threatening stakes, the overall presentation feels strangely low-key. It lacks the punch we enjoyed in the previous campaigns, especially the first one.
Short, Brief, and Not-so-Sweet
Let’s tackle the 800-pound gorilla in the room – the campaign’s length. Brace yourself, it might only take you about four hours on a normal or hard playthrough. Now, if you’re a multiplayer aficionado, you might be thinking, “Who cares about the campaign?” But even if you’re all about that multiplayer life, the campaign still needs to deliver. And that’s where “Modern Warfare 3” falls short.
It’s not just about being short; it’s about being short and not very good. Some missions feel like they’re not even missions, lacking the carefully planned encounters and interesting level design we crave. Instead, they feel like glorified bits of “Warzone,” the multiplayer mode. Yes, you heard it right – some missions are essentially mini “Warzone” experiences.
Warzone Vibes in Campaign? Not Quite Right
Now, let’s talk about these so-called open combat zones. They’re chaotic, sure, but they lack the thrill of a well-thought-out mission. It’s like playing “Warzone,” but not quite as satisfying. The enemy AI and encounters don’t match up to the standard set by the main missions. Enemies just run around, and it all feels a bit bland. You miss out on the interesting levels and engaging shootouts that make a classic “Call of Duty” mission memorable.
Glimmers of Brilliance in a Sea of Meh
Amidst the disappointment, there are still glimmers of brilliance. Price, the standout character, continues to be badass. There are a couple of cool moments, like a harrowing chemical attack sequence where you’re fighting your way through an office building as gas seeps in. It’s brief but genuinely intense.
The campaign also takes a bold step by revisiting a controversial theme from the past – a new spin on the infamous “No Russian” mission. It might not generate as much buzz, but it’s genuinely terrifying and unsettling, accomplishing what it set out to do.
The Bitter Aftertaste
In the grand scheme of things, “Modern Warfare 3” feels like it was made out of obligation. It’s a placeholder to keep the brand going, a checkbox in the grand “Call of Duty” checklist. Playing it leaves you with the feeling that the team didn’t have enough time or budget to create a compelling adventure. It’s like a side project that got in the way of the real stars – zombies and the next big “Warzone” thing.
Now, before we wrap this up, we get it – maybe we’re not the primary audience for this package. But “Call of Duty” campaigns used to be a staple of gaming adventures, and it’s disheartening to see them taking a back seat. Maybe we’re showing our age, but we miss those captivating single-player experiences.
“Modern Warfare 3” might provide a few hours of moderate entertainment, but it falls short of the “Call of Duty” campaign legacy. It feels like a compromise, a game made to check a box rather than deliver a memorable experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual player, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of disappointment.
