Call of Duty has long stood as a titan among game franchises, a series that redefined the first-person shooter genre. Yet, that has not stopped the latest installment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, from facing an unprecedented backlash which, even worse, looks to be entirely well earned.
When Modern Warfare 3 landed on shelves on November 10, fans were buzzing, but not for the reasons you’d hope for. The Sledgehammer Games title was reportedly developed in a remarkably short span of 16 months and was initially envisioned as an expansion of its predecessor. However, it later morphed into a full-priced title, a decision that has not aged well.
As soon as review scores began pouring in, it was clear to everyone that Modern Warfare 3 didn’t just fall short of its predecessors’ glory; it plummeted to the lowest echelons of the series’ storied history. With a Metascore of 53 based on 40 critic reviews, the game has lagged significantly behind even the least celebrated entries in the franchise.
This stark contrast becomes even more evident when juxtaposed with the series’ high points – especially when they share names, such as the original Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2, which boasted scores in the 90s.
One of the most glaring issues with Modern Warfare 3 is the campaign’s unexpectedly short duration. Traditionally, Call of Duty games have offered campaigns lasting between five and eight hours, a sweet spot that has consistently delivered a satisfying narrative experience without overstaying its welcome.
Modern Warfare 3, however, deviated from this formula, offering a campaign that can be completed in less than five hours. This drastic reduction in playtime has not gone unnoticed, with a huge number of COD fans voicing their discontent, particularly given the game’s full price tag.
The structure and execution of the campaign have also come under scrutiny. Modern Warfare 3 features 15 missions, fewer than its predecessor’s 17, and takes players back to familiar locations like Verdansk. The missions, which were intended to offer players a sense of freedom, instead come across as isolated experiences lacking the cohesion that has been a hallmark of the series.
This decline in quality and reception is not just a blip on the radar for the Call of Duty series. It’s a glaring red flag, signaling a potential crisis for the franchise. The game’s performance is so dismal that it ranks as the 195th best-reviewed PS5 game of the year, out of a possible 199. It’s rubbing shoulders with less-than-stellar titles like Redfall and Daedalic Entertainment’s Gollum.
Microsoft, which recently completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, now faces the daunting task of revitalizing a franchise that has been a cornerstone of the gaming scene for years. The need for a strategic overhaul is evident, as the annual release schedule and the relentless crunch culture have evidently taken a toll on the quality of the games.
Call of Duty is a series that has weathered many storms. Then again, Modern Warfare 3 represents more than just a misstep; it’s a critical wound that needs urgent attention. If there’s one certainty, it’s that the status quo cannot continue.
A break from the annual release cycle and a renewed focus on quality over quantity must be initiated if Call of Duty hopes to reclaim its former glory.
