Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Multiplayer review

Infinity ward programmers attempt to escape missiles fired by their angry fans.

Life is bittersweet for Infinity Ward. On one hand, they've created the most successful first person shooter franchise of all time, earning billions and creating widespread hysteria within the media. On the other hand, they have become the Justin Beibers of the gaming world, hated by thousands of outraged fans who make constant, sardonic comparisons to the all holy Call of Duty 4: Modern warfare. The apple has fallen far from the tree and here's why.

The defining feature of CoD in the past has been it's electrifying multiplayer. There is no doubting that Infinity ward, before their collapse, created something completely influential. Customisation, killstreaks and a variety of attractive game modes made the first Modern Warfare original, incredibly addictive and vitally, competitive. It seems that the more you analyse the initial game, the more you find reasons to compliment it. Most importantly, it was innovative. It brought 'new' to FPS and if there is one thing that your £100 Modern Warfare 3 exclusive box set doesn't include, it's 'new'.

Firstly, it must be pointed out that the graphics and interface are almost completely identical to Modern Warfare 2. An unavoidable fact. Many will argue 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' but remember we're talking about a full retail game here. It begs the question, who would be willing to pay the ludicrous sum of £40-£50 if the game was just an oversized DLC? The changes are small but instead of improving on the game, they simply change it. New killstreaks are simply variations of old ones, indeed in their wisdom IW have opted to restrict players further by forcing them into a particular branch of killstreak. Meaning there are now offensive or defensive specific killstreaks. In order to complicate the game further they have added unnecessary, arcade-like gun improvements such as 'kick', which reduces recoil. Whereas previously perks were a life or death, success or failure decision to make on the part of your class, players are now patronised to the point where they can have every perk they need within a single class.

Game modes are the same, the guns are the same but look different and the maps are limited in quantity so the cracks are beginning to show. I don't think anyone will deny, the original Modern Warfare was great but a desire to return to their roots has resulted in IW shooting themselves in the foot. The tempered but boisterous attitude of the original was attractive for male audiences and in an attempt to recreate this you can now read 'A juggernaut is not so tough with a missile crammed down his throat' whilst your game loads. Personally I enjoy a game more when it doesn't feel like it was made by a sexually frustrated 13 year old drill sergeant.

If you're okay with the minimal change policy now associated with CoD then look no further. It's Modern Warfare 2.5, you'll get new maps and you'll have a whole set of new guns to play with (kinda) but for those who were hoping it might be a new or even better experience this year, you might want to buy 'Just Dance' instead. That's far more likely to get you off your seat.

4.3/10