The release of a new Call of Duty game is usually met with excitement and anticipation among fans, but the launch of Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) left many players feeling let down. The campaign, a critical component of any Call of Duty title, was particularly underwhelming, prompting pre-order fans to express their discontent. Some even went as far as calling it "the worst CoD campaign ever played." In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons behind this disappointment and explore how MW3's development and marketing may have contributed to the campaign's rushed feel.
A Departure from the Norm
In the months leading up to the release of MW3, it became apparent that this installment was not quite like its predecessors. The divergence was most evident in the campaign, which some players argue is one of the weakest in the series, but not for the usual reasons.
Campaign Length and Open Combat Missions
One of the primary issues that fans have raised is the campaign's length. Clocking in at around four hours, it falls notably short of the typical six to eight-hour gameplay that players have come to expect. The brevity left players yearning for more content, a sentiment that seemed to have been overshadowed by the game's overreliance on small "Open Combat Missions."
These Open Combat Missions, comprising roughly half of the campaign, are small-scale sandbox missions that deviate from the series' usual linear setpieces. While they introduce some variety, they also incorporate elements from Warzone, such as looting and armor plates. Players have expressed mixed feelings about these segments, which, though enjoyable to some, seem to shoulder much of the campaign's weight.
The Role of Warzone
Warzone, the popular battle royale mode introduced in a previous Call of Duty title, has been a recurring theme in discussions about MW3's campaign. The resemblance between Sledgehammer's Open Combat Missions and mini Warzone missions has not gone unnoticed. This overlap has led some players to question whether the campaign's reliance on Warzone-inspired mechanics may have influenced the overall gaming experience.
Mismanaged Expectations
A crucial factor contributing to fans' disappointment is what can be perceived as mismanaged expectations, potentially stemming from how Activision presented Modern Warfare 3. In 2022, Bloomberg reported that the Call of Duty franchise would not receive a full premium release in 2023, instead opting for expansion content for Modern Warfare 2. Later, Activision announced MW3 as a standard $70 game, following the traditional business model.
However, as more information about MW3 surfaced, it became increasingly apparent that the game resembled the previously rumored MW2 expansion more than a standalone title. Several key factors seemed to support this notion:
Modern Warfare 3 carried over all weapons and cosmetics from Modern Warfare 2.
The game's initial map pool consisted solely of remade maps from the 2009 Modern Warfare 2, a move considered unusual.
Instead of a dedicated co-op mode, players found a Zombies mode developed by Treyarch, reusing the Warzone map.
MW3 was purchased and installed like DLC for MW2.
Accessing MW3 required launching MW2 (now referred to as the CoD HQ).
Additionally, several red flags emerged, such as Call of Duty titles traditionally not receiving direct sequels just one year after the previous game and Sledgehammer Games leading a mainline Modern Warfare project, instead of the series' usual stewards, Infinity Ward.
Conclusion
While campaigns might not be the primary focus for most Call of Duty enthusiasts, they serve as an essential precursor to the multiplayer experience. As Activision began releasing campaigns a full week before the multiplayer component, they set the tone for what players could expect. In the case of Modern Warfare 3, this tone left many players feeling disillusioned.
MW3's rushed campaign has led fans to wonder if the game was, in some ways, cobbled together out of necessity. While some players are having fun with the Open Combat Missions and other aspects of the game, the overarching sentiment remains one of missed potential. Many believe that a more measured approach, perhaps even skipping MW3 and waiting for the next Call of Duty installment, might have been a wiser choice.
The rest of Modern Warfare 3 is scheduled to release on November 10, or the night before, depending on your location. As players continue to explore the game, only time will tell if it manages to redeem itself in the eyes of the Call of Duty community.