Is CoD: Modern Warfare 3 REALLY so bad?

In all my years of writing about gaming, one thing stands out — in our community of gamers and game writers, the desire to conform to popular opinion has led to a decay of independent thought. This same trend has affected Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. 

Many gamers and writers love to bash the game, and it’s almost a pastime for some. But here's the thing: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is not as bad as people say. I’ll say this – cut out the noise and enjoy the game; it's okay if others don't agree.

Of course, this isn’t meant to be a panegyric of CoD: MW3. So let's take a look at the most common complaints gamers and reviewers have had. 

Common Complaints About Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

These are four in number:

1. “It’s more of a map pack for Modern Warfare 2 than its own unique game.”
2. “Sledgehammer Games only had a year and a half to develop Modern Warfare 3. That’s only half the usual time for a new Call of Duty game.”
3. “Reports reveal that Modern Warfare 3 was initially planned as an expansion for Modern Warfare 2. Even current and former employees thought it would be an expansion until development was well underway.”
4. “The game retails at around $70. That’s too expensive for a game with so many shoutouts and tributes to its predecessor.”

So, will I try to refute these complaints one by one? No. That's a waste of time. 

I've played the campaigns, the multiplayer modes (Team Deathmatch, Domination, you name it), even the Zombies mode. And you know what? I loved most of it. That’s not what you’re supposed to feel after playing a game with a 3-star rating on Metacritic, right?

Here’s the thing: MW3 is a perfectly legit Call of Duty game. You buy CoD, you get CoD. Complaining that it is too much like the 'CoD' we already know is weird. 

So here is a list of 10 things I loved about MW3. 

Why Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Is So Good

1. The first time I slid around a corner and blasted an enemy with a perfectly timed shotgun blast, I knew I was home. This is CoD movement at its finest, a ballet of controlled chaos.
2. I've lost count of the hours I've spent in multiplayer matches, hopping from Team Deathmatch to Kill Confirmed to War Mode. There's always something new to try, a different way to outsmart my opponents. It's pure, unadulterated fun.
3. Revisiting Highrise and Scrapyard was like meeting up with old friends. The layout is familiar, but the new movement mechanics give it a fresh energy. I've spent hours exploring every nook and cranny, discovering new strategies and sightlines.
4. Those little yellow XP pop-ups might seem insignificant, but they instantly transported me back to countless nights spent grinding in previous CoD games. It's a small detail… yes. That speaks volumes about the attention to detail in this game.
5. Zombies mode is a whole other world. I've teamed up with friends, strangers, and even my little brother to fight off hordes of the undead. We've laughed, screamed, and celebrated together as we discovered hidden perks and unleashed the power of Wonder Weapons.
6. The gunsmith is so simple, even my grandma could use it. No more messing around with endless sliders and stats. Just pick your attachments and get to the shooting.
7. I've always been a bit of a gun nut, so I was thrilled to see the massive arsenal of weapons and attachments in MW3. I've spent hours experimenting with different loadouts, trying to find the perfect combination for every situation.
8. Remember how annoying weapon tuning was in MW2? Yeah, they got rid of it. Now I can focus on what matters: pulling the trigger and watching my enemies crumble.
9. I was ecstatic when I realized I could transfer all my hard-earned MW2 unlocks to MW3. It's like starting a new chapter with all my favorite gear in tow.
10. Every map in MW3 is a playground. I've spent countless hours exploring Rust's labyrinthine alleys, sniping from Afghan's rooftops, and dominating Highrise's close-quarters combat zones. There's a map for every mood, every playstyle.
11. Whats more Season 4 has dropped and offers a roller coaster ride. 

A Tiny Concession

Of course, nothing's perfect. The Armory Unlocks system is a confusing mess, potentially alienating new players. Can I honestly give CoD: MW3 a five-star rating? Nope. But if you're craving a nostalgic return to the MW2 era, or if you missed out on it the first time, this game might be just what you're looking for.