COD: Modern Warfare 3 (Xbox 360)

Two years in the making, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has launched for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC with Wii and DS platform-specific versions also available. Today we take a look at the Xbox 360 version of this near-future based first-person shooter and find out if it's worth a purchase.

Co-developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 picks up immediately following the events of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which quickly escalate into World War III. The story isn't going to win any awards, and it becomes secondary to the epic events that transpire in every level. The Russian President's daughter has been kidnapped? Yeah, whatever, just let me blow stuff up. You'll be in awe as you see historical monuments such as the Eiffel Tower crumble to the ground. It's these explosive moments that make the single-player campaign highly entertaining, providing some of the most fun I've had playing a shooter in quite some time.

Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer aspect is fun and the options are varied. Modes have been re-imagined, featuring a revamped pointstreak system with the introduction of “Strike Packages,” new modes like “Kill Confirmed” and other gameplay enhancements along with new weapons, equipment, and perks—all of which build upon the foundation set by Modern Warfare 2. Overall it's more evolution, less revolution.

There's also an upgrade to Special Ops with the all-new Survival Mode which pits you in various levels as wave after wave of enemies try to take you down. Difficulty increases with each passing round, introducing a strategy element in which you must carefully decide what upgrades will help you the most. For example, one round includes helicopters trying to gun you down and if you didn't purchase any air strikes between rounds, you're going to have a hard time taking those choppers down. It's a fun mode that's also great practice for multiplayer.

The game also supports Call of Duty Elite, a social gaming network that players can access via mobile, web, or console to connect with friends, plan matches with their Clan or social Group, configure load-outs, access stats and interactive heat maps, and more. Call of Duty Elite's premium tier adds the Modern Warfare 3 DLC delivered monthly throughout the 9 month DLC season, a Program Guide of daily competitions for virtual and real-world prizes, exclusive clan leveling and competitions, access to Call of Duty Elite TV and more. Unfortunately it's going to cost you $49.99 per year to gain access to these premium features—though there is one upside, the membership isn't game-specific. Many features of Call of Duty Elite are also backwards compatible with Call of Duty: Black Ops, and will also support future enabled versions of Call of Duty. Thankfully, Activision is providing a free option for those who aren't interested in any of the premium level perks.

Overall, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is easily the best in the series. Its fun single-player campaign coupled with enjoyable Special Ops and Multiplayer modes provide many hours of solid entertainment that will satisfy both newbies and veterans of the series.