Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Beta – An Unsurprising Surprise
The Familiarity of More Call of Duty
After immersing myself in the deathmatches of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s beta, it became evident that the game was, unsurprisingly, more of the same. However, what surprised me the most was just how familiar it felt. This paradoxical combination of being both unsurprising and surprising can be attributed to the decision by developer Sledgehammer to incorporate elements from the franchise’s previous successes and renowned maps.
A Nostalgic Stopgap
Despite the warm welcome offered by Call of Duty, there seemed to be a hint of nervousness underlying the experience. Modern Warfare 3’s beta successfully evoked nostalgia, but it also seemed like a temporary solution while the developers determine the game’s next direction.
Reverting to the Basics
Sledgehammer made a conscious effort to return to the formula of the original Modern Warfare, reverting many of the changes introduced in its sequel, Modern Warfare 2. The simplicity of weapon customization and fluid movement were integral parts of Modern Warfare’s charm, which were somewhat lost in its successor. Modern Warfare 2 disrupted the rhythm of the franchise by slowing things down, removing slide-cancelling, and introducing complex leveling mechanics. However, Modern Warfare 3’s beta recaptured the spirit of the original, bringing back snappy movement and a more straightforward unlocking system.
The Classic Call of Duty Experience
The gunplay in Modern Warfare 3 felt vintage Call of Duty, instantly triggering a sense of familiarity with each weapon’s distinct personality. Furthermore, the developers managed to enhance the satisfaction of in-game action by adding extra impact to sound effects and visual cues, ultimately contributing to a more immersive gameplay experience.
A Glimpse at Perk System Changes
One significant change that I did not have ample time to explore fully was the revamped perk system. Rather than mixing and matching power-ups, players now have access to gear like boots and gloves, each with specific abilities. While the beta did not reveal the full extent of these gear-based powers, it remains to be seen if they add substantial value or merely offer a cosmetic variation of the traditional perks.
Nostalgic Maps and Flowing Gameplay
The selection of maps in the beta exclusively featured beloved classics from previous Call of Duty titles. While this may be a strategic move to capitalize on nostalgia, there is no denying the thrill of navigating through iconic locations like Favela and Skidrow. These meticulously designed maps, with their shabby rooftops and concrete floors, continue to provide engaging gameplay experiences that seamlessly ebb and flow.
The Backfoot Move
Overall, my experience with Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer beta was enjoyable, thanks to the opportunity to revisit cherished locations and engage in classic first-person shooter action. However, there remains a sense that the game is operating on the backfoot, relying heavily on the comfort of familiarity while underlying anxiety persists. Moving forward, I eagerly anticipate spending more time with Modern Warfare 3 to explore its adjustments in other modes, such as Zombies and Warzone. Yet, I can’t help but wonder, where does Call of Duty go from here? Does it even have a clear direction in mind?