Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 review

We have our concerns about multiplayer; dedicated servers return, having been sorely missed in Modern Warfare 2, but only for non-ranked games – you’ll still need to use the lag-prone peer-to-peer IWnet system if you want to level up. The PC version also currently lacks the COD Elite stat-tracking system available to console gamers, although this is apparently still planned for release in the future. However, even with these issues, it’s still just as fast-paced and addictive as it was in previous games.

If you find learning the 16 new maps while under heavy fire from hordes of elite teens a bit of a challenge, the new Survival mode lets you play against waves of AI enemies instead. Enemies spawn across each map and converge on your position, starting as poorly armed militia, but progressing into more capable foes such as suicide bombers, attack dogs and armoured juggernauts. Thankfully your mini map always works here, so you know where they are coming from.

Defeating enemies and completing spot challenges earns cash, which can be spent on weapons, ammo, explosives, body armour and air support. Most are copied from the multiplayer, but some are Survival-specific such as the computer-controlled Delta Force squad.

Survival can be played solo, but is far more fun with a wingman online. It’s incredibly addictive, as working out which weapons and tactics work best on which maps becomes key to staying alive. It also has its own experience point and levelling system, starting you with a meagre arsenal that expands as you play. It’s great stuff, which has quickly become a lunchtime favourite in the office.

With its finely-tweaked multiplayer, returning Spec Ops missions and the addition of the excellent Survival mode, there’s plenty to Modern Warfare 3 beyond its short campaign. Whether you intend to take it online or not, there’s more than enough here to justify the price of entry. Don’t buy it expecting innovation, as little has changed in terms of gameplay, but Modern Warfare 3 still has everything needed to set pulses racing.