Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (MW3) has arrived, and like previous COD releases, it’s causing heated discussions between players. From the perspective of a seasoned COD gamer, here is a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the just plain COD.

Campaign: A Forgettable Afterthought

The majority of COD players are not here for the story, let’s face it. The MW3 campaign is a decent popcorn flick action that features stunning visuals and familiar faces. Despite this, it is short, predictable, and heavily relies on open combat missions that feel repetitive. If a stellar campaign is your priority, this game may disappoint. At least the nostalgia factor is present with the locations in Verdansk!

Multiplayer: Classic COD With a Modern Twist

This is where MW3 shines. The return of classic perks such as slide canceling and mini-map red dots is accompanied by beloved maps such as Rust and Highrise. The gameplay is still fast-paced, but the mechanics we know and love are back. Strategic customization is added with new features such as Aftermarket Parts for weapons, but it requires careful consideration due to significant trade-offs. Weapon unlocking can be a frustrating process with some locked behind Daily Challenges.

Missing the Tension? No More DMZ

The removal of DMZ mode, a popular choice among many, is a surprising omission. While the new ‘Modern Warfare Zombies’ incorporates elements from DMZ, it lacks the crucial element of enemy squads. Completing contracts and exfiltrating is still enjoyable, but the absence of PvP threat takes away a layer of tension that made DMZ so thrilling

Grinding for Weapon Mastery? MWZ is Your Playground

MWZ is a great place to test and unlock weapons, even though it’s not the classic wave-survival mode. Collaborating with other squads to complete tasks and exfiltrate can be a great way to grind XP and determine if that dream weapon is worth the effort.

Is It Worth the Buy?

The truth is that if you solely play COD for the campaign, steer clear of MW3. For those who have experience with multiplayer games, it’s a familiar experience with some unique twists. Even though the campaign falters, the return of classic maps and refined core gameplay make it a worthy successor. Remember, we’re COD fans. We’ll likely buy it anyway and complain while we dominate the competition!

Buford Landon

Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.

He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.

His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.

His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.

In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.