Call of Duty® Game Cover

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is a first-person shooter game set in a realistic and modern military setting. Players can engage in various single and multiplayer modes, including special ops and competitive online matches. The game is known for its fast-paced action, tactical gameplay, and high-quality graphics. It is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Modern Warfare game.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox

Reviews

58%
Audience ScoreBased on 390,352 reviews
story5,072 positive mentions
stability9,910 negative mentions
  • story19,686 mentions

    The story aspect of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III" has received mixed to negative feedback from players. Many reviewers criticize the campaign for being short, often described as a mere 3-4 hour experience filled with "open combat missions" that feel more like recycled Warzone gameplay than a cohesive narrative. The plot is frequently labeled as convoluted, lacking depth, and failing to engage players, with significant character deaths feeling unearned and abrupt. While some missions are praised for their action and mechanics, the overall storytelling is seen as a major disappointment compared to previous entries in the series, leading many to recommend watching a playthrough rather than purchasing the game for its story.

    • “The campaign sets players in the heart of a gritty '90s spy-thriller, with morally complex missions that bring depth and excitement.”
    • “The campaign has received particularly high praise for its intense storytelling and diverse mission structure, ranging from stealth missions to cinematic shootouts and even a sci-fi horror segment inspired by 'Doom.'”
    • “The story is engaging and the graphics are stunning, with a narrative that keeps players hooked from start to finish.”
    • “The story is convoluted and the ending leaves much to be desired, making it feel rushed and poorly executed.”
    • “The missions are shallow and lack coherence, often feeling like a series of disconnected objectives rather than a cohesive narrative.”
    • “The campaign is a disjointed mess of clichés, with a story that’s so forgettable, it might as well not exist.”
  • gameplay13,168 mentions

    The gameplay of the latest Call of Duty installment has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the fast-paced action, smooth mechanics, and engaging gunplay. However, numerous complaints highlight issues such as frequent crashes, unbalanced gameplay, and a lack of innovation, with many feeling that the game recycles content from previous titles without significant improvements. Additionally, the introduction of pay-to-win mechanics and a frustrating matchmaking system has detracted from the overall experience, leading to a divided player base.

    • “The new movement mechanics are smooth, intuitive, and really enhance the overall experience, making every moment feel dynamic and thrilling!”
    • “Treyarch has done an incredible job balancing the classic Call of Duty feel with new mechanics that don’t overwhelm but enhance gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and addictive, with a variety of game modes that offer different challenges and objectives.”
    • “I experience more bugs than gameplay.”
    • “I should by no means be having an issue running this game on my PC and yet somehow I get a DirectX crash every 30ish minutes of gameplay, that's assuming I make it through the loading screen.”
    • “It is riddled with bugs, the gameplay feels like shit most of the time, and more than anything it has been a frustrating experience.”
  • stability10,160 mentions

    The stability of "Modern Warfare III" has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and a plethora of bugs and glitches that significantly detract from the gaming experience. Many users have expressed frustration over the game's performance issues, particularly in multiplayer modes, where lag and server problems are common. Despite some players finding enjoyment in the gameplay, the overall consensus is that the game is currently too unstable and buggy to justify its price, leading to recommendations to wait for patches and fixes before purchasing.

    • “Massive improvements to the game while it runs great on my PC compared to the beta.”
    • “Game runs great and smooth on a 3070ti at 1440p maxed out with DLSS set to quality.”
    • “The game is well optimized and runs great on extreme and 1440p over 160fps and no stutter at all.”
    • “Also, the game freezes in the lobby nonstop.”
    • “Game freezes constantly so dog shit.”
    • “The game is extremely buggy.”
  • graphics9,516 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning visuals and realistic environments that enhance immersion. However, numerous reports highlight significant graphical glitches, crashes, and performance issues, particularly on PC, leading to frustration among users. While some players enjoy the graphical fidelity and detail, others express disappointment over the game's optimization and the frequent need to adjust settings, suggesting that the graphics may not be worth the price given the technical problems.

    • “The graphics are stunningly realistic, from the smallest details on a soldier's gear to the sprawling landscapes of battlefields.”
    • “The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is fluid, the multiplayer is fun and the zombies is cool.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous on max settings on PC; the textures look very detailed and it is very crisp and clean.”
    • “The game crashes all the time, most times is completely un-openable, even after uninstalling and reinstalling, verifying file integrity, restarting computer, updating drivers, and even setting graphic settings to absolute microwave low, the game still runs like aids and even when it does work, the textures need to have their own epilepsy warning with how flickery and Roblox-esque models and textures are.”
    • “The graphics are subpar, with outdated textures and a general lack of polish that makes the game look like it's stuck in the past.”
    • “Game crashes constantly, graphical issues from the get go.”
  • optimization5,898 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from users, with many citing constant crashes, stuttering, and poor performance even on high-end systems. Players frequently mention the frustrating "shader optimization" process that adds significant wait times before gameplay, and many express disappointment in the game's overall stability and performance, deeming it unacceptable for a title priced at $70. While some users report decent performance under specific conditions, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized and plagued by technical issues that detract from the overall experience.

    • “Lighting and particle effects are on point, and the game runs smoothly even in the most chaotic firefights.”
    • “Awesome performance too, 144+ fps with extreme preset.”
    • “I recommend the game, it's well optimized and fun to play.”
    • “Constant lag and stuttering, horrible hit registration, inconsistent time-to-kill, and constant crashes.”
    • “They should be embarrassed for releasing such poorly optimized garbage.”
    • “This game is so poorly optimized that it cannot run for more than 30 minutes without crashing or not loading into a game.”
  • monetization3,868 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been heavily criticized by users, who describe it as a blatant cash grab characterized by aggressive microtransactions and a battle pass system that detracts from the overall experience. Many players express frustration over being bombarded with ads for in-game purchases, even after paying a premium price for the game, leading to a perception that the developers prioritize profit over player satisfaction and gameplay quality. Overall, the sentiment is that the game's monetization practices are predatory and undermine the enjoyment of what could otherwise be a fun gaming experience.

    • “The game's clear shift towards Warzone and its focus on microtransactions over quality means that each new title feels like a short-term cash grab.”
    • “The developers' blatant focus on monetization over quality gameplay is apparent, with constant pushes for in-game purchases overshadowing the core gaming experience.”
    • “It just feels like a cash grab and I regret buying this product.”
    • “The microtransactions are absolutely egregious.”
    • “It's a soulless, uninspired cash grab that feels more like a chore than a game.”
  • grinding2,332 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some enjoy the challenge of grinding for camos and weapon attachments, others feel that the system is overly complicated and frustrating, often requiring players to use weapons they don't prefer to unlock desired upgrades. Overall, the consensus is that while grinding can be rewarding, it often feels like a chore, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “Weapon progression is actually enjoyable and not grindy with 70+ levels per weapon.”
    • “The camo grind isn't as grindy as MW19, and it feels rewarding to unlock camos.”
    • “It isn't as grindy as it appears to be once you learn the system.”
    • “More bugs than the world record Argentine ant colony (307 million) spent hours grinding for some zombie calling cards just for them to be bugged.”
    • “Camouflage challenges are now tedious and repetitive, requiring excessive time for minimal reward.”
    • “The grindy unlock challenges, skill based matchmaking, cheaters, overpriced cosmetics, and a lack of new and innovative maps/gameplay loops really make the game a chore to play.”
  • humor1,614 mentions

    The humor in "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" (2023) is a mixed bag, with many players finding joy in the absurdity of glitches, bugs, and the chaotic nature of online interactions, particularly through the new proximity chat feature. While some reviews highlight the comedic potential of voice chat and the ridiculousness of certain game mechanics, others express frustration over the game's numerous issues, leading to a blend of laughter and annoyance. Overall, the game's humor often stems from its broken elements and the unpredictable behavior of both the game and its community, making for entertaining yet frustrating experiences.

    • “I also think it's funny that I got an achievement for completing the first mission on any difficulty, and at the time of writing only 1.5% of players had that achievement.”
    • “The shared experience of navigating through the noise, laughing at the absurdity of it all, and still managing to pull off a victory, creates a bond that's hard to replicate.”
    • “The voice chat in this game has made me die laughing repeatedly, and in one lobby my teammate was freestyle rapping pretty well and it was honestly such a vibe that I popped off, and I think I'll never forget that.”
    • “Liberty Falls is just so unfunny it's not funny; the other one which was so appalling to play I've forgotten the name of is trying so hard to capture the magic that Mob of the Dead had while giving it that war zone feel.”
    • “The most unfunny game I ever played in my 20 years of gaming.”
    • “This game is so damn unstable it's not funny; it crashes tons, the game has tons of bugs and makes less sense than a grandma with Alzheimer's telling you about what she did yesterday.”
  • music680 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the soundtrack and sound design for enhancing the immersive experience, particularly during intense moments. However, some players criticize the lack of variety and originality, noting that much of the music feels recycled from previous titles. Overall, while the soundtrack is often described as "dope" and "legendary," there are significant complaints about the absence of impactful music during gameplay, especially in the campaign.

    • “The soundtrack and voice acting are top-notch, adding depth to the game’s immersive world.”
    • “The soundtrack, too, is outstanding and really adds to the atmosphere, making every firefight feel like a scene from a blockbuster movie.”
    • “The sound design further enhances the experience with lifelike weapon sounds, immersive environmental audio, and a powerful soundtrack that heightens the emotional impact of every battle.”
    • “If you are looking for an immersive battle sim you have come to the wrong place; this is the game you turn your brain off to and listen to music for 2 and a half hours.”
    • “There isn't much music in this game, other than the main menu music; you might hear a battle track near the ending of a round, at the start of a deployment in DMZ, and that's all I've heard really.”
    • “The soundtrack contains only 2 songs - and to add to that, they are literal remixes of the same songs in the previous MW game.”
  • emotional548 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of reactions from players, with some expressing deep attachment to characters and storylines, while others report feelings of frustration and disappointment due to gameplay issues and narrative shortcomings. Many players find themselves emotionally invested in the campaign's intense moments, yet others criticize the lack of emotional depth compared to earlier titles in the series. Overall, the game appears to evoke both heartfelt nostalgia and significant emotional distress, reflecting a complex relationship between players and the game's design.

    • “The characters are so well-crafted that you can't help but get emotionally invested in their struggles.”
    • “Oh boy, the campaign is a heart-wrenching journey through the chaos of war, and it doesn't pull any punches.”
    • “The campaign made me cry.”
    • “Mw3 campaign has an even more boring story and worse open mission style gameplay.”
    • “- a boring story DLC for MW2”
    • “I don't expect mindf*cks from a game like this, so I'm fine with it. Real-life CIA missions must be even more boring story-wise than the campaign anyway.”
  • replayability456 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising the multiplayer modes and campaign for their variety and depth, while others criticize the lack of engaging content and repetitive missions. While modes like DMZ and Warzone offer extensive replay value, the single-player campaign is often seen as too short and linear, leading to limited replayability. Overall, the multiplayer experience is highlighted as the strongest aspect, providing numerous options for players to enjoy, but many feel that the game falls short in delivering a consistently rewarding replay experience across all modes.

    • “The campaign has a lot of replayability.”
    • “It creates a form of great replayability since you have a reason to keep playing to level up your perks and weapons.”
    • “With a wide range of maps, game modes, and customization options, the multiplayer experience offers endless hours of excitement and replayability.”
    • “It has no replay value after the first hour of gameplay.”
    • “Plus the campaign is like 5 hours long, nor is it replayable at all.”
    • “The missions are mildly entertaining, but I believe there are only four and you can probably finish all of them under 2 hours with zero replay value.”
  • atmosphere144 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is generally praised for its immersive and detailed environments, with many players noting the effective use of sound design and visual aesthetics to enhance the experience. While some maps and modes, like Liberty Falls, are seen as less compelling, the overall tone ranges from gritty and dark to action-movie-like, contributing to a captivating gameplay experience. However, there are criticisms regarding inconsistencies in atmosphere, particularly with the introduction of mismatched character skins and a lack of emotional depth in certain moments.

    • “The graphics are sharp and detailed, and the environments are meticulously crafted to create a realistic and immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The sound design is equally impressive, with gunfire, explosions, and voice acting all contributing to an authentic and intense atmosphere.”
    • “The environment and maps are so well detailed and designed, creating a dramatic and really good atmosphere and feel.”
    • “The game lacks the thrilling jump scares and suspenseful atmosphere that made the previous titles so memorable.”
    • “It had no atmosphere how they executed the final; I am a bit pissed at the death itself, but it would be more acceptable if they put more emotion into it.”
    • “But the crashes, stutters, bad matchmaking, poorly designed maps, and dull atmosphere are just sad.”
  • character development104 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the depth and memorable performances of certain characters, while others criticize the overall lack of substance and connection among the cast. Many players noted that the campaign felt rushed and lacked the engaging storytelling and character arcs seen in previous titles, leading to a sense of disappointment. Overall, while there are highlights in character design and development, many feel it falls short compared to earlier installments in the franchise.

    • “The character development in MW3 is exceptional, offering a diverse cast of heroes and villains.”
    • “The character development is commendable, with memorable performances from the voice actors.”
    • “You can tell the developers took their time to develop a campaign with a rich story and character development and tied it with a soundtrack to keep you gripped from start to finish.”
    • “No character development and an ending that resolves nothing and sets up a MW4.”
    • “The story lacks direction, character development, or substance, and the gameplay feels like a half-ass DLC.”
    • “This game was a chance to reinvent the amazing story of the past; however, all that has been given is poor character development.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

28hMedian play time
118hAverage play time
6-130hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1,674 analyzed playthroughs

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