Cert: 18+
Platform: Xbox 360, PC, Playstation 3
Genre: First Person Shooter

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The Call of Duty games are a little like Michael Bay movies; there's one released every year and to the untrained eye it's hard distinguish one from the other. The first Modern Warfare game arguably set the standard for online shooters when it was released in 2007. Modern Warfare 3 is the conclusion to this series of Call of Duty games and it sees the return of SOAP, Price and ubber-terrorist, Makarov.

It's quite possibly the loudest first person shooter available today, the music is suitably bombastic and the effects can make even the most modest of living rooms sound like a warzone. The lighting effects are particularly well drawn and the New York level is a memorable experience but the campaign is still a love-it or loathe-it on the rails, spawn and check-point dependent experience. And at around five hours, it's the shortest yet. The co-op or Spec Op mode is more original and it includes a relatively challenging AI as well as a mode similar to Horde in Gears of War.

There's a small but vocal online community who absolutely despise Call of Duty for its multiplayer and its array of killstreaks, unlocks and noob-friendly weapons. Modern Warfare 3 is no different. It features the sixteen new maps and various other tweaks. Somewhat controversially, multiplayer now lets players carry over certain non-lethal kill-streaks after they die. The most interesting tweak is the 'Kill Confirmed' mode which requires players to pick up a dog tag from the bodies of their kills; this forces would-be snipers and campers to radically change how they play.

The best thing about Call of Duty is that no matter if you play for one hour or ten there's always something new to do, unlock or achieve. It's an experience you can immerse yourself in or just dip in and out of. For those who've never played a Call of Duty game before, Modern Warfare 3 is as good an entry point as any. It maybe brash and a little bit dumb and it's not going to win over any of the haters, but few games offer as much value.

Same time next year.

Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 4/5
Game Play: 4/5
Replay Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Reviewed by: By Bryan Collins