Game review: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

There’s a lot riding on this, the closing chapter of the Modern Warfare series, and although the project was originally hit with development trouble, the joint team of Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games has resulted in one of the finest Call of Duty experiences to date.

The campaign ramps up the over-the-top action, set during a Third World War. You’ll repel Russian forces all over the globe and chase Ultranationalist terrorist leader Makarov through set piece after stunning set piece. This is the kind of experience that makes even the biggest Hollywood action film feel tame by comparison.

Missions range from extracting hostages in Berlin, to neutralising dirty bomb attacks in London, and even the odd stealth mission during the fall of Prague. You’ll barely have time to catch your breath throughout, and while the third act stutters a bit, this is a fitting end to the trilogy.

Once that is done, you have multiplayer to contend with, and this is a huge offering. This is by far the most balanced Call of Duty title to date, placing emphasis on your skill with the gun, rather than racking up silly amounts of air support or exploiting the weapon set.

Expert map design, plus a whole new range of perks, weapons, gadgets and killstreaks marks a huge step forward for the franchise. It may look the same as the rest, but it handles wonderfully. If you have yet to discover the series, now might be the time to get on board.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

£44.99, PC/PS3/Wii/Xbox 360