Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Of course there is the £39.99 question? Does it blow my skirt up? The answer is yes, of course it does.

It is the usual mix of over complicated story lines and one dimensional characters but do we care? No.

All that just fades when you lock and load and leap from that helicopter with bullets and explosions all around you.

It is the adrenalin rush gamers have been craving since Battlefield 3 came out.

Prepare yourself for an endless assault on the senses.

We all complain it is too expensive, the campaign is too short etc, the game play isn't so different to COD 2 but it is what Activision does well.

We are treated to a polished, slick six-hour campaign of pure entertainment that only Call of Duty can deliver and there is the online play which I will be getting to later.

Campaign

It is perhaps not the best game out there, but it still holds its own.

We get the usual realistic game play and much more freedom of movement than say Battlefield 3.

There are some pretty spectacular set pieces that keep you on your toes, and I found myself becoming totally engrossed in the adventure, as you play a number of different characters on missions around the world (usual Call of Duty stuff).

Call of Duty story lines have never been up to much, in my eyes, as they are overly complicated.

I don`t know anyone who actually follows the story, most gamers are all in it for the action.

In my opinion it was a wise move on Activision's part to include the option to skip the cut scenes and get down to some serious bottom kicking.

Options like this can really make a difference.

The campaign was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, the game was over before I knew it and there are a few surprises, too (if you follow the story).

There is a weak attempt to try and gather some sympathy for some of the characters but it doesn't work for me.

It is the usual game play for the campaign mind and you we do get to try some nice stuff such as scuba diving.

Set pieces are very impressive with exploding buildings and huge all out battles.

Even if the enemy appears to be somewhat reckless at times, which makes for more mayhem, it spoils the feeling of reality which I assume is what Activision is after.

The campaign took me just under six hours to complete, and that is not long if you have just parted with almost forty pounds of hard earned wonga.

The upside is the online play which is really what the game is all about.

As with Battlefield 3, the campaign is really just a training session preparing you for the real game, getting your butt kicked by 10 year olds.

Multiplayer

This is where Call of Duty really comes to life, with 16 new maps to play and plenty of little treats such as new challenges and unlockable content.

It makes for a challenging and all round jolly spiffing experience.

If you are not used to online play Call of Duty is a challenge as there are serious gamers out there who don`t take prisoners.

This makes for more interesting game play as you really want to improve and take out the child who has been sniping you for the previous three hours while mocking you for your inadequacies as a player.

There are single player options for lone mavericks out there, such as the team death match, survival, free for all and numerous other modes copied over from COD 2.

Gamers can take on CG players all day long to hone killing skills within the game.

There is something for everybody and no one should go away disappointed.

As players progress the are opportunities for promotion and upgrading players and weaponry creating a continuously evolving experience.

With the new kill streak bonus and the kill confirmed mode thrown in for good measure, game play is addictive and this makes Call of Duty, in my eyes, one of the best on line multi-play games around with Battlefield 3 running a close second.

Co-op and spec ops modes are available to top up your soldiering skills.

Summary

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is another winner, and is at the top of the gaming charts because gamers had no doubt it would be.

This game does not disappoint, especially the on line play which is intense and keeps you coming back for more.

I will give it 9.5 out of 10 because the story was a bit naff.

• Age rating: 18
• Xbox 360
• PC
• PS3
• Wii
• Nintendo DS