Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare vs Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The game also pioneered multiplayer with robust online modes, customizable load‑outs, and a progression system that set the standard for future shooters. Its blend of tactical stealth, fast‑paced firefights, and strategic teamwork keeps players engaged for countless hours.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 delivers a cinematic single‑player campaign that spans continents, featuring high‑octane missions and a gripping storyline. The game also offers robust multiplayer modes, co‑operative missions, and split‑screen play for up to four players on the same console.
- Iconic campaign with memorable set‑pieces
- Deep multiplayer customization and progression
- Highly responsive controls and polished shooting mechanics
- Strong community and lasting competitive scene
- High‑quality graphics and sound design.
- Extensive multiplayer content with many maps.
- Robust weapon and perk customization.
- Engaging single‑player storyline.
- Limited map variety compared to modern titles
- No native cross‑play between all platforms
- Aging graphics may feel dated on newer hardware
- Limited post‑launch content updates.
- Matchmaking can be inconsistent on older consoles.
- No native support for newer hardware.
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Alternatives to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
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Alternatives to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is the safer default choice due to its higher critic score (88 vs 81), while the main trade-off is Modern Warfare 3's larger 12-mission single-player campaign and cross-platform compatibility.
Key differences
- •Critic score is higher for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (88/100) compared to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (81/100).
- •Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 features a specific 12-mission single-player campaign taking players from New York to Paris, whereas Call of Duty 4 highlights an iconic campaign with memorable set-pieces.
- •Platform compatibility differs: MW3 explicitly includes Mac alongside PC, PS3, and Xbox 360, while MW4 features no native cross-play between all platforms.
- •Age ratings differ slightly: MW3 is rated ESRB M and PEGI 18, while MW4 is rated PEGI 16 and ESRB M.
Gameplay & fun factor
Call of Duty 4 wins with an 88 critic score, highly responsive controls, and polished shooting mechanics.
Platform availability
MW3 supports cross-platform compatibility on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac.
Price & value
Both games share the exact same one-time paid pricing model with an MSRP of $59.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
MW3 features four distinct multiplayer modes including Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search & Destroy, plus Spec Ops.
Content & replayability
MW3 offers a documented 12-mission single-player campaign and extensive multiplayer content with many maps.
Difficulty & accessibility
Not specified in the facts regarding explicit difficulty settings or accessibility options for either game.
Graphics & performance
MW4's engine supports high-resolution textures and realistic lighting for a cinematic visual experience.
Choose Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare if…
Gamers prioritizing an 88 critic score, responsive controls, and polished shooting mechanics.
Choose Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 if…
Players wanting a 12-mission campaign from NY to Paris and Mac support.
Common questions
Do both games cost the same?
Yes, both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare have an MSRP of $59.99 as a paid, one-time purchase.
Which game has a higher critic score?
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare has a higher critic score of 88/100 compared to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's 81/100.
Do both games support split-screen play?
Yes, both titles list split-screen support under their multiplayer specifications.