Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 vs Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
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.
- High‑quality graphics and sound design.
- Extensive multiplayer content with many maps.
- Robust weapon and perk customization.
- Engaging single‑player storyline.
- Iconic campaign with memorable set‑pieces
- Deep multiplayer customization and progression
- Highly responsive controls and polished shooting mechanics
- Strong community and lasting competitive scene
- Limited post‑launch content updates.
- Matchmaking can be inconsistent on older consoles.
- No native support for newer hardware.
- Limited map variety compared to modern titles
- No native cross‑play between all platforms
- Aging graphics may feel dated on newer hardware
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Alternatives to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
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Alternatives to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
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Intense, cinematic warfare that redefines the first‑person shooter experience
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: Modern Warfare 3 if…
Players wanting a 12-mission campaign from NY to Paris and Mac support.
Choose Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare if…
Gamers prioritizing an 88 critic score, responsive controls, and polished shooting mechanics.
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.