With the release of the Call of Duty Modern Warfare III Open Beta, players like myself were left pondering whether the 2023 instalment of this iconic franchise was worth the investment. A significant factor in this evaluation was the looming shadow of XDefiant, a game many have touted as the “Call of Duty killer.” The delay of XDefiant for the second time added an intriguing layer to the debate. As a devoted Call of Duty fan who has savoured past beta experiences, here’s my take on the latest iteration and its place in the franchise.

A New Breed of Call of Duty

My expectations were set adrift when I first delved into the Modern Warfare III Open Beta. The Call of Duty franchise had been known for its annual release cycle, and the two-year development window was an outlier. Furthermore, Infinity Ward, the original creator of the series, had handed the reins to Sledgehammer Games, and the change in stewardship was palpable. While the game bore the title “Modern Warfare,” it felt like a new beginning. The graphics and fluid movement bore the hallmark of Infinity Ward, while the gameplay borrowed elements from Sledgehammer and Treyarch, making for a unique, hybrid experience.

An Emphasis on Core Mechanics

My focus during the beta was primarily on the fundamentals of gameplay. I analyzed gunplay, movement, and the time-to-kill. A welcome return was the slide-cancelling mechanic, which had faded into obscurity in the previous game. For some, its revival was a polarizing decision, but to me, it represented a skill that added depth to movement and tactics. Gunplay and aim-assist felt familiar, but the standout change was the extended time-to-kill. With player HP now at 150, the game demanded more precision and prolonged tracking, favouring players with better aim. The spawn system added to the intrigue, departing from the traditional model and leaving even seasoned players scratching their heads.

XDefiant: The Call of Duty Challenger

Beyond the confines of Modern Warfare III, another contender was making waves. XDefiant, spearheaded by Mark Rubin, was dubbed the “Call of Duty killer” by arena shooter enthusiasts. Mark Rubin’s commitment to addressing player desires, from red dots on the minimap to a form of dead silence, resonated with a portion of the community. However, the second delay of XDefiant has pushed its release beyond Modern Warfare III’s launch. This delay has undoubtedly altered the discourse surrounding Call of Duty, and one can’t help but wonder if XDefiant could eclipse it.

A Franchise in Flux

The Call of Duty franchise has undergone a transformation in recent years. The 2019 reboot of Modern Warfare introduced tactical sprint, opening the door to advanced mechanics like slide-cancelling and snaking. Modern Warfare III seems to embody these movement features. The revival of slide-cancelling was unexpected, as it wasn’t an actionable mechanic in the previous instalment, Modern Warfare II, but it was present in the preceding title, Call of Duty: Vanguard.

Modern Warfare III distinguishes itself from its predecessors through its unique blend of gameplay elements. While the time-to-kill leans more towards Treyarch’s fast-paced approach, the movement and gunplay strike a balance between Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer. This fusion creates a fresh experience, resonating with a broad spectrum of players.

Community Pulse & Developer Response

An update is now live in the #MW3 Multiplayer Beta to decrease the slide to sprint delay by 200ms! Give it a try, and let us know how it feels ? pic.twitter.com/FFn1ZRurvj

— Sledgehammer Games (@SHGames) October 12, 2023

Community feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of a game. While complaints about skill-based matchmaking persist, the situation seems to have improved compared to earlier iterations. As a player based in Southeast Asia, I might not feel its impact as acutely as Western players. Sledgehammer Games, the developer behind Modern Warfare III, has demonstrated a willingness to acknowledge and address player concerns, which is a refreshing departure from previous experiences with Infinity Ward.

Shifting Tides in the FPS Landscape

The popularity of arena shooters has waned in recent years, giving way to tactical shooters. Factors such as the rise of affordable gaming PCs and the allure of free-to-play titles have contributed to this shift. Activision’s strategic focus on Warzone, a battle royale phenomenon, is evident. Its free-to-play model makes it accessible to a broad audience. This strategy has cast a shadow over the future of the traditional Call of Duty multiplayer experience.

Would I Recommend Buying Modern Warfare III?

Would I recommend Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III to potential buyers? Yes, but with a caveat. This recommendation comes with a sense that this may be the last Call of Duty worth investing in. The franchise appears to have settled into a pattern, with innovation taking a back seat to cater to a casual audience. However, Sledgehammer Games has struck a balance, retaining the essence of Call of Duty while keeping competitive players engaged.

With the release of XDefiant on the horizon, a free-to-play contender that seems ready to cater to the demands of Call of Duty fans, the question arises – is the end in sight for the traditional franchise? The only event that could potentially alter this course is the re-introduction of jet packs, though that seems unlikely. If players genuinely desire change in Call of Duty, it might require a collective effort – a boycott, perhaps – to push the franchise in a new direction.

In conclusion, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, with its unique blend of gameplay mechanics and a familiar yet evolved feel, is indeed a worthwhile purchase in 2023. However, the looming presence of XDefiant and the changing landscape of the FPS genre make it a bittersweet prospect, prompting players to ponder whether this might be the last worthwhile instalment in a once-iconic franchise.