Head to Head
| Battlefield 3 | Modern Warfare 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Missions | 6 Maps | 16 Maps |
| Survival | 0 Maps | 16 Maps |
| Local Co-Op | No | Yes |
| Number of Players | 2 | 2 |
| Progression System | Unlockable Versus Weapons | Unlockable Co-Op Weapons, Items |
It’s pretty clear cut at this point who the winner is in terms of features for co-op - Modern Warfare 3. The difference is night in day - Battlefield 3 feels like a co-op mode that was tacked on as a diversion while Modern Warfare 3 feels like a lot of attention was given to players. While the missions in Battlefield 3’s co-op mode were slightly longer at times, there’s very little incentive to replay them once you unlock all the weapons, which just so happen to be for the game’s versus mode.
On the other hand, Modern Warfare 3 keeps you coming back with a carrot on a stick by unlocking stuff for 40 progressive character levels, each earning weapons and equipment usable in the game’s survival mode. The survival mode itself, while mostly straightforward, is still addictive and definitely an intense experience.
Looking at the bigger picture, Modern Warfare 3 also takes the crown in terms of the game’s campaign - providing a much more rewarding single player experience with a story and set pieces that are simply more engaging than Battlefield 3. That said, BF3 takes the multiplayer crown with large, diversive maps with a wide range of vehicles and action that isn’t so blurry.
Battlefield 3 sure is pretty.
In terms of raw sales, an area Call of Duty games have always done well in, each is holding their own. Battlefield 3 is over 8 million copies sold across all three platforms up until December 1st - a very respectable number. Modern Warfare 3? It sold 6.5 million copies on LAUNCH DAY alone. No doubt the name of the franchise helps carry it.
In the end we were tasked with making a recommendation. If you had to pick one modern combat game this holiday season what would it be. If a rewarding multiplayer versus experience is your thing, Battlefield 3 is where it’s at.
But in terms of co-op and campaign the answer is easy - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is where your money should go.