All of a sudden, it was 2009 again as our nostalgia spawned quicker than the loading screen for Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Greeted with a low-key disturbing introduction video, highlighting a Modern Warfare franchise-first Zombies mode, we were instantly hooked. Then brought to the Battle Pass main screen, it became apparent there is a whole lot to be invested in with MW3.

Sliding over to the homepage, our curiosity was increasingly peaked with the early access to the campaign, just one of a few options. We could also play Resurange Quads, Warzone Ranked Play, and 24/7 gameplay on the classic “Shipment” map that we’ve fallen in love with over the years. Even typing this, we’re just hyped up over at Attack The Culture!

We can’t even write enough about this nostalgic feeling. Over the years, a lot of Call of Duty fans have been wondering if the iconic franchise was going to return to its roots at some point, especially with next-gen consoles. The simple answer? They have.

The updated graphics and engaging gameplay has left us with an immediate thrill. Personally, there’s no doubt this is an exciting release. In full honesty, many COD releases have left users feeling unsatisfied in recent years. This game, however, leaves little more to be desired! Thirty updated guns, thrilling skins and maps tacked on new game modes and gameplay features are just one of the many factors in making this a no-doubt 2023 hit. Don’t overlook the 16 launch maps in Modern Warfare 3, all remastered from the OG classic Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, either.

The excitement is back, the madness has returned. No matter your style of play, there’s something in MW3 for you. Even during our review, it was hard to focus—there was too much action! Locked into a Capture The Flag match on “Shipment” with a nonstop hail of pandemonium and madness, there was no shot (no pun intended) we were going to pause the game to write this up. Several matches later, we’re still impressed.

Campaign mode is just the same; exhilarating! The story picks up where it left off in Modern Warfare 2, as we saw in this new title’s trailer. Once again focused on Vladimir Makarov, the main antagonist of the original Modern Warfare franchise, MW3 is described by Activision in a new light: "operations ranging from signature, cinematic experiences to free-form Open Combat Missions."

Open Combat Missions allow players to essentially customize their own campaign! Gamers have their choice of method for completing missions, whether they’d like to go in stealthily and sneak up on the enemy, or make their presence known with explosives and machine guns. As long as you get the job done, right?

Don’t think we forgot about Zombies, either. For the first time, Zombies is coming to Modern Warfare with the Dark Aether storyline from Treyarch. It’s not quite the same as traditional Zombies mode that has been round-based, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Players will enter an open-world experience with interactive survival elements for added thrills.

And finally, about Call of Duty headquarters… Activision has revealed that the franchise will have one single hub for all gameplay moving forward. Titled the Call of Duty HQ, fans who use the hub will be able to access Modern Warfare 2, Warzone, Modern Warfare 3, and future Call of Duty games all in one spot.

There’s a lot to be thrilled about in anticipation of November 10th, and it’s apparent COD is making a big push to return to old times as a FPS juggernaut—their efforts have seemingly worked with this one. See you on the battlefield!