Halo 3 vs Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Halo 3 delivers a massive, cinematic campaign that wraps up Master Chief’s story with stunning set‑pieces and relentless combat. The game also offers robust multiplayer modes, from classic deathmatch to cooperative missions, all playable on Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC.
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.
- Stunning graphics and set‑pieces for its era
- Deep, satisfying multiplayer ecosystem
- Robust split‑screen and co‑op options
- Extensive map‑building tools in Forge
- High‑quality graphics and sound design.
- Extensive multiplayer content with many maps.
- Robust weapon and perk customization.
- Engaging single‑player storyline.
- Limited to older hardware for optimal performance
- No native cross‑play with newer Halo titles
- Campaign length is shorter than some modern shooters
- 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: Modern Warfare 3
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Intense, cinematic warfare that redefines the first‑person shooter experience
A groundbreaking first‑person shooter that redefined modern combat gaming
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHalo 3 is the safer default choice for its higher critic score (91 vs 81) and sandbox customizability via Forge, while Modern Warfare 3 appeals directly to modern military combat fans with a 12-mission global campaign.
Key differences
- •Setting and Theme: Modern Warfare 3 focuses on intense global military warfare, whereas Halo 3 is an epic sci-fi shooter concluding a trilogy.
- •Map Building and Customization: Halo 3 includes the Forge mode for building custom multiplayer arenas, while Modern Warfare 3 features deep weapon customization with attachments, perks, and killstreak rewards.
- •Multiplayer Scale and Modes: Halo 3 online multiplayer supports up to 16 participants, while Modern Warfare 3 offers four distinct modes including Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search & Destroy, plus Co-op Spec Ops.
- •Critical Reception: Halo 3 holds a higher critic score of 91/100 compared to Modern Warfare 3's 81/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
Halo 3 features dynamic AI enemies that adapt to player tactics and a tightly scripted sci-fi campaign, earning a 91 critic score.
Platform availability
Modern Warfare 3 offers cross-platform compatibility on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac.
Price & value
Both games share the exact same paid, one-time MSRP of $59.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Halo 3 supports online multiplayer up to 16 participants via Xbox Live and Forge map-building tools alongside co-op and split-screen.
Content & replayability
Modern Warfare 3 features a 12-mission campaign, four multiplayer modes, Co-op Spec Ops missions, and robust weapon customization.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both carry an ESRB M and PEGI 18 rating (PEGI 16 for Halo 3), but Modern Warfare 3 features consistent core FPS mechanics.
Graphics & performance
Modern Warfare 3 has an 81 critic score praising its high-quality graphics and sound design relative to its 2011 release.
Choose Halo 3 if…
Sci-fi gamers looking for epic set-pieces, dynamic AI enemies, and Forge map-building tools.
Choose Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 if…
Core FPS enthusiasts wanting global military warfare, weapon customization, and a 12-mission campaign.
Common questions
Do both games cost the same?
Yes, both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Halo 3 have an MSRP of $59.99 as paid one-time purchases.
Which game received a higher critic score?
Halo 3 received a critic score of 91/100, while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 received an 81/100.
Do both games offer split-screen support?
Yes, both games support split-screen for up to four players on the same console.