New ‘Modern Warfare 3′ Killstreaks and Game Modes Revealed

The gameplay mechanics of the Call of Duty games are so ingrained in players’ mind that it would be near-impossible for any developer to make drastic changes without upsetting fans. Luckily for Call of Duty fans, Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer have kept the core gameplay from previous Call of Duty titles intact, while still making some room for necessary changes in Modern Warfare 3.

While gunplay remains the same, players can look forward to additions such as new game modes and a new killstreak set up.

The first major change in Modern Warfare 3 is the way killstreaks are distributed. In Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops, players gained access to new killstreaks through leveling up or earning enough CoD points, respectively. As opposed to having a set of player specific killstreaks, killstreaks are now divided up into three Strike Packages, Assault, Support, and Specialist. Each reflect different playstyles, with Assault garnering killstreak rewards that allow the player to accumlate more kills (i.e. choppers, air strikes), while Support allows for players to use killstreaks more beneficial to the team (i.e. UAVs, EMPs).

Below is a list of some of the rewards for each Strike Package, though not all killstreaks are listed.

Assault:

• 5 kills: I.M.S.
• 9 kills: Strafe Run
• 9 kills: AH-6 Overwatch
• 10 kills: Assault Drone
• 15 kills: Juggernaut

Support:

• 5 kills: Ballistic Vest
• 5 kills: Airdrop Trap
• 10 kills: Recon Drone
• 14 kills: Stealth Bomber
• 18 kills: Juggernaut Recon

Specialist is perhaps the most interesting of the three Strike packages, as it enables players to use extra perks. Whenever players receive a two, four, or six killstreak, they will be granted an extra perk on top of the three they already start with. Of course for the sake of balance these players will be unable to call in airstrikes or other lethal/non-lethal killstreaks.

Death streaks also make a return in Modern Warfare 3, though this time it seems there will be a few more than the four from Modern Warfare 2. The new deathstreaks include:

• 4 – Juiced (run faster)
• 5 – Revenge (last person to kill you is visible on radar)
• 5 – Hollow Points (increased bullet damage for one kill)
• 6 – Dead Man’s Hand (player falls into last stand with C4)

There are also some new perks found in Modern Warfare 3, while some are not entirely brand new they are variations of previous perks that may upset some players, specifially the seperation of the Blind Eye and Assassin perks. In previous titles, one was a pro version of the other, meaning players could run around totally invisible (though usually at the cost of a perk such as Stopping Power or Scavanger). Now players who want to remain stealthy will have to use up two perk slots, if they want both abilities, and for those with a slower playstyle this could prove problematic. Though on a more positive note, perks like Commando will not be making an appearance in Modern Warfare 3.

• Recon – Explosive damage paints the target on the mini map
• Blind Eye – Undetectable by air support/sentries
• Assassin – Undetectable by UAV, portable radar, thermal, heartbeat
• Quickdraw – Faster aiming
• Stalker – Move faster while aiming
• Marksman – Identify targets at longer range

Modern Warfare 3 also brings with it some new attachments and weapon specializations. The latter allows players to customize their weapons to fit their playstyle. For example players can opt to give their weapon better handling so it is a more stable shot.

New attachments and proficiencies include :

Proficiencies:

• Kick – Reduced recoil when firing
• Attachments – Two attachments on Primary weapon
• Focus – Reduced flinch when hit
• Stability – Reduced sway when ADS

Attachments:

• Red Dot Sight
• Silencer
• Holographic sight
• Dual Scope (Close Range/Long Range Optics)

If there’s one good thing about these new attachments/proficiencies, it’s that they allow gamers to customize how they play. For example, with dual scopes players no longer need to worry about close quarters combat when they are using an ACOG scope, or alternatively, long range combat if their weapon of choice only has an iron sight.

These aren’t the only changes Infinity Ward has brought to Modern Warfare 3, players can also look forward to a plethora of new game modes for private matches and online play. While these game modes have made appearances in other games before, it is the first time they are appearing in a Call of Duty title, so for the Call of Duty faithful there should be plenty here to get excited about. In addition, private matches have been totally enhanced, allowing for players to create their own custom game types. Players who have a subscription to Call of Duty Elite will have the ability to vote on which game modes are their favorites, and the top rated game modes could then make their way into regular matchmaking.

Private Match Gametypes:

• Infection – The infected kills enemies to recruit them for the infected team.
• Drop Zone – Hold the Drop Zone for Team Points and Care Packages.
• Team Juggernaut – With the support of a juggernaut, kill players on the opposing team. The first team to reach the score limit wins.
• Juggernaut – Kill the Juggernaut to become the new Juggernaut
• Gun Game – Be the first to dominate with every gun
• One in the Chamber – Gain ammo by eliminating enemies. Be the last to survive.

Competitive Gametypes:

• Kill Confirmed – Collect dog tags from killed players. Prevent the other team from collecting yours
• Team Defender – Grab the flag and protect the flag carrier to increase your team’s score

Modern Warfare 3 will also launch with sixteen multiplayer maps, as well as dedicated server support for the PC version.

After all the new additions to the franchise, will you be picking up Modern Warfare 3? For those still on the fence our multiplayer impressions are now live.

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Modern Warfare 3 launches November 8th, 2011 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC

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Source: CVG