Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Review | Projectors & Gaming

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3), the thrilling follow-up to the chart-topping Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022’s MW2), Captain Price and Task Force 141 gear up to confront the most formidable menace yet. The notorious ultranationalist war criminal, Vladimir Makarov, is spreading his influence globally, forcing Task Force 141 into an epic battle like no other.

The campaign showcases the game's exceptional attention to detail, and like last year with Call of Duty: MW2, Call of Duty: MW3 offers some of the most stunning video game cinematics I've witnessed.

For those craving online competition, you can dive into various multiplayer game modes, engaging with up to 64 other players. And if teaming up with friends is more your style, Co-op mode beckons, allowing you to tackle special missions like Defender: Hafid Port, Low Profile, Defender: Mt. Zaya and One In The Chamber: Low Profile to name a few.

As an exciting bonus, gamers can now team up with other squads for the inaugural experience of battling and surviving against hordes of undead on the largest Call of Duty® Zombies map ever. Modern Warfare Zombies (MWZ) brings a new Treyarch Zombies storyline to the forefront, enriched with missions, essential Zombies components, and concealed secrets awaiting discovery. This is an absolute treat for those looking to fight some zombies and enhance their gameplay, especially when projected on a larger screen for an immersive experience.

Did you know ZOWIE is a brand by BenQ that specializes in creating professional equipment for eSports, such as monitors, mice, keyboards, and mousepads? One of the most popular eSports games is Call of Duty, which has its own league called the Call of Duty League. The Call of Duty League is a global, city-based esports league composed of professional teams, each representing a different market across North America and Europe. The league features the best Call of Duty esports players from around the world, competing in various game modes and maps from the latest Call of Duty titles. I say that to point out that BenQ is entrenched in the gaming world which translates over to their gaming projectors.

Assemble your squad and dive back into the world of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare®—that is, if you ever really left. I know I certainly never took a break from the game. With MW3, we celebrate the momentous 20th anniversary of Call of Duty, offering an impressive array of Multiplayer maps. This collection includes beloved fan favorites as well as brand-new additions. All 16 original MW2 (2009) launch maps have been skillfully updated with fresh modes and gameplay enhancements, ensuring they're ready for action from day one. Additionally, you can look forward to more than 12 entirely new 6v6 core maps in the post-launch live seasons, promising an ever-evolving gaming experience.

Much like its predecessor, Call of Duty: MW2 (2022) (not to be confused with the original MW2 from 2009), Call of Duty: MW3 delivers state-of-the-art gameplay for the committed Call of Duty devotees. This encompasses flawless gun mechanics, an advanced AI system, an abundance of gun customization options, and an array of additional improvements in both gameplay and visuals, all of which reaffirm the franchise's ascent to new levels of excellence.

If you're a PS5 owner, the Call of Duty: MW3 – Cross-Gen / Standard bundle is available at a tempting price of $69.99. But for the ultimate experience, consider the Call of Duty: MW3 – Vault Edition, priced at $99.99. This premium edition is packed with enticing starting perks like Campaign Early Access, the Nemesis Operator Pack, 2 Weapon Vaults, BlackCell (1 season), Lockpick Operator Pack, Soul Harvester Weapon Blueprint, and a generous 30 additional tier skips.

As a fun fact, it's worth noting that on the Call of Duty: MW3 website, it states, “PlayStation® players receive select bonus content not available on other platforms until November 9, 2024.” This is indeed a stroke of luck for those of us who are PlayStation users.

For “Early Access” players, Call of Duty: MW3 hit the gaming scene on November 2, 2023. Without early access, PlayStation players can download the game starting on November 10, 2023. Naturally, Call of Duty: MW3 picks up where the 2022 Call of Duty: MW2 left off. You can get your hands on Call of Duty: MW3 for multiple platforms, including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC through Steam and Battle.Net.

As a reviewer and gamer, I naturally chose the "Early Access" Call of Duty: MW3 – Vault Edition, ensuring that I could swiftly immerse myself in the gameplay and provide you with a timely review article. Paired with a projector and a massive screen, the experience promises to be nothing short of epic.

PROJECTOR UTILIZED – BENQ X3000i

Projector Reviews had the pleasure of receiving demo units from BenQ, featuring their gaming projectors, the X3000i and TK700. These projectors were generously sent to us specifically for our "Best Games to Play on a Projector in 2023" segment. To put things into perspective, I've spent over 751 hours delving into the world of gaming with the BenQ X3000i, with the lion's share of my gaming time devoted to my trusty PS5. This extensive hands-on experience uniquely positions me to provide an in-depth overview of the gaming experience, specifically on a large projection screen.

For the purpose of this evaluation, I selected Call of Duty: MW3 to thoroughly test the capabilities of the BenQ X3000i gaming projector. You might be curious about my choice of this game. Well, gaming projectors like the X3000i typically offer a low input lag mode, reducing the delay between your controller input and the on-screen action. This is crucial for fast-paced games like Call of Duty: MW3, where split-second reactions are paramount. In the case of the BenQ X3000i, its lowest input lag is achieved when it's set to the FPS game mode, significantly enhancing playability and your survivability in Call of Duty: MW3.

Available at $1,999, the BenQ X3000i distinguishes itself with an impressive 3000 ANSI lumens of brightness, ensuring optimal performance even in environments with some ambient light interference. Alongside its crystal-clear visuals, this projector incorporates XPR (eXpanded Pixel Resolution) technology, bringing forth stunning 4K resolution. If you're curious about the intricacies of 4K DLP combined with XPR technology, I recommend perusing Projector Reviews' Projection Terms page.

Going beyond its exceptional visual prowess, the X3000i prioritizes user convenience by offering a wide array of connection ports, including HDMI, USB, and VGA. This diversity ensures seamless compatibility with various devices and media sources. And, let's not overlook the fact that the BenQ X3000i is accompanied by dual 5-watt chamber speakers, delivering an unexpectedly immersive audio experience.

With a gaming projector like the BenQ X3000i, you truly get larger-than-life gameplay. A good gaming projector can project a large, high-resolution image on a screen or wall, providing a much larger field of view compared to a traditional TV or monitor. This larger display immerses you in the game and enhances your ability to spot enemies and details.

The X3000i is a gaming projector that shines with its impressive features. It offers specialized game modes for FPS, RPG, and SPG, fine-tuned with audio and visual settings, along with low latency configurations designed for modern FPS games like Call of Duty: MW3. Selecting the FPS mode while diving into Call of Duty: MW3 elevates the gaming experience, immersing players in an epic cinematic adventure.

When I switched the X3000i's Picture Mode from HDR10 to HDR Game, it unlocked the projector's special Game Settings. Here, us gamers get to choose whether we want to flip on the Fast Mode switch or keep it off. Well, delving into the world of Call of Duty: MW3, I had Fast Mode running. It made my gameplay incredibly smooth, especially during those heart-pounding moments, like the campaign mission where you have to race to a missile silo control room while dodging relentless enemy fire. That's all I'll mention. I don't want to spoil it for you; I want you to enjoy the game and savor its surprises firsthand.

For a firsthand trial, I wanted to experience just Call of Duty: MW3 and the BenQ X3000i gaming projector in action without any interference. I started with a straightforward setup in my living room, where I placed my PS5 on a table alongside the BenQ X3000i. The gaming action was projected onto a 110-inch (16:9) screen from Screen Innovations, using the Solo Pro 2 with Unity AT Pure White 1.3 gain material. This minimalistic arrangement allowed me to fully focus on the game and the projector's performance without any unnecessary distractions.

BenQ confidently affirms that the X3000i has been meticulously designed to elevate your gaming experiences while seamlessly working with popular gaming consoles like the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Its capabilities extend beyond mere compatibility. This 4K 4LED gaming projector utilizes 4LED HDR-PRO™ technology to deliver vibrant and lifelike colors, complemented by breathtaking visuals. Moreover, its dynamic virtual 3D sound system envelops gamers in a rich auditory environment, enhancing immersion.

After dedicating around 20 hours to my initial setup, I decided to take my gaming experience to the next level. I relocated my testing process to my projector lab and connected my PS5 to the BenQ X3000i using a high-speed 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 cable. This setup was then routed through the precision of a Marantz AV8805 Pre-Tuner and the power of a Marantz MM8077 7-channel amplifier. The visuals were beamed onto a 100-inch (16:9) Elite Screens Aeon fixed frame, equipped with the CineWhite® UHD-B (Tensioned Matte White) material featuring a 1.3 gain. What did this create? An expansive gaming session that felt reminiscent of a cinematic theater experience, further intensified by the enveloping and resonant audio quality.

CALL OF DUTY: MW3 ON A PROJECTOR GAMEPLAY

As mentioned earlier, Call of Duty: MW3 continues the storyline right after the events of Call of Duty: MW2 (2022). We're back with Captain Price and Task Force 141, facing off against the ultimate adversary, the ultranationalist Vladimir Makarov.

The utilization of a gaming projector and a large projector screen amplifies the benefits of the gaming experience as it magnifies the impact of the Open Combat Missions in Call of Duty: MW3. With a gaming projector, I was thrust into expansive, open environments where I gained heightened visibility of Weapons, Supply Boxes, Armor Plates, Vests, and various essential elements. This expansive view offered the freedom to seamlessly transition between stealthy maneuvers and full-throttle combat, creating a more immersive and strategic atmosphere. Moreover, the sheer scale of the projector screen accentuated the intensity of moments like charging head-on into danger, going all-out guns blazing, or in a vehicle, where players can keenly observe enemies attempting to dodge, providing a cinematic gaming adventure like no other.

Embarking on the Call of Duty: MW3 campaign is an exhilarating journey that thrusts players into the heart of a global conflict. Stepping into the roles of iconic characters like Captain Price, Farah Karim, Soap MacTavish, and even the "Bad Guys," the narrative unfolds with cinematic precision, creating an immersive storytelling experience. The campaign is a relentless rollercoaster of intense firefights, covert operations, and heart-stopping moments, with each mission delivering an adrenaline rush. Whether infiltrating enemy strongholds or engaging in epic battles, I faced a multitude of challenges, demanding split-second decisions and mastery of a wide array of weaponry for survival.

The game's visuals are nothing short of breathtaking, immersing gamers in meticulously crafted environments that span from urban warfare to desert landscapes. This compelling combination of a gripping storyline, unforgettable characters, and high-octane action culminates in the Call of Duty: MW3 campaign, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming experience.

In the realm of Call of Duty: MW3, the game comes packed with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for compatible devices. This cutting-edge technology extends the boundaries of color and brightness, transforming visuals into a vivid and lifelike spectacle. It's essential to note that HDR compatibility can vary depending on the gaming platform and projector you're using. However, when you're gaming with a projector equipped with an HDR gaming mode, like the BenQ X3000i, the difference is undeniable, allowing you to fully savor the advanced graphics of next-gen console games.

Now, let's explore the capabilities of the BenQ X3000i's HDR-PRO and Dynamic Black technology, particularly when you're immersed in games featuring intricate lighting designs. These features ensure that every visual element, from the brightest highlights to the subtlest shadows, is displayed with exceptional clarity and depth.

HDR-PRO's strength lies in its ability to replicate a wide spectrum of colors and luminance, resulting in visuals that exude vibrancy and vitality. When combined with Dynamic Black, the experience is taken to the next level as Dynamic Black finely adjusts brightness levels based on what's happening on the screen. This intelligent adaptation guarantees that scenes that might otherwise be shrouded in darkness come to life with sharp details.

What's truly impressive is how this integration seamlessly functions within the BenQ's SmartEco mode. By optimizing light power in this mode, the projector doesn't just save energy but also guarantees the highest image quality. Whether you're navigating through a dimly lit tunnel in Call of Duty: MW3 or uncovering the subtleties of a dramatic cinematic scene, this technology ensures you won't overlook the smallest of details concealed in the shadows. The result is a viewing experience that's both immersive and energy efficient.

The BenQ X3000i's impressive 8.33ms input lag in FHD (1920x1080) @120Hz was truly commendable, especially when applied to Call of Duty: MW3. This low lag competes well with many standard flat-panel TVs, guaranteeing a gameplay responsiveness that would satisfy most avid gamers, and certainly outclasses what a casual gamer might expect. Thanks to this brisk response time, I could skillfully navigate the intense battles and fast-paced action of Call of Duty: MW3 without any hindrance from a tardy or sluggish system.

Playing on a substantial projector screen, especially at the typical viewing distances, the advantages of FHD became abundantly clear. The heightened level of detail and image clarity it provides surpasses what HD can offer, resulting in visuals that are not just more vibrant but also astonishingly true-to-life. This level of refinement proves to be a game-changer for an immersive title like Call of Duty: MW3, cranking up the intensity and delivering an even greater dose of realism to the gaming experience.

The X3000i breaks the conventions of relatively small gaming projectors, offering an outstanding audio experience that's especially beneficial for Call of Duty: MW3. Equipped with finely tuned treVolo speakers and Bongiovi DPS technology, BenQ has succeeded in crafting an immersive auditory environment that surrounds you, ensuring that every nuance of the game's soundscape is vividly experienced.

While I've traditionally advocated for dedicated sound systems to enhance the gaming experience, the X3000i surprised me with its audio depth and clarity. Call of Duty: MW3, renowned for its intricate sound design and dynamic range settings, demands audio quality that can match its intensity. The subtle footsteps, gunshots, or the approach of aircraft all came through with crystal-clear precision, heightening my immersion in the game.

This showcases the strides made in projector technology, as the X3000i is capable of providing a visual and auditory experience that rivals more traditional setups. Whether you find yourself engrossed in a narrative moment or deep in the midst of an intense battle, the built-in audio system holds its own, delivering a sonic experience that adds an extra layer to an already outstanding game.

Within my current projector testing laboratory, I've established a robust audio configuration comprising Marantz components and Definitive Technology speakers. This audio setup not only serves the purpose of evaluating the performance of ARC/eARC HDMI ports on projectors but also offers an immersive auditory experience. While the X3000i's built-in treVolo audio delivered an enjoyable experience when playing Call of Duty: MW3, the game's audio truly excelled when routed through my high-end Marantz and Definitive Technology system, providing an unparalleled and hair-raising auditory sensation.

Much like my experience with Call of Duty: MW2, on both of my projector setups, the main character and NPCs, whether allies or adversaries, could range in size from 13 inches to a staggering 37 inches, contingent upon the scene's dynamics and their positions within it. This level of detail allows for unparalleled strategic planning when navigating the battlefield, especially when employing the Call of Duty: MW3 drone during the campaign playthrough.

Positioned at a distance of approximately 11 feet from my 100-inch (16:9) Elite Screens projector screen in my dedicated projector lab and 14 feet from the 110-inch (16:9) screen by Screen Innovations in my living room, the scaling was impeccably configured for a fully immersive Call of Duty: MW3 experience. Should you have the space to accommodate it, upgrading to a larger projector screen will further enhance the prominence of Call of Duty: MW3's characters, offering an unrivaled perspective vital for detecting adversaries, weapons, and those pesky claymores and proximity (Bouncing Betty) mines.

Playing Call of Duty: MW3 on a massive projector screen for co-op gaming offers several advantages. Firstly, the larger screen size allows for a more immersive and detailed gaming experience, making it easier to spot opponents and collaborate with your co-op partner. The increased visual real estate also reduces screen clutter, providing a clearer view of the action.

Furthermore, co-op gameplay often involves split-screen mode, where each player has their own portion of the screen. On a larger projector screen, this split-screen mode can be more comfortable and enjoyable, as each player's individual view is more spacious and provides better visibility.

A massive projector screen enhances the co-op gaming experience in Call of Duty: MW3 by offering greater immersion, improved visibility, and a more enjoyable split-screen experience.

CALL OF DUTY: MW3 ON A PROJECTOR CONCLUSION

Immersing yourself in the world of Call of Duty: MW3 on a massive projector screen is a game-changer, no doubt about it. Imagine having your characters towering over you, or settling for a regular-sized TV – the choice is clear, especially when playing a FPS game like MW3 where every visual detail matters. Try it out, and you'll soon find yourself agreeing with me. The intense gameplay will keep you captivated, sending shivers down your spine for hours on end.

But there's more to it than just grandeur. In Call of Duty: MW3, the ability to quickly spot and target your foes, as well as take advantage of your surroundings for cover, is crucial. The better you can see your enemies and the environment, the more effectively you can strategize. That's where a gaming projector and a large screen come into play. Not only does it enhance your gaming experience, but it also allows you to gather your friends and family for epic gaming sessions or enjoy MW3's split-screen multiplayer action on a huge scale.

Much like my experience with Call of Duty: MW2, I have to share this about Call of Duty: MW3: even if you're not typically a campaign player, don't miss out on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's campaign. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the incredible weapon handling, cinematic quality, and gripping storyline.

Now, it's time to power up that projector and dive into this cinematic journey of a lifetime. Squad up and get in the game!

As a dedicated gamer, I'm right there with you in our shared passion for playing amazing titles like Call of Duty: MW3, Armored Core 6, Baldur’s Gate 3, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Resident Evil 4, Destiny 2 – Lightfall, Hogwarts Legacy, and Forspoken. Your steadfast support and enthusiasm have been a driving force that keeps us exploring the world of gaming on projectors.

Here at Projector Reviews, we deeply appreciate your ongoing backing, and we want to assure you that we'll continue to share our gaming experiences and insights through our "Gaming On A Projector: Best Games To Play In 2023" articles. So, remember to check back regularly for the latest updates on the finest games to enjoy on a projector. We're thrilled to embark on these gaming adventures and share them with you, and there's one more game journey before we wrap up 2023. Let's keep diving into the immersive realm of gaming on projectors together and, most importantly, have a blast!