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Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation is a culmination of Gameloft’s many dabblings into the FPS genre. There’s plenty of running and gunning to be had throughout the game’s 13 levels. Which is something new, actually. An honest-to-goodness sprint button has been added, allowing players to move between objectives at a much quicker pace. Sliding is also new, and can be accomplished by tapping the crouch button while sprinting. Handy for taking cover while under fire. Both of these new features are quite useful throughout the single-player campaign, but are even more vital when in the game’s online multiplayer mode.
Modern Combat 3 looks great, no question, but it’s the smaller details like animations and the occasional slow-motion kill shot that really draw the eye. But really, I think the reason I’ve enjoyed my time with the game so much is because it’s just so… enjoyable. The over-the-top set piece moments are surprisingly grand for a handheld device and the multiplayer, with its experience (and earned currency) driven weapon unlocks and customizations is excellent. Each match earns experience, with better performances netting more of the stuff, and new levels unlock the ability to purchase new weapons. These weapons, in-turn, can be upgraded and customized to fit a player’s preferences with a number of different attachments such as scopes and larger magazines. Similarly, items can be bought and equipped that bestow special abilities such as the ability to carry more ammo. It’s a shockingly robust myltiplayer offering, especially considering the platform. It’s a shame I’m so terrible at it.





There are a few issues that have cropped up, however. Of the three control schemes offered I’ve found the Classic setting to work best, but I sometimes find myself shooting when I don’t mean to or missing a button by a hair’s width and doing nothing. Usually resulting in death. Then there’s the checkpoint system. Sometimes it works great and doesn’t set me back too far. Other times I have to slog through a significant chunk of a level, only to finally reach my last point of failure to wind up kaput again. I’ve also noticed that enemies can shoot me with surprising precision through some very solid cover. I’m not talking about chest-high walls that the top of my head might be poking over, either. I’m talking about massive barriers that seem unable (or unwilling) to come between me and bullets.
Just about anyone who’s interested has probably already purchased Modern Combat 3. It’s kind of a little popular. For everyone else who might be thinking about it, and is a fan of first-person shooters of course, I’d say it’s definitely worth playing despite its flaws. Many of which can easily be overlooked. The entry fee might seem a little steep, but there’s plenty of great gaming that comes with that $7.