Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Call of Duty 3’s core gameplay remains a solid representation of mid-2000s World War II shooters. The mission variety spans infantry assaults, vehicular combat, and tense sniper sequences, ensuring that each mission feels distinct. Whether you’re storming hedgerows in Normandy or providing covering fire as part of an advancing squad, the pacing strikes a satisfying balance between high-octane firefights and quieter, strategic moments.

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The controls are intuitive, with responsive aiming and smooth transitions between weapons. The cover system, while rudimentary by today’s standards, still enables players to duck behind obstacles and lean out for precision shots. Grenade throws and close-quarters engagements feel impactful, aided by a solid physics engine that ensures debris and enemy ragdoll animations enhance the sense of immersion.

The AI of both allies and enemies can be uneven at times—in specific sections you’ll find your squadmates advancing too predictably, while enemies occasionally stand in the open waiting to be gunned down. However, on higher difficulty settings, foes react more tactically, flanking and suppressing, which raises the stakes and rewards you for careful planning and effective use of cover.

As part of the Special Edition, the bonus disc doesn’t just pad out your shelf—it enriches your understanding of the missions you play. The “Making of Call of Duty 3” documentary illustrates the design choices that shaped key gameplay mechanics, from level layouts to weapon balancing. This behind-the-scenes insight can heighten appreciation for the campaign’s flow as you replay missions with fresh context.

Graphics

Upon its original release, Call of Duty 3 pushed consoles to their graphical limits, delivering detailed environments and dynamic lighting effects that bring the European theater to life. The texture work on trenches, buildings, and period-accurate weapons remains commendable, with grime, bullet holes, and smoke lending a visceral edge to every engagement.

The Special Edition’s re-release does not feature graphical upgrades, but the core engine still holds up surprisingly well on modern displays. If you remember the popcorn-like sparks when bullets strike metal, those small flourishes continue to impress, especially in darker interiors like bombed-out farmhouses or dimly lit bunkers.

Character models are expressive for their time—faces carry the grime of battle, and soldiers’ uniforms bear the wear and tear of prolonged combat. While you may notice jagged edges and less-detailed foliage compared to today’s titles, the overall visual package retains a strong sense of place and period authenticity.

Additionally, the included PS3 launch trailer on the bonus disc offers a nostalgic look at how Activision marketed next-gen visuals in the late 2000s. Watching that trailer side by side with the game itself underscores how ambitious the developers were in portraying smoke, fire, and large-scale setpieces within the constraints of the hardware.

Story

The narrative of Call of Duty 3 weaves together multiple Allied perspectives during the Normandy breakout and subsequent push through France. You step into the boots of American, British, Polish, and Canadian soldiers, each chapter highlighting different tactics and emotional stakes. This rotating viewpoint keeps the storyline fresh and personal, avoiding the single-protagonist trope.

Moments of quiet reflection punctuate the gunfights, as brief cutscenes show soldiers reading letters from home or consoling wounded comrades. These touches may feel understated, but they provide emotional context that elevates the campaign beyond a series of missions—you witness the human cost of each strategic victory.

The Special Edition’s “Inside the Normandy Breakout” interviews with real Allied veterans add powerful weight to the fictionalized events you play through. Hearing firsthand accounts of fear, camaraderie, and resolve not only honors their service but enriches the in-game narrative, transforming scripted dialogue into a tribute to real history.

While some dramatic moments, such as scripted explosions or last-man-standing sequences, can feel familiar to long-time shooter fans, the blend of diverse perspectives and genuine veteran testimonials creates a story that resonates. Veterans’ voices linger in your mind as you advance from one mission to the next, reinforcing the authenticity of the wartime experience.

Overall Experience

As a budget re-release in the Greatest Hits series, Call of Duty 3 (Special Edition) offers remarkable value. You’re not just buying the original campaign; you’re gaining a curated historical package that includes making-of footage, veteran interviews, and the era-defining PS3 launch trailer. For newcomers, it’s a convenient one-stop collection that showcases both gameplay and the real stories behind the battles.

The bonus disc elevates the purchase beyond the standard reissue. The “Making of Call of Duty 3” sits alongside veteran insights as a testament to the developers’ dedication and the soldiers’ sacrifices. Together these extras turn a familiar shooter into a modest documentary set, perfect for history buffs as well as action fans.

Of course, if you’ve already played Call of Duty 3 on its initial release, you won’t find revamped levels or modernized visuals here. That said, revisiting these missions—armed with knowledge from the bonus content—can feel like a new experience. It’s a reminder of how much this game contributed to the franchise’s evolution.

Ultimately, Call of Duty 3 (Special Edition) remains a solid addition to any World War II shooter collection. Its gameplay, story, and historical supplements strike a satisfying balance between entertainment and education. Whether you’re completing your CoD library or discovering Normandy combat for the first time, this budget re-release stands as an engaging, informative package that punches above its price point.

Retro Replay Score

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