Another good title, but it just feels like it's missing something...
Activision created the first great FPS on the 360 and tries to follow up with Call of Duty 3, which is also released on several other systems.
Graphics:
Just like COD2, the graphics are top notch. The player models looks and act great with some fantastic animations. The lighting effects are also great, and it's some of the small things that really make the game stand out(large structures, individual blades of grass, dirt/explosion effects, etc.).
Gameplay:
Again, top notch. Nothing really new here over the previous title, as the aiming system is identical. You'll spend lots of time finding cover and hiding as your life recharges, and I'm happy to say that the grenade danger indicator has returned, and it's used just as much as last time. AI is still great, and they react very similar to how you would(finding cover, trying to flank, etc.)
Sound:
The sound department is by far the biggest improvement over COD2. Not that the sound was bad the last time around, but you really feel like you're in a war with the new effects. The explosions have a better crisp, and the weapons actually feel better to control with the new sounds. I was very impressed that some of the guns from the last great war that were noted for their unreliability actually do feel and sound rickety in COD3. Very nice.
Value:
Nothing really new to offer here. The campaign won't keep you busy for very long, and the multiplayer can feel kind of unorganized at times, but can still be fun. Overall the replay value is also relatively low.
Fun Factor/Tilt:
The campaign is fun and if you liked the controls in COD2, you'll be happy as not much has changed, but the game really doesn't give you much to strive for after beating it. Multiplayer is fun, but it's lacking some serious organization that keeps it from going over the top.
Bottom Line:
A fun game, yes; but not enough has changed from the last title to really give this one a push in the ratings. The campaign just feels so thrown together as far as the story goes, and you never really keep track of who you're playing as or for, which is a big problem over the previous offering. It just needed something new to be as great as it could have been.