Call of Duty 3 has finally become playable as a native PC release nearly 20 years after its original launch, thanks to a community project that recompiles the Xbox 360 version for modern computers.
The unofficial project, called CoD3Recomp, converts the Xbox 360 game's PowerPC code into C++ before compiling it into a native 64 bit PC executable. This differs from conventional emulation because the game code is translated to run directly on PC hardware.
Call of Duty 3 originally launched in 2006 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and several older consoles, but Activision never released an official PC version.
Native PC Port Adds Modern Graphics and Control Options
The project replaces the original Xbox 360 graphics pipeline with a Direct3D 11 renderer. Its shaders are also translated into HLSL for modern Windows systems.
Players gain access to a range of graphics and control options that were not available in the original console release.
| Feature | CoD3Recomp support |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 4K |
| Frame rate | Unlocked during gameplay |
| Field of view | Adjustable from 65 to 100 degrees |
| Anti aliasing | MSAA and FXAA |
| Anisotropic filtering | Supported |
| Keyboard and mouse | Supported |
| Raw mouse input | Supported |
| Custom key bindings | Supported |
| Vertical sync | Supported |
| Campaign levels | All 15 playable |
Additional settings include texture quality, model detail and rendering scale.
The port also includes an in game settings menu that can be opened with F11.
Version 0.4.0 Removes the Original 60 FPS Limit
The latest version, 0.4.0, removes the original gameplay limit of 60 FPS.
According to performance figures reported by the developer, one forest level runs at roughly 95 to 108 FPS at 1080p without MSAA.
Two experimental rendering optimizations can reportedly increase performance to around 180 FPS in the same scene.
These numbers come from the developer rather than independent testing, so performance will likely vary depending on hardware and game area.
Menus remain capped at 60 FPS, while video playback continues to operate at 30 FPS.
All 15 Campaign Levels Are Now Playable
CoD3Recomp has reached the point where the entire Call of Duty 3 campaign can be played.
All 15 levels are supported, along with mission transitions, checkpoints, cutscenes, audio and saved games.
The project also includes a command console with options such as god mode and noclip.
Development work has addressed several graphical problems found in earlier builds, including incorrect lighting, shadow artifacts and flickering textures.
Some issues remain in version 0.4.0, including visual glitches and problems with certain console commands.
Players Need Their Own Xbox 360 Game Copy
The project does not distribute copyrighted Call of Duty 3 game assets.
Players need to provide their own compatible Xbox 360 game image before using the port. The installer currently supports both the US and European versions of the game.
That approach allows the project to provide the recompilation tools and supporting code without bundling Activision's original game files.
Call of Duty 3 joins a growing number of older console games receiving unofficial native PC versions through recompilation projects.
For this particular game, the project fills a notable gap in the series by giving PC players access to a title that officially remained limited to consoles for almost two decades, while also adding modern resolution, control and frame rate options.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.