The game features the very similar first-person shooter gameplay found in its predecessors. However, the lower screen status display has been updated with new functions including the ability to draw a knife without first moving into melee range of an opponent.
The game offers three different single player modes, including Campaign, Quick Play, and Challenge Mode. Campaign mode features a storyline (found below). It has 14 different missions and 3 different game modes, Recruit, Regular, and Hardened. Quick Play is a mode where you can play each individual mission in any order you choose. You will have to complete the campaign to unlock all of the missions. Quick Play also features the same three difficulties. Challenge Mode consists of 10 missions and each have a goal, such as “Get 15 kills with 75% accuracy,” as from Challenge 08. It does not have a difficulty selection as the challenges get harder as you progress.
The game also has two Multiplayer modes, Local MP and Online Multiplayer. Local MP is a mode where you can play against other people in your general area, and up to 6 people can join in one game. The modes are Death Match, Team Death Match, Sabotage, Gun Game, Sharpshooter, and One in the Chamber. You will play as either Russian Soldier or US Marine in any games with teams. In Online Multiplayer (which you can no longer play due to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection shutting down) you can play any of the modes listed above. It was essentially the same thing as Local MP, except over internet connection.
In MP Barracks you can do two things, edit Macros or edit Loadouts. Macros are map setups that are saved to the cartridge which include the map, time limit, score limit, etc. that you can use in Local MP. Loadouts, which would use in Local MP and Online Multiplayer, consist of your primary weapon, secondary weapon, grenade, perk 1, perk 2, and your title.