Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Call of Duty: WWII for the PlayStation 4 marks a return to the franchise's roots with a World War II setting, after several years of futuristic warfare. The game was developed by Sledgehammer Games and released in November 2017. Heres a breakdown of its key elements:
Story and Setting:
The campaign takes players through the eyes of Private Ronald "Red" Daniels, an American soldier in the 1st Infantry Division during the European theater of WWII. The story is gripping, focusing on the gritty, human side of war and the bond between soldiers. Players fight their way through iconic battles such as the D-Day landing on Normandy Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. Its a more personal, emotionally charged narrative compared to the previous Call of Duty entries, providing a real sense of the horrors and sacrifices of war.
Gameplay:
Call of Duty: WWII sticks closely to the formula established by earlier games in the series, with a few changes to make it feel fresh:
- Boots on the Ground Combat: The game returns to traditional, non-boosted movement, emphasizing classic shooting mechanics and slower, more methodical combat.
- Squad-based Mechanics: A standout feature in the campaign is the "Squad" system, where soldiers help with ammo, health packs, and grenades, adding an extra layer of strategy.
- Tactical Gameplay: The game introduces a limited amount of ammo, meaning players need to rely on their squad members for supplies, encouraging careful planning and decision-making.
Multiplayer:
The multiplayer mode takes players to classic WWII-era settings, offering a variety of maps and modes. One notable addition is the War Mode, where players can take on specific missions in a story-driven, objective-based mode, such as escorting a tank or holding a position. The usual competitive modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy are also included, offering the classic Call of Duty experience.
The progression system is also enhanced, with customization options for weapons, soldiers, and divisions. The Create-a-Class system is familiar, but the addition of Divisions brings a new layer to team tactics, allowing players to specialize in different combat styles (such as infantry, airborne, or armored divisions).
Zombies:
The Zombies mode in Call of Duty: WWII takes a darker, more atmospheric approach than in previous installments, set in an alternate-history version of Nazi-occupied Europe. The story centers around the discovery of a mysterious Nazi experiment that brings the dead back to life. The mode is both terrifying and fun, with cooperative gameplay that involves surviving waves of zombies while solving puzzles and upgrading weapons. It's a rich, immersive experience for those who enjoy a blend of horror and action.
Graphics and Sound:
On the PS4, Call of Duty: WWII impresses with its realistic graphics, from the detailed environments to the facial animations of the characters. The war-torn landscapes, crumbling buildings, and vibrant battlefields all look fantastic. The sound design, including the explosions, gunfire, and ambient noises, does a great job of immersing the player in the WWII atmosphere.
Overall:
Call of Duty: WWII offers a solid, nostalgic return to the series' roots, focusing on historical realism, personal storytelling, and engaging multiplayer modes. The single-player campaign is emotionally resonant and offers a more grounded experience compared to some of the more over-the-top recent entries. The multiplayer and Zombies modes offer plenty of content to keep players engaged long after the campaign ends. For fans of WWII shooters or anyone looking for a break from futuristic warfare, Call of Duty: WWII delivers a satisfying and immersive experience.
Pros:
- Engaging campaign with emotional depth
- Authentic WWII setting and atmosphere
- War Mode adds fresh tactical gameplay
- Zombies mode is atmospheric and fun
- Solid visuals and sound design
Cons:
- Somewhat predictable story beats
- Multiplayer modes can feel grindy at times
- Limited progression system compared to future titles in the series
