Call of Duty: WWII

Realistic graphics .... Story.... Castings .. everything well done by the provider...

'Call Of Duty: WWII (2017)' is basically a blockbuster, a Michael Bay movie in video-game form. Almost every level contains a preposterously destructive set-piece and an absurd amount of gunfire, with the overall narrative generically playing into the typical war-time themes of 'brotherhood' and 'sacrifice'. There are moments in which the thing attempts to convey the horrors of war, but it typically just uses its setting as an excuse for its action (which is borderline problematic but so ingrained in pop culture that it's not really worth exploring here). A lot of this action is told via in-game cut-scenes and quick-time events, which wrench control away from you far too often than you'd like. It's essentially a corridor shooter in which you move from tightly defined checkpoint to tightly defined checkpoint, taking out enemies along the way and performing contextual actions when required. None of this means that the game isn't a lot of fun, though. First off, it looks fantastic. Its in-game graphics are almost as good as its pre-rendered stuff, realistically portraying its skirmishes and soldiers right the way through. Those soldiers are portrayed by a variety of actors, a few of whom are properly famous. They feel remarkably consistent across the predefined cut-scenes and in-the-moment gameplay, without a noticeable 'actor to AI' transition. They also add a lot to the story, which is trope-laden and, frankly, a little mundane. It does the job, though, and provokes more of an emotional response than previous entries in the 'Call Of Duty' series (just don't expect 'The Last Of Us (2013)'). Secondly, the gameplay is tight and refined. The shooting feels satisfying and there's plenty of it. Each level sees you take on foes in a new location as you push further into Nazi-occupied Germany. Occasionally, the gameplay shifts for a set-piece or two. For example, there's a segment in a tank and a segment in a plane. The best of these, however, is a portion in which you take on the role of an undercover spy and must recall details of your cover story to progress undetected. This takes place in what's probably the game's best level and it adds a much needed layer of tension to proceedings. Having said that, the firefights can be quite tense, too. That's especially true on veteran difficulty, which will see you picking your shots from a well-picked hiding spot and relying on your AI buddies' abilities for health kits and ammo. In the end, the campaign is a lot of fun. It isn't revolutionary and it isn't exactly deep, but it does its job and does it well enough to be worth playing. The multiplayer takes a cue from 'Battlefield 1 (2016)', with larger map and multi-phase modes. I haven't played enough of it to give a comprehensive overview but it's enjoyable and fast-paced. If you typically like the series' multiplayer, you'll like this. The same is true of the zombies mode, which provides an interesting and aesthetically unique challenge. Again, though, I haven't played enough of it to fully understand its nuances. This review is mainly concerning the campaign, which I've finished on veteran. To me, it's surprisingly enjoyable. It's not perfect and it won't change your life, but it's entertaining and well-produced throughout. 8/10

Call of Duty: WW2 - A Visually Stunning Yet Familiar Journey

Call of Duty: WW2 is a nostalgic return to the series' roots, offering a visually stunning experience with an engaging narrative set in the grim reality of World War II. Developed by Sledgehammer Games, this installment brings the war to life with remarkable graphics and incredibly realistic cinematics that are among the best in the series.

Graphics and Cinematics

The visuals are impressive for their time, with detailed environments and character models that truly immerse you in the era. The cinematics, in particular, are astonishingly realistic, pulling you deeper into the narrative with each cutscene. However, some of the action sequences, like the constant near-death escapes and over-the-top rolling from explosions, can feel a bit exaggerated and detract from the overall realism.

The story follows Ronald "Red" Daniels and his squad-Pierson, Zussman, Stiles, Turner-through iconic battles of the Second World War. The narrative is well-paced, becoming increasingly engaging as you progress. While the plot sticks to the expected themes of sacrifice and brotherhood, it's executed well enough to remain compelling throughout. The voice acting and character development are solid, making you care about the team's fate.

Gameplay and Sound Design

The sound design, including the music and effects, is sufficient to complement the action and atmosphere. The gunplay, however, feels a bit lacking, especially for players accustomed to the more realistic weapon handling in games like Battlefield. The weapons in WW2 retain the classic Call of Duty feel, which can sometimes feel less immersive and more arcade-like. Despite this, the campaign offers a satisfying length, although some frustrating moments-like sudden rocket deaths-might test your patience.

Innovative Mission Design

In contrast to the typical "run and gun" gameplay, WW2 frequently mixes things up with varied mission designs. From stealth operations to large-scale assaults, each mission feels distinct, ensuring that the campaign never becomes monotonous. This variety not only keeps the gameplay fresh but also reinforces the narrative's focus on the different facets of war, from strategic planning to chaotic front-line combat. However, not all the variety works perfectly-the tank gameplay, for instance, feels unnecessarily challenging. The controls are cumbersome, and the experience can be frustratingly difficult, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the mission.

A Satisfying Conclusion

The journey through Call of Duty: WW2 culminates in a powerful and fitting conclusion. The ending ties together the emotional and narrative threads in a way that feels both satisfying and reflective of the game's themes. It leaves a lasting impression, providing a sense of closure that is both impactful and memorable.

Final Thoughts

Call of Duty: WW2 is more than just a shooter-it's a sobering reminder of the cost of war. By intertwining intense action with a narrative that doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of history, it offers a compelling and, at times, unsettling look at World War II. For those seeking a game that balances entertainment with a thoughtful exploration of its subject matter, this installment is a must-play.

It so fun and feel like you in the movie like band of brothers one of my favorite documentaries it fun I definitely recommend it.

I love everything about World War 2, of its movies, mini series or video games, it was the best, the story telling, the characters, the acting, the graphics, everything was great! My only regret and the fact that I'm giving it a 9, is that it's too short!! I wanted moreeee!

I've played it twice now (on easy and hard) gonna play it again soon on Veteran.