By Dean Moses
Game: Call of Duty: Vanguard
Platform: Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $69.99
Developer Sledgehammer Games has released their latest title in its first-person series Call of Duty: Vanguard. This blockbuster franchise may have become a yearly franchise, but it is only the second game in the series to be released for the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, following Call of Duty: Cold War. Taking place in a wide variety of locals through the theater of World War II, players can airdrop over France, battle over the pacific, and more.
Single Player
First person shooter war games have become some of the top sellers in the market, but titles have used the historic World War II as the basis for titles since the medium came into existence, so how does Call of Duty keep the concept fresh? With an immersive and character driven campaign mode that sees gamers enthralled by the stories of several characters throughout the conflict, players are thrust into the boots of a fictional squad of soldiers hailing from multiple allied countries, each with their own unique abilities.
From commanding troops with one character to luring sniper fire with the glint of a dagger with another, the game attempts to introduce new mechanics throughout the experience. Complemented with stunning graphics and voice acting that brings the battle to life, the game also showcases a sweeping narrative that will have many hooked until the end credits.
Multiplayer
Since the game launched on September 10th, there are over 20 multiplayer maps, each expansive and rich with detail. Explosions have your characters scrambling through a fog of smoke all while you are trying to complete tasks like domination, search and destroy, kill confirmed, team death match, free-for-all, and other options.
Set during the 1940s, and the choice of weapons clearly reflects that with mustard gas, hand grenades, and infantry rifles. There is also a special move you can earn after making 10 kills in a row, allowing you to call attack dogs. Weapons are also fully customizable and can be enhanced with new paint jobs and add-ons, such as scopes and larger magazines when players level up.
Not only that, the title also sees the return of the zombie mode which pits players against an army of undead monsters.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Vanguard will satisfy fans of the series and World War II historians, while also keeping players busy after the story comes to an end with its online multiplayer mode.
