Call of Duty WWII is the latest instalment of the blockbuster franchise and it has gone back to its roots with a stunning game set in the European theatre of the Second World War.
The game’s storyline follows the progress of the allies from the unforgettable storming of the beach in Normandy and doing battle all the way to Paris and into Germany.
COD: WWII is a welcome return for players with the game going back to where it all started.
And Sledgehammer Games and Raven, the title’s publishers, have captured perfectly the gritty, boots on the ground battles with so much realism and emotion that you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
The Call of Duty franchise has become a monster hit but in recent years it has rolled out futuristic settings and stories that are filled with high tech weaponry and machinery.
With COD: WWII, all that gimmickry is gone and has been replaced by historically accurate locations and battles along with memorable characters.
The game’s creators even connected with World War II veterans to ensure they captured the same spirit and comradery from the front lines.
And they nailed it.
The characters are interesting and memorable and that’s helped by the fact the realism is greater than ever before.
You’d swear you’re watching a movie when you see the scenes unfold. We had to remind ourselves this was actually a game.
The game’s cast and voice actors are also impressive including Josh Duhamel as Sergeant William Pierson.
COD: WWII follows the story of Ronald “Red” Daniels – a member of the US 1st Infantry Division who also teams up with members of the British forces and the French Resistance.
The weaponry and locations are super accurate right from the opening frames where the soldiers pour onto the beach at Normandy under heavy fire.
It reminded us of Saving Private Ryan and gives the audience the same intense and realistic view of what took place on those bloodied shores.
Except we weren’t just watching the action, we were a part of it and it made it even more heart-pounding and life-like.
It’s a battle with historically accurate weapons so the enemy doesn’t have an unfair advantage. It’s all about courage and resilience, not technology.
Some players, who entered the Call of Duty universe in recent years, may find this a little frustrating without whiz-bang weapons and exo-skeletons that give them superhuman strength and allow them to leap over obstacles.
But COD purists will welcome the return to the historical setting – this is the real DNA of the franchise can be found.
The campaign follows a historically accurate path that is easy to follow without the twists, and turns and betrayals of the more recent versions.
Yet there are still plenty of surprises for players who take up arms on the ground, in jeeps and in tanks.
At one point, you even take control of an anti-aircraft gun trying to shoot down marauding German fighter planes.
One of the most popular features of any Call of Duty game is multiplayer and this time out there are even more ways to play online.
The new War Mode allows players to join the Allies or Axis forces and battle it out in team driven objective missions.
Players can also choose different paths for their multiplayer careers with Divisions.
Now you can choose to fight for either the Airborne Division, Mountain Division, Infantry Division, Armoured Division and the Expeditionary Division.
Each offers a different look, feel and characteristics to the games and this added choice means you will never tire of multiplayer.
With Headquarters, there is now also a social aspect of the game where players can connect with fans and friends.
And, yes, the zombies are also back as you battle the chilling and powerful Nazi Zombies.
VERDICT
Call of Duty: WWII is an excellent game and it returns to where it all began with an action-packed campaign and thrilling multiplayer with all the realism and none of the recent gimmickry. If you’re a true COD fan, you’re going to love this game.
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