Welcome to World War II with a modern twist! No, not like that eSports tournament with bots, but an actual dramatic narrative jam-packed with heroic deeds and explosive action. Call of Duty: Vanguard is back, and this time, it promises a riveting experience that could rival even the most intense war movies. Well, at least that’s what they told us in the trailers.
In Vanguard, we go full throttle with our epic campaign which plays out as a series of flashbacks from 1941 to 1945. The gameplay features mechanics reminiscent of other recent titles in the franchise, including tactical interaction with the environment—like vaulting over walls and blind-firing from behind furniture. However, don't expect to write home to mom about the plot; it resembles a one-liner from a cheesy action flick. The multiplayer introduces a fresh mode called 'Champion Hill', which is like a food fight but with guns, where teams duke it out until one is left standing. Luckily, you can play cross-platform, so invite all those unfortunate souls stuck on older consoles.
Visually, Vanguard is a stunner, harnessing the power of the IW 8.0 engine! That's right, the same engine that’s made our eyes pop in previous titles. From the vibrant colors of the Pacific islands to the grim, war-torn streets of Europe, the game makes sure that each bullet sung its own tune. You’ll witness graphics improving so much that you'll wonder if you accidentally swapped your controller for a 1990s dial-up modem—everything is crisp, clean, and ready for a spectacular display of mayhem.
Call of Duty: Vanguard shines in the graphical department and delivers solid multiplayer gameplay, but if you chew the fat, the campaign and Zombies mode leave a bit to be desired. It's a little like having a great burger with soggy fries on the side—sure, it's satisfying, but you'd believe the hype only if you’re willing to ignore the weaknesses. Ultimately, it’s an entertaining entry in the franchise, so if you're looking for some fast-paced action to blast through with friends, grab your pals and dive in. Just don’t expect World War II history lessons—it’s 100% bullets over breakdown.