Call of Duty: Vanguard Score – A Deep Dive into the WWII Setting and Critical Reception

Introduction

Call of Duty: Vanguard, developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision, is the latest installment in the long-running Call of Duty franchise. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Vanguard attempts to revitalize the classic WWII shooter experience while introducing modern gameplay mechanics. The game’s critical reception has been mixed, with praise for its campaign narrative and multiplayer innovations but criticism for its lack of originality in the WWII FPS genre.

This article explores Call of Duty: Vanguard’s setting, gameplay mechanics, and overall reception, analyzing how it compares to previous Call of Duty WWII games and whether it successfully captures the essence of historical warfare while appealing to modern gamers.

The WWII Setting – A Return to Roots

Call of Duty: Vanguard takes players back to the battlefields of World War II, a familiar yet ever-evolving setting for the franchise. Unlike Call of Duty: WWII (2017), which focused primarily on the Western Front, Vanguard expands its scope to include lesser-known theaters of war, such as the Eastern Front, the Pacific, and North Africa.

1. Campaign Narrative & Historical Authenticity

The single-player campaign follows an elite multinational task force known as Operation Phoenix, featuring characters from different Allied nations. Each protagonist has a unique backstory, adding depth to the WWII shooter experience. For example:

• Arthur Kingsley (British SAS) leads the squad, offering tactical leadership.
• Polina Petrova (Soviet sniper) delivers intense stealth missions reminiscent of Enemy at the Gates.
• Lucas Riggs (Australian demolitions expert) provides explosive action in the Pacific.
• Wade Jackson (American pilot) introduces aerial combat sequences.

While the campaign is fictional, it incorporates real-world events like the Battle of Stalingrad and the attack on Pearl Harbor. However, some critics argue that Vanguard’s WWII FPS campaign leans too heavily into Hollywood-style action rather than historical accuracy, a common critique of modern Call of Duty titles.

2. Multiplayer Maps & WWII Atmosphere

The multiplayer mode features 16 maps at launch, with locations ranging from the ruins of Berlin to the beaches of the Pacific. Maps like Dome (a remake from Call of Duty: World at War) and Gavutu (a tropical island battleground) provide varied combat scenarios.

The WWII-era weapons—such as the STG44, MP40, and M1 Garand—feel authentic, though some players have noted that the fast-paced gameplay sometimes overshadows the historical immersion.

Gameplay Mechanics – Modern Twists on Classic Warfare

Call of Duty: Vanguard introduces several new features to the franchise while retaining core CoD mechanics.

1. Combat Pacing & Tactical Play

One of the most significant additions is Combat Pacing, which allows players to choose between three match styles:

• Tactical (6v6, slower gameplay)
• Assault (10v10, balanced pacing)
• Blitz (16v16, chaotic action)

This system caters to different playstyles, making Vanguard’s multiplayer more customizable than previous WWII shooters.

2. Gunsmith & Weapon Customization

The Gunsmith system returns with even deeper customization, allowing players to modify WWII-era guns with attachments that slightly bend historical accuracy (e.g., optical scopes on bolt-action rifles). While purists may dislike this, it enhances replayability for competitive players.

3. Zombies Mode – A Dark Aether Continuation

Vanguard’s Zombies mode, developed by Treyarch, ties into the Dark Aether storyline from Black Ops Cold War. While the mode introduces new mechanics like Sacrificial Hearts and Covenant Upgrades, some fans feel it lacks the depth of previous CoD Zombies experiences.

Critical Reception – Praise and Backlash

1. Positive Feedback

• Engaging Campaign: Critics praised the character-driven storytelling and varied mission design.
• Polished Multiplayer: The gunplay is smooth, and the new Combat Pacing system adds flexibility.
• Stunning Visuals: The game leverages the Call of Duty engine for impressive graphics and destructible environments.

2. Criticisms & Controversies

• Lack of Innovation: Some reviewers argued that Vanguard feels too similar to Modern Warfare (2019) in gameplay, despite the WWII setting.
• Short Campaign: At around 5-6 hours, the story mode is shorter than some expected.
• SBMM Debate: Skill-based matchmaking remains a contentious topic in multiplayer.

3. Sales & Player Retention

Despite mixed reviews, Call of Duty: Vanguard sold well at launch, though player retention dropped faster than Warzone or Modern Warfare. The integration with Warzone Pacific helped maintain some interest, but many players returned to older CoD titles or competitors like Battlefield 2042.

Conclusion – Does Call of Duty: Vanguard Stand Out?

Call of Duty: Vanguard delivers a solid WWII FPS experience with a strong campaign, refined multiplayer, and decent Zombies content. However, its reliance on familiar mechanics and lack of groundbreaking innovation prevent it from standing out among the best Call of Duty WWII games.

For fans of historical shooters, Vanguard offers enough content to enjoy, but it may not convert those tired of the WWII setting. As the franchise moves forward, the challenge will be balancing nostalgia with fresh ideas to keep the Call of Duty formula exciting.

Would you like to see another WWII Call of Duty game, or should the series explore new eras? Let us know in the comments!

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