Call of Duty: Vanguard

Pros

• Engaging WWII-narrative with new characters
• Large selection of multiplayer maps
• Innovative Champion Hill mode
• Seamless integration with COD: Warzone
• Classic Zombies mode included

Cons

• Occasional spawning issues in multiplayer
• Life-preservation mechanics may lead to passive playstyles

A Fresh Take on World War II – Call of Duty: Vanguard Review

Call of Duty: Vanguard, developed by Sledgehammer Games, marks the eighteenth installment in the storied Call of Duty (COD) series. This iteration anchors the franchise once again in the tumultuous period of World War II. However, Vanguard breaks new ground by weaving a unique storyline and introducing fresh gameplay elements while paying homage to the classic COD formula.

Storyline and Characters

Vanguard diverges from its predecessors by presenting a narrative centered around the origins of the special forces units. Unlike Call of Duty: WWII, Vanguard offers an ensemble of new characters and scenarios. Players are transported to pivotal battles across a variety of theaters, from the sands of North Africa to the harsh Eastern fronts, to the expansive Pacific, immersing fandom in a global warfront.

Multiplayer Experience

Central to the Vanguard experience is its ambitious multiplayer offering. On launch, the game boasted an impressive lineup of 20 maps, with 16 tailored for traditional gameplay and four dedicated to the inventive Champion Hill mode. Champion Hill pits squads in survival battles that evoke the tension and strategy reminiscent of Battle Royale mechanics—blended with the heart-pounding combat COD fans crave.

Champion Hill Mode

Champion Hill is where Vanguard truly experiments, combining elements from past COD titles and other popular games to create something that feels both familiar and innovative. This multiplayer mode encourages a different tactical approach, focusing on the preservation of lives and strategic combat. It's a thrilling addition, though some may find the emphasis on survival can occasionally lead to overly cautious gameplay.

Integration with COD: Warzone

For those deeply entrenched in the COD ecosystem, Vanguard's integration with COD: Warzone is a boon. Progression, weapons, operators, and cosmetics are all transferrable, cultivating a shared experience that enriches the player's engagement across the Call of Duty platform.

Zombies Mode

The undead refuse to rest in Vanguard, as it continues the Zombies mode spawned in Black Ops Cold War Story. This co-op experience is as robust as ever, offering a horror-inflected diversion from the main multiplayer modes.

Performance and Mechanics

In the heat of combat, Vanguard performs admirably, with solid mechanics that build upon the innovations of Modern Warfare. Nevertheless, some maps do suffer from spawning issues, which can interrupt the flow of gameplay and slightly mar the overall polish. Furthermore, the new life-preservation mechanics in smaller battles such as 2v2 can sometimes incentivize a more passive playstyle, leading to occasional frustrations with camping.

Final Verdict

Call of Duty: Vanguard is an ambitious addition to the series that stands on its own merits. Despite returning to a well-trodden era, its unique narrative, a vast array of maps, and new game modes—and especially the integration with Warzone—ensure that it delivers an engaging and diverse experience for both veterans and new recruits. Some of the multiplayer mechanics and spawning issues somewhat affect the fluidity, but the 'fun factor' that has been synonymous with the series remains intact.

Pros

• Engaging WWII-narrative with new characters
• Large selection of multiplayer maps
• Innovative Champion Hill mode
• Seamless integration with COD: Warzone
• Classic Zombies mode included

Cons

• Occasional spawning issues in multiplayer
• Life-preservation mechanics may lead to passive playstyles