Released in November 2017, Call of Duty: WWII marked a significant return to the series’ origins, bringing players back to the brutal and iconic battlefields of the Second World War. Developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision, this installment sought to recapture the gritty, visceral experience that defined the earliest Call of Duty titles, moving away from the futuristic settings that had dominated the franchise in recent years.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the story, gameplay mechanics, multiplayer experience, War mode, campaign themes, and the impact Call of Duty: WWII had on the series and its fans.
A Return to Historical Warfare
After several entries in the franchise that explored advanced technology and futuristic combat, Call of Duty: WWII returned to the gritty reality of the 1940s. The game focuses primarily on the European theater of World War II, highlighting the courage, sacrifice, and harsh conditions faced by soldiers fighting in one of history’s deadliest conflicts.
The return to WWII was welcomed by many fans who appreciated the authenticity and emotional weight that historical settings bring, in contrast to the often speculative sci-fi narratives of recent years.
Campaign: A Personal Story of Brotherhood and Sacrifice
The single-player campaign in Call of Duty: WWII is a cinematic and emotional journey that follows the story of Ronald “Red” Daniels, a young private in the 1st Infantry Division, also known as the “Big Red One.” The narrative begins on D-Day, June 6, 1944, one of the most famous and pivotal moments in the war, with Daniels and his squad landing on the beaches of Normandy.
Character-Driven Narrative
Unlike many previous Call of Duty campaigns, WWII focuses heavily on the bonds between soldiers and the personal struggles faced by those on the front lines. Daniels is not just a soldier; he is a human being facing fear, loss, and the horrors of war alongside his comrades.
Players experience the camaraderie, the weight of leadership, and the emotional toll of combat through well-developed characters, including Daniels’ squadmates and commanding officers. The game portrays the soldiers’ humanity, their hopes, fears, and sometimes their failures.
Realistic and Immersive Missions
The campaign features iconic battles across France, Belgium, and Germany, including the brutal fight through the bocage countryside and the intense urban warfare during the Battle of the Bulge.
Gameplay emphasizes realistic combat scenarios, with missions that include infantry assaults, stealth sections, tank battles, and even sniper sequences. The design encourages tactical thinking, teamwork, and adapting to rapidly changing battlefield conditions.
Emotional and Harrowing Moments
Call of Duty: WWII does not shy away from the darker aspects of war. The campaign includes powerful moments depicting the horrors of the Holocaust and the devastating human cost of the conflict. These scenes add gravity to the narrative, reminding players that the game is more than just action; it is a tribute to the real sacrifices made.
Gameplay Mechanics: Classic Shooters Reimagined
While the game embraces the traditional setting, it also incorporates modern gameplay enhancements to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
Authentic Weapons and Loadouts
WWII features a wide array of historically accurate weapons from the era, including the M1 Garand, Thompson submachine gun, BAR, and iconic German firearms like the MP40 and Kar98k.
Players can customize their loadouts with attachments and perks that reflect realistic combat tactics of the time, such as weapon optics, extended magazines, and faster reloads. The weapon handling feels weighty and impactful, emphasizing precision and timing over rapid-fire.
Tactical Movement and Cover System
Movement in the campaign encourages tactical use of cover and positioning. While the game retains the fast-paced nature expected from Call of Duty, it also rewards players who use stealth, flank enemies, and coordinate with AI squadmates.
The inclusion of a cover system allows players to lean and peek around corners, making firefights feel more intense and strategic.
Divisions System
A new gameplay feature introduced in WWII is the Divisions system, which replaces the traditional create-a-class setup. Players choose from five divisions—such as Infantry, Airborne, or Mountain—each with unique abilities, weapons, and tactical perks.
This system adds depth to combat and personalization, allowing players to adopt different roles on the battlefield, whether it’s a sniper, grenadier, or assault specialist.
Multiplayer: Fast, Competitive, and Strategic
Multiplayer in Call of Duty: WWII offers a robust competitive experience that honors the franchise’s roots while adding new strategic layers.
Classic and New Modes
Multiplayer features fan-favorite modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Hardpoint, along with new additions like Headquarters, where players fight to capture and hold a strategic point for resources.
The maps are designed around World War II environments, including war-torn cities, snowy forests, and rugged coastlines, each with unique tactical considerations.
Divisions and Progression
The Divisions system extends into multiplayer, providing class-based gameplay with specific strengths and weaknesses. Players level up their chosen division, unlocking new weapons, equipment, and perks, creating a rewarding progression loop.
Focus on Team Play
Multiplayer encourages teamwork through objectives that require coordination, such as capturing flags or defending headquarters. Communication and strategy are vital, rewarding players who support their teammates and work cohesively.
War Mode: A New Cooperative Experience
One of Call of Duty: WWII’s most praised additions is the War mode, a cooperative multiplayer experience that puts players into objective-based battles that simulate large-scale World War II operations.
Narrative-Driven Missions
War mode missions are inspired by real historical campaigns and consist of multiple objectives that the team must complete under pressure. Objectives vary from destroying tanks, escorting convoys, to capturing key locations.
The mode emphasizes teamwork and coordination, with players working together to overcome enemy resistance and achieve victory.
Immersive and Dynamic Battles
War mode features dynamic elements like airstrikes, artillery barrages, and destructible environments, creating a cinematic and intense battlefield atmosphere. The pacing encourages a blend of tactical planning and adrenaline-fueled action.
Zombies Mode: A Dark and Thrilling Alternate Reality
Continuing the tradition of Treyarch-developed Zombies experiences, WWII introduces “The Nazi Zombies” mode, which combines horror, survival, and cooperative gameplay.
A Dark Storyline
Set in a mysterious Nazi research facility, the Zombies mode features a gripping narrative that unfolds as players survive wave after wave of undead enemies. The mode blends supernatural elements with sci-fi horror, adding a unique twist to the otherwise historical setting.
Cooperative Survival
Zombies mode is designed for cooperative play, challenging teams of up to four players to manage resources, unlock new areas, and fend off increasingly difficult waves of enemies.
The mode includes puzzles, hidden secrets, and a deep progression system with weapon upgrades, perks, and special abilities.
Visuals and Audio: Bringing History to Life
Call of Duty: WWII leverages the power of modern consoles and PCs to deliver stunning visuals that capture the look and feel of World War II. From the muddy beaches of Normandy to the snow-covered forests of the Ardennes, the game’s environments are richly detailed and immersive.
The sound design is equally impressive, with authentic weapon sounds, impactful explosions, and a stirring orchestral soundtrack that enhances the emotional weight of the campaign.
Reception and Legacy
Call of Duty: WWII received generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike, praised for its authentic portrayal of the era, emotional storytelling, and engaging multiplayer.
Praise
Many appreciated the return to the series’ roots and the realistic depiction of soldiers’ experiences. The campaign was lauded for its character development and cinematic quality, while multiplayer and War mode were praised for their balance and depth.
Criticism
Some criticism focused on technical issues and a perceived lack of innovation in certain gameplay areas. However, the overall reception highlighted that WWII successfully revitalized the franchise with a fresh yet familiar experience.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: WWII stands as a powerful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the Second World War. By returning to a historical setting and focusing on emotional storytelling, Sledgehammer Games created a compelling shooter that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.
Whether you’re drawn to its gripping campaign, strategic multiplayer, cooperative War mode, or the eerie thrills of Zombies, Call of Duty: WWII offers a comprehensive and immersive journey through one of history’s defining conflicts.
If you’re a fan of historical shooters or want to experience the raw intensity of World War II combat, Call of Duty: WWII remains a must-play title that honors the legacy of the past while delivering engaging gameplay for today’s players.
