Call of Duty: Vanguard

67%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,044 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Call of Duty: Vanguard Game Cover
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Call of Duty: Vanguard is a WWII first-person shooter where players experience combat across multiple fronts. The game includes a single-player campaign, expansive multiplayer offering with over 20 maps, and a new Zombies experience. It features cross-progression and cross-generation play for continued gameplay.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Web Browser
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

67%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,044 reviews
story80 positive mentions
stability10 negative mentions
  • The campaign offers a fun and engaging experience with a mix of characters and settings from WWII.
  • The multiplayer mode features diverse maps and satisfying gunplay, making it enjoyable for players.
  • The graphics and sound design are impressive, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
  • The campaign is relatively short, leaving players wanting more depth and development.
  • The zombies mode is considered lackluster and disappointing compared to previous entries in the series.
  • Many players have reported technical issues, including crashes and bugs that hinder the overall experience.
  • story239 mentions

    The story of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its engaging character backstories and cinematic cutscenes, while others criticize it for being disjointed, predictable, and lacking depth. Many found the campaign to be short and repetitive, with a narrative that often feels like a collection of loosely connected missions rather than a cohesive plot. Overall, while some players enjoyed the action and historical context, others felt the storytelling fell short compared to previous titles in the franchise.

    • “Playing a few different characters who are part of an elite squad (kind of like a precursor to modern-day special forces), the game jumps back and forth between the main mission and flashback missions that delve into each of the team member's backgrounds.”
    • “The story has its share of gripping moments and emotional beats, but it often feels disjointed, lacking the depth and cohesion found in earlier titles.”
    • “The campaign is amazing though, I really loved the storyline of each character and the graphical fidelity was top notch!”
    • “The storyline feels disconnected from the main game, and the maps could benefit from more intricate designs and challenges.”
    • “The story is really a series of stories incredibly loosely related to each other.”
    • “Boring story, two-dimensional characters, awful, clichéd script, shockingly inaccurate depictions of WWII theatres, a blink-and-you'll-miss it campaign, and buggy as hell.”
  • graphics92 mentions

    The graphics in "Call of Duty: Vanguard" receive mixed reviews, with many praising the impressive visuals, attention to detail, and cinematic cutscenes, while others criticize technical issues such as texture pop-ins and inconsistent performance. Some players feel the graphics are a step down from previous titles like "Call of Duty: WWII," describing them as outdated or lacking in clarity. Overall, while the game showcases strong graphical elements, it also suffers from notable glitches that can detract from the experience.

    • “Graphics and sound: visually, Vanguard delivers solid graphics and attention to detail, especially in character models and environments.”
    • “The campaign boasts impressive visuals, solid gunplay, and a few standout moments.”
    • “A solid game with outstanding graphics that are incredibly realistic looking.”
    • “This game was decent, but the graphics were like potatoes and chai mixed together.”
    • “I'd expect that a game which came after Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) to look better, but the graphics even on 4K ultra were just atrocious. It was a disappointment in that regard, not only because some of the face models and textures looked like polished rubber, but also because some text on paper, which normally you should be able to read, was too blurry to even make out the letters. There were also a lot of blurry textures during gameplay; for example, some rocks you have to climb over look like they're from the Call of Duty 2 era: blurry and untextured.”
    • “Even on the highest possible settings, the graphics look like something out of Black Ops 1 when up close, which is odd when the game's otherwise excellent particle effects and lighting effects do present themselves against muddy, melty models with poor animations.”
  • gameplay87 mentions

    The gameplay in Call of Duty: Vanguard is characterized by solid shooting mechanics, fast-paced action, and engaging multiplayer modes, maintaining the franchise's core elements. However, it has been criticized for a lack of innovation and depth, with some players feeling it doesn't stand out in the crowded WWII shooter genre. While the gunplay is satisfying and the graphics are impressive, the overall experience is marred by issues such as limited online gameplay and a reliance on familiar mechanics.

    • “The gameplay is what you'd expect from Call of Duty: good shooting mechanics and intense action with great cinematics.”
    • “The multiplayer portion is also exceptionally fun with great pacing, superb gunplay, and really slick mechanics.”
    • “Great graphics and performance, great gameplay with a lot of customization options and even a walk toggle.”
    • “The only redeeming factor is the art direction, but it's not enough to salvage a poor gameplay loop.”
    • “While it offers classic co-op gameplay, it lacks the depth and variety fans have come to expect.”
    • “The gameplay feels rigid and the atmosphere is tinny and lacking, with numerous cutscenes marred by poor animations that leave a half-baked impression.”
  • optimization22 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed feedback. While many players report excellent performance and impressive graphics, some have encountered technical issues such as crashes, graphical glitches, and inconsistent performance. Despite these frustrations, the game is generally considered well-optimized for a range of hardware, providing a satisfying experience for most users.

    • “The optimization is great, but if you're getting crashes on the first mission, try booting up in safe mode or turning DLSS off in order to play.”
    • “Good game performance on low to mid-end PCs (FPS optimized well for FHD i5-8400 GTX 1080 high to ultra settings), especially compared to Cold War which had very stuttering frame rates.”
    • “It's relatively easy for anyone to see that the overall performance versus visual quality is at state-of-the-art levels.”
    • “Vanguard's technical issues, including graphical glitches and inconsistent performance, detract from the overall experience.”
    • “This game always keeps crashing and also messes up my performance overlay for GeForce Experience.”
    • “There were no performance issues, but it needed to be polished a bit more since NPCs sometimes were acting strange.”
  • stability10 mentions

    The stability of Call of Duty: Vanguard is mixed, with some players reporting a smooth experience free of glitches and crashes, while others encounter significant issues such as freezing during startup, texture pop-ins, and inconsistent performance that detract from gameplay. Overall, the game appears to have a range of technical challenges that can impact immersion and enjoyment.

    • “Call of Duty Vanguard freezes on shaders update.”
    • “[❌] ⚙️ Technical challenges: Vanguard suffers from occasional texture pop-ins and minor graphical glitches, which detract from immersion during intense combat sequences.”
    • “[❌] 💭 Technical frustrations: Vanguard's technical issues, including graphical glitches and inconsistent performance, detract from the overall experience.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is described as a mix of beauty and immersion, with impressive visual fidelity and a fitting soundtrack that enhances the World War II setting. However, some players feel that the campaign lacks depth and realism, with issues like poor animations detracting from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, many still find the atmosphere engaging, particularly in standout missions with strong map design and action.

    • “The visual fidelity impresses, with realistic character models and dynamic lighting enhancing the atmosphere.”
    • “Immersive soundtrack: Vanguard features a fitting soundtrack that complements the WWII setting, enhancing the atmosphere during intense firefights.”
    • “He managed to fully reflect the atmosphere of World War II.”
    • “The gameplay feels rigid and the atmosphere is tinny and lacking, and the numerous cutscenes are marred with poor animations that have the actors' hands clipping through the guns they're holding, leaving a half-baked, half-assed effort kind of impression.”
    • “Completely ruins the atmosphere and it doesn't even feel like I'm playing a World War II game anymore.”
    • “The campaign isn't terrible, storytelling just doesn't feel good and voicelines can be cringe, but some missions are beyond outstanding when it comes to map design, atmosphere, and actions.”
  • grinding8 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and time-consuming, with many expressing frustration over the lengthy and repetitive nature of leveling up weapons and unlocking camos. The grind is described as overwhelming, requiring thousands of kills and extensive playtime, leading to a general sentiment that the effort is not worth the rewards. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a significant drawback, detracting from the enjoyment of the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The gameplay was subpar in this game; it was a combination of tedious pseudo-stealth missions and annoying sniper rounds.”
    • “There are over 100 camos per gun needing you to get thousands of kills to unlock, and it is so tedious and grindy that it is simply not worth the hassle.”
    • “The biggest offender was grinding 50-60 levels of a gun, just to cram 10 attachments and finally make it usable.”
  • humor6 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as both funny and thought-provoking, with some players appreciating its unique take compared to traditional WWII titles. While some may disagree with the content, many find enjoyment in the game's ability to humorously mishandle historical events, making it a source of amusement despite its flaws. Overall, the humor is seen as a refreshing departure from typical "woke" comedy.

    • “It was funny and thoughtful, even though I disagreed with most of what he wrote.”
    • “But still, fun can be had laughing at how well this game manages to mess up and disrespect history.”
    • “It was pretty funny; it doesn't bother me too much, but it's quite different from past WWII titles.”
    • “It's not even funny, woke or cringey-woke; I'm used to that and it's no big deal for me.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization in the game is heavily criticized for relying on microtransactions, which many players feel detracts from the experience due to high costs for unlocking operators and minimal customization options. Additionally, the slow progression for weapon ads and intrusive advertisements for other titles further frustrate users, leading to a perception that the game prioritizes profit over player enjoyment.

    • “The game is funded by microtransactions, which can impact the overall experience.”
    • “While the multiplayer aspect could be enjoyable, the excessive microtransactions detract from the fun.”
    • “The monetization model is quite aggressive, with many operators locked behind high paywalls, which feels out of place for the WWII theme.”
    • “Funded by microtransactions.”
    • “Insanely slow ads for a lot of weapons, making SMGs and a few select ARs the best weapons for a long time.”
    • “Advertisements: gritty WWII game.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    Overall, the game's campaign is considered short but offers replayability after some time, especially for fans of the genre. Regular updates and content additions enhance the experience, while the new perk system and covenants provide a rogue-lite feel that encourages players to revisit the game. Players recommend it, particularly if purchased on sale.

    • “The campaign is kind of short, but after a year or two, it's replayable. I still recommend this game if you are a campaign guy like me, especially if you get it on sale.”
    • “Vanguard receives regular updates and content additions, which may enhance replayability for dedicated players.”
    • “The perk system and covenants are really good. I understand that some people prefer the original perk system, but I didn't mind this change because it feels more replayable. Upgrading perk tiers and covenant's special abilities feels like a rogue-lite style, which I like.”
    • “The campaign is kind of short, but after a year or two, it is replayable. I still recommend this game if you are a campaign guy like me, especially if you get it on sale.”
    • “I experience exactly zero glitches, crashes, etc. It's perfect, and the campaign is most definitely replayable.”
    • “The perk system and covenants are really good. I understand that people like the original perk system better, but I didn't mind this change because it feels more replayable. Upgrading perk tiers and covenant's special abilities feels like a rogue-lite style, which I like.”
  • emotional4 mentions

    The emotional impact of the game is mixed; while some players feel a strong connection to the historical context and gripping moments, many criticize the shallow characterization and disjointed narrative, which diminish emotional investment and overall cohesion.

    • “The story has its share of gripping moments and emotional beats, but it often feels disjointed, lacking the depth and cohesion found in earlier titles.”
    • “It truly made me feel like I was experiencing the horrors of World War II firsthand.”
    • “Boring story, two-dimensional characters, awful, clichéd script, shockingly inaccurate depictions of WWII theaters, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it campaign, and buggy as hell.”
  • music4 mentions

    The music in Vanguard is noted for its immersive soundtrack that effectively enhances the WWII atmosphere, particularly during intense moments. While some players appreciate the thematic cues and features related to the music, others find the soundtrack to be unremarkable, with a few even drawing comparisons to other games like Max Payne. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's ambiance but may not stand out as exceptional.

    • “🎵 Immersive soundtrack: Vanguard features a fitting soundtrack that complements the WWII setting, enhancing the atmosphere during intense firefights.”
    • “Things like voting for your MVP, seeing the play of the game, and the music cues when a round starts, I like that and wish newer games like MWII had this feature.”
    • “Am I the only one that heard the first notes of the opening soundtrack and expected a Max Payne crossover?”
    • “The soundtrack is nothing special.”
    • “Am I the only one who heard the first notes of the opening soundtrack and expected a Max Payne crossover?”
  • character development1 mentions

    Many users feel that the character development is lacking, citing that only a couple of missions and some cutscenes do not provide sufficient depth or attachment to the characters.

    • “I didn't feel attached to any of the characters because only two missions and some cutscenes weren't enough for proper character development.”
    • “The character development was lacking; I expected more depth and growth throughout the game.”
    • “I found the characters to be one-dimensional, and their arcs felt rushed and unfulfilling.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

8hMedian play time
8hAverage play time
8-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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