Call of Duty: World at War

One of the best shooters this year, Call of Duty: World At War is an explosive and powerful cinematic experience.

Starting at €19.99Buy now

Get on Steam

Get on Xbox Games Store

Call of Duty: World at War brings WWII combat to life with gruesome realism and intensity. Its immersive four-player cooperative campaign and expanded multiplayer mode deliver epic fight sequences and new enemies, including Kamikaze fighters and Banzai charges. The game boasts enhanced vehicle-based action, varied weapons, and numerous Perks, maps, and challenges.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

79%

Audience ScoreBased on 30,629 reviews

story843 positive mentions

stability168 negative mentions

story
2,047 mentions
41 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story of "Call of Duty: World at War" is widely praised for its gritty portrayal of World War II, featuring dual narratives that follow American and Soviet soldiers. Players appreciate the emotional depth and character development, particularly in the Russian campaign, which is often highlighted as the stronger of the two. However, some critiques mention issues with repetitive mission design and technical glitches that can detract from the overall experience, though the engaging gameplay and the introduction of the iconic Nazi Zombies mode add significant value to the game.
- “The story focuses on the friendship between soldiers and offers two distinct storylines, one for the Pacific and one for the Eastern fronts.”
- “The campaign is incredibly immersive, the cutscenes are very well made, and the missions are diverse.”
- “The story is rich, the gameplay is good, and it is historically accurate to a point.”
- “The drawbacks include a few things, such as repetitive level design, with some missions feeling empty and ending in front of your eyes as you expect an additional thing to happen, the seemingly important dialogue cutting off right then and there without making much sense, to name a few.”
- “In conclusion, while many people look fondly at Call of Duty: World at War, there's no denying that it's a significant entry in the franchise (offering a lengthy single-player campaign, iconic multiplayer, and groundbreaking zombie mode), the technical issues and lack of story depth can't be overlooked.”
- “The story lacks innovation and memorable characters, making for a less impressive entry compared to the groundbreaking Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare released a year prior.”
gameplay
784 mentions
41 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Call of Duty: World at War" is a mix of classic mechanics and innovative features, offering a solid and engaging experience, particularly in its campaign and the introduction of the zombies mode. While the game excels in providing intense action and a variety of gameplay scenarios, it is marred by occasional bugs and a lack of fluidity compared to its predecessors. Overall, it remains a nostalgic favorite for its cooperative gameplay and the depth added by custom maps and mods, despite some dated mechanics.
- “Treyarch is known to develop its entries with fresh gameplay features, and it shows.”
- “The introduction of cooperative gameplay in the zombie mode was groundbreaking in 2008.”
- “The gameplay is solid and responsive with flexible and quick movement.”
- “One noticeable gameplay issue is the presence of occasional glitches and bugs, particularly in the multiplayer mode.”
- “The gameplay fluidity from previous entries just isn't there, and you're constantly expecting an issue or two in whatever you do.”
- “While moving through the game world, constant bumping and clipping into objects takes away from the fluid gameplay of previous games in the series.”
graphics
747 mentions
41 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Call of Duty: World at War" are generally regarded as impressive for its 2008 release, showcasing detailed environments and a gritty aesthetic that effectively captures the brutality of World War II. However, many players note that the visuals feel dated compared to more recent titles, with occasional bugs and glitches detracting from the experience. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge by today's standards, they still hold up reasonably well, especially when considering the game's nostalgic value and the potential for graphical mods to enhance the experience.
- “Cod: WAW delivers an impressive art style that replicates the intense battles of World War II as closely as possible with what the technology allowed at the time.”
- “The graphics, while not cutting-edge by today's standards, are still remarkably crisp and detailed.”
- “Graphically, it's a big step up from the previous COD games and it looks good.”
- “However, compared to its predecessors, the graphics don't exhibit a significant leap forward, occasionally feeling a tad dated even at the time of release.”
- “The presentation impresses with authentic World War II aesthetics, but the graphics and audio fall short compared to earlier titles.”
- “One notable concern is the occasional bugs and glitches, ranging from minor graphical hiccups to disruptive gameplay bugs.”
music
334 mentions
48 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in "Call of Duty: World at War" is widely praised for its intense and immersive soundtrack, which blends orchestral elements with heavy metal and rock influences, creating a unique atmosphere that enhances the game's dark portrayal of World War II. While some tracks may feel out of place for the setting, the overall composition is considered one of the best in the franchise, with standout pieces that evoke strong emotions during gameplay. The soundtrack not only complements the brutal narrative but also leaves a lasting impression, making it a memorable aspect of the game.
- “The soundtrack perfectly captures the tone and atmosphere of the game, adding an extra layer of emotion and intensity to the already gripping story.”
- “The mixture of instruments in most songs, from heavy guitar sounds to the thumping of big drums, really drives up the intensity of the campaign, representing the frantic fighting between the Americans and the Japanese, and the Soviets and the Germans.”
- “The soundtrack is phenomenal and encompasses the anger and terror that war brings, making it one of the best in gaming history.”
- “On the downside, the soundtrack, while fitting, lacks the memorable impact of some earlier titles in the series.”
- “The soundtrack is also really weird and the chugging metal riffs feel like they belong more in Doom than in a Call of Duty game.”
- “The music is also terrible for the setting; imagine thinking industrial metal and drum & bass was an appropriate choice for a WWII title.”
stability
185 mentions
9 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
91 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with numerous users reporting persistent bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, particularly in multiplayer and zombies modes. Many players experience crashes, freezing issues, and graphical problems, which can lead to frustrating troubleshooting efforts. Despite these stability concerns, some players find the game enjoyable and nostalgic, often attributing the bugs to its age and appreciating the fun that can be had with custom mods and maps.
- “I love that it brings me back to my childhood and runs great on lower spec PCs. There's also a lot of mods for zombies and multiplayer.”
- “Absolutely, it's a great game with no glitches at all! ;)”
- “All in all, a solid PC port that runs great on my lower-end Lenovo G505.”
- “As of January 2024, I was not able to play multiplayer; every time I click to find servers, my game freezes and crashes.”
- “The game is really buggy and has caused my PC to crash; I wish it worked because it's a good game when it does.”
- “This game has been a buggy mess, with no online functions/profiles working, and every online workaround failing. There is no way to play anything co-op or multiplayer.”
atmosphere
181 mentions
49 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its gritty realism and immersive portrayal of World War II, enhanced by detailed graphics, sound design, and a haunting soundtrack. Players appreciate the intense and chilling environments, particularly in both the campaign and the iconic zombies mode, which effectively capture the horrors of war. Overall, the game is noted for its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a memorable, atmospheric experience that stands out in the series.
- “The game boasts detailed character models, realistic environments, and impressive lighting effects, all contributing to an authentic and gritty atmosphere.”
- “The campaign excels in crafting an authentic World War II atmosphere, and besides an excellent portrayal of the Pacific and Eastern fronts, there's nothing else to it.”
- “The atmosphere is dark, gritty, and somber.”
- “The horror atmosphere and the realistic and gritty storytelling make this a game that will send chills down your spine even 15 years after its release.”
- “The atmosphere truly represents the original flavor of Call of Duty from the early 2000s where it made its start.”
replayability
152 mentions
47 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its high replayability, primarily due to the iconic Nazi Zombies mode and extensive custom map support from the community, which offers virtually limitless gameplay options. While the campaign is enjoyable, its replay value is considered lower compared to the Zombies mode, which remains a significant draw for players seeking varied experiences. Overall, the combination of modding capabilities and engaging multiplayer elements contributes to the game's reputation as one of the most replayable entries in the Call of Duty franchise.
- “The addition of the Nazi Zombies mode is a stroke of genius, offering a unique and endlessly replayable cooperative survival experience.”
- “Custom maps give you unlimited hours of replayability.”
- “The sheer limitless amount of custom maps found on the internet... grant infinite fun and replayability.”
- “While the game suffers from a lack of replayability, with a lot of the multiplayer mostly being rinse and repeat, it still manages to be fun and entertaining for its money.”
- “However, the replay value isn't too good, like most campaigns in the Call of Duty series.”
- “The campaign is so replayable with such a contrast of different personalities and characters that you get attached as you play along with them.”
humor
88 mentions
98 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is often described as a mix of unintentional comedy and entertaining character interactions, with players finding joy in the absurdity of glitches, funny voice lines, and chaotic multiplayer experiences. Many reviews highlight the hilarity of custom zombie maps and the amusing antics of players, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends. Overall, while some aspects may be frustrating, the humor consistently shines through, providing a lighthearted backdrop to the gameplay.
- “All of them had funny lines which made you laugh even if you were in very intense situations.”
- “The characters are lovable in some way, whether it's how evil, how good, or just how funny.”
- “The multiplayer is definitely entertaining for a while, and I appreciate the campaign co-op option, but honestly the only reason I come back to this game at all is the mindless, yet hilariously fun Nazi zombie mode; this alone was almost worth the price I paid.”
- “Cool game, but the server admins are the most unfunny nerds I've ever seen in my life.”
- “Funny bugs.”
optimization
67 mentions
30 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly for many players, particularly in single-player mode, it is heavily single-threaded and demands strong single-core performance, making it one of the more CPU-intensive entries in the Call of Duty series. Some users report significant performance issues, especially in co-op modes and on certain systems, leading to lag and crashes, while others find it well-optimized for lower-end hardware. Overall, the optimization experience varies widely, with some praising its performance and others criticizing its stability and compatibility with newer systems.
- “The optimization and performance are great; you can play this on ultra 1080p 60fps without a high-end PC (I don't even have a high-end PC lol).”
- “Amazing optimization.”
- “Long story short, hands down the best campaign, great graphics, very well optimized, and one of the best Call of Duty games ever made.”
- “Game is poorly optimized for PC and particularly in the downfall (last part of the campaign), the game gets blocked from accessing graphic cards (I tried updating graphic cards, troubleshooting it, reinstalling, checking integrity, or basically every solution I searched in Chrome) and crashes my whole PC, but other parts of the campaign run smoothly.”
- “Horribly optimized, basically unplayable in 2019.”
- “There are countless optimization problems and just all around laziness on the part of the developer when porting this game to PC.”
emotional
63 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Call of Duty: World at War" is highlighted by its gritty portrayal of World War II, featuring a compelling narrative filled with heart-wrenching moments and character-driven stories that resonate with players. Many reviews emphasize the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, from joy to sorrow, as players navigate the brutal realities of war, making it one of the most emotionally impactful entries in the series. The cooperative gameplay further enhances this emotional experience, allowing players to share the weight of the conflict together.
- “The narrative is compelling, filled with emotional moments that keep players invested in the outcome of the conflict.”
- “Call of Duty: World at War takes players on a harrowing journey through the brutal realities of World War II, delivering an experience that is both historically authentic and emotionally impactful.”
- “The single-player campaign involves a riveting and emotional story, and the inclusion of co-op is fantastic.”
grinding
59 mentions
3 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
42 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be excessively time-consuming, often requiring players to invest significant hours to progress or unlock content, with some humorously suggesting it feels like needing "a second life." While some players appreciate the nostalgic grind associated with modes like zombies, others find it tedious and frustrating, particularly in multiplayer settings where server issues and hackers can detract from the experience. Overall, the grinding aspect is a mixed bag, with some enjoying the challenge while others feel it hampers the fun.
- “A lot of grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Multiplayer, on the other hand, is kind of meh; you can only find three or four servers with players, and the rest of the list consists of servers that are either filled with bots for faster grinding of ranks or servers that are completely empty.”
- “The only way around this is third-party software that requires you to port forward, an annoying and tedious process, just to play private games with friends.”
monetization
35 mentions
9 % positive mentions
34 % neutral mentions
57 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a nostalgic sentiment for a time when the game was sold without microtransactions or locked content, contrasting it with the current trend of aggressive monetization in the gaming industry. Players express frustration over misleading advertisements and the shift towards a cash grab mentality, particularly criticizing the lack of support for multiplayer and co-op features despite ongoing promotions. Overall, the game is praised for its complete content and absence of microtransactions, marking it as a standout from an era when developers prioritized quality over profit.
- “I believe it's the very last Call of Duty game where you could buy a complete game without microtransactions or content locked behind DLC.”
- “This game is from a time when there were no microtransactions, so all the content is included with the game.”
- “So it's basically a good version of Call of Duty WWII that lacks microtransactions, has a server browser for multiplayer, all DLC maps from console are free on PC, has full modding support for zombies, and still has multiple active North American servers with a solid player base.”
- “This was back when the COD devs were actually trying to make a good game and not a cash grab. RIP old COD.”
- “Before Call of Duty was ruined with microtransactions and low-quality games, the series was mind-blowing in quality and gameplay.”
- “World at War was made when Call of Duty still actually cared about their fans, and not about making a quick cash grab.”
character development
7 mentions
57 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players praise the depth and memorable arcs of various characters, others criticize the lack of development for key figures like Sullivan. The campaign is noted for its unique narrative and pacing, allowing for meaningful character exploration, though some feel it falls short compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, the game is seen as appealing to a broad audience, but with varying levels of character engagement.
- “10/10 really fun and well-designed story, environment, and character development.”
- “The campaign is great for its unique narrative and great character development. It's not quite as good as Modern Warfare, but still memorable. The pacing was also not crammed with too many things; there is a setup, on-foot combat, maybe a set piece, and then a transition to the next chapter.”
- “The character development and story are great, as almost every character has some depth.”
- “Sullivan is introduced so early without any decent character development.”
- “There was little to no character development.”
- “This game was clearly made to appeal to mindless 'MLG 360 noscope' FPS gamers, with little regard for appropriate treatment of historical atmosphere or character development.”