Sledgehammer Games has the player locked and loaded for another round of the Call of Duty franchise. It’s a Nazi blasting adventure for the eighteenth entry in the series. With a cinematic sense of flair combined with the high adrenaline action the franchise is known for, Call of Duty Vanguard brings much excitement to the table. The whole premise of the game introduces the player to different specialists. These soldiers come together to form a special team, the titular Vanguard, to put a stop to a Nazi operation: Project Phoenix.
Vanguard Story
The developers presented the story with a non-chronological focus. The purpose behind each segment of the campaign is to familiarize the player with each member of the Vanguard. In other words, we’re given origin stories to go with the formation of our dream team. The team has a great deal of chemistry with each other. Arthur Kingsley is the protective leader. Polina Petrova serves as the aloof sniper. Lucas Riggs is the demolitions expert. Wade Jackson is the thrill-seeking pilot. Topping off the team is Richard Webb, a cynical sergeant serving as the smart guy of the unit.
Together, they stumble upon Project Phoenix, an insidious plot designed by the devious Hermann Freisinger. His goal is to establish another Reich via a military coup following Adolf Hiter’s demise. Unfortunately for Freisinger, the Vanguard isn’t too keen on a Nazi resurgence. Armed to the teeth, the Vanguard possess no qualms about blowing up any of the adversaries that stand between them and their mission to cripple the Nazi operation.
Call of Duty Vanguard Gameplay
Call of Duty Vanguard boasts quite a few similarities to Modern Warfare in its design. This is the result of both games using the Infinity Ward (IW) 8.0 engine. The benefit of this decision means players familiar with the previous entry will have little trouble getting used to this new title. The controls feel slick and responsive to the touch. The player will want the controls that way. The game itself is a first-person shooter where running and taking cover are both a necessity to survive the frantic action.
Multiplayer offers something called Combat Pacing. The modes are Tactical, Assault and Blitz. Tactical is designed for a more methodical battle where the aim of the game is positioning. Think of older entries with two teams of six players duking it out to obtain the most frags. Assault increases the count to two teams of ten players each.
Blitz is the most chaotic of these modes. It fosters in a challenge of two teams comprised of twenty-four players each. Given the scale of combat, dying will be a frequent occurrence in this mode of gameplay. Finally, the game has a Zombie mode where the player will have to take on hordes of undead Nazis. They move fast and want the player’s blood. Headshots and explosions are strongly recommended to put these resurrected baddies down once and for all.
In-Game Graphics
The visuals are impressive thanks to the IW 8.0 engine. Gorgeous usage of lights and shadows are utilized with the varied environments the game offers to make for an amazing visual experience. Whether it’s urban combat in a ruined village or a skirmish on a train moving forward at high speeds, the atmosphere will not fail to impress.
Verdict
Call of Duty Vanguard offers a strong story, which we hope to continue to see with future installments. While the game has familiar elements from previous entries, the developers changed just enough to keep the gameplay fresh.
The campaign and multiplayer alike are the big draws to this title. Operating at a smooth 60 FPS on the PS5, we strongly recommend this entry in the Call of Duty franchise.
