Call of Duty: Vanguard

Call of Duty: Vanguard is the eighteenth main instalment of the bestselling FPS series known as Call of Duty, inspired by real-life World War II events. The game was developed by Sledgehammer Games, which also created the warmly welcomed Call of Duty: WWII. The game is a return to the roots, because in this part the scheme of showing the story from the point of view of several heroes, who face the enemy in completely different regions of the world, was reintroduced.

Plot

The action of the game once again takes us to the front of World War II, where we have the opportunity to play as four different characters alternately. The protagonists of this part are: British Arthur Kingsley, a member of the 9th Parachute Battalion, sent to Normandy during Operation Overlord; Polina Petrova, a sniper from the 138th Rifle Division, serving in Stalingrad; American pilot Wade Jackson from the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, participating in the Battle of Midway; and Australian Lucas Riggs from the 20th Battalion, one of The Rats of Tobruk, fighting in North Africa. Over time, their fates intertwine and together they form the first ever special forces unit, and their mission is to stop the mysterious Operation Phoenix.

Mechanics

As in previous games in the series, Call of Duty: Vanguard is played from a first person perspective (FPP). In this game we have the opportunity to fight in the most important battles of World War II, taking place both in Eastern and Western Europe, the Pacific and North Africa, playing as four different characters. The game focuses on completing specific assigned missions and eliminating enemies using a wide range of weapons. During the game we have the opportunity to use stealth, run, dodge attacks, look through open doors to rooms, and our actions (such as shooting at an enemy hiding behind a wall) can result in a destructible environment.

Game modes

In addition to a story campaign set partly during and partly just after the Second World War, the game also allows for cooperative multiplayer gameplay. As many as 20 maps are available at the start, 16 of which have been adapted to classic 6-on-6 battles. Wall destruction and varied ammunition ballistics have an impact on the gameplay, and elements of tactical gameplay have been implemented into the multiplayer.

The game also features a zombie mode, developed by Treyarch Studios, which allows you to test your strength in fighting off the endless attacks of the undead. It revolves around events prior to those presented in Black Ops - Cold War.

The game is also integrated into the Call of Duty: Warzone battle royale.

Alpha-tests

The first tests of Vanguard have been scheduled for the period 27 - 29 August. The people who have the opportunity to test the game first were the users of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. PlayStation Plus subscription was not required to play the game. In addition, it was not necessary to submit a pre-order. However, it was required to own one of the listed games: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Warzone or Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War.

As part of the alpha, players were able to experience a new multiplayer variant, Champion Hill, in which they can face each other in 2- or 3-player teams. Everyone starts the game with the same equipment, and for defeating their opponent they receive money, with which they can buy more weapons.

The alpha version has been available to download since 23 August.

Technical aspects

COD: Vanguard has a realistic, 3D graphics, designed based on the engine developed, consisting of as Krakow studio of Infinity War and used for the first time in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The locations presented in the game are already familiar to fans from the first and second installments of the series and World at War. The developers have refined not only the animations of weapons, but also the reactions of the environment to the nearby battles. As the battle drags on, buildings in the firing line are destroyed more and more. Dynamic destruction is accompanied by changes in lighting.

The soundtrack, composed by well-known composer Bear McCreary, responsible for creating the music for consisting of The Walking Dead or Battlestar Galactica, or the last instalment of God of War, adds atmosphere to the game.