Following the beta test in late September, the detailed graphics of Call of Duty: Vanguard left a strong impression. Anticipation was high when the final version arrived from Activision, offering a return to World War II for a new Call of Duty experience.
Call of Duty: Vanguard places players within a special operations unit operating deep behind enemy lines. The stakes are immediately apparent, with significant losses occurring within the squad during the initial act. The narrative focuses on the remaining soldiers, exploring their motivations through a series of flashbacks. The well-acted and developed story contributes to an immersive experience.
These flashback sequences allow players to control different members of the unit, each possessing unique abilities. One character can navigate tight spaces such as air ducts with ease, while another possesses heightened senses, effectively enabling bullet-time sequences. Understanding these individual strengths becomes strategically important as the mission progresses.
The game’s graphical fidelity is particularly noteworthy. The level of detail extends to elements like vehicle wreckage, drawing the eye and contributing to the realism of the environment. Lighting, fog, smoke, and weather effects further enhance the visual presentation.
While the game is visually impressive on the PS4 Pro, the next-gen consoles elevate the experience. The PS5 and Xbox Series X offer significantly sharper visuals with higher resolution and increased detail, targeting dynamic 4K resolution. All platforms, including the Series S, maintain a smooth 60fps (at a reduced 1080p resolution on the Series S) and support a 120Hz mode, which prioritizes fluidity at the expense of resolution. Frame rate variations, least noticeable on the Series X and most prominent on the Series S, may be mitigated by VRR (variable refresh rate) technology. Further evaluation will be conducted once VRR is available on our reference display, potentially highlighting an advantage for the Xbox Series X/S consoles, pending testing.
The controls are responsive and intuitive, characteristic of the COD franchise, with extensive customization options for sensitivity. The ability to fine-tune the controls enhances the player experience. Separate control schemes are also available for aircraft and other vehicles.
The immersive sound design, particularly when experienced with a surround sound system or 7.1 headphones, contributes significantly to the game’s atmosphere. Positional audio cues, such as bullet trajectories and enemy movements, enhance spatial awareness.
Beyond its visual and gameplay strengths, Call of Duty: Vanguard features a robust multiplayer mode designed for high-intensity action. The level of customization extends to the multiplayer experience. However, the competitive landscape can be challenging, with many experienced COD players populating the servers.
Call of Duty: Vanguard also includes a dedicated zombie mode. Players can team up online to confront hordes of the undead in a distinct and engaging experience.
In conclusion, Call of Duty: Vanguard delivers a compelling experience worthy of consideration. Minor graphical anomalies, potentially addressable via future patches, and the somewhat dated despawning of defeated enemies are minor detractions from an otherwise polished title.
