Diving Headfirst into Chaos: A Deep Dive into Call of Duty: Vanguard’s Multiplayer
Call of Duty: Vanguard throws you into the thick of simulated World War II combat, demanding your full attention from the first shot fired. While the game mechanics feel familiar for seasoned CoD players, the WWII setting sets it apart from its predecessors, offering a unique experience that feels like a blend of Black Ops Cold War and Modern Warfare. This isn’t a simple rehash of 2017’s WWII, it’s a fresh take on the iconic franchise that promises to keep you on your toes. So, buckle up, because we’re about to go on a journey through Vanguard’s multiplayer landscape.
Combat Pacing: A Matchmaking Revolution
Vanguard introduces Combat Pacing, a revolutionary matchmaking system that lets you choose your preferred level of intensity. Tactical lobbies offer the classic 6v6 experience for those who favor strategic encounters. Assault provides a balanced medium with 20-28 players, delivering a mix of both frenetic action and controlled gameplay. For those who crave the adrenaline rush, Blitz throws you into the heart of the chaos with 28-48 players, creating a truly intense battlefield.
This new system offers a much-needed solution for players of all skill levels, allowing everyone to find a space where they can thrive. While its long-term impact remains to be seen, it’s a promising addition that could revitalize the CoD multiplayer experience.
Maps and Environments: A Mixed Bag
Vanguard’s maps are certainly striking, featuring stunning environments that capture the devastation of WWII. From snowy landscapes to fiery battlefields, each map offers a unique visual and tactical experience. However, there’s a catch: the muted color palette and heavy use of destructible environments can lead to visibility issues in close quarters. The combination of dust, smoke, and sparks, coupled with operator skins that blend into the background, can make it difficult to spot enemies, especially those sporting beige-heavy WWII-themed outfits.
This issue is particularly prevalent in smaller maps and enclosed spaces, where the visual clutter can be overwhelming. While the maps are beautiful and immersive, the visibility concerns might require some adjustments to ensure a smooth and enjoyable multiplayer experience.
Guns and Gameplay: A Familiar, Yet Fresh, Feel
Vanguard’s gunplay is undeniably fast-paced, perhaps even a touch more rapid than Cold War. The weapons themselves feel notably heavier, reflecting the realities of WWII weaponry, with increased vertical recoil that requires careful aiming and control. However, the developers have made a smart move by bringing back the weapon-mounting mechanic. This allows players to mount their weapons on surfaces like walls and crates, achieving a steadier aim for more precise shots.
Destructible environments add another layer of strategic depth. Players can shoot through wooden planks, walls, and doors, creating new firing lanes and tactical opportunities. While this can be an advantage, it also makes cover more vulnerable, leading to more intense and chaotic firefights. However, the decision to make solid-looking doors destructible by bullets has raised concerns amongst some players, who believe it undermines the realism and practicality of the environment.
Vanguard offers extensive weapon customization, allowing players to fine-tune their armory with up to 10 attachments per primary weapon. This provides immense flexibility, but also presents challenges for players who are new to the game or unfamiliar with the nuances of weapon tuning. Camper-favored scopes have also been redesigned, reflecting the technology of the era, meaning players will need to adjust to new magnification levels and longer loading times.
Beyond the Battlefield: Campaign and Future Outlook
Vanguard’s solo campaign promises a fresh and expansive experience for those looking for a deeper story-driven experience. Climbing walls and rooftops, exploring exciting new environments, and immersing yourself in the narrative will offer a unique way to experience the WWII setting before diving into the multiplayer fray.
However, the success of Black Ops Cold War, which has established a balanced blend of futuristic and realistic elements, will likely keep it in the running as a top choice for players seeking a compelling and diverse multiplayer experience.
Call of Duty: Vanguard: A Must-Play for Fans, But Needs Refinement
Call of Duty: Vanguard is a compelling addition to the franchise that delivers a thrilling, chaotic, and authentic World War II battlefield. Combat Pacing offers a much-needed matchmaking solution for players of all skill levels, while the weapon customization system provides near-infinite flexibility. However, the visibility issues caused by the muted color palette and heavy use of destructible environments might require some adjustments to ensure a truly enjoyable multiplayer experience.
Ultimately, Vanguard delivers a familiar yet exciting experience for seasoned CoD players, while offering a unique and immersive WWII setting. It remains to be seen how the game will fare in the long run, but with its innovative features and commitment to delivering intense combat, Call of Duty: Vanguard is a strong contender for a place in the CoD pantheon.
