Diving Deep: How Many Call of Duty Games are Set in World War II?
The Call of Duty (CoD) franchise, a behemoth in the gaming world, has explored numerous conflicts and eras. However, its roots lie firmly planted in the battlefields of World War II. So, how many CoD games are actually set during this pivotal period in history? As of today, and considering only the main installments, there are five core Call of Duty games primarily set during World War II:
- Call of Duty (2003)
- Call of Duty 2 (2005)
- Call of Duty 3 (2006)
- Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
- Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
These titles immerse players in the brutal realities of the Second World War, across various theaters of operation and from multiple perspectives. However, keep in mind that some other CoD games, such as Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021), feature significant portions or flashbacks set within the WWII timeline, but they are not entirely based on World War II. Now, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions about CoD and its relationship with WWII.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Call of Duty and World War II
Here are 15 FAQs to quench your thirst for Call of Duty knowledge, with a focus on its World War II iterations.
Q1: What was the first Call of Duty game set in World War II?
The first game, simply titled Call of Duty, was released in 2003 and marked the beginning of the franchise’s focus on World War II. It offered players a thrilling experience simulating infantry and combined arms warfare of the era.
Q2: Which Call of Duty game is considered the hardest when it comes to the campaign?
Many players consider Call of Duty: World at War to be the most challenging, due to its relentless enemy AI, constant barrage of grenades, and overall higher difficulty level compared to other CoD titles. The lack of regenerating health adds another layer of difficulty.
Q3: Is Call of Duty: Vanguard entirely based on World War II?
No, Call of Duty: Vanguard is not entirely based on World War II. While its single-player campaign takes place in 1945 near the end of the European theater, it also features flashbacks ranging from 1941 to 1944, telling its story in a non-chronological order. While WWII is a key element, it’s not the exclusive setting.
Q4: In what year does Call of Duty: WWII take place?
Call of Duty: WWII primarily takes place between 1944 and 1945, although it briefly touches upon events as early as 1940. The main narrative focuses on the final years of the war in the European theater.
Q5: Which Call of Duty game was the first to move away from World War II as its primary setting?
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (released in 2007) was the first main installment to break away from the World War II setting. This title shifted the focus to a modern-day conflict, revitalizing the series and setting a new direction for future installments.
Q6: Can you play as a German soldier in Call of Duty: WWII?
While you do not play as a Nazi in the campaign of Call of Duty: WWII, you will play as Axis soldiers in multiplayer matches. The game features an ensemble cast on the Axis side, allowing players to experience battles from different perspectives, although not necessarily through the lens of the Nazi regime.
Q7: Is Call of Duty: WWII considered historically accurate?
While the campaign aims for greater historical realism than the multiplayer mode, it is important to remember that Call of Duty: WWII is a video game and not a documentary. Therefore, historical inaccuracies are present to enhance gameplay and create a more engaging experience. However, the game strives to capture the atmosphere and key events of the war. You can find more on the GamesLearningSociety.org website about the use of games for historical education.
Q8: Which Call of Duty game has the longest campaign?
While opinions may vary, Call of Duty: Black Ops III is often cited as having one of the longest campaigns in the series, typically taking around nine hours to complete.
Q9: Which Call of Duty game does not have a traditional single-player campaign?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the first mainline Call of Duty title without a traditional single-player campaign mode. The game focused primarily on multiplayer and Zombies modes.
Q10: When does Call of Duty 3 take place?
Call of Duty 3 is set in 1944 and focuses on the Western Front of World War II. The game features missions specific to four major Allied campaigns in the Battle of Normandy.
Q11: How many main Call of Duty installments take place before 2010?
Excluding spin-offs or side-projects, the main Call of Duty installments set before 2010 are:
- Call of Duty (2003)
- Call of Duty 2 (2005)
- Call of Duty 3 (2006)
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
- Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
That makes a total of six main installments.
Q12: Is the campaign in Call of Duty: WWII bloody and violent?
Yes, Call of Duty: WWII features intense combat with realistic gunfire, explosions, and screams of pain. Players use various weapons to eliminate enemy soldiers, sometimes resulting in dismemberment and decapitation, leaving bloodstains and body parts on the ground.
Q13: Why does Call of Duty: WWII not have regenerating health?
The absence of regenerating health in Call of Duty: WWII was a deliberate design choice to increase the game’s difficulty and realism. Players must rely on finding med packs or requesting them from squadmates, forcing them to manage their health and inventory more strategically.
Q14: Besides the main installments, are there other Call of Duty games that include World War II elements?
Yes, while not entirely set during World War II, some Call of Duty games feature significant flashback sequences or storylines that incorporate elements of the war. Call of Duty: Vanguard is a prime example, with its flashbacks providing insights into the backgrounds of its characters and showcasing various battles from the WWII era.
Q15: How has the portrayal of World War II evolved throughout the Call of Duty series?
The portrayal of World War II in the Call of Duty series has evolved over time, reflecting advancements in technology and changes in storytelling approaches. Early games focused on large-scale battles and heroic narratives, while later titles, like Call of Duty: WWII, have attempted to offer a more nuanced and humanized perspective on the war, exploring the experiences of individual soldiers and the emotional toll of conflict. The Games Learning Society supports research into how games like Call of Duty can shape our understanding of historical events.
Concluding Thoughts
The Call of Duty franchise owes much of its initial success to its compelling depictions of World War II. While the series has since branched out into modern and futuristic settings, the early games left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, immersing players in the chaos and heroism of the war. With five main installments primarily set during World War II, the franchise has provided countless hours of gameplay for history buffs and FPS enthusiasts alike. The enduring popularity of these titles is a testament to the power of interactive storytelling and the enduring fascination with this pivotal period in human history.