Is Call of Duty: Vanguard Worth It? A Deep Dive into Sledgehammer’s WWII Entry
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Whether Call of Duty: Vanguard is “worth it” is a nuanced question with no simple yes or no answer. For those craving a return to a visually stunning World War II setting with classic, fast-paced Call of Duty multiplayer action and a decent Zombies mode, especially at a discounted price, it might be a worthwhile purchase. However, if you’re seeking groundbreaking innovation, a deeply compelling narrative, or a vibrant player base comparable to newer entries like Modern Warfare II or Modern Warfare III, then Vanguard might fall short of expectations. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual preferences, expectations, and tolerance for the game’s shortcomings.
Diving Deeper: What Vanguard Offers
The Good
- Stellar Visuals and Set Pieces: Vanguard shines in its graphical fidelity and cinematic presentation, delivering impressive visuals and memorable moments throughout the campaign.
- Classic WWII Setting: For players nostalgic for the WWII era, Vanguard provides a familiar and immersive experience, albeit with some historical liberties.
- Fast-Paced Multiplayer: With over 25 multiplayer maps at launch, Vanguard offered a diverse range of environments for the series’ signature frantic combat.
- Evergreen Zombies Mode: While not universally praised, the Zombies mode provides a cooperative horde-slaying experience for fans of the undead.
The Not-So-Good
- Muddled Story: The campaign narrative, while visually appealing, struggles to deliver a cohesive and impactful story with memorable characters.
- Lower Player Count: Compared to newer Call of Duty titles, Vanguard’s player base is significantly smaller, which can impact matchmaking times and the overall multiplayer experience.
- Lack of Innovation: Some critics and players felt that Vanguard didn’t bring enough new ideas to the Call of Duty formula, resulting in a somewhat stale experience.
- Character Development: The emphasis on unique characters often feels at odds with the core Call of Duty gameplay, leading to a disconnect between narrative and action.
The Competition: Vanguard vs. Other COD Titles
The article you provided compares Vanguard primarily to Modern Warfare II (2022). The consensus is that Modern Warfare II is superior in almost every aspect, including campaign quality, multiplayer innovation, and overall polish. Other modern titles like Modern Warfare III (2023) and Black Ops Cold War also offer compelling alternatives, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Black Ops Cold War is often praised for its compelling Zombies experience, while Modern Warfare II and III stand out with new mechanics and gameplay design.
Who is Vanguard For?
- Players seeking a budget-friendly Call of Duty experience: If you can find Vanguard at a significantly discounted price, it can be a decent option for casual play.
- World War II enthusiasts: Those specifically interested in the WWII setting may appreciate Vanguard’s visual representation of the era, despite its narrative flaws.
- Multiplayer-focused players: If you primarily enjoy Call of Duty multiplayer and don’t mind a smaller player base, Vanguard’s fast-paced action may still appeal.
Who Should Avoid Vanguard?
- Players seeking a groundbreaking or innovative Call of Duty experience: Vanguard largely sticks to the established formula and doesn’t offer significant advancements.
- Players prioritizing a strong single-player campaign: The campaign is visually impressive, but it suffers from a muddled story and unmemorable characters.
- Players who value a large and active player base: Vanguard’s player count is significantly lower than newer Call of Duty titles, which can impact matchmaking and the overall multiplayer experience.
Final Verdict
Call of Duty: Vanguard is a visually appealing but ultimately flawed entry in the franchise. Its strengths lie in its graphical fidelity, WWII setting, and fast-paced multiplayer action. However, its weaknesses include a muddled story, a smaller player base, and a lack of innovation. Whether it’s worth purchasing depends on your individual preferences and expectations. If you can find it at a discounted price and are primarily interested in the multiplayer experience, it might be worth a try. Otherwise, you might be better off investing in a newer Call of Duty title or exploring other options within the genre.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Call of Duty: Vanguard
1. Is Call of Duty: Vanguard as good as Modern Warfare (2019) or Modern Warfare II (2022)?
No, the general consensus is that Modern Warfare (2019) and Modern Warfare II (2022) are superior to Vanguard in terms of campaign quality, multiplayer innovation, and overall polish.
2. Does Call of Duty: Vanguard have a single-player campaign?
Yes, Call of Duty: Vanguard features a single-player campaign that takes place during World War II. However, the campaign has received mixed reviews, with some praising its visuals but criticizing its muddled story.
3. Is the Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Vanguard any good?
The Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Vanguard is decent and offers a cooperative horde-slaying experience. While it’s not universally praised, it provides a familiar experience for fans of the Zombies franchise.
4. How many people still play Call of Duty: Vanguard?
While exact numbers fluctuate, estimates suggest a significantly smaller player base compared to newer Call of Duty titles. One statistic noted around 7,724 daily players and a total player base of 81,308.
5. Is Call of Duty: Vanguard worth buying in 2024?
Whether Call of Duty: Vanguard is worth buying in 2024 depends on your budget and expectations. If you can find it at a discounted price and enjoy the WWII setting, it might be a decent option. However, newer Call of Duty titles offer more features and a larger player base.
6. What are the downsides of Call of Duty: Vanguard?
The downsides of Call of Duty: Vanguard include a muddled story, unmemorable characters, a smaller player base, and a lack of significant innovation compared to other games.
7. How many missions are in the Call of Duty: Vanguard campaign?
There are nine missions in the Call of Duty: Vanguard campaign.
8. Which Call of Duty game has the best Zombies mode?
Many fans consider Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to have the best Zombies mode, thanks to its exciting maps, varied weapons, and engaging gameplay mechanics.
9. Is Call of Duty: Vanguard good for beginners?
Call of Duty: Vanguard can be a decent entry point for beginners due to its familiar gameplay and relatively straightforward mechanics. However, the fast-paced multiplayer may be overwhelming for some new players.
10. Is Call of Duty: Vanguard free?
Call of Duty: Vanguard is not a free-to-play game. At times, Activision has offered free access periods for its multiplayer and Zombies modes.
11. Why did Call of Duty: Vanguard fail to meet expectations?
One reason is that the World War II setting didn’t resonate with some of the Call of Duty community. Also, many felt it lacked innovation.
12. How long is the Call of Duty: Vanguard campaign?
The Call of Duty: Vanguard campaign typically takes around 5-7 hours to complete, depending on the difficulty level and playstyle.
13. Which is better, Call of Duty: Vanguard or Battlefield 2042?
The choice between Call of Duty: Vanguard and Battlefield 2042 depends on personal preference. Vanguard offers a more arcade-style, fast-paced experience, while Battlefield 2042 emphasizes large-scale battles and vehicular combat.
14. What made Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) so good?
The 2019 Modern Warfare reboot was considered to be one of the best entries in the franchise due to its enhanced realism, gritty storytelling, and revamped multiplayer experience.
15. Should I buy Call of Duty: Vanguard or another Call of Duty game?
Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for the latest features, a large player base, and a more polished experience, you might be better off with a newer Call of Duty title like Modern Warfare III or Black Ops Cold War. If you want to go back in time you can play World at War.