After weeks of rumours and leaks, it’s finally been confirmed that Call of Duty is heading back to the era that defined it: World War 2.
Last month, images surfaced from what was perceived to be the game’s box art and marketing material. It all turned out to be real, with Activision confirming that Call of Duty: WWII is Sledgehammer’s 2017 entry.
The studio calls it its biggest ever game. It may also be the biggest test yet for a studio that is part and parcel of the hectic, action-packed, jet-pack riding shenanigans that have come to define modern day Call of Duty games.
That Sledgehammer is guiding the franchise “back to its roots” is equally as intriguing as it is exciting.
Now that it’s all out in the open and we know that Call of Duty: WWII is real, let’s take a look back at the era’s representation throughout Call of Duty history, and rank the games from worst to best.
Note: By “worst” we don’t necessarily mean the game is bad. Just that it’s the least good game on the list.
5. Call of Duty: Roads to Victory
This is one of those “not bad, but not good, either” kind of games. Roads To Victory struggled to really emphasis and celebrate the Call Of Duty experience in its transition to a handheld. Much like the above game, it was hurt by terrible controls and made level design.
It was saved somewhat some mixed reviews, and its online multiplayer, revolutionary for the time on a handheld, made it a worthwhile addition to any PSP owner’s collection. But overall, it was a mostly forgettable outing.
4. Call of Duty 3
There’s nothing noticeably wrong with Call of Duty 3, but it came out at a time when gamers were tiring of the World War II setting. It’s a completely competent shooter, and the campaign still holds up next to other entries set in the era. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll return to this setting sooner rather than later.
3. Call of Duty: World at War
This under-appreciated gem returned to the World War II setting after 2007’s fantastic Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. It’s a solid, confident shooter that never felt held back by the return to what was at the time an overused era of conflict in games. While it doesn’t quite go to lengths to revolutionise the Call of Duty multiplayer experience, its superb map design and progression depth makes it one of the all-time greats in the series.
2. Call of Duty 2
At the time of its launch on Xbox 360, it was the best looking console game ever created and by a big margin. Its PC release was met with wide critical acclaim, as was its console launch, including the release of Big Red One on PS2, Xbox and Gamecube. Its multiplayer still holds up today (not that you’d ever find a game …), and its campaign was an exhilarating ride through a powerful and engrossing World War II tale.
1. Call of Duty
One of the most well-received first-person shooters of all time was given a remastered re-release alongside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in 2009. It received many “Game of the Year” awards upon its original release in 2003. Infinity Ward would become a household name among gamers with this release, set for big things with Activision and the Call of Duty name. The original and (one of) the best.
What’s your favourite WW2 Call of Duty game?
