Call of Duty: Finest Hour

 GameCube
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. Nintendojo
    93
    You won't find a better first-person shooter on the Nintendo GameCube. In fact, it's the best first-person shooter in a World War II setting this generation. Is this surprising? With the use of the original Call of Duty's play mechanics and amazing production values across the board, it shouldn't be.
  2. Next Level Gaming
    91
    One thing Call of Duty: Finest Hour manages to do with success is take everything from graphics to sound, from music to gameplay; and toss it all into one big can of whoop-ass and make a great game.
  3. GamingTrend
    90
    plays like your favorite World War II movies come to life. You'll relive parts of "Enemies At The Gate", "Day After Tomorrow", with hints of "Saving Private Ryan."
  5. Game Chronicles
    90
    But for a challenge that won't be one-upped, top-quality sound and graphics and a serious, reserved tone that does honor to the people who didn't have a choice to just play the video game version, pick up Call of Duty: Finest Hour as soon as you are able. You won't be disappointed.
  6. Play Magazine
    88
    I love the urgency of a slow-to-load rifle, the way your fumbling and learned cadence strikes a unique tension in the shootouts; too bad the clumsy grenades aren't nearly as much fun. [Jan 2005, p.60]
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  7. Game Informer
    85
    Much like the PC Call of Duty (which I should note is a completely different game), this console title features a brilliant targetting mechanism that allows players to zoom in and aim down the sight of the firearm. [Jan 2005, p.115]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. 1UP
    85
    The single-player game is short, yes, but it's incredibly epic (in the cinematic definition of the term), and multiplayer should keep you playing long after the main campaign is over.
  9. PGNx Media
    82
    Unfortunately, the Gamecube version of the game does not include any online multiplayer support. Spark Unlimited did not balance this exclusion with any multiplayer split-screen modes or even a multiplayer co-op campaign.
  10. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    Even though gameplay is pretty much the opposite of innovation (with the exception of the multiple characters, and more chances to drive a tank compared to the PC version), the presentation is second to none. [Jan 2005, p.124]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. GameSpy
    80
    The best WWII shooter currently available on a console. It's rich with historical details, colorful characters, and interesting locales, and you'll find yourself immersed in the intense combat sequences.
  12. Gamer.tv
    80
    A wild ride through some of mankind's most violent episodes holds its own against the orginal PC masterpiece.
  13. XGP Gaming
    80
    The character models won't win any awards, but the terrain and weapons alone make sure that you won't mistake the environment for the present. Buildings, tanks and embankments are all very well done. There is a noticeable downgrade, however, with the Gamecube version which was a surprise.
  14. Gaming Illustrated
    76
    Going into and out of some of WWII's most intense battles will keep you coming back for more. If you can get by the average graphics and a couple of A.I. wobbles you'll have a great time playing this game.
  15. BonusStage
    76
    Now, when I talk about how Call of Duty is "Halo" in World War II, all the similarities are there. You can only hold two weapons at a time, along with grenades; health seems to be damn near endless.
  16. GameZone
    75
    The action can sometimes be too scripted and some levels lack that intensity of the PC original, but we're still looking at a fun time at the frontlines.
  17. eToychest
    75
    With the exception of the very first level (the Battle of Stalingrad) you hardly get the sense of urgency that you should feel while playing this game.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best GameCube Game of 2004
35
#35 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004
33
#33 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 4 out of 22
  1. jettaga
    Oct 30, 2022
    3
    I wish I had never downloaded it.

    the controls couldn't be that bad (not good for the year if you ask me) As a story, well, that's the    I wish I had never downloaded it.

    the controls couldn't be that bad (not good for the year if you ask me)

    As a story, well, that's the most that could have been done in those years. In 2004, I have not seen/heard of a game that tells a very, very good story.

    NPCs are pretty problematic. I'm in front of the man, he's been waiting quite a while even though his gun is out of colldown. If you show your head, it just hits you.

    Switching between chapters is too fast. This game can be played almost only by old game lovers.

    I move to the opposite wall, newly spawned enemy npc think I am in my original place because according to his scenario, I have to be / be there.

    even if you don't play anymore.

    I will add 1 point just for the sake of the call of duty series, as far as I know, infinity ward made the game. I will add 1 more point than that.    … Full Review »
  2. Derek
    Dec 26, 2006
    8
    Though it's short, Call of Duty's realistic in-the-war feel and sheer challenge will appeal to WWII fans and veterans. So, what is Though it's short, Call of Duty's realistic in-the-war feel and sheer challenge will appeal to WWII fans and veterans. So, what is Call of Duty? Call of Duty is a game based on World War 2. What do you do in the game? The gameplay is very fun. You can use plenty of weapons which are all different, but equal. You can snipe, man turrets, search buildings, crouch, aim, jump. But the presentation ties it together nicely. Sometimes you may get stuck due to lousy instruction, but most of the time, you should be on key. How hard is this game? You can play on 3 different difficulties. Easy. Medium. Hard. Even on easy, the game can get somewhat difficult. The challenge is what keeps the player playing this game and it doesn't frustrate you like in other games. How are the graphics? Amazing. They aren't that high def, but the graphics create surroundings that make it feel like you are actually in the war. And that is what seperates it from most games. How is the sound? Great. It uses Dolby Pro Logic II. Everything on key. Without sound, it wouldn't be a war. How long is it? Short, I admit. It is only a couple hours long. But it's difficulty and fun gameplay will leave you coming back for more. Too bad Gamecube didn't give this online play. Any unlockables? Some cheats. Movies. Photos. The small stuff. Who do you reccomend owning the game? WWII veterans who want to look back at the wars. FPS fans who want a tense experience. War/weapon fanatics. Pros: Realistic in-the-war presentation ; enjoyable gameplay ; plenty of weapons to choose from and use ; Challenging game. Cons: Slow motion moments are annoying ; No multiplayer or online play ; Short single player.… Full Review »
  3. DJ
    Feb 10, 2005
    5
    Soooo disappointed with this title. After all the reviews, I thought it'd be a solid shooter. It's weak. terrible play control - no Soooo disappointed with this title. After all the reviews, I thought it'd be a solid shooter. It's weak. terrible play control - no real feel when you are shooting at enemies. Why can't enemies just fall down and die? they flop around for 2 seconds making you waste more ammo on them. Nintendo can do better.… Full Review »
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