Call of Duty 2: Big Red One

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
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  1. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    74
    Treyarch have done a commendable job with the single-player in such a tough development cycle, that just managing to make a multiplayer mode that improves upon Finest Hour’s is a fantastic achievement.
  2. Gamer's Hell
    74
    Big Red One comes across as a nicely presented game with some impressive visuals and memorable moments, but it doesn’t have enough to make it stand out from the rest.
  3. Game Informer
    73
    The total lack of soul in Big Red One, along with the irritating level design, are simply too much for the technical excellence embodied in its smooth framerate and slick graphics to overcome. [Jan 2006, p.137]
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  5. Play.tm
    73
    If however you are considering what should be your first folly into World War action, then consider looking elsewhere.
  6. Gaming Target
    72
    A decent distraction, even though it isn't much different from the horde of other WWII games out there in recent years with the exception of some mild squad tactics.
  7. GameSpot
    70
    While it offers an interesting and varied campaign, Big Red One doesn't quite nail down the intense feel of World War II infantry combat.
  8. PSM Magazine
    70
    You're left with a simple arcade shooter cloaked in WWII guise that completes every prerequisite. [Jan 2006, p.76]
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  9. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    All in all, this is about what we've come to expect from a competent World War II FPS: frequent moments of drama and tension and cinema interspersed with some fairly run-of-the-mill shooting.
  10. Gaming Nexus
    70
    Despite having a strong legacy to build upon, this game somehow manages to somewhat disappoint. In fact, it may be time to let the entire WW II, FPS genre die with dignity.
  11. Game Power Australia
    70
    It’s not that Big Red One is a bad game – it’s enjoyable for as long as it lasts – but there are much more entertaining, value-packed titles available.
  12. Gamenikki
    70
    Sometimes the graphics were actually surprisingly good, such as the detail on the planes as I gunned them down, or the rust on the vehicles. But other times, like when all the glass windows burst the same, or every office in the game has the same desk, chair and bookshelf, Call of Duty 2 begins to show its age.
  13. Digital Entertainment News
    68
    Better than Finest Hour, but still not where it needs to be.
  14. GamesRadar+
    60
    There are a few issues with Big Red One (particularly a slow trudge through the Africa campaign and spots of truly artificial intelligence), but fans of the series will find it enjoyable, intense, and an improvement over earlier chapters.
  15. Game Revolution
    58
    This game’s single-player campaign is a decent diversion and serves up a relatively well-produced version of the PC series. Unfortunately, what it lacks in replay value and online play leads to a solider a bit too thin for his britches. Will this war never end?

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best PS2 Game of 2005
31
#31 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
46
#46 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 120
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 120
  3. Negative: 13 out of 120
  1. mrogers0130
    Mar 31, 2012
    9
    Fantastic single player. Brings a squad based aspect that allows you to grow a small connection to characters and allows you to hope for theirFantastic single player. Brings a squad based aspect that allows you to grow a small connection to characters and allows you to hope for their survival. An improvement from the original cod, treyarch creates a better flow to the gameplay and allows for a greater movement across the levels. Choke points are uncommon, and gameplay itself is enjoyable.… Full Review »
  2. SJ-ULTI-Reiews
    Sep 27, 2013
    7
    This game has a pretty decent story that actually makes sence unlike the other cods, the aiming and gameplay are actually solid and theThis game has a pretty decent story that actually makes sence unlike the other cods, the aiming and gameplay are actually solid and the graphics are pretty good for a game that came out in 2005. Treyarch did a good job with this game.… Full Review »
  3. dante_finn
    Nov 23, 2012
    8
    This game has a wide variety of missions with a ton of authentic weapons. this game has better use of enviromental cover and tatical manueversThis game has a wide variety of missions with a ton of authentic weapons. this game has better use of enviromental cover and tatical manuevers in this contexually accurate battle chatter.… Full Review »
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