Call of Duty: Vanguard

 PlayStation 5
User Score
3.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 1479 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 362 out of 1479
  2. Mixed: 172 out of 1479
  3. Negative: 945 out of 1479
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  1. Real_HarryPott
    Nov 6, 2021
    1
    Let me start by listing the good, which is the graphics, some guns, and part of the campaign. The graphics are in my opinion a step up overall, and the cinematics blend very well into actual gameplay, and missions such as Operation Tonga and Midway stand out graphically. The guns are also good, partially. The recoil, sounds, muzzle smoke, and bullet impact feel realistic and well executed,Let me start by listing the good, which is the graphics, some guns, and part of the campaign. The graphics are in my opinion a step up overall, and the cinematics blend very well into actual gameplay, and missions such as Operation Tonga and Midway stand out graphically. The guns are also good, partially. The recoil, sounds, muzzle smoke, and bullet impact feel realistic and well executed, but you'd think in a WWII game there'd be some variety, and often times there isn't. The only good parts of the campaign imo were Tonga and Midway. Jumping into Normandy on D-Day and sinking Japanese carriers at Midway is hard to screw up, which is why I thought they were the only good parts of the campaign.

    Now for the bad, which is 95% of this game. Zombies is horrible, boring to play, and doesn't feel like the zombies true cod fans want. Yet again, another pointless Nazi zombie story people don't care about or play for, zombie health bars, too much UI, truly awful map with 3 portals to 3 terrible locations (not even full blown maps, just small areas) are just some of the problems with zombies. Activision has lost all passion and care for zombies it's not even funny. At this point I'd take remastered maps that are actually fun such as Transit or buried. Overall terrible, half-assed mode that I'm shocked was cleared to be released.

    Multiplayer is nothing new, still bad with more problems than I'll list. Skill based matchmaking is back, we all hate that, as well as the same generic game modes. No war mode or headquarters like in COD WWII, which say what you will about that game, people loved war mode and headquarters, something Activision would've done themselves a favor by adding in (wasn't added due to laziness and lack of passion or care for fanbase). Also why are there no official teams?? The team names are "My Team" and "Enemy Team", like are you serious?? The lack of care, passion, and if you believe it to be true wokeness in this game is unreal. You can't say Nazis vs British or Imperial Japanese vs Americans anymore? This also makes for boring play as you can literally run around and shoot your own operator, and barely tell who's who. COD multiplayer is at its lowest point no question, and it's clear as day. Maybe if they spent more time listening to fans instead of making as many female operators as they can, even including a gay one (Constanze) we'd get a somewhat enjoyable WWII arcadey game.

    Finally the campaign, which is only 9 missions is stupidly short with a horrible story. The Nazis yet again are planning something big and have secret files we must find. In this bland storyline we never get any real information about project Phoenix other than it will lead to the fourth reich, and there's only two missions where we actually are on the hunt for the nazis in charge of the project. Arthur Kingsley's missions are enjoyable at first but quickly turn into repetitive, uninteresting gunplay we've seen before, but better executed in previous WWII games. Wade Jackson's missions are the best with Midway and that's it. Flying, dogfighting, and divebombing is fun but the mission is over in 10 minutes. Polina's missions are also things we've seen before but way better in previous games, most notably World at War. Her final mission is also abysmal, with a boss fight against a regular human yet we manage to stab him 5 times and he's still kicking. The characters themselves I feel nothing for, I don't care when a side character dies, it's just awful and disappointing especially when COD, despite how bad some campaigns are, usually succeed at creating lovable characters. Lucas Riggs missions are the same deal. Also I never knew the Japanese used MG42s and that Stg44s were issued before 1944. The guns are all over the place, and there's a lack of guns as well. The developers really didn't care about this campaign at all. During the pacific mission I never once came across an M1 Garand, Thompson, M1 Carbine, nothing. The only weapons I used the entire time were stg44s, mp40s, the basic sniper, and a kar98. The campaign is just bad and what happens when all passion is lost and when you focus on diversity/inclusion over a good story. Very disappointing even when my expectations were low.

    I don't recommend anyone buying this game and supporting a company that has lost its heart and soul. For all the people who enjoy the game I respect that, but good reviews giving out 10s left and right because its "better" than last years cod, which was awful, and has good graphics doesn't warrant a 10 rating. Also every positive review I've seen revolves around the game being better than battlefield (which I don't care about) with no details whatsoever about why they believe this call of duty deserves a 10. Many recent cods have been horrible, and vanguard is no doubt in the lower tier of this COD depression. As Kratos from God of war said though "Keep your expectations low, and will never be disappointed.    … Expand
  2. Keitha313
    Nov 16, 2021
    0
    Plagued with cheaters, aim assist on controllers overpowered, matchmaking each game no matter skill level its like you're in an e-sport competition... This is hands down the worst COD game of all time. They have also stripped down their last game from removing the social hub, the fun game mode where you have an objective you have to stand beside and move it towards the point and thePlagued with cheaters, aim assist on controllers overpowered, matchmaking each game no matter skill level its like you're in an e-sport competition... This is hands down the worst COD game of all time. They have also stripped down their last game from removing the social hub, the fun game mode where you have an objective you have to stand beside and move it towards the point and the customisation of your character. In its place is generic game modes and boring inclusive operators which have zero relation to this wars setting. That's just the multiplayer aspect.

    Singleplayer campaign is god awful, it's another cinematic movie experience because we don't have enough of them and we don't have enough games trying to preach and lecture us about something. It is truly a disgusting and disrespectful approach to the war it is meant to be covering, it truly is fan fiction for people who don't like games. Polina is the Mary Sue feminist strong woman character, then we have the bizarre option of a black British soldier who is apparently from a well off wealthy family who is incredibly intelligent (during that time, definitely not accurate) and we have a rogue German soldier along with a Yank and someone else... An odd cast of misfits who never are we truly interested in anyway. This is what happens when you let gaming journalists sway your decision making with games.

    Zombies is just bare, for as little content it provides it deserves as little content written about it. Abysmal.

    Worst COD since COD Infinite Warfare, albeit I would genuinely without being sarcastic or bitter say that Infinite Warfare provided a better COD than this.    … Expand
  3. badingadoo
    Nov 8, 2021
    3
    So sick of video games staying Woke with their characters . The multiplayer does not even feel like ww2. its all these white girls and black girls running around.... Total joke of a video game. Give us Nazis vs USA. Not this weird take on what the devs thought was going on in ww2.
  4. Bene86
    Nov 7, 2021
    0
    Graphics are low, matchmaking ist disturbing, mp maps waaaay to big and inviting to camp, not to run. The game is made in a way that nobody really can lose, that everyone have a chance and you dont have to learn the game. Oh and pleeeease... stop that woke-trash in videogames, i dont want to get teached about "bad white men", "good black guys", and simply incredible overpoweredGraphics are low, matchmaking ist disturbing, mp maps waaaay to big and inviting to camp, not to run. The game is made in a way that nobody really can lose, that everyone have a chance and you dont have to learn the game. Oh and pleeeease... stop that woke-trash in videogames, i dont want to get teached about "bad white men", "good black guys", and simply incredible overpowered rage-women.

    Dont buy it. Just say no.    … Expand
  5. GManJunior
    Nov 6, 2021
    8
    Gameplay is great, graphics are impeccable, story is fantastic, but it needed more time in the oven. I also think the story leans too heavily into the Nazi’s racist views, as well as many references to things such as the Cotton Club.
  6. HBK-
    Nov 8, 2021
    9
    Vanguard feels very fresh , the gameplay is very aggressive & smooth dualsense alone makes this game worth the $77 bones. Very excited for this years cod
  7. Criscros14
    Nov 7, 2021
    8
    Everything is good in this game but a I don't like zombies mode that's ****
  8. Meregildo
    Nov 8, 2021
    10
    I've been playing for more than 75 hours, I'm a veteran of the CoD saga, I've played every title since CoD II on PS2. I can say with very objective criteria that this CoD Vanguard is the best they have released in YEARS. It should be noted that my opinion is focused on multiplayer, because I think it is a mistake to focus on story mode, because hegemonically (unfortunately), we understandI've been playing for more than 75 hours, I'm a veteran of the CoD saga, I've played every title since CoD II on PS2. I can say with very objective criteria that this CoD Vanguard is the best they have released in YEARS. It should be noted that my opinion is focused on multiplayer, because I think it is a mistake to focus on story mode, because hegemonically (unfortunately), we understand CoD as a multiplayer game, so in this case I think that opinion should be focused on this pulled apart.
    Favorable points:
    + Graphics. Very good, something that was expected because they use the graphics engine of the last Modern Warfare. It should be noted that as of today that I write the review, the game has some graphic bugs, but it is normal, since it has been out for 3 days.
    + Gameplay. Very balanced weapons, it is noticeable that they have been careful in this matter, also in the subject of movement of the character it has improved a lot, it is very fluid and dynamic.
    + Weapons: The recoil of the weapons and the shooting sensation are especially satisfying. Besides, it is noted that they have authorized licenses, 90% of the weapons have the original design and name of the weapon in question, it is appreciated, because it generates greater immersion.
    + Sound. Spectacular, the best, never seen in a CoD ever.
    They have also removed the enemy's red dot on the minimap when it fires, unless you select a specific ability for the character to do so. This is perfect, it has always been requested, in this way the sound is given more importance.
    + Scenarios / Art: Very varied maps, of all kinds and with environments very in line with the time in which the game is narrated, everything is very beautiful, a lot of work behind the artistic section.
    Unfavorable points / to improve:
    - Possible bugs, glitches or weapons / abilities checked, the 'day 1 patch' will be missing.
    ------------------ Original (Español) ------------------
    Llevo jugado más de 75 horas, soy un veterano de la saga CoD, he jugado a todos los títulos desde el CoD II de PS2. Puedo opinar con criterio muy objetivo que este CoD Vanguard es de lo mejor que han sacado en AÑOS. Cabe destacar que mi opinión se enfoca al multijugador, pues pienso que es un error enfocarnos al modo historia, pues hegemónicamente (por desgracia), entendemos el CoD como un juego multijugador, por lo que en este caso pienso que debería enfocarse la opinión en este apartado.
    Puntos favorables:
    + Gráficos. Muy buenos, algo que se esperaba pues utilizan el motor gráfico del último Modern Warfare. Cabe destacar que a día de hoy que escribo la reseña, el juego tiene algunos bugs gráficos, pero es normal, pues hace 3 días que ha salido.
    + Jugabilidad. Armas muy balanceadas, se nota que se han esmerado en este tema, también en el tema de movimiento del personaje ha mejorado mucho, es muy fluido y dinámico.
    + Armas: El retroceso de las armas y la sensación de disparo son especialmente satisfactorios. Aparte, se nota que han autorizado licencias, el 90% de las armas tienen el diseño y el nombre original del arma en cuestión, se agradece, pues genera mayor inmersión.
    + Sonido. Espectacular, de lo mejor, jamás visto en un CoD nunca.
    También han quitado el punto rojo del enemigo en el minimapa cuando este dispara, a no ser que selecciones una habilidad especifica para el personaje para ello. Esto es perfecto, siempre se ha pedido, de este modo se le da más importancia al sonido.
    + Escenarios / Arte: Mapas muy variados, de todo tipo y con unos entornos muy acordes a la época en que se narra el juego, muy bonito todo, mucho trabajo detrás del apartado artístico.
    Puntos desfavorables / a mejorar:
    - Posibles bugs, glitches o armas / habilidades chetadas, faltará el 'parche del día 1'.    … Expand
  9. SparkClips
    Nov 9, 2021
    3
    Campaign and zombies are hot garbage. Multiplayer is the only reason I’m giving it a 3.
  10. DA_BOSSA_28
    Nov 6, 2021
    0
    This game is a huge disappointment from the start. The campaign is bland, multi-player is buggy and zombies is complete trash and useless. I'm a huge zombies fan since WaW and this zombies mode broke my heart. I honestly can say I teared up on how they ruined the zombies mode. They had so much potential with it and they just threw it out the window. What a shame.
  11. Blablatgh
    Nov 7, 2021
    0
    The Campaign is really bad. Not just the story I mean it depends if you like it or not.
    I mean the accuracy of thing in this game ist Bad.
    The graphics are bad in certain moments.
    The movement of a plane looks like a Toy.
    All tanks look the same.
    I would not recommend the Campaign and all.
  12. KaptainAlex
    Nov 8, 2021
    2
    Apparently WW2 was won by a bunch of superheros with powers such as x-ray vision. The campaign is beyond a joke, clearly some writers pushing their "whiteman bad" agenda with no knowledge whatsoever of the conflict that killed so many millions. The campaign is not only boring and predictable it is shamefull in its agenda pushing... I was glad it was short so it could be over. (took me 5Apparently WW2 was won by a bunch of superheros with powers such as x-ray vision. The campaign is beyond a joke, clearly some writers pushing their "whiteman bad" agenda with no knowledge whatsoever of the conflict that killed so many millions. The campaign is not only boring and predictable it is shamefull in its agenda pushing... I was glad it was short so it could be over. (took me 5 and a half hours on normal)
    The Multiplayer... same old same old... some good modes to be had sure, but its just more of the same, more grinding, more leveling etc. I dont appreciate that the weapons now have up to 10 attachment slots - this seems far too many. The post game "vote on the mvp" section is extremely irritating and needs to be removed, the multiplayer characters are totally lame.
    Zombies - seems rushed and simplified.

    As a student of history, particularly the World Wars, im pretty saddened and sickened by this game's
    handling, never seen so much agenda driven nonsense in a video game. Clearly the demographic isnt someone whos been playing COD for 15+ years with a passion for historical conflicts.
    Avoid.    … Expand
  13. Maxxamann
    Nov 9, 2021
    2
    The campaign is an awful mish mash of generic characters with stories so unlikely that it becomes laughable. The missions are extremely linnear and repetitive.

    The multiplayer somehow feels even more generic and streamlined than the campaign. The cringe in this one is over the charts. You are playing as either "my team" or "enemy team" on large maps that are designed in a way to add a    The campaign is an awful mish mash of generic characters with stories so unlikely that it becomes laughable. The missions are extremely linnear and repetitive.

    The multiplayer somehow feels even more generic and streamlined than the campaign. The cringe in this one is over the charts. You are playing as either "my team" or "enemy team" on large maps that are designed in a way to add a lot randomness to the gameplay. You can say goodbye to controlling angles, and relying on your map sense and go straight to spawn killing if you're after streaks. The mp has no historical theme to it. You're not playing on any battles and you are not playing as thematic characters nor using thematic guns. It's not about the realism, it's about getting the theme right. For a ww2 game this is an insanely awful take on it. Nothing is accurate.

    The zombies is such a large bruh moment that you'll pass out from dissapointment trying to play even 10 minutes of it.

    Overall there is absolutely nothing about this game that drives me to boot this up instead of any other game. I feel like I'm an adult playing a game made for kids when I boot this up, I feel embarressed just playing it. I got a refund and for some reason I can still play it, but I don't because it's just that generic, boring and just straight up bad. I could dive way deeper into the flaws in gameplay design etc but for real. If you're thinking about buying this, for the love of pp don't do it alone.    … Expand
  14. Rudolfo53
    Nov 7, 2021
    0
    I honestly can’t grasp why people are still playing these games Despite the lack of variety in guns and customization basically every entry feels the same and very repetitive
  15. sergioodoardi
    Nov 6, 2021
    1
    Buggy as hell. Also, COD after many games released, they are still getting a lot of hackers and cheaters. This game needs to be remake from top to bottom.
  16. Nobilis1984
    Nov 8, 2021
    4
    Campaign is ok. It's dull shooting with occasional tactical phases.
    We come to the multi-player. Absolute garbage and with a downward trend. If this is not revised and the game continues to be offered overpriced, the rip-off principle flies around the ears.
  17. neosnow
    Nov 8, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In my opinion. Please save your money! Not Worth full price if you have to have to buy wait until price drops.
    Campaign is okay.
    But MP is terrible.
    - respawning needs huge work - too much map that doesn’t fit games pace
    - guns…tooo much grinding
    Overalls.
    - I regret buying this game and deluxe edition. But its COD franchise just gotta move on. But i am disappointed I hope they fix some issues now I highly recommend not to buy this game.    … Expand
  18. Gotcha824
    Nov 7, 2021
    9
    Look, if you don't enjoy call of duty you won't like this game. And yes, this is a call of duty. It isn't a gigantic leap in a different direction but It does genuinely feel refreshing. Especially after Cold War. This game has a memorable story with some of the best cod moments (IMO). It actually has a great multiplayer with a huge load of maps and cursed weapon builds. Zombies has anLook, if you don't enjoy call of duty you won't like this game. And yes, this is a call of duty. It isn't a gigantic leap in a different direction but It does genuinely feel refreshing. Especially after Cold War. This game has a memorable story with some of the best cod moments (IMO). It actually has a great multiplayer with a huge load of maps and cursed weapon builds. Zombies has an incredible new art style and story and is run by treyarch... But there is just not a lot of zombies content at launch. It's kinda dry... But it has a very strong base so It's looking like they will be adding more through updates. In conclusion, If you want to play a fun WW2 cod through this year equipped with a memorable campaign, great multiplayer, and a start to a new zombies story... Vanguard is the choice for you.… Expand
  19. executioner_apk
    Nov 9, 2021
    1
    Disgusted by how many cheaters for a new game. Servers are soo bad. Spawn points are a joke. Worst game I've played in a long time. Don't waste your money.
  20. W_e_ll
    Nov 7, 2021
    10
    I understand that some zombie players are disappointed, but everyone should also understand that multiplayer/campaign players are having fun. So imo it's kind of unfair to say that game is automatically bad when zombies aren't perfect. I'm sure they will do something with it anyway and make it better. But overall all other aspects are great. Obviously nothing is perfect, but this is betterI understand that some zombie players are disappointed, but everyone should also understand that multiplayer/campaign players are having fun. So imo it's kind of unfair to say that game is automatically bad when zombies aren't perfect. I'm sure they will do something with it anyway and make it better. But overall all other aspects are great. Obviously nothing is perfect, but this is better than any COD in years. So many good maps, graphics are nice, multiplayer is amazing.… Expand
  21. Andi_
    Nov 7, 2021
    7
    Im Großem und Ganzen ein solides Games. Grafik, Movement und Gunplay ist super. Die Waffen fühlen sich super an.
    Die Maps sind schick und für Weltkriegsetting recht farbig, was ich gut finde.
    Die Time to kill jedoch etwas zu kurz.
  22. Robocop394
    Nov 9, 2021
    10
    Really solid CoD, possibly my third favorite after Modern Warfare (2007) and Modern Warfare 2 (2009). Good 4-6 hour story (depends if you take your time or just rush), fun multiplayer that has some spawning issues that need to be fixed.
  23. UncleDave
    Nov 9, 2021
    2
    This game is supposed to be set in WW2, but is just as unhistorical as it can get. Single-player is even worse than in CoD:WW2. Multi-player is ok. Game has a lot of bugs and feels unfinished.
  24. crookedcritter
    Nov 7, 2021
    1
    What absolute cabbage. Such regrets buying this, Im attempting a refund now. I recommend Warzone, free to play and actually fun.
  25. TechJunky90
    Nov 9, 2021
    0
    Worst Call of Duty to date. The lack of development really shows. Most of the games code is a copy & paste job just like Cold War is. There is nothing what so ever original about this game. The maps are absolutely terrible. The spawn points are trash. Zombie mode is laughable at best, it has absolutely no content. The constant packet burst lag is terrible. All and all it is a terrible gameWorst Call of Duty to date. The lack of development really shows. Most of the games code is a copy & paste job just like Cold War is. There is nothing what so ever original about this game. The maps are absolutely terrible. The spawn points are trash. Zombie mode is laughable at best, it has absolutely no content. The constant packet burst lag is terrible. All and all it is a terrible game just like the 3 games before it. Today's Call of Duty games can't even compete with Call of Duty from the PS3/360 era. They are not even in the same league.… Expand
  26. sergiete
    Nov 7, 2021
    2
    A new game of the saga but is almost the same that cold war only better graphics, also its duration of campaign is so short about 7 hours or 8 only
  27. Draliolo21
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Это просто лучшее что я видел после Новой быдлофилии 2042… Expand
  28. Frolicly
    Nov 9, 2021
    3
    At this point it's a copy and paste game year in, year out. The only good thing I can say about COD nowadays is that the single player is decent and for the most part is decent most years however the multiplayer is stale. I was bored after a few MP games on Vanguard (when the servers decided not to be poor..) because I've played this same rinse and repeat gameplay the last few year.At this point it's a copy and paste game year in, year out. The only good thing I can say about COD nowadays is that the single player is decent and for the most part is decent most years however the multiplayer is stale. I was bored after a few MP games on Vanguard (when the servers decided not to be poor..) because I've played this same rinse and repeat gameplay the last few year. There's nothing new to make this a buy and I'm glad I purchased this on a disc so I can sell it while I can.

    The amount of release titles this series has is beyond belief and for the past few year it's fallen out of touch with what made the first few original games so good.

    I used to be a 'COD fanboy' but as I'm not a kid anymore (unlike the mindset of many adults nowadays) it's quite obvious the gameplay isn't something they're looking to improve on but just change the graphics, add a few guns, some DLC content to make the guns look cool and fancy.    … Expand
  29. Lordofthegames
    Nov 8, 2021
    0
    This game is bad! Single is very short! You can’t surpass the first part in the plot.
  30. MetacriticOnur
    Dec 9, 2021
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjective
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
8
#8 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 68 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 68
  3. Negative: 0 out of 68
  1. Cubed3
    Jun 8, 2022
    70
    Call of Duty: Vanguard is a great Call of Duty entry with absolutely stellar ser pieces, fantastic visuals, and plenty of modes surrounding an excellently fun campaign. The only downsides are the muddied stories… not to mention what is happening in the company that published it. Highly recommended for CoD fans and people looking for a bit of mindless fun set in WW2.
    Read full review
  2. PLAY
    Feb 23, 2022
    80
    While not quite hitting the series high of Modern Warfare, Vanguard is Call Of Duty as it should be: fast, satisfying, and always calling you back for more. [Issue#10, p.92]
  3. PLAY! Zine
    Feb 21, 2022
    60
    Even though the campaign is extremely predictable and the multiplayer is plagued with tones of issues, Call Of Duty: Vanguard is, after all, still a Call of Duty title, and will appeal to all hardcore Call of Duty fans.
    Read full review
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