Call of Duty 2: Big Red One

 Xbox
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
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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. 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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  3. Ferrago
    73
    If however you are considering what should be your first folly into World War action, then consider looking elsewhere.
  5. Gaming Target
    73
    If you own an Xbox 360 or if your PC can handle it, I would instead recommend "Call of Duty 2" for its far superior gaming intensity and excitement.
  6. AceGamez
    70
    The lack of freedom, the highly structured levels, the checkpoint to checkpoint style of play and the inability to manipulate teammates or the world around you makes you feel that you are playing in a garden wholly owned by someone else; and no, you're not allowed to walk on the grass! Just as a roller coaster does, this game offers.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. DarkStation
    70
    With the FPS genre and WWII setting being done to death on the Xbox, Activision's new shooter offers some variety in the gameplay, but falls short due to its sloppy shooting mechanics.
  8. GameSpot
    70
    While it's a definite improvement on Activision's last Call of Duty game for consoles, Big Red One still doesn't do quite enough to distinguish itself from numerous other World War II first-person shooters.
  9. Gamezilla!
    70
    Hits the right notes all around, providing a fun, action-packed experience. If it were only a bit longer, it'd earn the highest marks, but as is, it's worth a rental, if not more.
  10. Armchair Empire
    70
    Many thrills but you'll have to weigh that against the very directed action which takes a bit of the fun out of it.
  11. Gamers' Temple
    70
    An average game in an otherwise stellar series.
  12. Gamer's Hell
    70
    The lack of emotive content is conspicuous by its absence, as is the inability to wander from the game's restrictively linear path, as well as the option to accomplish mission objectives from multiple perspectives.
  13. GameSpy
    70
    The game is polished, and delivers a satisfying journey while it has you, but loses you with an all-too short experience.
  14. GamerFeed
    70
    A fine FPS for the Xbox, giving you lots of opportunity to unearth the trials of war through a number of intriguing campaigns.
  15. 3DAvenue
    70
    Personally I would've liked some variation on the route and have control of what weapons and when to use them, but with all the different array of weaponry at your disposal it is a minor consequence.
  16. Boomtown
    60
    Big Red One comes across as rather flat and uninspiring online, and even though there's room for 16 players, most maps will feel quite empty.
    All this publication's reviews
  17. G4 TV
    60
    It's just another WWII shooter in that sea of WWII shooters we're all drowning in. It's fun enough while it lasts but there's nothing here we haven't see many, many times before.
  18. 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

60
#60 Best Xbox Game of 2005
96
#96 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
4.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 39
  3. Negative: 18 out of 39
  1. Rem
    Jul 11, 2013
    6
    Call of Duty 2: BRO is more of the same, but that's easy to forgive when there is so much to enjoy. The characters are interesting, and whileCall of Duty 2: BRO is more of the same, but that's easy to forgive when there is so much to enjoy. The characters are interesting, and while it is not as epic in scale compared to Call of Duty 2, it manages to feel fresh despite of it. The guns in here are standard WW2 affair mixed in with vehicle sections, but it feels powerful and it truly makes you feel as if progress is being made. The witty banter between your squadmates are entertaining and they bond well through the 6-hour campaign. Once that's over, there is the multiplayer which we have seen from Call of Duty 2 before. I enjoyed it for the most part. In the end, this game sets out to be nothing more than another appetizer for the expanding WW2 library. It manages to be one of the better ones though and that's an admirable achievement.… Full Review »
  2. Pete
    Apr 21, 2006
    6
    Probably the least enjoyable WW2 FPS i have played on the XBOX. Not a patch on the first one I'm afraid. Why did Activision switch there Probably the least enjoyable WW2 FPS i have played on the XBOX. Not a patch on the first one I'm afraid. Why did Activision switch there programmers?!? Jerky controls and poor graphics reminiscent of early PS2 games. There's a complete lack of emotion and not once did I find myself drawn into the story. Playable, but by no means loveable.… Full Review »
  3. Rick
    Mar 2, 2006
    6
    Ho hum! How terrible is the A.I - on a number of occassions the enemy was right infront of me. I was facing the wrong direction, they had the Ho hum! How terrible is the A.I - on a number of occassions the enemy was right infront of me. I was facing the wrong direction, they had the jump on me and they started shooting at my team instead. It does improve as the levels progress but not by much. They are lemmings. Such a shame it didnt have the same A.I. which I enjoyed in the first Call of Duty which at least had some challenge in its gameplay. Infact the first one poops all over this. The cinematic environment is nice but the game is too easy to be considered worthy of anything above a 6.… Full Review »
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