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Call of Duty: Vanguard

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Call of Duty: Vanguard
Item: Call of Duty: Vanguard
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAction, Shooter, Horror, Drama, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 4, 2021

PlatformXbox One, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperSledgehammer Games

Overview

This is WWII combat like never before. Witness the origins of Special Forces as you play a pivotal role and change the face of history, forming Task Force One in a gripping Campaign across four major theaters of war. Become an original Special Forces Operator in an online Multiplayer rich in innovation with 20 maps available at launch. Prepare for a franchise-first, universe-expanding Zombies crossover. Immerse yourself in a fully integrated Call of Duty: Warzone experience featuring a new and massive map. This is the most connected Call of Duty ever, all powered by the next generation Call of Duty engine introduced in Modern Warfare. This is Call of Duty: Vanguard.

Elsewhere

6.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard aims high with its character-driven WWII narrative and cinematic flair, but critics largely slam it for lacking depth and coherence. While some praise its ambitious storytelling and engaging flashbacks, many deem the plot contrived and predictable, resulting in a disjointed experience. The consensus is clear: despite glimpses of potential, the campaign falls flat, leaving players unsatisfied and craving the rich narratives of past installments.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Call of Duty: Vanguard has garnered a mix of opinions from critics, with some praising its ambitious approach to character development and narrative structure. Several reviewers, such as Carole Quintaine and GamingTrend, highlighted the engaging character-driven aspects of the campaign, noting that it explores the personal narratives of soldiers in Task Force One during World War II. Critics like NME and Press Start Australia appreciated the unique narrative structure that incorporates flashbacks, allowing for a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. Additionally, the cinematic presentation and high-quality visuals were frequently mentioned as standout features, contributing to an immersive experience. However, the overall sentiment regarding the story is predominantly negative, with many critics expressing dissatisfaction with its execution. Launcher from The Washington Post criticized the narrative for lacking substance and depth, describing it as a "foul gelatin" that fails to engage players. Other reviewers, such as New Game Network and Gaming Nexus, echoed this sentiment, calling the plot contrived, unrealistic, and overly predictable. Critics like Worth Playing and VG247 pointed out that the campaign feels more like a collection of iconic moments rather than a cohesive narrative, with many characters lacking depth and development. The reliance on flashbacks was also criticized for making the story feel disjointed and rushed, as noted by Attack of the Fanboy and Pure Xbox. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Call of Duty: Vanguard attempts to deliver an engaging story through its character-driven narrative and cinematic presentation, it ultimately falls short of expectations. Many reviewers, including Metro GameCentral and Hardcore Gamer, felt that the campaign lacks the depth, clarity, and emotional resonance found in previous titles. Despite some positive remarks regarding individual character arcs and the ambition of the narrative, the overwhelming feedback indicates that the story is hindered by clichés, linearity, and a lack of meaningful engagement, leaving players wanting more from this installment in the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard delivers engaging multiplayer action with solid gunplay and new features, but suffers from chaotic balance issues, a linear single-player campaign, and a lackluster Zombies mode. Critics highlight fun gameplay but agree it largely feels like a rehash, falling short of the franchise's legacy and innovation expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Call of Duty: Vanguard has received a mixed reception from critics, with several reviewers highlighting its strengths. Many agree that the multiplayer mode is engaging, with a fast-paced action reminiscent of previous titles in the franchise. Critics like Gfinity and GameByte praised the gunplay, noting that it feels responsive and enjoyable, with a variety of weapons and maps available to players. The introduction of new features such as Combat Pacing and modes like Patrol and Champion Hill has also been recognized as a positive addition by critics like Press Start Australia and COGconnected, who appreciate the depth and variety these elements bring to the gameplay experience. Additionally, some reviewers, such as AusGamers and Easy Allies, noted that the unique abilities of characters add a layer of diversity to the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience. However, the gameplay also faces significant criticism, particularly regarding its lack of innovation and the presence of various issues. Critics like PLAY! Zine and Gaming Nexus pointed out that the multiplayer experience can feel chaotic and unbalanced, with problems such as spawn killing and poorly designed maps detracting from the enjoyment. The single-player campaign has been described as linear and repetitive by several reviewers, including M3 and GameSpot, who noted that missions often feel derivative and lack memorable moments. Furthermore, the Zombies mode has been criticized for its lack of excitement and depth, with critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Wccftech echoing concerns about its tedious nature compared to previous entries in the series. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Call of Duty: Vanguard offers some enjoyable gameplay elements, it ultimately falls short of the high expectations set by earlier titles in the franchise. Many reviewers, including IGN Spain and ZTGD, emphasized that the game feels like a rehash of familiar mechanics without significant innovation, leading to a sense of stagnation in the series. The combination of engaging multiplayer features and fun gunplay is overshadowed by balancing issues, linearity in the campaign, and a lack of memorable experiences, leaving critics divided on whether Vanguard can stand out in the crowded first-person shooter market.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard boasts stunning graphics, especially on next-gen consoles, impressing critics with detailed environments and cinematic cutscenes. However, it faces criticism for inconsistent visual quality, poor lighting in some missions, and lackluster multiplayer map design. Overall, while there are flaws, the visuals are a major highlight that enhances the gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Call of Duty: Vanguard is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its impressive visuals, especially on next-gen consoles. Reviewers like Gaming Nexus, IGN Spain, and Game Revolution highlight the game's stunning graphics, with particular emphasis on the detailed environments and lifelike character models. Critics such as Hardcore Gamer and Press Start Australia commend the high-quality lighting and realistic environmental interactions, noting that the visuals create an immersive experience that enhances gameplay. The cinematic quality of the cutscenes has also been a point of acclaim, with several reviewers, including Push Square and Checkpoint Gaming, stating that they rival the best graphics seen on the PS5. However, despite the largely favorable reviews, there are notable criticisms regarding certain aspects of the visual design. Many critics, including Gaming Nexus and GamesHub, point out issues with poor lighting in specific missions, which can detract from the overall immersion. Additionally, PlayStation Universe and Softpedia mention inconsistencies in visual quality, with some moments appearing outdated compared to other titles in the franchise. Critics like ZTGD and Twinfinite also note that while the campaign visuals are impressive, the multiplayer maps can suffer from a lack of distinct character and poorly designed elements. These critiques suggest that while the game shines in many areas, it is not without its flaws. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Call of Duty: Vanguard showcases impressive graphics and visual design, particularly on newer consoles, with many praising its detailed environments and cinematic cutscenes. However, there are concerns about inconsistencies in visual quality, particularly in lighting and map design. Overall, while some reviewers like God is a Geek and Game Rant acknowledge the game's visual shortcomings, the majority of critics agree that the graphics are a significant highlight, contributing positively to the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard impresses with its immersive sound design and stirring soundtrack by Bear McCreary, praised for enhancing the game's emotional moments. Critics highlight the 3D audio and weapon sounds, though some find weapon audio lacking and voice acting inconsistent. Despite mixed reviews, the overall audio experience elevates gameplay, making it a strong addition to the franchise, with positives outweighing the negatives.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Call of Duty: Vanguard have garnered a generally positive reception from critics across various platforms. Many reviewers have praised the immersive audio experience, highlighting the quality of the soundtrack composed by Bear McCreary. Critics from Digital Chumps and PlayStation Universe emphasized the emotional depth and orchestral richness of the music, which enhances key moments in the campaign. Additionally, the sound design during gameplay has been noted for its strong execution, with Attack of the Fanboy and Cubed3 acknowledging the immersive 3D audio and realistic weapon sounds that contribute to the overall war experience. The voice acting, particularly by Dominic Monaghan, has also received commendation for its cinematic quality, as mentioned by Comicbook.com. However, not all feedback is positive. Some critics have pointed out shortcomings in the sound design, particularly regarding weapon sounds. Gameblog.fr expressed disappointment, stating that the weapon audio does not meet expectations and affects immersion. Similarly, Softpedia criticized the audio design for having synthetic firing sounds and unbalanced audio cues. There are also mixed opinions on the voice acting quality, with Cubed3 noting that the German accents were unconvincing, which detracted from the overall experience. Moreover, issues with audio balance in campaign modes were raised by The Games Machine, indicating that while some aspects of sound design were strong, others fell short. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Call of Duty: Vanguard offers a commendable sound experience, particularly in terms of its music and immersive audio effects. While there are notable criticisms regarding certain elements of sound design, especially concerning weapon audio and voice acting, the majority of reviewers agree that the soundtrack and overall sound design significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Critics like Digital Trends and Windows Central encapsulate this sentiment, highlighting the game's ability to create an engaging atmosphere through its audio elements. Thus, while the game has its flaws, the positives largely outweigh the negatives, making it a noteworthy entry in the franchise.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard features standout voice performances, especially by Laura Bailey and Dominic Monaghan, which critics praise for emotional depth and narrative tension. However, the game also faces criticism for character stereotypes and inconsistent voice acting quality, undermining player engagement. While some characters shine, others fall flat due to one-dimensional portrayals and uninspired dialogue, resulting in a mixed reception regarding the overall voice acting experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Call of Duty: Vanguard has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the strong performances of notable actors, particularly Laura Bailey and Dominic Monaghan. Critics like Digital Chumps and PlayStation Universe commend Bailey's portrayal of Polina Petrova, noting her character's emotional depth and backstory as standout elements of the game. Monaghan's performance as Jannick Richter, a chilling Nazi officer, is frequently mentioned as a highlight, with critics from GameSpot and GamesRadar+ praising his ability to add tension and complexity to the narrative. Many reviews, including those from Gamepressure and Wccftech, emphasize that the voice acting contributes significantly to the immersion and emotional weight of the story, enhancing character interactions and overall narrative experience. However, not all reviews are favorable, as some critics point out limitations in the voice acting quality and character development. Hardcore Gamer notes that while the performances are good, the characters are often constrained by stereotypes, leading to a lack of depth in the campaign's structure. Similarly, CGMagazine criticizes the one-dimensional portrayal of villains, suggesting that it detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from Twinfinite and Launcher, express concerns about inconsistencies in voice acting quality and the delivery of banal lines, which can undermine the emotional engagement of the players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while there are standout performances that elevate the game's narrative, particularly from Bailey and Monaghan, there are also notable shortcomings in character development and voice acting consistency. Critics like Carole Quintaine and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the charismatic and relatable nature of the characters, yet others like Game Informer and New Game Network point to issues with lifeless dialogue and a lack of likable characters. This mixed feedback suggests that while Call of Duty: Vanguard offers strong voice performances, it also struggles with the depth and complexity of its character portrayals, leading to a somewhat polarized reception in the realm of voice acting.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard on PS5 impresses with smooth performance and visuals, but suffers from notable issues like stuttering, crashes, and audio syncing errors. Critics provide a mixed reception, praising aspects of technical performance while highlighting significant bugs that detract from the experience. Other platforms like Xbox Series X and PC have mixed reviews too, with some stability overshadowed by persistent technical problems. The consensus? Vanguard needs more polish to truly shine.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Call of Duty: Vanguard on the PS5 has garnered a generally positive response from critics. Many reviewers, including Attack of the Fanboy and Carole Quintaine, praised the game for its smooth performance and impressive visuals, highlighting the capabilities of the next-gen console. Gameblog.fr also noted that the game runs without significant issues, maintaining a stable framerate across both single-player and multiplayer modes. Critics like Digital Chumps and PlayStation LifeStyle echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the refined performance and minimal bugs at launch, contributing to an overall polished experience. However, there are notable concerns regarding technical performance on the PS5. Critics such as Finger Guns and GamesBeat reported issues with stuttering, desync during cutscenes, and crashes during intense gameplay moments, indicating a need for further polish. Gamepressure and Gaming Nexus pointed out specific technical issues, including audio syncing errors and problematic controls, which detract from the overall experience. Additionally, PlayStation Universe described the performance as inconsistent, with frequent frame rate dips and screen freezes, which are significant drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms indicates a mixed reception for Call of Duty: Vanguard's technical performance. While the PS5 version showcases impressive visuals and generally smooth gameplay, it is marred by various bugs and performance inconsistencies that affect immersion. On the Xbox Series X, critics like Malditos Nerds and MondoXbox noted solid performance with consistent frame rates, though issues like texture streaming and slowdowns were mentioned. The PC version received a more varied response, with some critics highlighting good optimization and stable performance, while others pointed out critical bugs and glitches that hindered the experience. Ultimately, while there are commendable aspects to the game's technical performance, the presence of persistent issues across platforms suggests that Call of Duty: Vanguard may benefit from further updates and refinements.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard boasts a strong multiplayer with 20 maps and engaging progression, praised for its replayability. However, the linear campaign and repetitive Zombies mode fall flat, diminishing overall replay value. Critics agree that while multiplayer shines, the lack of depth in other modes limits long-term appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Call of Duty: Vanguard reveals a mixed bag of opinions, with some critics highlighting notable strengths. Many reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and CGMagazine, praise the multiplayer mode for its extensive content, featuring 20 maps and a variety of modes that enhance replayability. The deep progression systems and customization options are also frequently mentioned, with critics like Shacknews and Gaming Nexus emphasizing that these elements ensure players have engaging reasons to return. Additionally, the introduction of new multiplayer modes, including Champion Hill, has been noted as a positive addition that adds freshness to the experience, as highlighted by critics like TheXboxHub and Easy Allies. However, the criticisms surrounding the game's replay value are prevalent and significant. Multiple reviewers, including Launcher from The Washington Post and MondoXbox, express disappointment with the campaign's linearity and lack of depth, which diminishes the incentive to replay. The Zombies mode faces similar scrutiny, with critics like PlayStation Universe and GameSpot pointing out its repetitive nature and lack of content. Overall, many critics agree that while the multiplayer offers some replay value, the campaign and Zombies mode do not provide sufficient motivation for players to revisit the game, leading to a sense of stagnation after initial playthroughs. In summation, the consensus among critics indicates that Call of Duty: Vanguard excels in its multiplayer offerings, with many reviewers acknowledging it as the primary draw for replayability. However, the shortcomings of the campaign and Zombies mode significantly hinder the game's overall replay value, leaving many players and critics feeling that the experience may not be as compelling in the long run. Critics like Digital Trends and Gamepressure encapsulate this sentiment well, suggesting that while there are engaging aspects, the lack of innovation and depth in certain modes limits the game's appeal for extended play.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the overall sentiment regarding Call of Duty: Vanguard, it is evident that many reviewers found commendable aspects within the game. Critics such as Xbox Achievements and Malditos Nerds praised the campaign for its compact and spectacular nature, highlighting the game's polished presentation and strong multiplayer experience. The multiplayer component, in particular, received consistent accolades for its engaging gameplay and depth, with several reviewers, including Gaming Nexus and Wccftech, noting it as the standout feature of the title. Furthermore, some critics like COGconnected and TheSixthAxis appreciated the improvements and refinements to the Call of Duty formula, suggesting that Vanguard could be a robust entry for fans of the series. However, the sentiment surrounding Call of Duty: Vanguard is marred by significant criticisms, particularly regarding its campaign and Zombies mode. Reviewers such as Softpedia and Digital Trends expressed disappointment, suggesting that the game feels like a cash grab and fails to meet the high standards set by its predecessors, particularly Modern Warfare. Critics like GamesHub and New Game Network echoed this sentiment, describing the campaign as predictable and repetitive, while the Zombies mode was often labeled as lackluster or unfinished. This lack of innovation and cohesion in the single-player experience was a common thread, leading many to question the game's overall value, especially for those who are not die-hard fans of the franchise. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Call of Duty: Vanguard is a mixed bag. While it offers enjoyable multiplayer gameplay and some praise-worthy elements, many reviewers, including GameSpot and Easy Allies, feel it falls short of being an essential title in the series. The game's technical performance and visuals were often highlighted positively, yet the repetitive nature of the campaign and the underwhelming Zombies mode left a sour note for many. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Pure Xbox suggest that while the game is not without merit, it ultimately lacks the innovation and excitement that fans have come to expect from the Call of Duty franchise, making it a tough recommendation for anyone outside the core audience.

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard garners mixed reviews, with its polished multiplayer gameplay and compact campaign praised by some, while others criticize the repetitive story and lackluster Zombies mode. Despite its engaging mechanics, many reviewers feel it doesn’t live up to franchise standards, often calling it a cash grab. While it has commendable elements, the game struggles to innovate, leaving it a tough sell for anyone but die-hard fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

185 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

Nov 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Vanguard is a welcome addition to the franchise and offers adventurous new territories.

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App Trigger

PlayStation 5

Nov 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Vanguard is considered one of the best CoD installments to date with stunning graphics and finely tuned gunplay. The solo campaign and multiplayer are both enjoyable.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Nov 5, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Vanguard is a standout shooter experience that successfully blends a globetrotting campaign with an exceptional multiplayer mode, despite some minor drawbacks in content and gameplay balance.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Nov 11, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Call of Duty: Vanguard for its campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies mode. It mentions that the game has absorbed improvements and refinements to the COD formula, and has a faster flow and fairer playing field compared to previous titles. The reviewer also states that Vanguard has its hook in deeper than Modern Warfare or Black Ops Cold War.

Forbes

Nov 12, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call Of Duty: Vanguard exceeds expectations with its multiplayer experience and visual design, though the campaign could be more engaging. It's recommended for fans of the franchise.

GamesBeat

PlayStation 5

Nov 23, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Vanguard is a balanced game with historical interest, good gameplay, and a strong narrative, though it lacks the polish of previous titles.

GamingTrend

Nov 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Vanguard successfully combines elements from previous titles to create a compelling FPS experience, with a heartfelt campaign, engaging multiplayer, and inviting Zombies mode, despite some shortcomings.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox Series X

Nov 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Vanguard delivers a superb campaign, comprehensive multiplayer, and a decent Zombies mode, making it a robust and polished package.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Nov 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Vanguard mantiene la esencia de la franquicia con un regreso a la Segunda Guerra Mundial, ofreciendo un multijugador renovado y un modo Zombies innovador. Aunque la campaña es más conservadora, el contenido adicional promete mantener el juego vivo.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Nov 5, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer enjoyed the campaign and multiplayer aspects, despite not being a fan of PvP shooters. The game is well-crafted with strong visuals, sound, and storytelling.

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