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70

MONSTER

Star Icon

Call of Duty: Vanguard

2021
GenresAction, Shooter, Horror, Drama, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective
AvailableNov 4, 2021
PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 4
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.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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60

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard’s narrative splits critics: praised for humanizing characters, diverse perspectives, and emotional depth by some, yet slammed for disjointed storytelling, clichés, and hollow execution. While a few laud its cinematic flair and real-world inspirations, most call it predictable, unoriginal, and emotionally flat, with weak arcs and an anticlimactic finish—leaving its ambitious premise unfulfilled.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

60

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

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

The story of Call of Duty: Vanguard receives mixed praise for its attempts to humanize its characters and explore World War II through diverse perspectives. Critics like IGN Spain and Push Square highlight its emotional depth, noting that the narrative focuses on individual protagonists and their backstories, offering a more personal take on the war. Carole Quintaine praises the cinematic quality of the storytelling, emphasizing its human and realistic perspective through flashbacks. Some reviewers, such as App Trigger and GameByte, commend the campaign for being "surprisingly intriguing" and "short and sweet," with well-developed characters inspired by real soldiers. Additionally, XboxAddict and Generación Xbox acknowledge the compelling backstories of the four protagonists, while IGN Portugal appreciates the humanization of diverse operatives and their moral justifications for wartime actions. These positives suggest that the game’s narrative has moments of engagement and character-driven storytelling. However, the majority of critics criticize Vanguard’s story for its lack of coherence, originality, and emotional impact. Launcher (The Washington Post) calls it a "foul gelatin" holding set pieces together without artistic ambition, while PlaySense and Eurogamer Italy describe it as predictable, clichéd, and poorly written. Destructoid notes the disjointed narrative and unclear throughline, and EGM criticizes the hollow focus on flashbacks over meaningful missions. Many reviewers, including GamesHub and Vandal, point to weak character arcs, unmemorable villains, and an anticlimactic ending. Gaming Nexus and Twinfinite argue that the story feels unrealistic, with characters resembling superheroes rather than relatable figures. Even PC Gamer and Games.cz note the lack of realism and depth, while Malditos Nerds acknowledge the action but find the narrative structure unoriginal. These critiques collectively highlight a persistent issue with the campaign’s execution despite its ambitious premise. Overall, the critical consensus leans toward disappointment, with many reviewers feeling that Vanguard’s story fails to live up to its potential. While some praise its character development and unique perspectives—such as Carole Quintaine’s "cinematic" approach or IGN Portugal’s emphasis on moral justifications—the majority find the narrative lacking in depth, originality, and emotional resonance. Critics like Launcher, PlaySense, and Eurogamer Italy dominate the negative feedback, citing clichés, weak writing, and a disjointed structure. However, a few reviewers, including App Trigger and XboxAddict, acknowledge its strengths as an engaging, if brief, single-player experience. The campaign’s reliance on flashbacks and historical themes is seen as both a creative choice and a flaw, with some critics (e.g., TheSixthAxis) appreciating the unconventional structure while others (e.g., Destructoid) find it confusing. Ultimately, Vanguard’s story is viewed as a mixed bag—capable of moments of brilliance but ultimately undermined by its execution and lack of cohesive storytelling.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Call of Duty: Vanguard’s narrative splits critics: praised for humanizing characters, diverse perspectives, and emotional depth by some, yet slammed for disjointed storytelling, clichés, and hollow execution. While a few laud its cinematic flair and real-world inspirations, most call it predictable, unoriginal, and emotionally flat, with weak arcs and an anticlimactic finish—leaving its ambitious premise unfulfilled.

71

TL;DR

Polished but unoriginal gameplay, praised for customization, new modes, and tight gunplay but criticized for chaos, repetition, underdeveloped maps, and a stagnant Zombies mode that fails to innovate, leaving it as a safe but uninspired entry in the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

71

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

6%

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

The gameplay of Call of Duty: Vanguard receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its engaging mechanics and variety. Press Start Australia and Impulsegamer commend the multiplayer’s customization options and progression systems, while IGN France and Carole Quintaine note the introduction of new modes like Patrol and Combat Pacing, which add dynamism to the experience. GamesHub and Gamersky praise unique character abilities that enrich the gameplay loop, and critics like Pure Xbox and Digital Chumps appreciate the campaign’s varied missions, action-packed set-pieces, and responsive gunplay. The game’s blend of traditional Call of Duty elements with slight innovations—such as tactical destruction and squad commands—earns it recognition for maintaining a fun and accessible foundation, even if it doesn’t fully break the mold. However, the gameplay faces significant criticism for its lack of innovation and repetitive nature. Multiple reviewers, including PLAY! Zine, Vgames, and GamesHub, describe the multiplayer as chaotic, unoriginal, and frustrating, with maps that feel underdeveloped and modes that fail to offer fresh experiences. Critics like Trusted Reviews and Riot Pixels note that the game relies heavily on familiar mechanics without substantial evolution, while others, such as GameOver.gr and Gamer.no, point to issues like restrictive campaign design, short length, and underwhelming character abilities. The Zombies mode is repeatedly criticized for its limited content and lack of depth, with critics like Wccftech and Impulsegamer highlighting its simplicity and poor replayability. Additionally, some reviewers, including Games.cz and Metro GameCentral, mention technical issues like fast-paced TTK settings and clunky controls that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Call of Duty: Vanguard delivers a polished but unoriginal gameplay experience, balancing familiar mechanics with minor improvements. While some praise its tight gunplay, varied modes, and character-specific abilities (as noted by GamesHub and IGN France), others argue it feels like a step backward in terms of innovation and depth. The multiplayer’s accessibility and customization options are亮点 for fans of the series, but the lack of meaningful change from previous entries—highlighted by critics like Games.cz and Metro GameCentral—leaves many feeling it fails to capitalize on its potential. Ultimately, the game is seen as a competent entry in the franchise that satisfies longtime players but struggles to attract new ones or stand out in a crowded market.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Polished but unoriginal gameplay, praised for customization, new modes, and tight gunplay but criticized for chaos, repetition, underdeveloped maps, and a stagnant Zombies mode that fails to innovate, leaving it as a safe but uninspired entry in the series.

79

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard dazzles with cinematic visuals, immersive environments, and polished cutscenes, but technical hiccups—poor lighting, texture flaws, and frame drops—tarnish its next-gen promise, leaving a mixed legacy of ambition vs. inconsistency.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

79

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

3%

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

The overall reception of Call of Duty: Vanguard’s graphics and visual design is largely positive, with many critics praising its technical execution and immersive details. Reviewers like Trusted Reviews and TierraGamer highlight the game’s impressive visuals on next-gen consoles, noting its "visually striking" environments and "gorgeous cutscenes." Finger Guns commends the "detailed facial animations and impressive lighting effects," while COGconnected applauds the "stunning single-player cutscenes" and "impressive multiplayer maps with destructible elements." The game’s use of the IW8 engine is frequently lauded, with IGN France noting its effective utilization for "impressive lighting and reflections," and Game Revolution praising the "exquisite detail" in locations, particularly on PC. Additionally, Worth Playing emphasizes the high production values, stating the game offers a "visually impressive experience across all modes." These critiques underscore the game’s ability to deliver cinematic quality and realism, especially in its campaign and multiplayer settings. However, several critics point to significant technical and design shortcomings that detract from the visual experience. PlaySense and Gaming Nexus criticize the graphics as "underwhelming," citing poor lighting, low-quality textures, and issues like screen tearing and frame drops. Merlin'in Kazanı notes that while some sections, like the final level, are visually strong, the overall design feels "subpar compared to previous titles." Jeuxvideo.com and New Game Network highlight dated technical aspects, with the former calling the engine "outdated" despite smooth 120 FPS performance, and the latter pointing to blurriness and excessive film grain. Twinfinite and Finger Guns mention texture pop-in and frame rate drops in multiplayer, while IGN Spain observes that maps lack personality and fail to leverage their historical setting effectively. These critiques reveal a mixed experience where visual ambition is sometimes undermined by technical inconsistencies. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for Vanguard’s graphical prowess, even if it doesn’t fully capitalize on next-gen hardware. While some reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and MGG Spain note that the game "shows significant improvement over previous titles," others such as Guardian and Everyeye.it acknowledge its traditional map designs and occasional lack of innovation. The game’s visual strengths—such as its "cinematic quality" (Carole Quintaine) and "stunning environments" (Hardcore Gamer)—are frequently highlighted, though many agree that technical flaws and design choices temper its potential. Ultimately, Vanguard is seen as a visually strong entry in the franchise, with its graphical achievements often overshadowed by performance issues and creative limitations, creating a polarizing but largely favorable impression among critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Call of Duty: Vanguard dazzles with cinematic visuals, immersive environments, and polished cutscenes, but technical hiccups—poor lighting, texture flaws, and frame drops—tarnish its next-gen promise, leaving a mixed legacy of ambition vs. inconsistency.

74

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard's sound design dazzles with Bear McCreary’s stellar score, immersive WWII atmosphere, and razor-sharp weapon details, but glitches like synthetic firing sounds, muddled voice acting, and inconsistent audio undercut its polish—proving audio excellence can still stumble.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

74

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

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 received widespread praise for their immersive qualities and technical execution. Critics like Atomix highlighted the "excellent audio quality" with detailed sound effects, particularly when using compatible headsets, while BaziCenter and Carole Quintaine commended the "powerful score" and "realistic weapon sounds" that enhance the World War II setting. Digital Chumps and IGN France lauded Bear McCreary’s soundtrack as "stellar," noting its ability to heighten tension and emotional impact during key moments. PlayStation Universe emphasized the orchestral richness of the music, calling it a "highlight of the campaign," while XboxAddict praised the "standout score" and "deadly weapon sounds." These reviews collectively underscore the game’s success in creating an auditory experience that complements its wartime narrative and fast-paced gameplay. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the sound design. Gameblog.fr criticized the "lacking" weapon sound design, while GameOver.gr noted a decline compared to previous titles, citing issues with enemy position clarity and audio interruptions. Cubed3 and IGN Italia highlighted unconvincing voice acting, particularly for German characters, and problems with dialogue mixing. PlaySense mentioned "missing footstep sounds" and inconsistent audio feedback, while Softpedia described the firing sounds as "synthetic." Vandal also noted a reported decrease in weapon sound quality, and MGG criticized the zombie mode’s lack of familiar voice lines. These critiques suggest that while the game’s audio excels in many areas, specific technical or design choices undermined the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with most critics acknowledging the game’s strong soundtrack and immersive sound design despite isolated issues. The music, particularly Bear McCreary’s work, was a consistent highlight, praised for its emotional depth and thematic resonance by COGconnected, JeuxActu, and XboxAddict. While some reviewers like Gameblog.fr and Vandal expressed disappointment with specific aspects of the sound design, the majority found it effective in enhancing gameplay and atmosphere. The mixed feedback on voice acting and audio mixing indicates that while Vanguard delivers a compelling auditory experience, there were areas where execution fell short of expectations. Ultimately, the game’s sound design and music are seen as a strong pillar of its overall quality, even if not without flaws.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Call of Duty: Vanguard's sound design dazzles with Bear McCreary’s stellar score, immersive WWII atmosphere, and razor-sharp weapon details, but glitches like synthetic firing sounds, muddled voice acting, and inconsistent audio undercut its polish—proving audio excellence can still stumble.

71

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard’s voice acting dazzles with stellar performances from Dominic Monaghan and Laura Bailey, but plagued by technical flaws, clichéd characters, and uneven delivery that undermine its narrative impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

71

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

5%

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

The voice acting in Call of Duty: Vanguard receives widespread praise, with multiple critics highlighting standout performances that elevate the narrative. Reviewers like Atomix, BaziCenter, and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the "outstanding" and "top-notch" delivery from the lead cast, noting how actors bring emotional depth to key scenes. Dominic Monaghan is frequently lauded for his chilling portrayal of a Nazi officer, with Comicbook.com, GameSpot, and GamesRadar+ praising his ability to add tension and believability. Similarly, Laura Bailey’s performance as Polina Petrova is singled out by Digital Chumps, PlayStation Universe, and XboxAddict for its emotional weight and character complexity. Critics like Gamepressure and Gamer.no commend the "star-studded cast" and "solid performances," suggesting that the voice acting effectively enhances immersion and narrative cohesion. However, several critics point to inconsistencies and shortcomings in the voice acting. Hobby Consolas notes "inconsistencies" in the Spanish dub, while IGN Italia criticizes "notable lip sync issues." Other reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer, CGMagazine, and Game Informer, argue that characters often feel "limited by stereotypes" or "lifeless cardboard," with one-dimensional villains undermining emotional engagement. Launcher and New Game Network criticize the dialogue as "banal" and "trite," while Twinfinite and Vandal mention moments where voice acting feels "shaky" or "subpar." Additionally, PlaySense and PC Games highlight specific issues with secondary characters, suggesting that not all performances meet the same high standards. These critiques often tie into broader concerns about the game’s narrative structure and character development. Overall, the critical reception of Call of Duty: Vanguard’s voice acting is mixed but leans toward positive. While many praise the lead performances—particularly Monaghan and Bailey—and their contributions to emotional storytelling, others point to technical flaws (like lip sync issues) and narrative shortcomings that dilute the impact of some characters. Critics like IGN France and Generación Xbox commend the quality of voice acting in specific regions or roles, while Game Informer and Launcher express more skepticism about its overall effectiveness. Despite these divides, the consensus is that the voice acting is a strong component of the game, with standout performances compensating for occasional inconsistencies. The balance between praise and criticism reflects the broader debate over whether the narrative’s strengths in character portrayal outweigh its structural limitations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Call of Duty: Vanguard’s voice acting dazzles with stellar performances from Dominic Monaghan and Laura Bailey, but plagued by technical flaws, clichéd characters, and uneven delivery that undermine its narrative impact.

63

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard delivers solid next-gen performance on PS5 and Xbox Series X but struggles with PC optimization, plagued by glitches, crashes, and polish issues across all platforms—despite showcasing hardware potential, it needs post-launch fixes to shine.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

63

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The technical performance of Call of Duty: Vanguard across its platforms shows mixed but largely positive reception, particularly on next-gen consoles. On PS5, several critics praised the game’s stability and visual fidelity, with Attack of the Fanboy highlighting "smooth performance and impressive visuals," while Carole Quintaine noted "no significant technical issues" aside from minor aliasing. TrueGaming emphasized consistent 60fps and DualSense support, and JeuxActu praised fast loading times via SSD. For Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and MondoXbox reported smooth 4K/60fps performance with minimal frame drops, while Malditos Nerds noted initial texture streaming issues that were resolved. On PC, VG247 and The Games Machine commended the game’s optimization and stable frame rates, though some critics like New Game Network and SpazioGames mentioned minor glitches and crashes. Overall, next-gen consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X) received more favorable reviews for their technical execution compared to older hardware. However, technical issues were prevalent across all platforms, particularly on PS5 and PC. On PS5, Dexerto criticized "severe hitching during gameplay and cutscenes," while Finger Guns and GameSpew cited stuttering, lag, and desync problems in multiplayer and story modes. Gamepressure and Gaming Nexus highlighted audio syncing errors and problematic controls, and Hardcore Gamer noted occasional freezes disrupting audio-visual synchronization. On PC, Launcher (The Washington Post) reported a critical bug blocking campaign progression, while SpazioGames and Shacknews mentioned crashes and system notifications disrupting gameplay. Xbox Series X also faced challenges, with Windows Central noting "crashes and black screen problems," and We Got This Covered pointing to slowdowns in the single-player campaign. These issues, though not universally severe, underscored a lack of polish that affected player experiences. The overall consensus among critics is that Vanguard delivers solid technical performance on next-gen platforms but struggles with optimization and polish, particularly on PC. While PS5 and Xbox Series X reviewers generally praised stability and visuals—Digital Trends and IGN France noted "stable framerates" and "smooth gameplay"—they also acknowledged persistent bugs like texture streaming (e.g., BaziCenter) or AI issues (Gaming Nexus). On PC, the game faced more varied reception, with some praising optimization (VG247, The Games Machine) but others criticizing glitches (New Game Network) and server instability (Jeuxvideo.com). Despite these flaws, many critics agreed that Vanguard showcases the capabilities of its platforms, even if it requires post-launch patches to address technical shortcomings. The mixed feedback reflects a game that is technically competent but not without significant room for improvement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Call of Duty: Vanguard delivers solid next-gen performance on PS5 and Xbox Series X but struggles with PC optimization, plagued by glitches, crashes, and polish issues across all platforms—despite showcasing hardware potential, it needs post-launch fixes to shine.

67

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard’s replay value hinges on its robust multiplayer—20 maps, 38 weapons, and addictive modes like Champion Hill—but struggles with a lackluster campaign (6–8 hours, linear) and underwhelming Zombies, which feel unfinished or unoriginal. While customization and updates offer promise, repetitive mechanics and missed innovation leave the experience uneven, prioritizing quantity over depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

67

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

8%

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

The overall sentiment toward Call of Duty: Vanguard’s replay value highlights several positive aspects, particularly in its multiplayer mode. Critics like PC Invasion praised the extensive content, noting 20 maps and 38 weapons that ensure long-term engagement, while TheXboxHub highlighted the addictive “Champion Hill” mode as a standout feature. GameSpew and VideoGamer pointed to multiplayer’s variety of modes, progression systems, and potential for future updates as key drivers of replayability. Additionally, IGN Spain and MGG Spain acknowledged the multiplayer’s customization options and seasonal content, suggesting it offers enough depth to keep players invested. The Zombies mode also received mixed praise, with Vandal noting its roguelike elements and high replayability, while others like TheSixthAxis appreciated shared XP progression with multiplayer. These positives indicate that the game’s online components have strong potential for sustained play. However, several critics expressed concerns about the lack of depth in the campaign and Zombies modes, which significantly impacted overall replay value. Vgames, Launcher, and Dexerto criticized the campaign for its linear structure, short duration (around 6–8 hours), and lack of incentives for repeat play. The Zombies mode faced similar backlash, with Gaming Nexus and PlayStation Universe calling it “unfinished” or “limited in content,” while Comicbook.com described it as “bare” and lacking originality. Even the multiplayer, despite its variety, was seen as repetitive by some, such as WellPlayed and Worth Playing, who noted that balancing issues and a lack of innovation could lead to burnout. GameOver.gr and Digital Trends also pointed out that the game’s reliance on familiar mechanics without significant changes made it feel less compelling compared to previous entries in the series. The consensus among critics is that Vanguard’s replay value hinges heavily on its multiplayer mode, which offers substantial content and customization but struggles with long-term engagement. While Game Informer and Shacknews praised the multiplayer’s longevity, many acknowledged that the campaign and Zombies modes fall short of expectations. NME and Forbes noted the game’s potential for a “year’s worth of content” through post-launch updates, but this optimism is tempered by concerns about the core experiences. Ultimately, the game’s replayability appears to be split: multiplayer provides a solid foundation, but the single-player and Zombies modes lack the depth or innovation to fully justify repeated play. As Malditos Nerds observed, the multiplayer’s richness contrasts sharply with the campaign’s shortcomings, leaving the overall experience feeling uneven.

TL;DR

replay value

Call of Duty: Vanguard’s replay value hinges on its robust multiplayer—20 maps, 38 weapons, and addictive modes like Champion Hill—but struggles with a lackluster campaign (6–8 hours, linear) and underwhelming Zombies, which feel unfinished or unoriginal. While customization and updates offer promise, repetitive mechanics and missed innovation leave the experience uneven, prioritizing quantity over depth.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

70

MONSTER

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

70

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

2%

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

The overall verdict of Call of Duty: Vanguard receives praise for its technical polish, multiplayer engagement, and visual fidelity, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Comicbook.com lauds it as one of the best and most complete entries in the franchise’s history, while Malditos Nerds commends its "solid and polished" multiplayer and accessible Zombies mode. AusGamers notes that it represents Sledgehammer Games’ best work yet, with a strong campaign and engaging multiplayer. The game’s technical performance is frequently praised, with MGG Spain and Xbox Achievements pointing to its robust gameplay package and "stunning graphics." Additionally, GamesHub acknowledges the "strong multiplayer component," and App Trigger highlights "finely tuned gunplay" and enjoyable solo campaign. These positives suggest that Vanguard delivers a competent, if not groundbreaking, experience for fans of the series. However, the game faces significant criticism for its lack of innovation, underdeveloped single-player content, and repetitive Zombies mode. Softpedia accuses Activision of prioritizing profit over quality, calling it a "disappointing game," while IGN Spain describes it as a "routine release" lacking the soul of previous titles. The campaign is frequently criticized for being brief or unengaging: Vgames and Wccftech note its mediocrity, and WellPlayed calls it "in a holding pattern." The Zombies mode, though praised by some (e.g., Malditos Nerds), is deemed "lackluster" (VG247) or "repetitive" (Easy Allies). Multiple critics, including PC Gamer and Digital Trends, argue that Vanguard feels derivative, failing to introduce meaningful changes to the formula. These shortcomings highlight a disconnect between the game’s technical execution and its creative ambition. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with many viewing Call of Duty: Vanguard as a solid but unremarkable entry in the franchise. While GamesRadar+ and Slant Magazine acknowledge its "great little stories" and "quality-of-life improvements," others like GamesHub (2/5 stars) and Digital Trends call it a "disappointing" step backward. The game’s multiplayer remains its strongest suit, with Multiplayer.it and Xbox Achievements praising its depth, but this is often overshadowed by criticisms of the campaign and Zombies mode. Despite some standout praise—such as Comicbook.com’s high acclaim—most reviewers agree that Vanguard fails to elevate the series, instead offering a familiar experience with limited innovation. The divide between fans and skeptics reflects a broader sentiment that while it meets basic expectations, it falls short of delivering something truly memorable or transformative.

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Vanguard impresses with polished multiplayer and visuals but suffers from stale single-player, repetitive Zombies, and creative stagnation, earning mixed reviews for a safe, unambitious entry in the franchise.

70

MONSTER

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Reviews

185 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

PC

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.

Read full review

Full review

95

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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Full review

95

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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Full review

90

Forbes

PC

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.


90

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.


90

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.


90

GamingTrend

PC

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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Full review

87

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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Full review

87

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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Full review

85

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 5

Nov 4, 2021

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

Call of Duty: Vanguard is a quality experience that approaches WWII from a fresh perspective, with strong storytelling and character development, though it suffers from gameplay repetition. The multiplayer and Zombies modes provide ample content for players.

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