Uncovering the Grit and Glory of Call of Duty: World at War
Call of Duty: World at War, developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, is a first-person shooter game that was released in November 2008. This installment is notable for being the first game in the "Black Ops" timeline, setting the stage for many beloved sequels. With its immersive gameplay and historical settings, the game offers a gripping experience in both the Pacific and Eastern Front theaters of World War II.
The game not only revisits the visceral and brutal combat scenarios of World War II but also introduces significant gameplay innovations such as cooperative campaign modes and the iconic Nazi Zombies mode, which has since become a beloved staple in the series.
Campaign Overview
American Campaign
The American campaign in Call of Duty: World at War is set in the Pacific theater, focusing on the islands of Makin Atoll, Peleliu, and Okinawa. Players assume the role of Private C. Miller, a Marine who witnesses the brutal execution of his team before being rescued by Corporal Roebuck and Sergeant Tom Sullivan. The missions depict key battles, including the assault on Makin Island and the Battle of Peleliu, where players must destroy Japanese tanks and capture strategic positions. The final mission on Okinawa involves storming Shuri Castle, a crucial stronghold.
Soviet Campaign
The Soviet campaign returns after its last appearance in Call of Duty 2, placing players in the role of Private Dimitri Petrenko. This campaign begins with the Battle of Stalingrad, where Dimitri regains consciousness amidst the massacre of his comrades. He is guided by Sergeant Viktor Reznov on a mission to assassinate General Heinrich Amsel. The narrative progresses to the Battle of the Seelow Heights and culminates in the assault on Berlin, ending with the iconic planting of the Soviet flag on the Reichstag.
Gameplay and Features
Cooperative Campaign
One of the standout features of World at War is its cooperative campaign mode, allowing players to team up and tackle missions together. This mode includes both "Cooperative Campaign" and "Competitive Co-op" variations. In the cooperative mode, players share objectives and must keep each other alive, while in the competitive version, they compete for the highest score by earning points through kills and completed objectives.
Nazi Zombies
World at War introduced the popular "Nazi Zombies" mode, which has since become a staple in Treyarch's Call of Duty games. In this mode, players defend against waves of zombie attacks, earning points to unlock new areas and purchase weapons. The game includes several maps, starting with "Nacht der Untoten" and expanding through DLC packs with maps like "Verrückt," "Shi No Numa," and "Der Riese."
Multiplayer Modes
The multiplayer component of Call of Duty: World at War retains many features from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, such as the leveling, perk, and killstreak systems. However, it introduces several new elements that enhance the gameplay experience.
Ranks and Perks
Players progress through ranks, unlocking new weapons and perks as they level up. The ranking system includes multiple prestige levels, rewarding players with additional class slots and unique gamer pictures. Perks in World at War range from improved weapon handling to abilities that enhance player survival and effectiveness in combat.
Maps and Killstreaks
The game launched with 13 multiplayer maps, and subsequent DLC packs increased this number to 23. These maps include diverse settings such as bombed-out cities, dense jungles, and fortified bunkers. Killstreak rewards also play a significant role in multiplayer, with players able to call in reconnaissance planes, artillery strikes, and attack dogs to gain an advantage.
Vehicles
A notable addition to the multiplayer mode is the inclusion of drivable tanks. Players can use these tanks for both direct combat and support roles. The tanks feature two positions: a main turret and a machine gun, allowing for versatile combat strategies. Vehicle perks are available to enhance tank performance and survivability.
Different Versions
Call of Duty: World at War was released for various platforms, including PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, Wii, and Nintendo DS. Each version offers a slightly different experience tailored to the capabilities of the platform.
Limited Collector's Edition
The Limited Collector's Edition includes exclusive content such as a stainless steel canteen, a metal storage tin, and codes for unlocking advanced weapons early in the game. This edition also provides players with double XP for a limited time and a unique clan tag to denote VIP status.
Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 Versions
The Nintendo DS version of World at War includes campaigns set in the Pacific and Eastern Front theaters, as well as a unique British campaign. The PlayStation 2 version, titled Call of Duty: World at War: Final Fronts, features additional campaigns not present in the main game, though it lacks the Nazi Zombies mode.
Achievements and Trophies
World at War includes a variety of achievements and trophies for players to earn, rewarding them for completing specific objectives in both the campaign and multiplayer modes. These accolades range from completing missions and reaching rank milestones to achieving high scores in Nazi Zombies.
Differences from Previous Games
Compared to earlier Call of Duty titles, World at War is darker and more intense, with a focus on the brutality and chaos of war. The game features more graphic violence and frequent profanity, contributing to its gritty atmosphere. This approach is reflected in both the visual and narrative elements, making it one of the most visceral entries in the series.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: World at War remains a significant entry in the Call of Duty series for its intense depiction of World War II battles and its introduction of new gameplay modes. The game's dual campaigns provide a comprehensive look at both the Pacific and Eastern Front theaters, while the cooperative campaign mode and the beloved Nazi Zombies mode add layers of replayability. With its detailed multiplayer features, including ranks, perks, and vehicles, World at War offers a robust online experience that has left a lasting impact on fans. Despite its darker tone and graphic content, the game is praised for its immersive storytelling and innovative gameplay, cementing its place as a classic in the franchise.