Call of Duty: World at War

Developer: Treyarch
Release: Nov 18th 2008
Platforms:
Action
Brutal
Nostalgic
Challenging
Multiplayer Issues
Aged Graphics
Call of Duty: World at War Poster

" Brutal action WWII shooter with immersive campaign and zombies, but multiplayer is inactive "

Call of Duty: World at War Review

Call of Duty: World at War is widely regarded as a brutal and gritty WWII shooter that delivers an authentic and raw war experience. Players appreciate its dark, mature campaign that stands out for its immersive storytelling and intense atmosphere. The game features a nostalgic Zombies mode, which is praised for its originality and challenge, with many fans still enjoying custom maps and mods. Multiplayer, while once popular, is now seen as largely inactive or plagued by hackers, limiting its appeal.

The graphics, though dated compared to modern titles, still hold up well and contribute to the gritty war theme. The game’s difficulty, especially on Veteran mode, offers a demanding experience that many players find rewarding. Despite some historical inaccuracies and minor bugs, the game’s overall quality and nostalgic value make it a beloved classic in the Call of Duty series. However, some players caution against paying full price due to its age and multiplayer issues.

Highlights

The campaign is highly praised for its brutal, realistic portrayal of WWII and immersive storytelling. The Zombies mode is celebrated as a genre-defining feature that remains challenging and fun, especially with modded maps.

Gameplay mechanics are solid and hold up well, offering a rewarding experience on higher difficulties. Graphics, while not cutting-edge, effectively create a gritty atmosphere. The game’s nostalgic value and authentic WWII setting are frequently highlighted by players.

Criticisms

Multiplayer is criticized for being nearly unplayable due to a lack of active servers and rampant hacking. Some players find the campaign short and occasionally frustrating due to grenade spam and AI teammate issues. There are minor historical inaccuracies and occasional bugs, though these are often seen as part of the game's charm. The absence of a British campaign and limited controller support were also noted as drawbacks.

Pros

  • Brutal and immersive WWII campaign with mature storytelling and atmosphere.
  • Original and challenging Zombies mode with strong nostalgic appeal.
  • Solid gameplay mechanics that remain enjoyable years after release.
  • Graphics effectively support the gritty war setting despite aging.
  • Modding support allows for custom maps and extended replayability.
  • Campaign co-op adds fun and replay value.
  • Authentic WWII experience with raw and direct presentation.

Cons

  • Multiplayer largely inactive and plagued by hackers, limiting enjoyment.
  • Campaign can feel short and repetitive with grenade spam.
  • Minor historical inaccuracies detract from authenticity for some players.
  • Occasional bugs and glitches, though often seen as charming.
  • Lack of British campaign content due to development constraints.
  • Limited controller support on PC versions.
  • Multiplayer servers difficult to find or unreliable.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Call of Duty is back, redefining war like you've never experienced before. Building on the Call of Duty 4®: Modern Warfare engine, Call of Duty: World at War immerses players into the most gritty and chaotic WWII combat ever experienced.

Release Date Nov 18th 2008
Publisher Activision
Developer Treyarch
Required Age 17+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (32,092)
93% Positive 7% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
83