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.
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.
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.
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.