Call of Duty® (2003)

Call of Duty (2003) remains a significant milestone in FPS gaming, praised for its immersive World War II campaigns and squad-based gameplay. Players appreciate its cinematic missions that evoke intense wartime scenarios, such as the defense of Pavlov's House, delivering a thrilling and nostalgic experience even decades later. The game features solid gunplay and historically grounded settings, despite some dated graphics and repetitive level designs. However, players often highlight the lack of health regeneration, reliance on health packs, and occasional frustrating AI behavior as notable drawbacks. The narrative is considered functional but not deeply engaging, primarily conveyed through loading screen texts and brief cutscenes. Despite its age, the game still enjoys active player communities and is valued for its authentic atmosphere and sound design. While some criticize its pricing and technical quirks, the first Call of Duty is widely regarded as a classic that helped shape modern military shooters with enduring replay value and historical significance.

Overall, it is recommended for fans of classic FPS titles and those interested in gaming history, offering a challenging but rewarding experience with a few rough edges typical of its era.

Highlights

Players praise the game's intense and cinematic WWII campaigns, especially the memorable defense of Pavlov's House mission. The squad-based AI and dynamic enemy encounters create a rewarding tactical experience. The sound design and atmosphere effectively immerse players in wartime settings, complemented by historically accurate weapons and environments. Despite dated visuals, the gameplay mechanics remain accessible and enjoyable, with satisfying gunplay and a strong nostalgic appeal. The game’s replayability and continued active player base underscore its lasting impact on the FPS genre.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the outdated graphics and repetitive level design, with some missions reusing environments. The health system, relying on scarce medkits instead of regeneration, leads to frustrating save-scumming. Enemy AI can be overly punishing, with instant targeting and suppressive fire causing frequent deaths. Stationary weapon sections and inconsistent shooting mechanics sometimes detract from gameplay fluidity. The narrative delivery is minimal and lacks depth, relying on text slides rather than engaging storytelling. Some players also find the pricing excessive given the game's age and technical limitations.