Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Call of Duty: United Offensive builds on the solid foundation of the original title by introducing 13 brand-new single-player levels and a wealth of multiplayer content that includes 11 fresh maps and three innovative game modes. From sprawling tank battles to tense corridor skirmishes, each level is meticulously crafted to keep players on their toes. The inclusion of vehicles in both single-player and multiplayer encounters adds a strategic layer, allowing you to break through enemy lines or set up defensive chokepoints with tanks and jeeps.

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The expansion’s arsenal is impressively diverse. You’ll find classic weapons like the M1919A6 light machine gun and Bazooka for the Americans, the silenced Sten Mk II and Webley Mk 4 for the British, and the Degtyarev-Pekhotny 28 machine gun or Tokarev SVT-40 rifle for the Russians. On the opposing side, German forces bring formidable hardware such as the Maschinengewehr 34, Gewehr 43, and even the fearsome Flammenwerfer 35. A new sprint ability lets you dash across open fields or surge toward cover, though firing is disabled during these bursts, so timing is key to pulling off daring flanks or clutch retreats.

Single-player missions are varied in both scope and pace. You begin as a paratrooper of the 101st Airborne during the Battle of the Bulge, wading through snow-choked forests and ruined villages. The British campaign shifts you to the cramped confines of a B-17 bomber, gives you a parachute escape, and sends you behind enemy lines to aid the Dutch resistance. Finally, the Russian storyline plunges you into the grinding frontline of the Battle of Kursk, where massive tank formations clash in open fields. Each mission introduces unique goals—from defending bridges to sabotaging trains—so replay value remains high.

Multiplayer fans will appreciate the balanced design of the new arenas and modes. Whether you’re racing across a coastal fortress in Operation Husky or ducking behind wrecked tanks on the Eastern Front maps, the level layouts encourage teamwork, flanking, and tactical use of vehicles. The three additional modes shake up typical deathmatch and objective play, and the combination of sprinting and expanded weapon sets means every skirmish feels fresh.

Graphics

United Offensive continues to leverage the same engine that made Call of Duty visually impressive, but the expansion’s enhancements are immediately noticeable. Textures are sharper, particularly on environmental assets like snow-covered hedgerows, cobblestone streets, and crumbling fortifications. The detail on uniforms and weapon models has also improved, giving each soldier’s gear a realistic weight and weathering that immerses you in the WWII setting.

Lighting and particle effects see a marked upgrade. Explosions send fragments of debris flying, smoke behaves more dynamically, and muzzle flashes have a brighter, more fleeting bloom that pierces the darkness of night missions. In the Sicilian coastline levels, sunlight filters through palm fronds and casts lifelike shadows on the sand, while the smoky haze of the Kursk battlefield conveys the chaos of tank warfare in a way that’s both cinematic and tactically informative.

Even in the heat of intense firefights, performance remains steady. The new multiplayer maps are designed with both visual clarity and competitive balance in mind, so framerates stay high and sightlines aren’t obstructed by unnecessary clutter. Whether you’re playing on a high-end PC or slightly older hardware, United Offensive strikes a fine balance between graphical fidelity and smooth gameplay.

Story

United Offensive weaves a compelling narrative by placing you in the boots of soldiers from three major Allied forces. The American segment thrusts you into the desperate defense of the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge, where dwindling supplies and freezing temperatures heighten every firefight. The feeling of being surrounded and outgunned is palpable, lending real urgency to your every move.

The British campaign offers a dramatic tonal shift. After manning the gun turrets of a B-17 bomber, you parachute into occupied Europe to aid the Dutch resistance. Working alongside local partisans, you sabotage a German supply train and eventually spearhead an assault on a heavily fortified coastal battery in support of Operation Husky. This arc combines high-altitude drama with gritty, guerrilla-style combat, weaving a tight story that underscores the personal sacrifices of resistance fighters.

On the Eastern Front, the Russian storyline captures the monumental scale of the Battle of Kursk. You find yourself in the driver’s seat of a T-34 tank, coordinating assaults on German armor under a relentless barrage of artillery. The campaign doesn’t shy away from the brutal reality of Soviet offensives, and it effectively conveys the sheer determination and resilience required to turn the tide against the Wehrmacht. Together, these three campaigns form a cohesive and emotionally resonant portrait of World War II’s pivotal moments.

Overall Experience

Call of Duty: United Offensive stands out as one of the strongest expansion packs for any shooter. It delivers substantial single-player content that feels every bit as polished as the original game, alongside multiplayer enhancements that extend the online lifespan dramatically. New weapons and the sprint mechanic inject fresh tactical possibilities, while the vehicle segments break the monotony of on-foot combat and add a grand, war-scale feel.

The expansion’s production values remain consistently high, from level design and audio cues to voice acting and musical score. Each mission feels authentic, anchored by a sense of historical accuracy that never crosses into dry reenactment. Multiplayer maps are thoughtfully laid out to support both small-scale skirmishes and larger, vehicle-heavy clashes, ensuring that matchmaking remains fast and balanced.

For fans of the original Call of Duty, United Offensive is an essential purchase that expands every facet of the experience. Newcomers will also find plenty to enjoy, as the game’s intuitive controls and robust tutorials ease you into its varied mechanics. If you’re seeking a World War II shooter that blends cinematic storytelling with top-tier gameplay and multiplayer excitement, United Offensive remains a must-have addition to your library.

Retro Replay Score

8/10