Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Call of Duty: World at War – Final Fronts strips back many of the series’ signature bells and whistles to deliver a streamlined first-person shooter experience tailored to older hardware. Unlike its mainline counterparts, this version features toned-down violence and simpler mechanics, mirroring the more restrained approach of its predecessor on the same platform. Players still juggle a main weapon, sidearm and two types of grenades, but the absence of advanced perk systems or multiplayer modes directs the focus squarely onto the single-player missions.

The game unfolds across checkpoints rather than lives or medkits, using a “red-fade” visual cue to signal damage instead of a health bar. This system encourages cautious advancement and smart use of cover to recover health, echoing the tension of titles like Medal of Honor: Vanguard. Reloading, aiming down sights and melee attacks rely on familiar button prompts, while sprinting and prone positions open up tactical options despite the overall simplicity of the control scheme.

Mission pacing feels tight, thanks in part to the variety of objectives—ranging from silent tank insertions to full-scale assaults on fortified positions. While the training level in North Carolina acts as a brief tutorial, subsequent stages rapidly escalate in intensity. Though some may find the lack of multiplayer a disappointment, the single-player design maximizes immersion by weaving narrative set-pieces directly into gameplay, ensuring every firefight and stealth segment serves the story.

Graphics

Visually, Final Fronts diverges significantly from its contemporaries on more powerful consoles. The graphics engine is notably scaled down, resulting in simpler textures, fewer on-screen enemies and more basic lighting effects. This aesthetic actually works in the game’s favor by maintaining steady frame rates and reducing visual clutter, which keeps the action clear and responsive, even in the most chaotic firefights.

Cutscenes and interludes rely heavily on archival World War II footage—both black & white and color—to set the mood and ground the narrative in historical reality. While these stock videos lack polish, they lend an authentic atmosphere that complements the game’s modest in-engine visuals. The blend of CGI and period footage bridges the gap between cinematic storytelling and in-game action, reinforcing the stakes of each mission.

Environmental design varies from the dense jungles of Guadalcanal to the bomb-scarred streets of Bastogne, with each locale rendered in a straightforward, functional style. Explosions, muzzle flashes and smoke effects are present but unspectacular, reinforcing the impression of a lean production. Yet, this pared-down presentation leaves more room for gameplay clarity, ensuring players can easily identify threats and navigate through complex battlefields.

Story

Final Fronts presents four distinct campaigns, each offering a snapshot of World War II from diverse Allied perspectives. The first campaign follows Pvt. Joe Miller through basic training in North Carolina before thrusting players into the thick of combat at Guadalcanal, Betio and Saipan. These Pacific missions serve as an accessible introduction, gradually ramping up difficulty while establishing the game’s balance between scripted set-pieces and open combat scenarios.

The European theatre opens with Pvt. Lucas Gibson of the U.S. 80th Infantry Division, driving a Sherman tank through Luxembourg and the outskirts of Bastogne. This armored segment injects variety into the campaign, breaking up infantry skirmishes with vehicle-based objectives. It then shifts to Pvt. Tom Sharpe of the British 6th Airborne Division, whose missions through war-torn French villages emphasize foot-soldier tactics and precision, providing a contrasting viewpoint on the same historic battles.

In its final chapters, Final Fronts reunites Gibson and Sharpe for two missions that culminate in the Rhine crossing at Wesel and a daring raid on Braunau am Inn to destroy a V2 rocket. The concluding Pacific missions return players to Joe Miller’s shoes on Okinawa, leading a climactic assault on Castle Shuri. While each campaign is brief, the varied locales and character perspectives create a satisfying sense of progression from training grounds to pivotal war zones.

Overall Experience

Call of Duty: World at War – Final Fronts may lack the graphical fidelity and multiplayer depth of its siblings, but it compensates with a tightly crafted single-player journey. Its streamlined controls, checkpoint-driven structure and authentic period footage make it an ideal pick for gamers seeking a concise World War II shooter on legacy hardware. The mission variety and changing viewpoints keep the action fresh from start to finish.

Although the visuals are modest and some may miss the elaborate killstreaks and customization of other entries, Final Fronts stands on its own as a focused, narrative-driven experience. Every mission feels purposeful, and the absence of frills ensures the core gameplay remains front and center. For players with nostalgia for classic WWII shooters or those who simply want a no-nonsense campaign, this title delivers a fulfilling wartime adventure.

Ultimately, Final Fronts offers a robust single-player package that honors the Call of Duty formula in a more accessible, pared-down form. Its four distinct campaigns provide a broad sweep of key battles, while the control simplicity keeps newcomers engaged. If you’re seeking a compact, story-oriented WWII shooter without the bells and whistles—yet still packed with tense firefights and historical flavor—this version of World at War is well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10