Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Call of Duty: World at War maintains the series’ signature run-and-gun formula, placing you squarely in the thick of World War II’s fiercest battles. The game’s pacing is relentless, with scripted events and explosions triggering around you to convey a sense of constant peril. NPC-controlled squadmates are never far away, providing suppressive fire, reviving you in co-op, and delivering key narrative moments. They also help guide you through the mission’s objectives, whether you’re clearing enemy-infested buildings, planting demolition charges, or defending strategic positions.

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The weapon roster in World at War delivers authenticity in every firefight. From the staccato roar of the Thompson Sub Machine Gun to the precise crack of the Japanese Arisaka Type 99 rifle, each weapon feels distinct and weighty. Recoil patterns, reload animations, and iron-sight views are all crafted to mirror real-world counterparts, lending an immersive heft to every engagement. Unlockable attachments and custom classes in multiplayer further deepen the tactical layer, encouraging you to experiment with load-outs that suit your playstyle.

One of the most notable gameplay additions is the four-player co-op campaign, a first for the series. You can team up with friends to tackle the entire single-player story, which transforms scripted sequences into dynamic group experiences. Coordinated pushes, shared ammo, and synchronized objectives create memorable moments and enhance replayability. The game also reintroduces automatic health regeneration: simply seek cover for a few seconds, and your health bar refills, keeping the action fluid and minimizing downtime.

Graphics

World at War runs on an enhanced version of the IW engine, delivering gritty, war-torn environments that capture the brutality of both the Pacific and Eastern fronts. Textures on broken buildings, charred terrain, and blood-spattered walls are detailed enough to pull you into each setting, whether you’re mopping up Japanese gun nests or slogging through the ruins of Stalingrad. Lighting and particle effects—such as smoldering embers and billowing smoke—amplify the chaos of battle and lend cinematic weight to every firefight.

Character models and NPC animations strike a balance between realism and readability. Enemy soldiers react believably to suppressive fire, dive for cover, and flinch when wounded, while your squadmates shout orders and exchange banter that punctuate the tension. Cutscenes are seamlessly integrated into gameplay, often triggered by a sharp camera pan and a swelling orchestral score. These moments reinforce narrative beats while keeping you rooted in the visual spectacle.

While the graphics won’t match the fidelity of modern releases, World at War’s art direction more than compensates with moody color palettes and authentic set pieces. Jungle canopies cast ominous shadows on muddy foxholes, and ruined cityscapes are lit by flickering fires and street lamps. Even the user interface is unobtrusive, with minimalist HUD elements that let the warzone take center stage. All told, the visual presentation reinforces the game’s gritty, unforgiving tone.

Story

World at War’s single-player campaign is split into two distinct theaters of war, each offering its own protagonist and emotional arc. The Pacific campaign follows Pvt. Miller under the stern command of Sgt. Roebuck. It opens on Makin Atoll, where the squad endures a gruesome ambush that sets the tone for a brutal quest for vengeance against an implacable foe. These missions, inspired by real operations like “Watchtower,” weave authenticity with harrowing vignettes of camaraderie and sacrifice.

The Eastern Front campaign shifts you to the frozen streets of Stalingrad as Pvt. Petrenko, guided by the enigmatic Sgt. Reznov. Wounded and bloodied, Reznov’s steely resolve carries you through ruined factories and snow-choked trenches toward a final confrontation with a German general. The narrative explores personal vendettas and the horrors of urban warfare, offering quieter interludes of reflection amid the cacophony of machine-gun fire and artillery barrages.

Despite its linear structure, World at War’s storytelling excels in atmosphere and stakes. Each mission feels like a chapter in a larger chronicle of suffering and endurance. Briefings, in-mission radio chatter, and poignant cut-ins give context to your orders and emphasize the weight of every firefight. By the campaign’s end, you’ve not only witnessed pivotal WWII moments but also forged a connection to the men who fought—and fell—alongside you.

Overall Experience

Call of Duty: World at War stands out as a darker, more visceral entry in the franchise. Its blend of authentic weapon handling, tightly scripted set pieces, and two-part global narrative offers both spectacle and substance. The linear mission design ensures every battlefield moment is finely orchestrated, though veterans seeking open-ended gameplay may find its corridors constrictive. Even so, the intensity never lets up, and each level delivers a potent mix of stealth, assault, and defensive combat.

The introduction of a full co-op campaign elevates the experience, transforming scripted events into shared adventures. Playing through bunkers and beachheads with friends injects fresh excitement into familiar missions, and the multiplayer suite adds further longevity. With classic modes—Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Search & Destroy—and a rewarding ranking system, there’s ample reason to dive back in after conquering the single-player arcs.

Whether you’re drawn by the raw narrative, the authentic weaponry, or the camaraderie of cooperative play, World at War delivers a complete WWII package. Its visuals, audio design, and sound effects coalesce into a thunderous tribute to the era, while its pacing and mission variety keep adrenaline high from start to finish. For fans of historic shooters and anyone seeking a relentless, immersive war experience, Call of Duty: World at War remains a compelling choice.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10