Going back in time but an evolution! Finally, we fight Japanese.
First thing's first, my first impression with this game. It is harder than Call of Duty 2 and 3 on normal and I'm guessing Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare has something to do with it since they play so similar. In this case, you don't find yourself a Jedi cutting through pitiful Stormtroopers. The enemy does put up a fight so it is a must to keep your head down around the clock.
Grenades, in particular, have magnificent range and also explode faster than in previous games. They got me easier than those MGs. But I can still breathe in this game and there are plenty checkpoints placed to save the day in case a grenade explodes in your face. (Damn the PC version Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, which is the opposite!) The next horrendous danger is from those Japanese soldiers. When they got me off guard from behind, I could only watch in horror when they stab me to death.
I would like to praise that the levels are very detailed and authentic. The invasion of Berlin sees the Soviet invasion into the gorgeous Assembly Hall and I can only think of one word – epic. World at War is the first in series that lets you feel you've seen the end of the Nazi in Berlin and you are one of those who made it happen. Comparing with older games that have you drive back the Germans but not let you invade Berlin, you'll see the difference.
The tank battle is awesome. I just cannot have enough of it. Who can, actually?
And there's what everybody's talking about: the flamethrower. This weapon is a sweetie. Unlimited ammo, great damage, insane range. It is very cool and you don't need to worry. You don't explode into a fireball like when you shoot your kind in the enemy forces.
The Nazi are ruthless. Everybody knows. But the brutality of the Japanese expansion in World War II was relatively unnoticed in school and video game universe, at least before World at War. Fighting the Japanese, I am thrilled to find the authenticity here and there. Their ninja sword, kamikaze attack, jungle camouflage, booby traps – these guys are dirty and cunning - so different from our Jerry friends in their trademarked clean uniform.
You should have noticed World at War featured dismemberment, right? I say it is quite disgusting to see the human body blown into pieces but that is part of the physics so I can't really complain about it – they are doing us a favor, technically.
The Multiplayer, eh? You can't believe it. I have problems going online so I can't comment on it but the critics say it's good. Let's see when I get that Punkbuster to work.
It is crystal clear that Call of Duty: World at War can win the crown among a whole bunch of WWII games. A shooter fan's must buy.