Overview of the Call of Duty and Battlefield Series
As a first-person shooter fan, I have spent countless hours with the Call of Duty and Battlefield franchises over the years. These two series have consistently delivered some of the best multiplayer experiences in gaming while advancing the first-person shooter genre.
Call of Duty first launched in 2003 and has since released new entries on an annual basis, while Battlefield debuted in 2002 and has entries every 2-3 years. Both franchises are published by major players – Call of Duty by Activision and Battlefield by Electronic Arts (EA). They have large development teams working on each new entry.
The core of both franchises is multiplayer combat with support for online multiplayer matches. However, they have slightly different approaches. Call of Duty focuses on quick, arcade-style action with smaller map designs while Battlefield emphasizes large-scale warfare with vehicles and destructible environments.
In this hands-on review, I’ll share my experiences with Call of Duty: Vanguard released in 2021 and Battlefield 2042 released in 2022. These are the latest entries in each long-running franchise.
Deep Dive into Call of Duty: Vanguard
Overview of Vanguard
Call of Duty: Vanguard is developed by Sledgehammer Games and set during World War 2. It takes players across fronts in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific. I tested Vanguard extensively during its open beta test in September 2021 prior to its full release.
Here are the key details about Vanguard:
- Release Date: November 5, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
- Game Modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies
Vanguard’s Campaign Story
Vanguard includes a single-player campaign revolving around the origins of the special forces. I play as members of a multinational squad carrying out covert operations. The story is entertaining enough with several memorable set-piece missions.
Some key campaign highlights:
- Play as soldiers from 4 nations: USA, UK, Soviet Union, Australia
- Missions take place across Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific
- Highlights include raiding a Nazi train and infiltrating Berlin
While Vanguard’s campaign is solid, Call of Duty is often more focused on its multiplayer modes.
Hands-On With Multiplayer
Vanguard’s multiplayer aims to deliver classic Call of Duty action. During my time testing the beta, these aspects stood out:
- Fast-paced combat – matches are quick and frenetic
- Multiple modes – standards like Team Deathmatch along with new Champion Hill mode
- New destruction mechanics – some walls/doors can be destroyed with gunfire
- Gunsmith customization – tons of options for customizing weapon loadouts
- New perk system – more flexibility with perk packages
The core multiplayer gameplay remains addictive. Gunplay feels crisp and maps offer varied sightlines. New tweaks like destructible walls and expanded customization are nice additions.
I did run into some technical issues during the beta including bugs and stability problems. Hopefully these are resolved for full launch.
Zombies Cooperative Mode
Vanguard also includes a new Zombies co-op mode developed by Treyarch. This mode has players fending off the undead while advancing through challenging maps.
Key details on Vanguard Zombies:
- New original story set during World War 2
- Features the Dark Aether story universe
- Upgrades persist across play sessions
- Pack-a-Punch machine returns for upgrading weapons
Fighting through hordes of Nazi zombies with friends is always a blast. Treyarch has added some neat innovations here like persisting upgrades and new side quests.
Battlefield 2042 Overview
Next I’ll share my impressions of Battlefield 2042, the latest entry in the long-running Battlefield series from DICE and EA.
Battlefield 2042 Background
Here are the vitals on Battlefield 2042:
- Release Date: November 19, 2021
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
- Game Modes: Multiplayer, Hazard Zone
Battlefield 2042 is set in a near future world transformed by climate disasters and refugee crises. Matches feature tech like robots, wingsuits, and weather events.
I participated in Battlefield 2042’s open beta in October 2021, playing several hours of matches ahead of launch.
Impressive Large-Scale Maps
Battlefield 2042 currently features 7 multiplayer maps, all massive in scope. These are the standouts so far:
- Orbital – set at a rocket launch site in French Guiana
- Hourglass – fighting in the deserts of Doha, Qatar
- Breakaway – combat in the Antarctic
- Discarded – medium-sized map on an abandoned shipyard
These maps really highlight Battlefield’s scope and scale. Fighting across Orbital while rockets launch and satellites crash around you is wild.
Three Distinct Multiplayer Modes
There are 3 main multiplayer modes in Battlefield 2042:
- Conquest – classic Battlefield territory control
- Breakthrough – one side attacks, one defends
- Hazard Zone – new high stakes extraction mode
Conquest remains the signature Battlefield mode and is great on these new maps. I also enjoyed the push and pull of Breakthrough matches. Hazard Zone is an intriguing new addition with a focus on retrieving data drives then extracting safely.
Specialists and Weapon Handling
Battlefield 2042 introduces Specialists, which are like hero characters with unique abilities. You can play as any Specialist in any role. I’m still getting used to the Specialists, but see how they enable new team strategies.
Gunplay in Battlefield 2042 feels weighty and impactful. I tested out the Plus System which lets you quickly customize weapons on the go. While it takes adjusting to, the Plus System does give more flexibility during matches.
Closing Thoughts on Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042
Both Call of Duty: Vanguard and Battlefield 2042 provide excellent first-person shooter gameplay, albeit with different approaches. Vanguard emphasizes quick, frenetic World War 2 action while Battlefield 2042 focuses on large-scale, near future technology warfare.
Based on my early testing, both games need some technical polish on launch, but look to deliver quality multiplayer experiences for shooter fans. I’m excited to dive into Vanguard’s multiplayer progression and see Battlefield 2042’s maps and modes expand over time.
It’s an exciting holiday season for first-person shooter fans between these two triple-A heavyweights. I’ll be sinking many hours into both as I battle through World War 2 and a futuristic world transformed by disasters.
