Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

10 to 20 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Solid"

Face it, World At War had a LOT to live up to, especially after the path-breaking Modern Warfare. Does it live up to it? Well, almost...and that's quite an achievement in itself.

World At War is set during World War II, so the level of technology is just right. The guns are louder and not quite as accurate as in Modern Warfare, but I reckon that's how it should be in the 1940s. The mechanics remain the same, but somehow the graphics (and environment) are dirtier, gritter, definitely not slick. Again, I reckon this fits right in with the 1940s theme.

The storyline is very basic. You follow the stories of 2 soldiers, one from the American forces and another from the Russian side, who cheats death again and again...so many times that it almost borders on ridiculous sometimes. There's really not much to write home about the storyline. There's one point worth mentioning though. Remember those classic interactive cutscenes from Modern Warfare that were simply breath-taking and immersed you so completely in the story and just made you sit back and say "Wow"? Well, don't expect any of those here. What I really liked, though, is how the story is presented. The loading scenes are peppered with videos and cutscenes. It's all well done, really.

That being said, there will be plenty of moments that will make you say "Duuuuuuude!!". The massive scale of the battle, the explosions and the splattering blood are great. Sound effects and visual effects are spot on.

Combat is a lot like in Modern Warfare, but like I said, far less slick. You have to get used to the weapons, and be prepared to spam a lot more than you did in MW. No longer can you raise your scope, aim at a head and get the shot on target right away. The enemy AI is good enough, what you'd expect from a good quality shooter. The frenzy of the onrushing attack of the Japanese Banzai warrior will up the tempo suddenly, with enemies rising out of the grass to dart at you from every side.

There's not too much in terms of variety here, if you do not count the weaponry and the change in the faction you're fighting with/against. There's a couple of airborne missions (no, you don't fly, you just man the guns). There's also one mission in which you control a tank, but it doesn't break the pace. In fact, there's a lot to be done to ensure that your vehicle makes it to the next checkpoint in one piece.

All in all, though, a great game that almost lives up to its famous predecessor. There may not be as many special moments or highlights packed into this game, but it's got its basics right, and offers some solid action. Not to be missed.

PS: It would be prudent to wait until the credits are done...there's a little "bonus" game there. Enjoy.