Believe it or not, the Second World War wasn't fought solely by Americans. Despite the best efforts of Hollywood producers and video game creators to cloud history, the fight against fascism was indeed a truly international effort, hence the 'World' part of the conflict's name.
How refreshing, then, to play
Call of Duty 2, a game that, for once, highlights some of the other nations who participated in the war. Whether you fancy being a lone Russian sniper or one of the many British soldiers who fought on the front line, there are missions on offer here that reflect the true extent of the conflict.
Call of Duty 2 employs an overhead view that's perfect for this type of game on a mobile screen, making progress and interaction with the landscape and objects straightforward. The controls are nice and simple, with the directions and firing controls all sensibly positioned. To aim, you merely hold down fire to automatically lock on, and then use whatever weapon fits the bill. From pistols to bazookas, the game features all the weapons you'd expect to come across in the trenches and foxholes, and it isn't afraid to use them.
The missions are equally varied. Each is unique, putting particular weapons and tools at your disposal. Some focus on shootouts, others involve reconnaissance to relay information on potential targets to bomber command. These different mission styles are nicely balanced and deftly put together, keeping your interest levels constantly topped up.
As for the visuals,
Call Of Duty 2 is certainly no barrack room pin-up. It's perfectly functional though, and at least each frame of the game isn't trying to imitate the last (the bane of many a mobile title). Everything runs smoothly, the animation is fine, and when the Nazis come rolling along in their tanks, you certainly feel a mix of excitement and utter panic. The menus and presentation all pitch in to make up a polished game, though the dramatic menu sounds are a bit repetitive. In contrast, the in-game sound effects are pretty solid, and show a surprising amount of variety
With loads of levels to unlock and numerous challenges that will take several attempts to complete,
Call of Duty 2 will keep you busy for quite some time. Combine this with the variety in gameplay, and you're left with a great war-based adventure game that won't be all over by Christmas (err, metaphorically speaking, you understand – it's only April, after all, so unless you're truly ham-fisted, it might very well be).
Any criticisms? Well, at first
Call of Duty 2 may not leap out as anything particularly different from other similar games out there. But give it a chance to embed itself in your affections, and you'll realise there's more depth to it than at first appears.
If you're after something a bit more in-your-face, try
Brothers in Arms. If you want a blaster that's just a bit more cerebral though,
Call of Duty 2 will pull the pin on your grenade.
