The 2017 release of Call of Duty: WWII marked a significant pivot for the franchise, abandoning the futuristic "jetpack" era to return to its historical origins. Developed by Sledgehammer Games, the title was marketed as a "boots on the ground" experience, aiming to blend cinematic storytelling with a more grounded multiplayer loop. While it succeeded in recapturing the visceral atmosphere of the 1940s, it also faced criticism for its reliance on established tropes and a lack of true mechanical innovation. The Narrative Focus
: Reviews from Rock Paper Shotgun highlight its impressive visuals and "varied" gameplay, including stealth missions and tank battles. The 2017 release of Call of Duty: WWII
: The game takes players through historical landmarks, including the D-Day landings at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. The Narrative Focus : Reviews from Rock Paper