MeinMMO author Maik Schneider has already made a few big rounds over the island paradise “Caldera.” The new map of Call of Duty: Warzone is a hit for him. Nevertheless, Maik is simultaneously disappointed with the Pacific Update, as there are few good news apart from the strong map.
I still remember exactly how dry my mouth felt after the announcement of the new Warzone map. It was just a short segment at the end of the presentation of the multiplayer of Call of Duty: Vanguard – but those 2 minutes blew me away and made my jaw drop.
Now the map is out and what can I say: I love the green island Caldera. But at the same time, I somehow hate the whole Pacific Update.
But even after countless rounds of PUBG, Fortnite, Apex Legends and even crazy titles like Realm Royale, no battle royale truly captivated me – until Call of Duty: Warzone finally came. That’s why my heart still beats for the shooter after nearly 1,000 matches. I view the Pacific Update with a laughing and a crying eye.
That’s why Warzone is now my dream “Battle Royale”
The big highlight of the update was supposed to be the new map from the start. Caldera – a gem in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, bordered by beaches, filled with jungle, ready for war.
And the new map has achieved that. Caldera is insane, in a good way.
The map looks really good, impresses with bright colors and a completely new atmosphere. During a tour of the “Capital” location, the capital of Caldera, I felt the tropical flair and enjoyed the moments of peace between the fierce battles.
However, graphical frills and a “great setting” do not convince me alone. I am a warrior and as such, I want a battlefield that supports me in my attacks and tactics. And Caldera delivers that.
There are so incredibly many houses, possible landing spots, and tactical aids. The very first fight on Caldera felt more exciting than anything I experienced in Verdansk over the past months.
On the old map, battles were often short and one-dimensional: One team was almost always at an advantage, and either I flee or engage in a handicapped fight.
Caldera lets you choose much more often. When the enemy had the advantage, we always found a way to negate their tactical edge in our first matches. A blue house with 3 floors there, a knee-high wall here, a tropical tree to rest the weapon there.
While there were many overpowering sniper spots and a lot of open space on the old map, the new map offers me many more options – and that at almost any time.
The fights are therefore more tactical, longer, and clever integration of the environment into one’s own strategy is rewarded much more.
That’s why I love the Pacific Update with the new map. Everything I’ve seen so far screams “Battle Royale” and is better tailored to the needs of such a large mode without direct respawns. There are countless hours of fun involved.
That’s why Warzone is now my nightmare “Battle Royale”
As a PS5 player, I feel neglected after the release of Caldera and even a bit sad.
The Pacific Update was something I looked forward to since the announcement. The fresh tropical wind that was supposed to blow through the dusty battle royale has now turned out to be rather a light breeze.
Before, it was said in the presentation of the update: “In terms of graphics and technology, Warzone and Vanguard will share the same technology and engine” (via YouTube). But apparently there are different views on what this statement means.
For me, it meant:
- Warzone switches to the Vanguard launcher
- New graphics based on the polished Vanguard engine
- The new engine comes with a field of view controller for consoles (FoV slider)
- Vanguard gameplay transfers to Warzone (movement, perks, etc.)
- Next-gen version for PlayStation and Xbox
However, just days before the release, there were still no concrete announcements about a next-gen version and the FoV slider on consoles, leading to growing skepticism in me.
And after the release, it became clear that this feeling was justified: no new graphics, no next-gen version, no FoV slider. Boom.
As I said, graphics concern me very little. But one thing I currently cannot forgive: the issue with the FoV slider.
My first matches were played with MeinMMO shooter author Marko Jevtic, who was on PC. As a “spectator,” he often observed my gameplay and could only shake his head every time, questioning whether I really couldn’t see the enemy “over there to the left”.
When I start a PvP game, I want to get a little better with each day, with each match. That’s why this technical hurdle annoys me so much.
Currently, I am also downloading Warzone on my PC, which is certainly capable of running the battle royale at 100 FPS. But in my heart, I am a console player, especially when it comes to shooters. And it hits me hard that there isn’t even a clear statement from the developers about the field of view controller on consoles.
That’s why I hate the Pacific Update. Because I know how much better the game could feel for me.
