Vanguard: Normandy 1944

Vanguard: Normandy 1944
N/A
Metacritic
51
Steam
36.339
xDR
Our rating is calculated based on the reviews and popularity of the game.
Price
$14.99
Release date
5 April 2019
Developers
Publishers
Steam reviews score
Total
51 (123 votes)

In Vanguard: Normandy 1944 players fight with their squad to survive in hardcore multiplayer combat for historic D-Day objectives on real battlefields.

Show detailed description

Vanguard: Normandy 1944 system requirements

Minimum:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 7, 8.1, 10
  • Processor: Intel i5 @ 2.7GHz (6th Generation) or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 TI or AMD Radeon R9370
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 12 GB available space
  • Sound Card: DirectX compatible audio card
  • Additional Notes: Best audio experience on headphones
Updated
App type
Steam APP ID
941850
Platforms
Windows PC
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Popularity
Reviews
Write a new review
St0nedYoda
St0nedYoda

This is very very early review, about 90 minutes in-game. It`s not gem, it`s not polished but it have potential. Once u get grip on map`s and movement patterns it start to make sense. Slightly on run-and-gun side so less skillful players might find waiting for wave bit to long to keep em interested into game. I`ts to early to say is it good or bad...

[117eBF] Perotin le Gland
[117eBF] Perot…

This game is lame af. Animations and sounds are cluncky, the map is empty and there is no fun or action... Wait and see, but i cannot recommand it, go play on Red Orchestra 2 for now.

Gonoreya [SLO]
Gonoreya [SLO]

Game froze twice during loading while connecting to servers,can't review it yet

tanaKa-
tanaKa-

TLDR

The game is in a pretty rough and unpolished state as of now, but that's to be expected from indie developers. The core framework is there with proper game mechanics/maps/game play flow, and depending on which direction the developers choose to take the game, it can turn out to be pretty damn good.

Game play

The game play flows smoothly with a sort of "Rush" style a la the Battlefield series with an attacking team and defending team. Each team, with their own historic weaponry, vie for supremacy in a six-man "squad" format with four classes shown below:
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/973249042701496288/70943FD90…

Respawns are tied in to the squad system and done on a "wave" style basis. As such, wait times can be a bit high if the attacking team plays slow. However, this is a necessary evil to ensure the game is true to it's style of team-based objectives.

Controls

One of my largest gripes so far is the lack of key binding and action support. For an example, if using a MG34 or Bren LMG, I saw no way to deploy the bipods on to my surroundings. This causes classes like the LMG to lose their effectiveness and purpose as a support role within a squad and instead turns it into a rifleman with an automatic weapon.

Furthermore, the lack of a prone ability in a semi-realistic shooter is a bit much. I understand why the developers most likely chose to leave it out of the game play, but the game flow wouldn't necessarily suffer from being able to go prone to use weapons more effectively. A list of controls can be seen below:
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/973249042701496719/4B686A5E5…

Graphics/Models/Animations

On a scale of 1-10, the overall quality of graphics is probably sitting at a six or seven. Model collision seems unfinished as you will notice player models holding weapons incorrectly or clipping through weapon models. An example of this is below:
Behind:
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/973249042701495946/5C3B70E6A…
Front:
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/973249042701496152/EAC29A5E1…

Animations are also unfinished at best. Whether it be the speed of animation like throwing grenades or recoil from rifles or the transition from melee animation back to normal player state, all of them could be done much better and leave something to be desired that ultimately pulls you out of the experience any time you see them.

On the other hand, the dynamic lights as well as tracers fired from weaponry feel and look very good. This is amplified even more so on the darker maps that introduce farm fields littered with trenches and bunkers.

UI

Just like animations, the UI seems like a placeholder for work to come in the future. It's simple and to the point, but lacks player customization files that should most likely interact with a client-side configuration or ini file. I have no doubt that the UI will only improve in the future.

All and all

In a world where steam users have access to realistic or competitive WWII shooters such as Post Scriptum, Hell Let Loose, and Battalion 1944, one could wonder where Vanguard: Normandy 1944 has a place to live and thrive on it's own two feet. This can only be determined by how well Pathfinder Games is able to turn their squad-based rush adaptation game play into the next addictive realistic or competitive mode. Despite issues, for $12.74, I think the game is worth supporting. The devs have a vision and a solid foundation and I'm personally interested in seeing where it goes.

Kelly's Hero
Kelly's Hero

"Excellent work Lads. Bloody well done." - Cpt. Price (Operation Pegasus)

rames1651
rames1651

Unable to run. Crashes to bug report on startup.

NoahDoah
NoahDoah

Fun game that needs polishing.

All in all the game is really fun and graphics are very nice to look at, especially at night. The semi-destructible environment (you can shoot lights at night) is a big plus and something I haven't seen in many other games. Raid is great fun and weapons seem to be quite balanced.

But of course it being a game in EA it will take some time to polish it. Things that are missing in my opinion:
- Option to toggle lean
- Lean without ADS
- Crouch sprint
- Prone, definitely
- Maybe bipod deployment
- Remove the third person spectator cam
- Maybe also different mouse sensitivity setting for ADS

But it already makes a ton of fun.

RabNL
RabNL

Great game.
Fun to play.
Nice graphics and llighting.
Nice sound and effects.
Tactical play.
Teamwork needed.
Needs some improvements.
Only 12 Euro.

Cranbury Juice
Cranbury Juice

Pegasus bridge would bridge again.

Beck
Beck

Great game if you communicate with your team. It just seems like a lot of people aren’t communicating right now. ;(

Sir Hardy
Sir Hardy

I enjoy this game and for the price is worth it. There are some really fun and exciting moments when you flank an objective with your squad without firing, and take it. Watch as your MGer wipes an attack. It is a lot of fun when players communicate and is a riot. Also its good to see players follow their officers.

On the game itself, there is replayability here. It seems each map can be played at night and day, or fog. One suggestion I'd add here is to randomise the spawn points of the objectives, that way EACH game will be different.

Things I'd like to see and improvements:

- Audio seems to have a mind of its own
- Officer classes need a sidearm
- Germans need more beefy uniforms
- Give rifleman the choice of smoke grenades or grenades
- Implement bipod and more choice ie: Brits having a Browning MG and Germans FG42
- Have a choice of faces to chose from, so everyone looks a bit different
- Add local VOIP and Squad leader VOIP
- Have friendlies show up on the map
- Some bunkers and areas you cannot get to, even though it looks like you should
- Need to be able to prone
- Spectator mode doesn't need reduced audio.
- At the end of the game have a 30 second scoreboard.

Fnikolai
Fnikolai

This game is hardcore WW2 fps? Tips & Tricks text in the loading screen says You can spectate your team mates if you die. Warn them if they are in danger, and this is happening in 3rd person view. You should hope that one of your teammates die so you can have that recon plane above your head scouting incoming players.

Fb||mastasnipa1
Fb||mastasnipa1

This game definitely goes into the tactical video game category, the category includes:
Rising storm
Day of infamy
Vanguard: Normandy 1944
Post scriptum
Squad
Verdun
War thunder

FreeFloatingHostility
FreeFloatingHo…

Absolutely terrible. nobody playing, empty servers. dont waste your money

Asta
Asta

I haven't had the opportunity to play many matches yet, however I'm really liking what's here so far. The gunplay feels good, the visuals are fantastic. The lighting needs some polish, and the objective mode needs a little tweaking - feels like games only take 5 minutes most of the time.

I would say this is definitely worth the $12 I picked it up for, looking forward to seeing how development progresses!

Chevy Chafes
Chevy Chafes

Game runs great on high. Combat is fun and team work is great. Great foundation for an Early Access Game. Well worth the purchase.

Martubb
Martubb

This game is very early access and it does have a ton of issues. It can be pretty unplayable for me at times. Extremely high ping servers make the gun-play feel shoddy at best. Night matches are nearly unplayable because of a bug that washes out the graphics and causes everything to blur when in motion. The general movement doesn't feel great compared to other similar games.

I hope all of this gets ironed out but just beware that the game is very rough right now. I had some fun moments playing with friends so I'll recommend on the hopes that more people play and the game grows.

Slippery Sloodad
Slippery Sloodad

What I liked, it has tractors, it has farm animals.
What i disliked, it didnt work.
I read the reviews and thought it's non farming folk moaning because they dont know what to do.
I have been in farming I know what to do, just cant get the wretched game to do it.
Leave well alone.
If you want to farm its cheaper and less stressful to get an allotment!

Bigfry
Bigfry

Edited Review
Well, after my original Review, the developers reached out and sent my community a bunch of keys, so I could get some people in, and see what the game is like with ACTUAL players. So, heres a Breakdown!

Video Updated Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAhFRHFQIIU

Pros
- Optimized pretty well. (i7, 6800K, GTX 1080, 32 GB Ram)
- Graphically Pleasant (CryEngine)
- Decent amount of content for $15.00
- Network Performance seemed smooth
- VOIP is clean and Quality

Cons
- Objective Based Designs need improvement
- Weapons need slight Tweaking, especially with the SMGs
- Spawn Distance to OBJs need work as well

Original Review
Well, I purchased it on Day One. Not a single person was playing. The game has no AI Bots, and the developers didn't think this would be an issue? Another game DOA because of lack of promotion, and lack of bots.

Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNHjvgGjsVg

Jush1
Jush1

Somebody in the forums asked, "where's the french forces?!". i lol'd.

KingPin
KingPin

Lots of potential with this one. Hoping the player base grows.

Gibbs
Gibbs

Good game and graphics but cant recommend in its current state due to low player base. I've requested a refund for now. Maybe I'll revisit at a later date?

Igloo
Igloo

Game has very great potential. Disappointed about all the negative reviews it's getting. The Devs didn't make any promises that they didn't come through on.

"Please note: with our first release on Early Access, the game will have a limited scope consisting of 2 factions, 3 maps, 6 main weapons, and 1 gamemode. With your generous support, we wish to use this Kickstarter to enter into Early Access with the ability to create more content, continue improving the game and make it the best and most fun it can be." - (Taken directly from the Kickstarter.) It was gonna be pretty bare-bones.

I recommend this game for it's potential. Review bombing will only discourage a player base from growing.

HONDA CIVIC AND KETAMINE ENJOYER
HONDA CIVIC AN…

Game seems fine
Although I know it is a beta
-German Grenades dont have a pin on top to pull but I get it
-Whacky FPS recocking
-Crashed when I swam
-Not a lot of players
-Cant prone for some reason
BUTT BUTTTTTT It is a nice game , I hope it gets out of beta soon and finds bigger player base
I wont refund ,because I hope that a lot of others will join
Please continue ,I see a great potenial in this game

Mickey
Mickey

Just bought the early access game as I missed the Kickstarter campaign. I have to say, while it shows it's early access yet, it is a solid game. I have especially good news for those, who don't have too much time to play, but still want a satisfying experience as the engagements don't take ages to complete, and identifying what to do and how is self explanatory (take objectives, kill the enemy). Still it is a fresh take on the WWII multiplayer genre while it also goes back to its roots (the games like Day of Defeat). The action is well paced, the weapons are very well modelled and their handling is in my opinion among the best when it comes to historical authenticity. The developers focused on the British action on and around D-Day, and this (finally) breathes new life into the genre as (besides Pegasus bridge maybe) you rarely saw the locations and units presented in Vanguard: Normand 1944. Currently server population is a mixed bag, if you are lucky you can join a server with many players, or the server slowly attracts more people, but in this stage it is perfectly normal. I hope some kind of bot support would be made as that could provide more options online and even offline. All in all, I'm glad that Vanguard got into early access status and I recommend it to anyone who liked Day of Defeat or plays Day of Infamy. Even in early access it is a very enjoyable game.

Maj. S. Bertrand [6th GA]
Maj. S. Bertra…

While a bit rough around the edges, it's worth keeping in mind it's still in Early Access. Worth a buy if you're into the theatre, or enjoyed classics like Day of Defeat. Night maps are very immersive (and dark!) and the voice acting gives a nice touch to the conflicts. The engine performs well and I still love shooting out the ligths and making the place pitch black :)

Arkman
Arkman

I when I connect see nobody online maybe you should add SP version to game aswell

Völva
Völva

If you're looking for an intense squad based game with a focus on squad coordination, realism, and historical accuracy then this is a game that should be in your library. You're never too far from any action - and the moments you are in them are intense and can be fleeting if you are not in cover or observant.

The battlefields have been recreated beautifully and are fun to run around assaulting objectives with your team. Uniforms, weapons, static objects and everything in between look wonderful and period correct. The game does currently have bugs and glitches which is to be expected in the early access period of development - nothing so far has taken away from the core gameplay.

You will see many reviews who say this game doesn't have any player-base, servers empty etc. I have been on servers ranging from 3v3 to full servers of 12v12. The devs host game-nights and more often than not you can find a server with 6-10 players on. Yes there will be times where it is empty - again to be expected in early access.

Overall the game has a lot of potential for its future and for 15$ I would say it is worth backing - plus with it being built on Cryengine, it sure is beautiful to look at.

TestVirus
TestVirus

I only have a few hours on this game but i fucking love it. It really brings me back to the CoD 2 days. This game is beautiful on max settings and doesn't run like shit either.
Unlike some of the people that play this and say it sucks because of server population, only want something to bitch about. This game has quite the potential to be fantastic. Just keep pushing Devs!! You got this!! Until this game really, (and I mean REALLY) fucks me over some how, I'll continue to play and support this. Don't forget that this game is still Early Access people. I still recommend.

Grimm
Grimm

Not happy pay for game I cant play there is never anyone on whole sever dead

B1GTRAIN
B1GTRAIN

stay away from this game it is dead no players at all. going to find out how to get a refund for this game because it has no players... i hope see this.....

ThighGap
ThighGap

Really good game, very polished, but servers are dead atm

Bill.PONDY.Ponderosa
Bill.PONDY.Ponderosa

great game.....will be AMAZEBALLZ when there done.....doing great guys......only criticism......servers for me mostly usually empty.....you guys need to advertise more.......cant wait to see finished game.........if u like DAY OF INFAMY u will like this...almost just feels like way updated DOI.

STROHM097
STROHM097

This is a solid early access small scale hardcore WW2 shooter. It gets mini updates regularly that improve the game. As time goes on I def see this becoming one of the big boys. It just needs a bigger player base.

Thulin
Thulin

i was the only one in the entire world playing for 20 mins lmao poo

Legacy | Tactical-Gaming.net
Legacy | Tacti…

Squad up on the Tactical-Gaming.net server!
[ https://discordapp.com/invite/PpQHph3 ]

Join us on the Discord to find out about play events!

So far I love it! VERY pleasantly surprised for Early Access I was expecting a lot worse. This game runs smooth for me no crashes or anything and the graphics aren't bad I really like the lighting. Obviously because its early access there are many changes to come and it can only get better from here. The OST is beautiful as well. Such great music.

If you enjoy tactical shooters especially along the lines of Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon (the older ones) only in the epic setting of WWII then this is for you!

The player base will grow as word of mouth gets out. So far its even less buggy than Battlefield V lol.

I like the simplicity of this game. Its like hardcore mode of BF4 but yet combining elements of those shooters above with old school feeling like Medal of Honor Allied Assault or Call of Duty United Offensive.

I will support this game at my Discord at tactical-gaming.net as well if you are looking to play.

As always people don't understand what Early Access (beta) even is they buy games and expect them to be full releases lol then these same low IQ self entitled spoiled brats leave bad reviews on games that don't deserve them. I myself am an old school tactical gamer who values the work dev's do and I'm also a level designer myself. So I appreciate the work the team has done so far! VERY worth checking out.

Well worth the price I paid for Early Access. And that is saying a lot as I've been disappointed lately by games like Rising Storm 2 and Post Scriptum (Optimization etc) and Ground Branch (Optimization and many other things) or Hell Let Loose which I had higher hopes for.

See you on the battlefield!

NIGHTHAWK0099
NIGHTHAWK0099

Do not recommend at the moment. Early access I know but If you are a WWII buff like myself this is a game for you. Its got a great concept but with only 4 people IN THE WORLD playing at any one time its hard to really get into it now. Later in time ill dive back in.

SlavJoker
SlavJoker

Its almost dead game and it has weird gameplay mechanic. If you want you can try it but for me it ain`t worth 13€

Heavy D BOoOM
Heavy D BOoOM

dead game no one play it, and the game play not 100% good

G0STARZ
G0STARZ

Zero Players. Not kidding, zero players on any server. Worst single player game

TheDude47 (  °  ) (  °  )
TheDude47 ( °…

i only played like 20 minutes but it has hypes of potential.

For now the playerbase is not here, sadly its hard to play except on weekends with devs.

The use of cryengine and the modelling is fantastic, the maps too, but the animations need a boost.

All the game needs polishing i hope the players will come in the game with time, if they do sales of the game and advertisement,

{WeB}*PHAThead*
{WeB}*PHAThead*

This game is in beta but there is NO player base and its basically a camp on objective and wait for the other team to begin capture then just pick them off. one grenade will do it as there is nobody playing this game. 3 maps....one for each person that was suckered into buying this.

Swedish Person#SörtifajdJeanyus
Swedish Person…

Buy game.
Check server list.
Filter away all empty servers.
0 servers found.
Join an empty server to try it out.
Bugs and bugs.
Refund.
If you want a playable ww2 game play hell let loose, post scriptum or day of infamy instead.

Usgu
Usgu

Give this game a chance. I played it during a community event and it was a great first time experience. Intense matches. Animation, controls, gunplay and graphics are pretty good. Lighting and rain effects at night are awesome. Gun sounds are lacking and will hopefully be improved, ambient sound however is great.

Support the devs to finish this game.

Because of current low player count, you have to join the official Discord to hop on during community events (often played with the devs). Use their Discord channel #op-in-role-assignement to sign up for notification on upcoming community events. Without this, you won't be able to find matches at the moment.

https://www.vanguardww2.com/discord/

brucemc
brucemc

what?!! is this the T.A.? Saturdays and Sundays only? WTF?!!!

husa
husa

COOL GAME, NO PLAYERS :(
Its a fun game actually, a new and fresh Day of Defeat.
I was really satisfied to play the game, but there no one on the server, I found one server with 3 guys on it and you have to be 6 or so to get the match started, cool maps, I love playing on the pegasus bridge, even by night the light-effects are awesome, well optimised, it is a great cinematic graphic, sounds have to get better but its still in devloppment, buuuuuut unfortunatly no people to play with... :(

so I give a thumb up because the game itself is really cool, and I would like to get more people to play this game.

XNew_BeginningsX
XNew_BeginningsX

Really Incredible game, but I'm a super disappointed this game hasn't been picked up by many players yet, as it is truly a great game for a Indie game, infect I'd put this game up there with Hell let loose, Day of infamy and Post scriptum. I hope this game gets more support over time and grows, as I'm really keen to see what this game could become in the future ahead.

Sir Archibald
Sir Archibald

bought the game ,checked for servers but they where all empty meaning i couldnt have an achievable time.due to this i suggest the developers add BOTS so i could at least play the game and enjoy it when no one else is online.due to this i suggest post skripton,hell let loose,verdun (ww1), war thunder(vehcles) or sniper elite 4.

Due to this i was looking forward but will be getting a refund unless the game changes, as i would rather pay MORE for a game i could actually play on>

Maxwell
Maxwell

The devs thought that streamers would cover a game for free and got horrible low energy reviews from the entire community. This game could have gotten more publicity if they had offered reviewers incentives and promotions but the devs were too stingy. Now the game is nothing but a dead broken dream with nobody trying to revive it. Devs also need to stop doing private servers and requiring invites to play. The last patch was only to address the lack of community and the dying servers. WHAT A WAY TO PROMOTE GROWTH IN COMMUNITY! IDIOTS!

Meat2432
Meat2432

I was hoping for a game that is better optimise then post scriptum and has a good small-scale squad action, I thought this game would be it, I'll guess I'll never know as the servers are dead,

I just run around on the server on my own shooting the guns to see what the gameplay would be like, it's definitely in a very early stage, in the trailer it says "Fight, Defend, Survive" when it says "Survive" I guess it means pray to God you don't get hit because there's no way of bandaging from what I can see and there's no Medics slot so good luck with that one, as for what slots you do have you've got NCO (squad leader), assault (SMG), rifleman and machine gunner,

I'm only giving this and negative review because I was generally surprised at the current state of the game, I hope the development keep working on this game it could be a good game if it had a bit more of a polished finish with the features, unable to go prone, melee is just stabbing them with the end of your barrel, bullet impacts, etc.

in the bin mo fo
in the bin mo fo

nobody on this boring crappy game what a waste of money

Andy
Andy

The game is dead.
You won't get a game at any time of day in any region at the moment.
It's been like this for a fair few months.
There's a thread on the forum where a few people try to arrange a game, but no attempt has been made at arranging a game there since April
https://steamcommunity.com/app/941850/discussions/0/1652171126116200750…

As of writing this (13th June) the last update to the game was September. That's 9 months with no update where it's been very difficult to get a game, and towards the end of that period. Outright impossible.

As for the game play itself, the game was at a really early stage. And, with so few updates. we're not seeing the project followed through.
The concept was sound, tactical shooter on a smaller scale and infantry only.
Biggest issue in terms of gameplay flaws were the fact that dead players watched other friendly players in 3rd person. Meaning they had a better view than the players still alive in first person only view still with live voice comms. This meant players that were alive were getting a live feed from dead players reporting on where enemy players were as they could see round corners, over rises etc.
For a tactical shooter having dead players communicate in such a way is a real issue.

I hope this game, not only gets an update. But gets players back. But, at the moment it would appear to me that any update will struggle to be built upon in a reasonable amount of time. Once again leaving the game in a position were player retention is impossible.

TAW | Psycho Yuri
TAW | Psycho Yuri

potential, but don't buy it yet since the servers are all empty. Wait for full release after they started promoting this game.

x.mccut.x
x.mccut.x

Ive owned this game for 5 months and the servers are completely empty, there is NO single player mode and the servers require min. of 2. SERIOUSLY!!!! Will this game ever be online? or was this just a waste of money. I think I already know this answer.

xanman2811
xanman2811

Looks like a great game to play.
But the servers are always empty

Anonymous
Anonymous

sadly the games dead none plays the game its a pity 8 servers down to 4 the games dying a slow death wheres the new maps and updates its now been left behind by other games coming through . sad to see it wanted it to take of.

Sparkwitt
Sparkwitt

This is a great game with short, straight to the action realistic rounds, its refreshing having a world war 2 fps on the cry engine. The problem is that this was in the initial early access and now there is no players due to lack of activity from the developers.
But...
They have recently announced (December 2020) that they are still working on the game and it has taken them longer than expected, which is a relief. I may recommend this game once the new update comes with the marketing push.
In short just wait for the 2021 update!

bosim2001
bosim2001

this is only the Beta version... whats going on? theres no one on the servers and theres no single player mode?? whats the deal?