There used to be only one canceled Call of Duty spin-off that was common knowledge. The Sledgehammer title got unceremoniously axed in order to bring more manpower to bear on the then fledgling Modern Warfare 3. But it turns out there was at least one earlier effort that never made it to release. And I would bet solid money that the real figure is closer to mid-single digits.
The Unseen Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade
“Five months before the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, a small team of developers began work on a top-secret, third-person Call of Duty spin-off. Set in Italy during World War II, Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade would feature squad-based mechanics, exploration, and a grim story about a team of skillfully trained killing machines.” The game got squashed in the Activision/Vivendi merger, months before the entire franchise took a hard turn towards modern combat.
The concept of Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade was intriguing. The game was set to explore the lesser-known theaters of World War II, focusing on the elite commando unit known as the Devil’s Brigade. This unit, officially called the 1st Special Service Force, was a joint American-Canadian commando unit that specialized in unconventional warfare. The game promised to delve into the gritty and brutal reality of their missions, offering a more mature and realistic portrayal of war.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
The gameplay mechanics of Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade were designed to be innovative and engaging. Unlike the traditional first-person perspective of the main series, this spin-off was to be a third-person shooter. This change in perspective would have allowed for more dynamic and strategic gameplay, emphasizing squad-based tactics and coordination. Players would have been able to issue commands to their squad members, utilizing their unique skills and abilities to overcome obstacles and enemies.
Exploration was another key feature of the game. The developers aimed to create a more open and immersive environment, encouraging players to explore the Italian countryside and towns. This would have provided a stark contrast to the linear and scripted levels of the main series, offering a more open-ended and player-driven experience.
The story of Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade was also set to be a major departure from the bombastic and action-packed narratives of the main series. The game aimed to tell a darker and more somber tale, focusing on the psychological toll of war on the soldiers. The characters were to be deeply developed, with their own backstories and motivations, adding a layer of emotional depth to the game.
Unfortunately, the ambitious project was ultimately canceled due to the merger between Activision and Vivendi. The merger led to a shift in focus for the franchise, with the decision to prioritize the development of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and its subsequent sequels. As a result, Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade was shelved, and its unique vision was never realized.
The cancellation of Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade is a reminder of the many untold stories and unexplored ideas within the gaming industry. While the main series has continued to thrive and evolve, it’s fascinating to think about what could have been. The game had the potential to offer a fresh and unique perspective on the franchise, exploring new gameplay mechanics, settings, and narratives.
In conclusion, while Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade may never see the light of day, its legacy lives on as a testament to the creativity and ambition of its developers. It serves as a reminder that even in a franchise as successful as Call of Duty, there are always new and exciting ideas waiting to be explored.
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