Activision really wants you to know that Call of Duty: WWII is going back to its roots. Today's livestream included enough utterances of the phrase "boots on the ground" to sink an aircraft carrier; the double-jumping exo-suits of more recent entries have been completely removed, and replaced by a more – for want of a better word – grounded experience. But what are the key things that you need to know about the first-person shooter?

cod_ps4_rev_2.jpg

It starts out with the Normandy landing

Is this a bit predictable now? Saving Private Ryan is almost 20 years old, so there are feasibly adults who aren't familiar with the infamous D-Day scene. Call of Duty: WWII will open with the iconic moment, figuratively starting the show with what can only described as a show-stopper. We see glimpses of the set-piece in the reveal trailer; we suspect this sequence is going to look seriously tasty on modern hardware.

cod_ps4_rev_1.jpg

The campaign's mostly about the Americans

Never in doubt, was it? Call of Duty: WWII's story will primarily focus on a squad of American soldiers. Activision wants to emphasise the sense of camaraderie between squaddies, meaning that there are moments of quiet exposition between the big gunfights, designed to build the relationship between buddies. Expect one (or all) of the supporting characters to die.

cod_ps4_rev_3.jpg

You will play as other characters, though

While the main thrust of Call of Duty: WWII's plot is all about the aforementioned squad, the title will take time to explore other aspects of the war. One section will see you play as a woman fighting for the French Resistance as part of the liberation of Paris. It doesn't sound like you'll be playing as the Germans at any point outside of multiplayer, however.

cod_ps4_rev_4.jpg

There'll be new features in multiplayer

Expect the staples of Call of Duty's multiplayer suite to make a return in WWII, but there will be new modes as well. War promises a more objectives-based experience, as teams battle asymmetrically to either defend or attack designated strong holds. There'll also be a new lobby named Headquarters, which you'll be able to explore alongside other players in real-time while you're waiting for a match.

cod_ps4_scr_1.jpg

Co-op will be dark and original

Yes, there'll be a co-op mode in Call of Duty: WWII – although Activision's keeping its details under lock and key for the time being. Apparently it'll be "dark" and "original". Nazi zombies are on lock, then, eh? Expect more to be revealed in the lead up to the title's release on 3rd November.

Are you liking the sound of Call of Duty: WWII? Will you be storming this shooter on launch day like the beaches of Normandy? Have your guns at the ready in the comments section below.