Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 review – The best CoD in the last five years

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 review – The best CoD in the last five years
4.0 out of 5 star rating

The return to Black Ops was always going to capture the attention of the Call of Duty fan base.

Despite Microsoft acquiring Activision for billions of dollars, Call of Duty continues to be the top-selling first-person shooter (FPS) due to its thrilling gameplay speed, captivating narratives, and irresistible cooperative play options.

2023’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 fell short in certain areas, notably the campaign and zombie modes which seemed hasty and uninspiring. However, its multiplayer aspect stood out, albeit with many elements reused from past titles.

Black Ops 6 is the initial Call of Duty game in the series to undergo a four-year development process, and as someone who’s played every installment yearly for the last 17 years, I was eager to see how an extended development period would result in a more polished experience. Happily, Treyarch has met expectations in all areas.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 review – The best CoD in the last five years

We’ll get started by diving into the one-player storyline, a continuation from the incidents in Black Ops Cold War, which was Treyarch’s 2020 release of Call of Duty. The Soviet Union has collapsed, leaving the United States as the sole superpower on the global scene.

Again, Russell Adler reappears, this time accompanied by Frank Woods confined to a wheelchair. After an unsuccessful surgical procedure, both Adler and a newcomer named Marshall are dismissed from the CIA. Marshall aims to root out a potential spy within the Agency.

In open-world missions, you’re given the freedom to tackle side quests prior to the main storyline. However, these additional tasks don’t significantly enhance an already outstanding standalone narrative within the Black Ops series.

The standout mission in the Emergence is a real gem, ranking among the top Call of Duty missions I’ve experienced since All Ghillied Up. It truly embodies the spirit of Black Ops, filled with intricate puzzles and mannequins that bear a striking resemblance to the enigmatic Weeping Angels from Doctor Who.

Following its introduction, the narrative gains momentum significantly as events align neatly. Despite being somewhat foreseeable, the fusion of fast-paced, visually stunning action sequences and an intriguing exploration into one’s consciousness makes for an outstanding tale.

It wouldn’t be a Black Ops game without round-based Zombies, and after several attempts of completing the main Easter Egg quests (they’re back too) on Terminus and Liberty Falls, I can safely say this is the most enjoyable part of Black Ops 6.

Introducing novel foes revitalizes the constant barrage of living-dead adversaries, while the escalating challenge in advanced levels provides a stern test for veteran zombie hunters.

Zombies showcases elements that solidify Treyarch as the undisputed ruler of the undead genre. Features such as Pack-a-Punch, Perk-a-Colas, among others, represent a genuine comeback for a mode that’s been refurbished to rekindle the charm that initially made it a fan favorite.

No matter if you prefer playing alone or as part of a team, Black Ops 6’s undead mode consistently provides an experience that leaves you wanting to play again and again.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 review – The best CoD in the last five years

For numerous Call of Duty enthusiasts, the primary concern revolves around whether the multiplayer mode lives up to expectations. After investing several hours in the traditional game modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Hardpoint, it’s clear that Black Ops 6 Multiplayer has made significant strides compared to last year’s version.

The introduction of Omnimovement marks the most significant change for Call of Duty since the debut of sliding in Call of Duty: Ghosts. This new feature grants you the freedom to slide, dive, or sprint in any direction you can imagine, effectively turning you into an action hero.

It’s incredibly thrilling to leap from the main platform on Skyline, score a headshot with the LR 7.62, and land in the pool located below, providing a perfect landing spot.

As a seasoned movie critic, I must say that this latest installment has not only introduced innovative gameplay mechanics but also resurrected the timeless allure of prestige. Moreover, the updated camouflage unlock system, now more accessible, lets me dive right into the grind for my cherished Red Tiger pattern, a delightful departure from the tedious weapon leveling of the past.

In Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the time it takes to eliminate an opponent in a fair fight can be advantageous, yet there are moments when I’m swiftly defeated in the twinkling of an eye. As Treyarch adjusts weapon balance, the current pace is robust and stable.

In a Multiplayer game like Call of Duty, maps can be crucial to its overall success. Treyarch has produced some exceptional ones within the series, but in Black Ops 6, I feel that the maps lack cohesion or logical design. While the three-lane concept is present, these battlefields are significantly different from Raid and Standoff.

Despite the qualms I have with the maps, though, Black Ops 6 is a real return to form for the franchise, which goes to show that some extra time in the lab makes all the difference. I can’t wait to see what Treyarch’s post-launch plans have in store.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Game Pass.

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2024-10-29 17:35