Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 review: Don't call it a comeback

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Review

Modern Warfare III received a bad reputation. You'd think that with a Metacritic average of 56 out of 100 (based on 71 reviews), no one is playing it, and it would be universally considered the worst Call of Duty game of all time, banished to the bargain bins and big boxes. discounts. However, that was not the case at all. While the single-player experience was disappointing, the multiplayer aspects were stronger than ever. I really enjoyed the open world zombie experience and that addictive battle pass kept me coming back daily. Come on man, it certainly didn't deserve a goal score of 56.

However, that dark cloud hanging over Modern Warfare III never lifted. Black Ops 6 is released; however, with some renewed optimism. After a four-year development cycle, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 delivers one of the smoothest and most fluid launches ever. I can't remember a Call of Duty game that launched with almost no problems. The servers were not overloaded, making the experience playable from day one; The glitches and bugs were minimal and players seemed really happy with the single-player experience, something that rarely happens.

While the core Call of Duty experience remains largely the same, the franchise feels revitalized as Black Ops 6 features an unforgettable campaign, an intense zombies mode, and the most comprehensive launch day multiplayer experience in memory. recent.

Campaign for the ages

My first stop in any Call of Duty game is the single-player mode, not because I want to eliminate it, but because I know that once I start playing multiplayer, I get sucked in and quickly ignore that campaign. Without giving too much away (feel free to skip this paragraph if you want to avoid spoilers), the campaign is set in the early 1990s against the backdrop of Operation Desert Storm. Black Ops 6 offers a gripping story full of espionage and conspiracy as we step into the shoes of CIA agents Troy Marshall and William “Case” Calderon, along with their handler, Jane Harrow. They try to take out Iraqi Defense Minister Saeed Alawi, but the mission goes awry when we learn that Alawi is under attack by a rebel paramilitary group called “Pantheon.” This leads to his execution by wildcard agent Russell Adler and sets off a chain of events that plunges the team deeper into a conspiracy involving arms deals and the development of a psychochemical weapon known as “the Cradle.”

It's a decent little story with some depth, and most of it comes in the form of dialogue options. Almost all critical encounters involve these dialogue options. Of course, I don't think it affected the outcome of the game, but I enjoyed getting to know the backstory and some clarity on what was actually happening at some points in the game.

What this campaign has over its predecessors is depth and variety. It perfectly combines stealth gameplay with explosive action sequences. You'll fight enemies in the harsh Russian tundra, pull off a fantastic casino heist, and slay hordes of enemies in one of the scariest Call of Duty missions you'll ever play. Including iconic characters like Frank Woods and Russell Adler is a nice touch, and the Safehouse serves as a stylish campaign hub where you can learn more about allies, explore the house, solve puzzles, and upgrade skills and weapons.

The pacing is excellent, but one of the highlights of the campaign is its diverse gameplay mechanics. You'll experience everything from stealth missions to those traditional high-octane COD shootouts, including smooth helicopter gunplay and intense RC car segments. Unlockables and upgrades create an engaging currency system that rewards exploration and strategic play. This campaign, more than previous campaigns, encourages exploration, which is great.

Visually, Black Ops 6 impresses with its cinematic sequences, which showcase stunning graphics and realistic animations. It looks amazing in 4K. While the game's visuals may not represent a significant leap from previous titles, the attention to detail, especially in the smoke effects, adds a welcome level of polish. The use of omni-movement in the campaign creates a more dynamic combat experience. Although I did encounter a minor issue involving an unexpected currency surplus, the overall experience remained smooth and fluid.

Ultimately, Black Ops 6 offers one of the best single-player experiences in the Call of Duty franchise, clearly benefiting from a long development time. With a roughly eight-hour campaign that can easily be expanded through exploration and increased difficulty, this campaign ticks all the boxes and is something every Call of Duty fan should experience.

Highlight Reel Chaos

I spent a lot of time with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's multiplayer modes during the beta and at 'Call of Duty Next' in Washington, DC. Aside from numerous bug fixes, multiplayer looks and plays just as it did in Washington and during the Beta. Like the rest of the Black Ops 6 package, multiplayer feels familiar and revitalized, striking a balance between classic Black Ops essence and new mechanics.

It's fast and fluid, and maintains that easy-to-learn but difficult-to-master mantra. The maps are mostly medium-sized, but some appear much smaller due to the claustrophobic interior environments. The introduction of omni-movement adds a new layer of complexity and strategy, not to mention some incredible highlight kills as players dive, spin, and shoot enemies out of the air. I suspect we will see many viral deaths in the coming weeks. I'm still learning the moves and I'm sure many others haven't mastered them yet. The training course is a welcome addition and I recommend it for those who want to master these new maneuvers.

Black Ops 6 embodies the spirit of a traditional Black Ops game, with a slightly slower pace compared to Modern Warfare. It definitely has more of a “boots on the ground” feel, especially with omni-motion. The days of wall running and momentum jumping are long gone, and I'm here for it.

With 16 maps available at launch, including 12 6v6 main maps and 4 Strike, there is a diverse selection for multiplayer fans right from the start. The return of the classic Prestige system restores that sense of progression that feels more meaningful. However, none of the weapons, operators, tokens, or other unlockables you earned in Modern Warfare III carry over. I'm a little torn on this. On the one hand, I understand that this is a new Call of Duty experience and it should be a new beginning like the old days; On the other hand, I spent a lot of 'Call of Duty money' on Operators over the last two years, and now I have a significant amount of battle pass tokens, weapons and XP that will go to waste, as I doubt I will be able to return to MWIII soon .

Other notable features include the return of Theater Mode, where you can relive game highlights, incredible sound design that immerses players in the action, and detailed camouflage mastery challenges for those looking to show off their achievements. It's a little disappointing that Extreme and Ranked play isn't available yet, but there's no shortage of modes at launch. The usual staples like TDM, Domination, Kill Confirmed, and Hardpoint return, with Kill Order being the new mode that emphasizes teamwork and strategy as you protect your high-value target while eliminating enemies. I'm not convinced this will remain a permanent part of the list, but kudos to the team for introducing something new.

While I've seen some early complaints on Twitter from the usual commitment farmers, the fact is that the maps are incredibly detailed, intense, and some of the best launch day maps I've played in recent memory.

Rule #2: Double Tap

What I once considered a nifty add-on, Call of Duty's Zombies mode, has become a mainstay and a huge fan favorite, one that I love. It is a captivating experience not only for its basic survival mechanics, but also for its deep and immersive gameplay that includes Easter eggs, a currency system, power-ups, a perfectly executed progression system, and a variety of unique and extraordinary weaponry. . While Modern Warfare III's Zombies mode received a mixed response due to its significant departure from traditional round-based gameplay, many players missed that familiar format. Black Ops 6 rectifies this by going back to its roots with a classic round-based experience infused with new elements that will keep me coming back until the next Call of Duty game arrives.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 removes any imaginary stench that Modern Warfare III left behind by revitalizing the franchise with a standout campaign, engaging multiplayer, and a nostalgic yet innovative Zombies experience. The smooth launch with minimal issues speaks to the 4-year development cycle, resulting in one of the most polished COD entries in recent memory. The campaign's rich narrative, fun mechanics, and great variety add depth and excitement to the single-player experience. Meanwhile, multiplayer strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and novel gameplay, ensuring that both new and returning players feel at home. With its return to classic round-based Zombies, Black Ops 6 successfully appeals to longtime fans and offers enough new content to keep everyone interested all year long. Overall, this installment not only meets but exceeds expectations.

***Xbox code provided by publisher***