Every holiday season, you already know that the new Call of Duty will be another major seller. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is not going to be an exception to the rule, delivering an ambitious and immersive addition to the Black Ops series, taking players back to a thrilling, espionage-infused narrative set in the political volatility of the early 1990s with its campaign. Treyarch’s latest taps into the end of the Cold War, seamlessly blending action and subterfuge. The story, with the kind of twists that have become emblematic of the series, lets players assume the role of a rogue agent operating outside conventional wartime norms, bringing unpredictability and tension to the plot’s covert missions. We tried out the PS5 version.
Gameplay in Black Ops 6 is dynamic and intense, leveraging the PlayStation 5’s hardware to deliver a fluid experience that enhances immersion, especially during the game’s signature explosive set-piece moments. With varied mission structures, players can expect high-stakes heists and high-pressure, undercover operations that keep the pace varied and engaging. And while some of these campaign missions are undeniably linear, the tactical choices and spy-oriented mechanics make each sequence feel fresh and engaging. This is particularly notable in the game’s stealth elements, which require precision and patience, contrasting well with more frantic and explosive combat scenes.
Multiplayer continues to be a standout aspect of the series in Black Ops 6, with 16 maps at launch. Fans of the franchise will find themselves right at home with the multiplayer setup, and the maps, detailed and varied in design, accommodate different play styles. If you enjoy close-quarters engagements you can do that, but if you prefer larger, tactical encounters there’s that option as well. The inclusion of Strike maps – dedicated to 2v2 and 6v6 play – adds to the game’s diversity and caters to those looking for tighter, more competitive matches that tend to be less overwhelming in terms of player count. Controls feel polished and responsive, though some players may find certain weapon balancing issues cropping up, especially during intense online matches.
For fans of the franchise’s beloved Zombies mode, Black Ops 6 delivers another undead experience with two new maps at launch. The game maintains the familiar round-based formula while infusing it with exciting twists, providing depth that will satisfy veteran players while remaining accessible to newcomers. Future post-launch updates promise additional maps, which should keep the Zombies experience fresh for some time to come.
Visually, Black Ops 6 excels with highly polished graphics that capitalize on the PS5’s power. The environments are detailed, with realistic lighting and textures that elevate both campaign locations and multiplayer maps. Audio design adds another layer of immersion, with explosive effects and subtle background details that amplify the tension in every scenario. However, minor bugs pop up during gameplay, which slightly detracts from an otherwise top-tier audiovisual experience. These technical issues are certainly not game-breaking, and Black Ops 6 is one of the most awe-inspiring titles this year – especially in its campaign mode.
Overall, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 pushes the boundaries of the franchise, blending espionage-driven gameplay with high-octane action in a campaign that feels fresh and exciting. The robust multiplayer suite and Zombies mode provide exceptional replay value, ensuring that players will be engaged long after the campaign concludes. Though a few balancing and technical issues persist, they are minor in the grand scheme of what Black Ops 6 offers: a thrilling return to form that fans of the series won’t want to miss, in a nicely balanced package with both a stellar single player campaign and strong multiplayer component.
Score: 8.6/10
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