Will you answer the call?
Developed by the critically acclaimed Treyarch Studios and Raven Software, published by Activision. Blacks Ops 6 is the sequel to 2020’s Call of Duty Cold War release. The campaign takes place in the early 1990s, centered around the events of the Gulf War, and sees players utilize CIA veteran Frank Woods and his team including Jane Harrow, Troy Marshall, Felix Neumann, Case, and Sevati Dumas.
After a failed extraction of Iraq’s defense minister Saeed Alawi, (largely in part due to Pantheons explosive interference) and then due to the elusive Russell Adler’s moment of madness. The game starts with Troy Marshall and co, recollecting their version of events in the CIA interrogation room.
Surrendering himself and his base (Adler that is), players use the offshore mansion (known as the rook) to launch their own off-books investigation into Pantheon, whilst one suspects also, to exonerate Adler and save their own back.
The Rook has its own enjoyable objectives/tasks to enhance the arsenal at your disposal. Collecting cash (found in random areas) during missions, grants workshop renovations in the form of weapon upgrades, training exercises, and more to improve weapon clips, health %, and many more relevant factors that impact performance during the campaign.
The story and gameplay is generally an all-thrills and spills cat-and-mouse experience. The suspended bunch of CIA agents (as mentioned above) put their hands in places they really shouldn’t…As they investigate weapons of mass destruction linked to the rogue terrorist group Patheon, then we have the small problem of a leak in the agency and on top of all of that, you have all the usual shady, corrupt federal issues and assignments one can expect. (Sooo, plenty to get your teeth into there then!).
The campaign sees players high-rolling it in a Casino to infiltrating a famous USA president’s charity ball (well governer at the time). In what can only be described as a blend of stealth/sabotage and an explosive journey into federal corruption. Players can approach the game in a manner of different ways. Such as using the evidence board at the rook to plan their approach and understand the intelligence reports.
Vitally, the environment plays a crucial role in successfully carrying out mission objectives via a stealthy/hidden approach using spy cams and takedowns with weapons such as throwing knives.
It’s a visually sharp, eye-pleasing experience that runs very nicely in 4k at 60fps. Character models are rich in detail and offer ultra-realistic animations. Small, but refined features such as the hair strands on Wood’s receding hairline swaying as his head motions back and forth (when speaking) present players with an unrivaled level of realism not seen in many other games.
The campaign is around 11 hours in length (nearly double MW III’s length) and was generally a real blast to play with impressive production values and level design.
Multiplayer
Treyarch has delivered a stonkingly good game-changer in terms of the movement system. A new feature known as the Omnimovement system delivers a full 360-degree total freedom of movement. The new feature allows players to zip and turn in mid-air, sprint in any direction such as backward and sideways, and dive during gunfights, think Neo in Enter Matrix…(just without the slow motion). It’s a badass addition that enhances the gameplay, making it feel incredibly satisfying.
The facts don’t lie, the money maker for Activision is in COD’s online offerings. Many players enjoy shooting and looting their way to the top of leaderboards year in and out. Black Ops 6 doesn’t disappoint, with a whopping amount of modes (11 to be precise) online is just as fun as offline.
With some new maps, including a return to the fan-favorite Nuketown taking the total map choice up to 16. Dashing, blasting, camping, or however the heck you wanna approach online, offers a fantastic variety in depth and customization. Taking place across matches that include Deathmatch, Gunfight, Free For All, and this year’s newest mode “Kill Order”.
Kill order is an exhilarating 6v6 mode, which involves players protecting their VIP. Kill the VIP and earn points, this involves an element of planning and strategy around the map to keep the VIP alive for as long as possible, ensuring your team wins.
It wouldn’t be a Cod review if Zombies didn’t get a mention right? This years 4-player offering leans on its roots and takes players back to a round-based format.
Hordes of undead scurry to feast on your human corpse as elite beasts such as manglers throw up a menacing challenge. Survive these rounds and earn points to upgrade weapons, purchase perks, and so on.
With rich customization elements pre/in gameplay that include the return of gobblegums, augments, and loadouts. Players are arguably spoilt for choice with strategy planning and potential.
Launching with two new maps, terminus and Liberty Falls. Liberty Falls is a small American town built on the side of a hill, using ziplines and navigating around the plethora of pathways.
Meanwhile, Terminus is an island prison with a secret research facility. Engulfed in rain and darkness, the corridors and cramped spaces probably won’t suit those of us a tad on the claustrophobic side….
The waves of zombies adapt to the surroundings as you survive and frequently become more powerful as the difficulty notch goes up. Making the pre-match augments and gobblegums vital in turning the tide of battle in your favour.
Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 feels slicker, bigger, better, and a much-needed return to form for a franchise that’s struggled to keep up with its critical acclaim from years gone by. Considering it’s all on game pass for just £14.99 a month, it’s an absolute must for fans of the FPS genre.
Whether you’re playing solo or with friends Treyarch has delivered a balanced game equally as enjoyable regardless of what mode you’re playing. A satisfying campaign, flanked by a great multiplayer offering a frankly ridiculous amount of depth. With beautiful visuals and a gameplay experience that is still in a class of its own. I answered the call and shall do so again.