Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Review

Release Date: October 25, 2024
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One X|S
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision

Overview

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a first-person shooter that continues the franchise’s signature blend of intense action, cinematic storytelling, and multiplayer mayhem. Set during the late Cold War era, the campaign follows a covert team navigating global espionage, political intrigue, and high-stakes black ops missions. The single-player story delves into a web of conspiracies, betrayals, and high-tech warfare, blending historical events with gripping fictional twists. With its mix of explosive set pieces and stealth-driven operations, Black Ops 6 aims to deliver a thrilling, unpredictable ride through the shadows of history.

Story

The single-player campaign delivers a gripping, conspiracy-fueled narrative, blending historical events with high-stakes espionage. The story follows a covert team uncovering a global threat, featuring a mix of returning fan-favorite characters and compelling new faces. I enjoyed the unpredictable twists and morally complex choices, which kept me engaged throughout, but some moments felt rushed, leaving certain plot points underdeveloped. While the campaign excels in its action-packed sequences and political intrigue, I wish it had taken more time to flesh out its characters and motivations.

Gameplay

Mechanics: The core gameplay mechanics stick to the genre’s proven formula, delivering smooth gunplay, responsive controls, and a mix of fast-paced action and tactical engagements. While there are some refinements, like improved movement options and deeper weapon customization, nothing feels particularly groundbreaking. It’s a polished experience that excels in execution but doesn’t push the boundaries of innovation.
Controls: The controls feel tight and responsive, making movement and aiming smooth across all gameplay modes. Button layouts are intuitive, allowing for quick access to essential actions without feeling cumbersome. Whether in intense firefights or stealth encounters, everything responds precisely, creating a fluid and satisfying experience.
Difficulty: The game offers a range of difficulty settings, allowing players to tailor the experience to their skill level. On higher settings, enemies are more aggressive and tactical, requiring careful positioning and quick reflexes to survive. While the challenge feels fair, some encounters can be unforgiving, demanding a strategic approach rather than simply relying on fast reactions.
Replayability: The campaign offers a solid amount of content, with several challenges and collectibles scattered throughout the missions. While the story itself follows a linear path, the ability to approach certain objectives with different tactics adds a layer of replay value. Players seeking a deeper experience can revisit the game to tackle all the side missions or complete every challenge.

Graphics

Visual Style: The visual style leans heavily into realism, with highly detailed character models, atmospheric lighting, and immersive environments that bring each location to life. The attention to detail in facial animations and gear textures really stood out to me, especially during cinematic moments. While not a massive leap forward technically, the overall presentation is polished and consistently impressive throughout the campaign.
Technical Performance: Performance was mostly solid for me, with stable frame rates and sharp resolution that held up well during intense action sequences. I did notice occasional texture pop-ins and minor visual hiccups, particularly when shifting between cutscenes and gameplay. While not distracting enough to ruin the experience, those small issues stood out in an otherwise polished presentation.
Art Design: The art direction does a great job capturing the gritty, grounded tone of the setting, with environments that feel both authentic and lived-in. Each mission features distinct visual themes—from war-torn streets to dimly lit underground facilities—that help keep the world visually engaging. I appreciated how the use of color and lighting not only enhanced the atmosphere but also subtly guided my attention during gameplay.

Sound

Soundtrack: The soundtrack effectively captures the early 1990s setting, blending elements of grunge and synth to immerse players in that era. The music adapts seamlessly to the on-screen action, enhancing both stealthy infiltrations and intense firefights. This thoughtful composition deepens the overall immersion, making each mission feel more impactful.
Sound Effects: The sound effects are incredibly detailed and punchy, from the distinct crack of each weapon to the echo of footsteps in confined spaces. Explosions and environmental audio feel weighty and immersive, really pulling me into the chaos of combat. I also noticed how directional audio was used smartly, helping me track enemies and stay alert during tense moments.
Voice Acting: The voice acting is strong across the board, with performances that feel natural and fit the tone of each character. Emotional moments hit harder thanks to the delivery, especially during key story beats where tension and urgency are high. I was impressed by how well the cast brought the script to life without sounding over-the-top or forced.

Multiplayer

Modes: The multiplayer component offers a variety of modes catering to different playstyles, ranging from small-scale 2v2 matches to 6v6 matches-based encounters. Classic options like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy return with a familiar, satisfying rhythm. New additions like Kill Order shake things up with evolving objectives, while other modes focus on area control and coordination, keeping the experience fresh for both solo players and teams.
Experience: The multiplayer experience has been a bit of a mixed bag for me. Matchmaking doesn't always feel consistent—some games are well-balanced, while others feel like I'm either steamrolling or getting steamrolled. I’ve also run into a few connection hiccups here and there, which can be frustrating during tightly contested matches.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Engaging Campaign: The single-player campaign delivers a thrilling experience with diverse missions, including stealth infiltrations and large-scale battles, keeping me captivated throughout.
Innovative Movement Mechanics: The introduction of "omnimovement," allowing for sprinting, diving, and sliding in any direction, adds a fresh layer of dynamism to the gameplay, making combat more fluid and engaging.
Classic Zombies Mode: The return to the traditional round-based Zombies mode offers a nostalgic and cooperative gameplay experience, enhanced with expansive maps and intricate Easter eggs.

Cons:

Short Campaign Length: While the campaign is engaging, it feels somewhat brief, leaving me wanting more content to explore.
Limited Weapon Selection: The arsenal, particularly among sidearms, feels somewhat restricted, which can be disappointing for players who enjoy experimenting with different loadouts.
Spawn Point Issues in Multiplayer: Certain maps have problematic spawn points, leading to frustrating situations where players are eliminated shortly after respawning.

Final Verdict

This entry delivered the kind of high-octane action I was hoping for, with standout moments in both the campaign and multiplayer. While it isn’t without its flaws—like some technical hiccups and uneven balancing—it still managed to keep me engaged throughout. The new movement system and return to classic Zombies gave the overall experience a strong boost.

My final verdict for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is 3 leaves out of 5.