Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Review

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 dives headfirst into a world on the brink of chaos, setting the stage in 1991 as the Cold War fades into history and the geopolitical landscape shifts into uncharted territory. Developed by a powerhouse team including Treyarch, Raven Software, and several other studios under Activision, Black Ops 6 captures the intensity and espionage the sub-series is famous for while offering fresh mechanics and an expansive storyline that gives players more control over their actions.

From cloak-and-dagger operations to high-stakes shootouts, Black Ops 6 propels players into the gritty lives of rogue CIA agents who uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy within the agency. Featuring an expansive single-player campaign, multiplayer modes with 16 new maps, and the return of fan-favourite round-based Zombies, Black Ops 6 offers a comprehensive package that pushes the boundaries of the FPS genre. The game’s omnidirectional movement mechanics add new layers to combat, while Zombies fans can rejoice in fresh maps and refined gameplay.

With all these features and a narrative that keeps you guessing, Black Ops 6 promises to be one of the most engaging entries in the Call of Duty franchise. Let’s see how well it delivers.

Setting and Story

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 immerses players in the turbulent atmosphere of 1991, a pivotal year that marked the end of the Cold War and left behind a fractured world filled with shifting allegiances and newfound threats. The campaign takes players from the war-torn deserts of Iraq and the cold streets of Eastern Europe to hidden CIA black sites, lush resorts, and the shadowy alleys of covert operation hubs. This array of environments provides the high-stakes tension and varied scenery necessary for a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The story begins with CIA operatives Troy Marshall, Frank Woods, and William “Case” Calderon, who are forced to go rogue after a mission spirals out of control. Tasked with rescuing a high-value asset, Iraqi Minister of Defense Saeed Alawi, the team quickly finds themselves up against “Pantheon,” a mysterious paramilitary group with connections inside the U.S. government itself. When their operation leads to Alawi’s shocking execution, and they’re blamed for the fallout, the team must flee and form alliances to survive. They work with ex-Stasi agents, rogue CIA operatives, and even international smugglers to track down Pantheon’s operatives, leading them to uncover a plan that threatens their lives and global stability.

Players take control of the main operative, Case Calderon, and experience a branching story with moments that offer moral ambiguity and dialogue options. In between missions, Case and his allies strategize from a safe house, plotting their next moves on an evidence board that the player can manipulate. Here, the narrative and lore are expanded, allowing players to piece together clues about Pantheon’s motives, the CIA’s dark history, and Case’s hidden past, which includes connections to Pantheon’s earlier psycho-chemical projects. This setup enhances immersion and gives the campaign a detective-like quality, pushing players to think critically about the story and their role within it.

One of the campaign’s most notable twists comes as Case and his team discover that Pantheon is planning a false flag operation using a psychophysical weapon, “the Cradle.” Hints of betrayal deepen as they uncover that CIA Deputy Director Daniel Livingstone may be complicit in Pantheon’s scheme to destabilize U.S. politics. This dangerous plan leads the team into high-stakes heists, stealth infiltrations, and explosive shootouts across locations like Vorkuta, Iraq, and Washington, D.C. As players connect the dots, they realize that every piece of intel, every clue, and every ally brings them one step closer to uncovering a conspiracy that spans both sides of the Iron Curtain.

Through its campaign, Black Ops 6 brings back fan-favourite characters like Russell Adler and Frank Woods, who add depth and familiarity while shaping the story’s plot twists. With the narrative split between flashbacks, current events, and intelligence gathering, Black Ops 6 presents a plot that doesn’t just tell a story—it invites players to uncover it piece by piece. For those seeking a fresh approach to storytelling in the Call of Duty universe, this campaign is both thrilling and thoughtfully crafted, balancing action and intrigue in a way that honours the legacy of the Black Ops series.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 refines and expands upon the series’ core mechanics with innovative new features that elevate both the campaign and multiplayer modes. Central to the gameplay overhaul is the introduction of omnidirectional movement, which allows players to sprint, slide, and dive in any direction. This system enhances mobility, making every battle dynamic as players adapt to faster movement and greater flexibility in evading enemy fire. The omnidirectional movement feels like a natural evolution of previous mechanics, allowing for high-paced engagements that keep players constantly on the move.

Single-Player Campaign Mechanics:

The single-player campaign introduces a variety of mechanics that deepen the espionage aspect of Black Ops 6. Players primarily control William “Case” Calderon but also get the chance to switch perspectives in some missions, offering different approaches and strategies. Missions have a range of objectives, from high-stakes heists and stealth infiltrations to intense shootouts and tactical reconnaissance. Players can use an “evidence board” in their safe house to review clues, plan missions, and even make tactical decisions that impact the narrative and unlock cosmetic items for multiplayer and Zombies modes.

Dialogue choices with NPCs give players a bit of agency in how they interact with other characters, enhancing the feeling of a spy thriller where every choice matters. The campaign also includes a safe-cracking mechanic where players can use radio frequencies to decode combinations, adding a layer of puzzle-solving that fits with the Black Ops ethos. These additions make the campaign feel more interactive, encouraging exploration and immersion in each mission’s setting.

Multiplayer – Maps, Modes, and Classic Mechanics:

The multiplayer experience in Black Ops 6 offers 16 new maps at launch, including 12 traditional 6v6 maps and four “Strike” maps suited for either 2v2 or 6v6 gameplay. Each map is meticulously designed to accommodate the new movement options, providing verticality, open spaces, and cover points that players can use to their advantage. With dynamic settings ranging from urban centers to dense jungles and sprawling deserts, every map offers distinct challenges that reward players for adapting to different environments.

The classic “Prestige” leveling system returns, allowing players who reach the maximum level to reset it for additional rewards up to ten times, giving progression a nostalgic feel for long-time fans. Additionally, “Theater Mode” has been reintroduced for PS5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, letting players rewatch and analyze matches from multiple perspectives. The combat pacing is smooth, the weapons are finely tuned, and the “Intelligent Movement” settings allow for automated actions like mantling and sprinting, catering to both newcomers and veterans.

Zombies Mode – A Return to Round-Based Gameplay:

The beloved round-based Zombies mode makes a comeback in Black Ops 6, with two new maps at launch: “Terminus” and “Liberty Falls.” These maps bring players to eerie, atmospheric settings where they must survive endless waves of the undead. The gameplay in Zombies has been refined, incorporating both new and returning features such as Essence and Salvage currencies, which players use to purchase upgrades, unlock doors, and enhance their weapons. The “Pack-a-Punch” machine and “Perk-a-Cola” are back, but with the added option to modify perks and weapons through Augments, allowing for more personalized playstyles.

The game introduces “GobbleGums” and “Augments,” offering single-use abilities and upgrades to tailor each session. With a host of Easter eggs and side quests, Zombies enthusiasts will find plenty to discover. Additionally, a guided mode will be available post-launch, letting new players access in-game assistance to navigate the main quests, which eases the entry barrier without diminishing the mode’s trademark challenge.

Intelligent Movement and HUD Customization:

Black Ops 6 also features “Intelligent Movement” settings, which automate specific actions such as mantling and sprinting, allowing players to streamline their experience. These options are ideal for those new to the series or who prefer a less manually intensive approach to movement, ensuring accessibility while retaining the series’ hallmark intensity.

Another unique addition is the customizable HUD, which lets players select from different presets. The “Legacy” HUD preset for Zombies, for example, mirrors the interface style of Black Ops III, allowing fans of earlier games to enjoy a familiar layout. These customizations enhance the personalization options in the game, making Black Ops 6 adaptable to different play styles and preferences.

Overall, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 pushes the series forward with new movement mechanics, diverse multiplayer options, and an immersive Zombies mode that combines nostalgia with fresh innovations. The mechanics are thoughtfully designed to engage players across various game modes, whether they’re diving into the campaign’s thriller storyline, competing in fast-paced multiplayer, or surviving against waves of undead.

Graphics and Sound

The graphical and audio fidelity of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is nothing short of stunning, delivering an experience that immerses players in the tension and intensity of its global conflicts. Utilizing the power of next-gen consoles and high-end PCs, Black Ops 6 offers a cinematic and lifelike visual presentation, with dynamic environments, meticulously crafted character models, and soundscapes that bring the game’s world to life.

Visuals and Environment Design:

From the intricate urban landscapes to the desolate deserts of Iraq and the snow-covered hills of Eastern Europe, Black Ops 6 showcases a diverse array of locales, each with its unique atmosphere and aesthetic. High-definition textures and advanced lighting techniques highlight every environment’s details, while particle effects like dust, debris, and sparks during firefights intensify the visual realism. Environments feel tangible, with small details—such as weathered surfaces, graffiti, and signs of past skirmishes—creating a sense of place that tells its own story.

The world-building is impressive in the campaign, with locations designed to immerse players in a late-Cold War era caught in global shifts and political intrigue. Whether infiltrating enemy strongholds or exploring abandoned CIA facilities, each setting captures the gravity and suspense of the story. The game’s use of shadows, reflections, and high-quality assets—enabled by ray tracing—adds depth, particularly in dimly lit areas, enhancing the thriller atmosphere.

Character models have also received a significant upgrade, with refined facial animations, realistic skin textures, and advanced physics-based clothing and gear movement. The protagonists and NPCs alike have expressive features that add emotional weight to the storyline, whether through an intense exchange of dialogue or subtle gestures that convey the situation’s tension.

Audio and Sound Design:

The sound design of Black Ops 6 is crafted to enhance immersion, delivering realistic weapon sounds, environmental noises, and voice acting that bring each scene to life. Gunfire echoes distinctly depending on the environment—rifles sound more thunderous in tight hallways, while explosions reverberate powerfully in open areas. The distinctive sound of each weapon adds to the sense of authenticity, while the crunch of boots on gravel, the hum of distant machinery, and the faint sounds of enemy conversations elevate the tension as players move through each mission.

The soundtrack, composed of intense orchestral pieces interspersed with atmospheric synth elements, underscores the high-stakes nature of the campaign. The music swells during action-packed sequences, intensifying the excitement and urgency, while more subdued tracks play during quieter exploration moments, allowing players to soak in the story’s gravitas. The audio transitions fluidly to match the pace of the gameplay, making the soundtrack feel like a natural extension of the game’s progression.

In multiplayer and Zombies modes, sound is as essential as ever, with every footstep, reload, and distant gunshot providing players with situational awareness crucial for competitive play. In Zombies mode, the audio design takes on a more haunting tone, with eerie ambient sounds, distant growls, and spine-chilling music that keeps players on edge as they fend off the undead.

DualSense and Haptic Feedback (PS5):

On the PlayStation 5, Black Ops 6 makes full use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to enhance the tactile experience. Players can feel the resistance of triggers when firing different types of weapons, the vibration of explosions, and even subtle environmental effects like the crunch of snow or the splashing of water. The adaptive triggers vary in resistance depending on the weapon type, adding an extra layer of immersion and making each weapon feel unique.

Performance and Optimization:

Black Ops 6 delivers a smooth experience across all platforms, with options for high frame rates and unlocked resolution on PC and optimized settings for consoles. The game includes support for NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR, allowing players to maximize performance without sacrificing visual fidelity. Players on higher-end rigs can experience the game in its full glory, with crisp visuals and fluid performance, while those on previous-generation consoles also enjoy solid performance without noticeable dips during intense action.

Overall, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s graphics and sound design showcase the capabilities of modern gaming hardware, creating a visually and audibly rich experience that pulls players deeper into the game’s world. Each element—whether it’s the detailed environments, intense soundtrack, or realistic sound effects—works in tandem to create an atmosphere that keeps players invested and engaged in the action.

Final Thoughts

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 successfully blends the trademark intensity and high-stakes action of the Call of Duty franchise with new layers of complexity, refined mechanics, and captivating storytelling. It’s a masterclass in modern FPS design, skillfully balancing nostalgic elements with innovative gameplay to offer an experience that is as thrilling for newcomers as it is for long-time fans.

Strengths:

• Engaging Campaign Narrative: The single-player campaign stands out as one of the most gripping in the series, with a storyline full of twists, morally ambiguous choices, and impactful character moments. The CIA’s dark dealings, Pantheon’s conspiracy, and the intricate web of alliances offer a rich narrative that feels both grand in scope and deeply personal.
• Innovative Movement Mechanics: The introduction of omnidirectional movement brings an exciting new dynamic to combat, allowing for more fluid engagements and greater strategic mobility. The combination of sprinting, diving, and sliding in any direction feels seamless and elevates both single-player and multiplayer gameplay.
• Enhanced Visuals and Immersive Audio: The remastered visuals, dynamic lighting, and next-gen audio design create an environment that is both visually striking and atmospherically rich. Each setting—whether it’s a tense, dark corridor or a sprawling war-torn landscape—feels meticulously crafted. The DualSense haptics on PS5 and soundscapes enhance the immersion, making every action feel impactful.
• Classic and Modern Multiplayer: The return of classic mechanics like the Prestige system combined with new maps and features creates a fresh but familiar multiplayer experience. With 16 diverse maps and a broad range of game modes, Black Ops 6 is packed with content for competitive players. Customizable HUD presets add a touch of personalization that caters to different player preferences.
• Zombies Mode Reinvented: Black Ops 6 brings back the beloved round-based Zombies mode with an added depth through Augments, GobbleGums, and interactive Easter eggs. The guided mode ensures accessibility, while the detailed new maps offer both fresh lore and plenty of challenges for dedicated Zombies fans.

Areas for Improvement:

• Learning Curve for New Mechanics: While the new movement options bring a dynamic edge, they may take time for some players to master, especially those accustomed to more straightforward movement systems. Though accessible settings can help, the steep learning curve could be a challenge for newcomers.
• Repetitive Elements in Side Missions: While the campaign’s main story is immersive, some side missions could feel repetitive. Tasks like item collection or puzzle-solving sequences, while adding to the experience, may lack variety for those who prefer uninterrupted action.

In summary, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a formidable addition to the Black Ops sub-series, blending spy-thriller intrigue with blockbuster action and a wealth of multiplayer and Zombies content. It’s a game that celebrates the legacy of Call of Duty while pushing the boundaries with fresh mechanics, enhanced visuals, and a storyline that stays with players long after the credits roll. For those who appreciate an FPS that balances narrative depth with adrenaline-pumping action, Black Ops 6 is an experience worth diving into.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for the PS5 version provided by Activision.