Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 game review PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 Review

Platform Compatibility:
Available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 marks a fresh addition to the franchise, blending nostalgic elements with new gameplay innovations.

Campaign

Set during the Persian Gulf War, the campaign incorporates “spy-fi” elements, offering cinematic missions with engaging stealth, heist mechanics, and unpredictable twists. Players navigate diverse environments, from casino infiltrations to political fundraisers, complemented by a safehouse hub for upgrades and character backstories. The campaign’s standout moments include survival horror sequences and dynamic missions, delivering around nine hours of action-packed gameplay with stunning visuals, especially on PS5.

Multiplayer

The multiplayer mode simplifies weapon customization and enhances gameplay with the new “Omnimovement” system, allowing for seamless sliding, diving, and sprinting across maps. This innovation brings a faster, more fluid pace to matches. While most maps are compact and well-designed for intense 6v6 combat, a few larger maps, like “Scud,” detract from the overall experience.

Zombies Mode

Returning to its roots, the Zombies mode offers a nostalgic round-based experience with two initial maps. Packed with Easter eggs, this mode emphasizes team survival and strategic map exploration. While not groundbreaking, it successfully revitalizes the classic appeal.

Highlights

Visuals: Among the most visually impressive in the series, with advanced lighting and textures.
Gameplay: Revamped traversal systems and streamlined customization options enhance both campaign and multiplayer modes.
Content: A feature-rich package with balanced innovations and nostalgia.

Critique

The game sidesteps meaningful engagement with its historical setting, and a few multiplayer maps need refinement. However, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise stellar entry in the series.

If you’re a long-time fan of the franchise or enjoy action-packed FPS games, Black Ops 6 is worth exploring for its polished gameplay and varied content.

System Requirements

Minimum:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS: Windows® 10 64 Bit (latest update)
    Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 5 1400 or Intel® Core™ i5-6600
    Memory: 8 GB RAM
    Graphics: AMD Radeon™ RX 470, NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 960 or Intel® Arc™ A580
    DirectX: Version 12
    Network: Broadband Internet connection
    Additional Notes: SSD with 128 GB available space at launch

Recommended:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS: Windows® 10 64 Bit (latest update) or Windows® 11 64 Bit (latest update)
    Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 5 1600X or Intel® Core™ i7-6700K
    Memory: 12 GB RAM
    Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6600XT or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080Ti / RTX 3060
    DirectX: Version 12
    Network: Broadband Internet connection
    Additional Notes: SSD with 128 GB available space at launch

Pros

Engaging Campaign:
- A cinematic, story-driven campaign set during the Persian Gulf War with diverse mission mechanics, including heists, stealth, and survival horror.
- Replayable missions with branching outcomes and an upgradeable Safehouse hub.
Stunning Visuals:
- Advanced graphics with realistic textures, lighting, and detailed environments, particularly impressive on PlayStation 5.
Dynamic Multiplayer:
- The "Omnimovement" system enhances fluid gameplay, allowing sliding, diving, and sprinting across maps.
- Simplified weapon customization and perk systems balance accessibility with depth
- Compact, well-designed maps emphasize fast-paced 6v6 matches.
Nostalgic Zombies Mode:
- Round-based gameplay returns, featuring classic survival mechanics with secret Easter eggs and rewarding challenges
Performance:
- Smooth frame rates and stable performance across platforms, even during high-intensity scenes

Cons

Limited Historical Depth:
- The campaign's depiction of the Gulf War lacks meaningful engagement with geopolitical or humanitarian aspects
Inconsistent Map Design:
- A few multiplayer maps, like "Scud," encourage slow gameplay and feel less optimized for the new mechanics
Lack of Innovation in Zombies:
- While nostalgic, Zombies mode offers few new ideas, relying heavily on established formulas
Minor Multiplayer Balancing Issues:
- Some combinations of perks or attachments can disrupt the balance, though updates may address these