Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Campaign Review
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign offers a masterful mix of high-octane action, espionage, and horror adding up to one of the best Call of Duty campaigns yet, my full review.
Since diving into the Call of Duty: Black Ops series in 2010, it has held a special place in my heart. From the gritty, intense missions of the original to the mind-bending twists of Black Ops 2, each game has brought something unique to the table. Black Ops 6 takes everything I love about the franchise and cranks it up to eleven. With a mix of "Mission Impossible"-style spy thriller action, an “Ocean Eleven-esque” heist, plus inspired use of psychological horror, this campaign is one of the best Call of Duties yet. Let’s get boots on the ground and look at what makes Black Ops 6 one of the best FPS campaigns I’ve experienced in the last decade.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
Developer: Treyarch
Publisher: Activision
Genre: First-person shooter
Modes: Single-player campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies
ESRB Rating: Mature (17+)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 story
The story of Black Ops 6 is nothing short of incredible, sending you on a globe-trotting adventure packed with thrills, betrayal and intrigue. Set in 1991 during the Gulf War, the game follows a new team of operatives trying to stop a bioweapon from being unleashed on the world. The missions are a stellar mix of spy thriller, Mission Impossible, and Ocean’s Eleven-style casino heists with other surprises mixed in. You'll find yourself sneaking into high-security facilities, pulling off daring escapes, and even engaging in psychological horror reminiscent of Bioshock, Prey and Control. The best part? There are multiple ways to complete objectives, adding plenty of replayability to the game. I found myself going back to certain missions to try out different approaches, and it never got old. The only spots I found where the story lacked was what felt like a rushed conclusion, things wrapped up well, it was just a little quick.
Signature Call of Duty gameplay returns with exciting additions
The gameplay in Black Ops 6 looks and feels fantastic from moment to moment. Movement and combat have been revamped to create a seamless experience. The gunplay feels fantastic, and whether you're using silenced stealth weapons, clattering automatic rifles, or powerful shotguns, there is a great variety in the way weapons feel. Playing on the PS5, the DualSense really ramped things up with the haptics.
The new omni-movement system is a big standout, allowing you to run, dive, and leap in multiple directions. You feel like an action hero diving across the screen to avoid a hail of gunfire.
"You feel like an action hero diving across the screen to avoid a hail of gunfire."
It adds a dynamic element to the gameplay, keeping things fresh and exciting. The campaign is just over 8 hours long, making it one of the longest CoD campaigns I've played. It's all killer and no filler, packed with a variety of missions and different tools and approaches at your disposal. Weapons like the homing knife and the return of the iconic RC-XD remote-controlled killing machine. It feels familiar, but at the same time new, and offers a synthesis of what has made the series a fan-favourite for all these years.
Upgrading your Safe House
The safe house in Black Ops 6 is a smart addition to the game and the “your team vs. the world” plot line. It’s a great spot for planning your next mission, learning about your team, upgrading your weapons, and even uncovering secrets. The hub lets you take a breather, strategize, and get to know your fellow operatives better. I loved spending time here, upgrading my gear and discovering hidden areas. It adds depth to the game, making you feel more connected to the story and the characters.
Black Ops 6 graphics and performance
The graphics in Black Ops 6 are simply amazing. The attention to detail is incredible, from the realistic character models to the stunning environments. Even the cutscenes with character facial and motion capture easily stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of Hollywood’s best action flicks.
"Even the cutscenes with character facial and motion capture easily stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of Hollywood’s best action flicks."
The game runs smoothly on the PlayStation 5, with no noticeable frame drops or glitches. The top-notch art direction creates a visually immersive experience that draws you into the game's twisted, cloak-and-dagger world. The visuals are consistently impressive whether you're attending a bustling political event, storming an Iraqi palace, or in a dark, eerie facility.
Audio and sound design
The audio and sound design in Black Ops 6 is nothing short of phenomenal. The soundtrack perfectly complements the action, adding to the intensity and excitement of the game. The sound effects are realistic and immersive, making you feel right in the middle of the action. The voice acting is top-notch, with each character bringing their role to life. There is the odd line that misses, but overall the script and acting pull you into the world. The audio cues and environmental sounds add depth to the gameplay, making every mission feel more engaging.
Final thoughts on the Black Ops 6 campaign
In conclusion, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a standout entry in the franchise. Its thrilling story, fantastic gameplay, and stunning visuals make it one of the best CoD campaigns I've ever played. The mix of spy thriller, heist, and psychological horror keeps things fresh and exciting, and the multiple ways to complete objectives add plenty of replayability.
"Its thrilling story, fantastic gameplay, and stunning visuals make it one of the best CoD campaigns I've ever played."
If you're a fan of the series, this is a must-play. If you're new to the franchise, it's a great entry point. Either way, you won't be disappointed, and I can’t recommend jumping into Black Ops 6 enough.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Campaign PROS
+Stellar variety of missions with multiple ways to complete objectives
+Fantastic gunplay
+Omni movement system
+Stunning graphics and visuals
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Campaign CONS
-Some missions can feel a bit repetitive
-Not all dialogue lands
-Campaign conclusion feels slightly rushed
Overall Assessment of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Campaign
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability: 9/10
Overall Rating: 36/40 (90%)
Activision provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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