This was played through PS5 and Xbox Game Pass on the ASUS Strix Scar 18

After the monstrosity that was Modern Warfare 3 last year, I had little faith that Activision would have their developers return to their golden years – the dynamic in the gaming industry these days is shifting in ways that makes me feel uncomfortable. Thankfully, Trayarch and Raven Software worked together to not only reinvent itself in a way that feels a bit forward pushing – but they also returned to form, which inherently brings faith back into the franchise for me. Black Ops 6 manages to take us back to the roots that made me a huge fan of the Black Ops series since part 3, although minus the 4-player campaign co-op. For longtime fans, the campaign feels like a “welcome home” moment, packing in everything we’ve missed and then some.

The Handcrafted Experience We Deserve

Call of Duty has leaned into Warzone-inspired missions once again, but this time, the focus is on handcrafted design that breathes life into each mission. This is the exact style of mission design I’ve been craving since Activision decided to reboot the COD franchise. This is on top of linear-style missions of course – and as you play, you’ll notice influences from Fallout in its lockpicking and hacking mechanics, as well as a touch of Control in eerie, supernatural-inspired segments. Each of these elements is expertly done, blending seamlessly into the overall narrative which genuinely surprised me.

The Black Ops series has always shone when it comes to character depth, and Black Ops 6 delivers. The team is back in action with iconic characters like Frank Woods, new ones such as Troy Marshall, Severti, and Felix Neuman. Each character is exceptionally crafted, with personal stories that unfold through well-written dialogue and outstanding voice acting. There are some fan-service moments in the campaign, but they’re subtle enough to enhance the experience without feeling forced. In addition to this is the format of dialogue options. You can engage with characters both on and off missions, giving you a chance to see different sides of the story. While it doesn’t do anything to the overarching story, it’s a nice flare to the immersive element Treyarch is trying to embed into the game. The mocap for these scenes is impressive—the animations are natural and lifelike, making each interaction feel genuine. It’s a level of polish that adds to the immersion, especially during high-stakes moments where dialogue can shift the tone or reveal key plot points.

The plot of Black Ops 6 is well done, but nothing too original. You find a conspiracy, investigate, huge set-pieces and then eliminate the threat – all while off the grid and under the governments nose. If you’ve been following the Black Ops timeline, there are some genuine surprises, and again it is a well-paced, well written story – but nothing to jump over your seat for.

Explore Then Upgrade

I love any game with a central hub, and The Rook hideout is no different. While not super in-depth, the base is upgradeable. Here, you’ll find benches where you can upgrade your health, weapons, and utilities. These upgrades felt thoughtfully balanced, especially on a Veteran run, where overpowered perks could easily break the immersion. Instead, every perk felt like it served a purpose, enhancing the gameplay without making you feel like an unstoppable force. This is a game that respects the challenge, something I greatly appreciate.

The much-hyped Omnimovement controls are here, which is supposed to be a game changer in COD. While the movement options are undeniably fun, they feel somewhat wasted in the campaign. You can tell this mechanic is designed for the hardcore multiplayer crowd, where split-second dodges and heightened mobility make all the difference. In the campaign, however, it doesn’t quite impact gameplay in a meaningful way.

Familiar, Yet Functional

As for multiplayer, it’s more or less what we’ve come to expect from the series. You’ll have your classic game modes, loadouts, and all the gear that makes Call of Duty multiplayer so addictive. While the Omnimovement controls give players more agility, it doesn’t dramatically change the formula – which is actually a good thing. Matches play out in the same format we’ve seen before, and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it doesn’t break any new ground. If you’re looking for the same fast-paced, competitive experience with a bit more flair, you’ll find it here, but it’s not the reinvention some players may be hoping for. Zombies mode, on the other hand, is an absolute blast and a clear standout. The developers have packed this mode with so much content, and it’s evident they wanted to give fans the ultimate zombie experience. Zombies is engaging from start to finish. Expect to sink dozens of hours in without realizing where the time went.

The presentation of Black Ops 6 is impressive. The game runs on an updated engine that brings gorgeous lighting, shadows, and environmental details, creating a world that’s almost photorealistic. Ambient lighting and shadow effects look nearly ray-traced, giving each scene a depth that’s breathtaking at times. Of course, it’s not a totally perfect experience—online-only access for the campaign to me is the biggest red flag. I mentioned that the gaming climate is leaving me feeling uncomfortable, and requiring players to be constantly connected to the internet just to play the campaign seems unnecessary. Unfortunately, this led to multiple mid-game disconnections due to server issues. Losing progress in the middle of a mission because of a server hiccup is frustrating. It’s an odd choice, and one I hope the developers address in future updates.

REVIEW SCORE: 8/10

Black Ops 6 is a return to form that recaptures the spirit of the classic Black Ops campaigns. The handcrafted missions, expertly designed characters, and richly detailed world make it one of the most immersive experiences in the Call of Duty series. While multiplayer doesn’t offer much new, the enhanced movement mechanics and fan-favorite Zombies mode make it a well-rounded package.

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