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Writer's pictureNathan Walters

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Review – A Surprisingly Fresh Take


The call of duty black ops 6 menu image featuring a spec ops agent wielding two pistols while sat down
Image: Activision

As someone who hasn’t exactly loved Call of Duty games after World at War, I approached Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 with a fair bit of scepticism. The franchise has often leaned into formulaic campaigns, focusing on high-speed action at the expense of deeper, more immersive gameplay. But with Black Ops 6, Activision has taken an unexpected turn, offering a campaign that brings some much-needed variety and a refreshing change of pace.


Black Ops 6 steps away from the typical linear storyline structure. Instead, the campaign includes semi-open world features and a base-upgrading system, giving players more control over progression. The campaign takes place post-Cold War in the early 90s, following Case, a highly skilled CIA operator with a dark secret, who is joined by fan-favourite Frank Woods and his team as they are hunted by a shadowy force infiltrating the highest levels of the CIA. Players traverse global locations, from European casinos to Middle Eastern palaces, while navigating high-stakes espionage and intense firefights.


 

"It's familiar yet fresh"

The addition of semi-open world maps in campaign mode adds a sense of freedom that the series hasn’t seen in years. There are various paths to objectives, secrets hidden in different areas, and side missions that provide additional rewards for those who explore. Base upgrades are a new twist that adds depth; you’ll unlock weapons and perks by collecting cash on missions and puzzle-linked safes and investing it back into your hideout. It’s not overly complex, but it’s a rewarding touch that makes the campaign feel less like a single-track experience, it's familiar yet fresh


Where the game really shines is in its gameplay variety. Yes, you’ll still have the classic CoD shootouts, but you’ll also encounter stealth, puzzles, and certain high-intensity combat sequences that feel more like DOOM than Call of Duty. These segments add an extra layer of excitement, with relentless, almost frenzied action that’s a welcome change from the boring, repetitive gunfights that are typical of the series.


In addition, Black Ops 6 brings back the Evidence Board mechanic from Cold War, allowing players to approach missions with different strategies. The inclusion of puzzles and lock-picking, as well as tasks like computer hacking, brings a bit of nuance and makes the gameplay less predictable. This approach keeps things fresh, encouraging players to think strategically rather than just sprinting toward the next checkpoint.


 

"it’s the cinematics that truly steal the show"

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is visually stunning, especially when it comes to pre-rendered cutscenes. With support for 4K and ultrawide monitors, as well as AMD FSR 3.1 for boosted performance, the game looks incredible on PC. The in-game graphics are sharp and well-detailed, with beautiful lighting and textures that bring each location to life. However, it’s the cinematics that truly steal the show. They’re crisp, hyper-realistic, and make some of the story’s more intense moments all the more impactful.


 

Two in game players from cod black ops 6 facing the screen brandishing guns and handaxes
Image: Activision

One of the biggest additions to gameplay is Omnimovement

Multiplayer in Black Ops 6 sees a return to form for Call of Duty, with a mix of traditional and new mechanics. The game launched with 16 maps, 12 of which are classic 6v6, and the others are designed for smaller team sizes or quick skirmishes. The maps use a “three-lane” design, familiar to longtime fans, which keeps the action fast-paced but introduces varied sightlines and layouts to keep each match dynamic.


One of the biggest additions to gameplay is “Omnimovement,” which allows players to move in all directions, combining slides, dives, and sprints. This freedom of movement opens up tactical options that feel fresh and responsive. The reintroduction of the Prestige system is also a nice touch for veterans who enjoy grinding to max levels, and customisation options, including weapon attachments, are robust, allowing players to fine-tune their loadouts in significant ways.


The classic Zombies mode is also back and better than ever. With an array of new and returning weapons, Zombies mode continues to offer an endless thrill for players who love co-op. This time around, the Zombies story is tied closely with the campaign, giving a narrative context to the undead onslaught.


Final Verdict


Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 offers a surprisingly fresh experience for a series that has often felt stagnant. The semi-open world levels, base upgrade mechanics, and intense combat sequences combine to create a campaign that’s as engaging as it is thrilling. While the story doesn’t break new ground, it has enough substance to keep players invested from start to finish. Multiplayer and Zombies provide the replayability that fans expect, with added movement mechanics and customization options that keep things interesting.

For longtime sceptics of the series like myself, Black Ops 6 might be the game that wins you back. It shows that Activision and Treyarch are willing to experiment, and the result is a game that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.


8/10

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