Review | Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War: A Game Worth Playing?
The Campaign
The campaign in Cold War is unlike traditional Call of Duty campaigns. Set in the 1980s during the Cold War era, it immerses you in the period with detailed visuals and storytelling. From the characters’ outfits to the environment, everything screams authenticity. The game lets you customize your character with unique traits that influence gameplay, like faster reloading or higher damage.
Fans of Black Ops will recognize classic characters like Woods and Mason, though their roles are mostly secondary. The primary focus is on Russell Adler, a CIA veteran tasked with stopping a mysterious villain, Perseus. The campaign features choices that impact the story, offering multiple endings. You may want to replay to explore all the possible outcomes.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer remains a core component of Call of Duty. Traditional modes like Team Deathmatch and Domination return alongside new ones like VIP Escort, where teamwork is essential. The Ground War-style modes are available but may feel overwhelming due to large maps and lag issues.
Weapon customization through the Gunsmith system is back, letting you tweak weapons to suit your style. Graphics have significantly improved with ray tracing support, though enabling it might lower frame rates. The introduction of a kill-stealing fix is a welcome addition, awarding credit to players who deal the most damage.
Zombies Mode
The Zombies mode is a nostalgic return to the classic rounds format. Players fight hordes of zombies with the option to request an “exfil” every 10 rounds. This triggers an intense escape sequence, requiring you to survive overwhelming odds within a time limit. Weapon loadouts add a new layer, allowing you to enter with preferred gear instead of relying solely on random drops.
Summary
Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War offers a memorable campaign, improved graphics, and nostalgic elements in Zombies mode. However, it lacks significant innovations in multiplayer and overall content compared to previous titles in the series.
Pros:
- Engaging campaign with impactful choices.
- Return of beloved elements like Zombies mode and unique weapon camos.
- Stunning graphics with ray tracing support.
Cons:
- Feels like a traditional Call of Duty game with limited innovation.
- Lacks substantial content.