Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 [PlayStation 5] | REVIEW

Whilst I enjoyed last year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, I’d be lying if I said it was hard not to feel a little underwhelmed by its scope, with it feeling more like DLC than a genuine new release in the franchise. It meant there was a bit more pressure on developer Treyarch to deliver this year, but man, they absolutely NAILED it, with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 revitalising the series with one of the most thrilling campaigns in years, excellent fast-paced multiplayer, and a return to the much-loved wave-based take on Zombies.

Check out some screenshots down below:

I’m one of those Call of Duty fans who prioritises playing through the campaign before anything else, so I’m happy to report that this year’s effort is pretty damn special. Set during an alternate history storyline based around the Gulf War, this continuation of the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War narrative presents an exciting blend of military action and spy-thriller intrigue, taking players through diverse missions that mix familiar and innovative gameplay elements into something refreshing and intense. Treyarch has crafted a campaign that showcases everything from stealth-based infiltration to open-world objectives, even incorporating horror elements in one particularly memorable level, to make for a varied single-player experience that feels fresh, unpredictable, and, arguably, the highlight of this year’s release.

The pacing of the campaign will keep players engaged from start to end, with it balancing high-octane action sequences with quieter, suspenseful moments. The plot escalates with each mission, whilst the use of ‘The Rook’ – a former KGB safehouse turned mission hub where players can interact with characters or upgrade their loadout – adds an almost puzzle-like element to the mix that really highlights the creative elements of the game’s storytelling. It’s a really clever addition that gives players a chance to engage with the world outside of direct combat and enjoy quieter, story-driven moments that really allow them to appreciate the stakes at play.

There’s so much I want to talk about in the campaign, with it featuring such an impressive variety of missions that I constantly found myself on edge as I juggled between suspense, frantic gunplay, and all-out horror (you’ll see what I mean when playing the game). But I don’t want to spoil none of that here. Just make sure you play it, because even IF you’re typically on board for the multiplayer or zombies alone, this year’s campaign is a finely crafted experience that simply shouldn’t be missed.

“Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is an all-out spectacle, with the fantastic campaign, frantically reinvigorated multiplayer, and classic take on Zombies ensuring this is the best entry we’ve seen in the series in years.”

For multiplayer fans, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 offers a plethora of modes and maps at launch, with the likes of Team Deathmatch, Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Domination all available to feel a sense of familiarity immediately. What truly sets this entry apart is its vast content, with 16 maps and over 10 different modes available from day one. This robust selection not only gives players plenty to explore but makes multiplayer feel complete and rewarding even before the rollout of additional post-launch content. There’s also the return of the classic Prestige system, allowing hardcore players to climb through ranks and reach Prestige Master, adding replayability and a sense of achievement that complements the wealth of content on offer.

A standout addition to multiplayer gameplay is the new omni-movement system. Omni-movement allows players the complete freedom to dive, twist, and angle their bodies in ways that feel fluid and natural, which is especially useful in a multiplayer setting where players can utilise more advanced manoeuvres to get the upper-hand over foes. Whether sprinting, diving sideways to dodge gunfire, or peeking from behind cover, omni-movement enhances both the depth and responsiveness of gunplay, making for a refreshing change to the series’ traditionally linear movement system. It does feel significantly different from last year though, so there might be a little bit of a learning curve as you not only learn how to utilise the omni-movement to your advantage, but also deal with the enhanced threat of those that have already started to master it.

The weaponry also deserves commendation, with players able to put together well-balanced loadouts that offer plenty of variety that cater to all sort of playstyles. As expected, there’s a good diversity of guns to upgrade and enhance to better suit your needs, whilst levelling and extended weapon use will see your options expand further. I feel like I was constantly tinkering with new guns that each offered something unique, whilst the map selection itself would often require some tactical thought. For example, if I knew I was fighting across Stakeout, the more confined approach meant I’d focus on weaponry that could maximise damage up-close. On the flipside, Vorkuta saw me prioritising a defensive approach as I waited for targets with a sniper, carefully moving between spots only when required. Admittedly, this sort of variety and approach is par for the course for a Call of Duty title, but everything felt more readily refined here to ensure the multiplayer is finely balanced and a ton fun from the get-go.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode returns to the wave-based survival format after the open-world approach of last year’s release, and honestly? It’s a bit of a relief, with the more traditional approach feeling more tightly designed to stick to the strengths of the mode. The classic setup allows players to fight through hordes of undead across two maps: Liberty Falls, a haunting town in West Virginia, and Terminus, a prison island shrouded in eerie atmosphere. Each map offers unique challenges, creating an experience that feels classic yet fresh, but, most importantly, undoubtedly sinister.

Veteran players will be happy to see the return of ‘GobbleGum’, which provides temporary upgrades via gumball machines scattered across each map. This small but impactful addition lets players tailor their approach, giving them a strategic edge and adding variety to each playthrough. The co-op Zombies experience is largely excellent, but it does present challenges for solo players or those joining random lobbies, as the mode’s depth and objectives are often difficult to complete without a coordinated team. In fairness, I’ve played with randomers and had a good time, but to get the most out of the mode it’s best to enjoy it with friends. Nonetheless, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Zombies is an enjoyable, spooky ride that feels true to its roots and is an excellent addition to the game’s overall package.

As expected from a Call of Duty title, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 delivers exceptional visuals and rock-solid performance. The game’s graphics look stunning, with rich detail found across the environments, the explosive set pieces looking more bombastic than ever, and the facial details of characters capturing the raw emotion of the storytelling – or, the grotesque details of a zombie, which were more terrifying than ever here. The game consistently runs at 60 frames per second on PS5, with 120Hz support available for those who want an even smoother experience in multiplayer. It’s just fricking beautiful and truly raises the bar of first-person shooting visuals.

Developer: Treyarch
Publisher: Activision
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Website: https://www.callofduty.com