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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Item: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAction, Shooter, Horror, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 25, 2024

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X

DeveloperTreyarch

Overview

Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops. The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity. In a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, players will test their skills across 16 new maps at launch, including 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6. Black Ops 6 also marks the epic return of Round-Based Zombies, the fan-favorite mode where players will take down hordes of the undead in two brand-new maps at launch. Post-launch, players can look forward to even more exciting maps and groundbreaking experiences dropping into both Multiplayer and Zombies.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics for its engaging and well-crafted narrative. Critics like Daily Star and NME commend the game for offering a movie-like spy thriller experience with dramatic twists, unique setpieces, and a compelling plot that fits well into the Black Ops timeline. The campaign is lauded for its variety, characters, and immersive storytelling, with IGN France highlighting the well-paced narrative, strong character development, and surprising twists. Additionally, Softpedia appreciates the strong narrative continuity from previous titles and the classic spy thriller elements present in the campaign. Despite the overwhelming positive reception, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in the story of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Gaming Nexus mentions issues with teammate AI and a character-related cliffhanger that falls flat, impacting the overall experience. The New York Times criticizes the game for focusing more on a shadowy cabal and world-ending conspiracy, feeling disconnected from the historical conflicts it portrays. Siliconera also notes that while the campaign is engaging with great mission variety and visuals, the story itself may not be as interesting as expected. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the story of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a standout feature of the game, with many praising its engaging narrative, memorable characters, varied missions, and unique style. Critics like Metro GameCentral consider it one of the best campaigns in the franchise's history, while PlayStation Universe hails it as the most consistent offering in years under the Call of Duty umbrella. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers appreciate the immersive storytelling, inventive mission design, and overall quality of the story mode in Black Ops 6.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's captivating spy thriller narrative, praising its twists, characters, and immersive storytelling. While some mention issues with AI and story elements, most agree it's a standout campaign in the franchise, blending classic spy thriller vibes with engaging missions and memorable characters.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, highlighting various positive aspects. Daily Star and Gaming Nexus both appreciated the new omnimovement system, describing the gameplay as bombastic, intense, and arcade-y, with excellent gunplay and a traditional ranking system. PlayStation Universe commended the introduction of omni-movement, which significantly improved the gameplay across all modes, offering a balanced variety of weapons and standout arenas like Skyline. Siliconera also lauded the game for its top-tier gunplay and genre-defining Omnimovement system, emphasizing the high quality of the gameplay experience. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Black Ops 6. Metro GameCentral pointed out that while the reworked movement system added fluidity and expressiveness, the map selection may feel limited, leading to repetitive engagements. IGN Spain mentioned that while the gameplay was fast-paced and frenetic, it felt familiar and in need of more evolution, suggesting that the formula could benefit from further innovation. The New York Times highlighted that the quasi-open world structure affected the pacing of missions, indicating a potential drawback in the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Critics like Push Square appreciated the fun gameplay loop, inventive mission design, and strong multiplayer suite, while Softpedia praised the diverse missions offering multiple approaches and standout sequences like a casino heist. The introduction of new mechanics such as omni-movement, lateral sprints, and diving in all directions was widely acknowledged as enhancing combat dynamics and providing a satisfying solo experience, as noted by IGN France. The game's focus on delivering superior gameplay experiences, as mentioned by Voxel, further solidifies the positive reception from critics, making Black Ops 6 a highly recommended title for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics raved about Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's gameplay, praising its bombastic action, top-tier gunplay, and innovative omni-movement system. While some noted limited map selection and a need for more innovation, overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. With inventive missions, diverse gameplay mechanics, and a strong multiplayer suite, Black Ops 6 is a highly recommended title for both series fans and newcomers.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, it is evident that the majority of reviewers were highly impressed with the game's visuals. Daily Star commended the game for its extraordinary character animations and impressive facial capture technology, while Gaming Nexus praised the blockbuster set pieces and high production value. The New York Times highlighted the diverse settings and '70s sci-fi aesthetics, showcasing the game's visual variety and creativity. Push Square and TechRadar Gaming also lauded the game for its sublime visuals, smooth technical performance, and cutting-edge graphics, with TechRadar Gaming specifically noting it as the best-looking campaign in the franchise's history. On the flip side, some critics did point out a few shortcomings in the visual department of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. IGN Spain mentioned occasional texture bugs and lack of substantial advancements, while Siliconera criticized the maps for being poorly designed, with Skyline being singled out as a particularly problematic map. Multiplayer.it noted that the visual quality of multiplayer environments and character models fell slightly below expectations, despite impressive lighting effects and improved animations for the Absolute Movement system. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans heavily towards the positive side when it comes to the Graphics and Visual Design of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The stunning graphics, detailed environments, lifelike character animations, and diverse settings were widely praised by reviewers such as God is a Geek, PlayStation Universe, and Softpedia. The game was described as visually impressive, visually stunning, and visually incredible by various critics, highlighting its overall strong visual presentation. Despite some minor issues mentioned by a few reviewers, the majority agreed that the game's graphics and visual design were top-notch, enhancing the overall gaming experience and solidifying its position as a visually captivating title in the Call of Duty franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning visuals of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, praising lifelike animations and diverse settings. Some minor flaws mentioned, but overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers hailing it as visually impressive and top-notch in the franchise's history.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, highlighting various positive aspects. Daily Star commended the booming sound design that created an immersive experience, while IGN France and Softpedia specifically mentioned the high audio fidelity and attention to detail that enhanced the overall intensity and atmosphere of the game. NME appreciated the '90s grunge-inspired soundtrack for adding to the blockbuster feel of the campaign mode, and Voxel noted the thrilling soundtrack filled with guitars and psychological horror elements that contributed to the immersion and atmosphere, reminiscent of classic games like Doom and F.E.A.R. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. PlayStation Universe pointed out the criticism of built-in support for a third-party audio tool that could provide a pay-to-win advantage in multiplayer, which detracted from the overall experience for some players. While this issue was a concern for some critics, it did not overshadow the general consensus of the game's sound design and music quality. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 were highly impressive and contributed significantly to the overall gaming experience. IGN Spain praised the top-notch sound design, soundtrack, and voice acting that set a high standard for shooters, while Multiplayer.it highlighted the game's magnificent sound design that maintained the high audio quality seen in previous Call of Duty titles. The positive feedback from the majority of critics indicates that the sound design and music of the game succeeded in immersing players, enhancing the atmosphere, and delivering an engaging auditory experience, ultimately adding to the overall enjoyment of playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about the Sound Design and Music in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, praising its immersive experience, high audio fidelity, and intense atmosphere. Some criticized third-party audio tool support for multiplayer, but overall, the game's sound and music quality impressed, setting a high standard for shooters. Immersive, atmospheric, and engaging - critics agree it enhances the overall enjoyment of playing.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has garnered significant praise from multiple critics. God is a Geek commends the engaging voice acting that brings the characters to life, especially with well-synched lip movements. IGN France highlights the high quality of the French voice acting, with convincing performances contributing to immersive storytelling and character interactions. IGN Spain describes the voice acting as sublime, particularly in English, while Metro GameCentral emphasizes the excellent voice acting that enhances impactful storytelling and character development. Voxel also praises the charismatic and striking cast, along with philosophical and emotional dialogues that elevate the narrative by providing well-developed characters and optional interactions to delve deeper into their origins and motivations. On the other hand, there are some mixed opinions regarding the voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. GLHF on Sports Illustrated does not extensively discuss the voice acting but mentions that the characters follow typical military FPS archetypes, suggesting a lack of standout performances or unique voice work. Inverse acknowledges the top-notch voice and motion-capture performances from the whole cast but notes that without context, the dialogue can feel generic, potentially detracting from the overall impact of the voice acting in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards positive sentiments regarding the voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The majority of reviewers appreciate the engaging, high-quality, and sublime performances that bring depth to the characters and contribute to immersive storytelling. While there are some mentions of generic dialogue and typical character archetypes, the overall impression is that the voice acting enhances the game's narrative and character development, earning praise for its contribution to the overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the top-notch voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, praising the engaging performances that bring characters to life with well-synched lip movements and immersive storytelling. Some critics note generic dialogue and typical military archetypes, but overall, the voice acting is commended for enhancing impactful storytelling and character development, making it a standout feature of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, the majority of critics had positive feedback. Push Square praised the game for running smoothly at 60 frames-per-second without any drops, showcasing consistent performance. Softpedia highlighted the stunning graphics and improved character animation, along with the crucial role of sound design in enhancing the game's intensity. TechRadar Gaming also commended the game for delivering delightfully smooth performance on the PS5, with stable frame rates even during intense moments. On the other hand, there were some negatives mentioned by a few critics regarding technical performance on the PS5. Gaming Nexus noted visual artifacting during cutscenes and a cliffhanger ending that didn't land well. IGN France encountered performance issues like slowdowns during the campaign on both PS and Xbox consoles, especially in 60 Hz mode. IGN Spain mentioned texture bugs and frame rate drops, although they did not significantly impact the gameplay experience. Voxel highlighted technical issues such as the need to restart the game after opening it due to updates, indicating potential stability concerns. Across different platforms, there were mixed opinions on technical performance. PlayStation Universe reported experiencing some bugs, mostly in zombies mode, but nothing significant that affected the overall stability. Multiplayer.it on Xbox Series X mentioned decent cleanliness in multiplayer respawn management and netcode, with some issues related to spawn kills and desync in certain matches. Pure Xbox also on Xbox Series X noted solid performance with occasional bugs like character disappearing during conversations, with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) available to smooth over performance dips. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 delivers a mostly solid technical performance across various gaming platforms, with some minor issues reported on both PS5 and Xbox Series X. While some critics highlighted specific technical issues like bugs, frame rate drops, and performance dips, others praised the game for its smooth performance, stunning graphics, and improved animations. Despite the mixed feedback, the general sentiment leans towards a relatively stable technical performance, with room for improvement in certain areas to enhance the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics mostly praised Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for its smooth performance and stunning graphics on the PS5, with some minor technical issues noted. Mixed opinions were seen across platforms, with reports of bugs and performance dips. Overall, the game delivers solid technical performance but has room for improvement to enhance the gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics generally highlight the positive aspects of the replay value in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Critics like Daily Star, God is a Geek, and NME praise the game for its bountiful multiplayer suite, diverse modes, maps, and progression systems that enhance long-term engagement. The shared progression across multiplayer and Zombies, as mentioned by NME, adds depth to the gameplay experience, providing players with challenges and rewards that extend the mode's lifespan significantly. Additionally, the customizable gameplay options, varied missions, and classic camo grind experience, as noted by Guardian and NME, contribute to the replayability of the game. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives that affect the overall replay value of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. IGN France highlights issues with spawns, cheating, and netcode problems in the multiplayer mode, which can impact long-term replayability. Siliconera mentions the lack of memorable content and poor additions that hold back the game, potentially diminishing the overall experience for players. Push Square also notes that while the game offers a lot of content and progression systems, the launch line-up of maps may leave something to be desired, indicating room for improvement in certain areas that could affect replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 provides a solid replay value with its engaging multiplayer suite, diverse modes, and progression systems. Critics like Gaming Nexus, PlayStation Universe, and TechRadar Gaming appreciate the hours of entertainment offered by the multiplayer and Zombies modes, with Gaming Nexus specifically highlighting the cross-progression feature as a welcome addition. While there are some criticisms regarding issues in the multiplayer mode and certain aspects that could be improved, the general sentiment is positive towards the game's replayability, making it a title that can cater to both new recruits and veteran players of the franchise, as mentioned by Voxel.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for its rich multiplayer suite, diverse modes, and progression systems that enhance long-term engagement. Shared progression across modes adds depth, but issues like spawns and lack of memorable content may hinder replay value. Overall, the game offers solid replayability with room for improvement, appealing to both new and veteran players of the franchise.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics' opinions on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 overwhelmingly highlight the game's strengths. Daily Star praises the game as an excellent first-person shooter with best-in-class multiplayer, a stunning story mode, and enjoyable zombie smashing. Gaming Nexus commends the game for getting the franchise back on track with a great multiplayer suite, fun Zombies mode, and a return to form for the single-player campaign. God is a Geek also lauds the energetic campaign, improved Zombies mode, and tighter multiplayer, making it the best entry in recent years. These positive aspects are further reinforced by PlayStation Universe, Push Square, and TechRadar Gaming, who all appreciate the solid multiplayer experience, classic zombies mode, and engaging gameplay mechanics. On the flip side, some critics point out certain shortcomings in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. IGN France notes recurring issues in the multiplayer mode, such as spawns and cheating, which detract from an otherwise strong campaign and engaging gameplay mechanics. Siliconera criticizes the game for its poor content, especially in multiplayer maps and Zombies mode, making it one of the most mixed games in the franchise. The New York Times mentions a disconnected story with a focus on a shadowy cabal and a world-ending conspiracy, which might not resonate with all players. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment among the critics is still positive, with the majority acknowledging the game as a solid entry in the Call of Duty series. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a very good game that excels in various aspects. NME praises it as a feature-stuffed blockbuster that refreshes the franchise, presenting the most complete Call of Duty experience in more than a decade. Voxel considers it the definitive Call of Duty title for recruits and veterans alike, marking a clear direction for the franchise. GLHF on Sports Illustrated and Pure Xbox both highlight the game as a return to form for the franchise, offering a robust FPS experience with improvements in gameplay and content. Despite some minor flaws, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics viewing Black Ops 6 as a standout entry in the series that delivers an enjoyable and engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, praising its top-tier multiplayer, gripping story mode, and thrilling zombie action. Some mention issues like multiplayer problems and lackluster content, but overall, the game is hailed as a standout entry in the series, offering a solid and exciting experience for players.

CRITIK

Reviews

163 reviews found

100

Daily Star

PlayStation 5

Oct 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives a verdict of 5/5, praising the game as an excellent first-person shooter with best-in-class multiplayer, a stunning story mode, and enjoyable zombie smashing.

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100

NME

PlayStation 5

Oct 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 is praised as a feature-stuffed blockbuster that refreshes the franchise, presenting the most complete Call Of Duty experience in more than a decade. It is considered a future classic that justifies the developers having more time to create each game.

TechRadar Gaming

PlayStation 5

Oct 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is one of the best FPS games in almost a decade, excelling in story, gameplay, graphics, and replay value, with a few minor map issues in multiplayer.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is praised for its energetic campaign, improved Zombies mode, tighter multiplayer, and overall enjoyable experience, making it the best entry in recent years.

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Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Oct 30, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Black Ops 6 offers a really good campaign mode with interesting and varied missions, a big step up from other COD campaigns available on Game Pass

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Voxel

PlayStation 5

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Black Ops 6 reacende a chama de Call of Duty com uma jogabilidade afiada, campanha marcante e modos extras repletos de conteúdo. Apesar de alguns problemas pontuais, o jogo é considerado o Call of Duty definitivo para recrutas e veteranos, marcando um rumo claro para a franquia.

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Multiplayer.it

Xbox Series X

Oct 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Treyarch's Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is hailed as one of the best entries in the series, with a strong single-player campaign, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a revitalized Zombie mode. Despite minor visual shortcomings and technical issues, the game delivers a highly enjoyable experience.

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Softpedia

PlayStation 5

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Must-play for fans of action-packed storytelling, offering a unique blend of combat and narrative. Delivers an experience worth diving into, whether for the story or multiplayer.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is praised as a return to form after a shaky previous entry, with a solid multiplayer experience, a classic zombies mode, and the best campaign in years, rectifying past mistakes and providing a consistent and enjoyable experience.

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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

Oct 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is highly praised for getting the franchise back on track with a great multiplayer suite, fun Zombies mode, and a return to form for the single-player campaign despite some issues. It is considered an evergreen release that people will be playing for years to come.

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