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CRITIK

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

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

2020

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

AvailableNov 13, 2020

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

DeveloperRaven Software, Treyarch

Overview

The iconic Black Ops series is back with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War - the direct sequel to the original and fan-favorite Call of Duty: Black Ops. Black Ops Cold War will drop fans into the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s. Nothing is ever as it seems in a gripping single-player Campaign, where players will come face-to-face with historical figures and hard truths, as they battle around the globe through iconic locales like East Berlin, Vietnam, Turkey, Soviet KGB headquarters and more. Beyond the Campaign, players will bring a Cold War arsenal of weapons and equipment into the next generation of Multiplayer and Zombies experiences. Welcome to the brink. Welcome to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Story of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has received a mixed reception from critics. Some reviewers, such as Press Start Australia and Game Informer, praised the engaging and tense narrative, with Press Start Australia highlighting the mindfuck plot twist and Game Informer commending the spy-thriller storyline that takes players on a global adventure. The inclusion of familiar characters and the retro 80s-style setting, as noted by Daily Star, Softpedia, and Gamers Heroes, added a nostalgic touch that resonated positively with many players. Additionally, the introduction of player choice, dialogue options, and side missions, as mentioned by Push Square and GameSkinny, provided a satisfying and interactive experience for players, enhancing the overall immersion in the Cold War era. On the other hand, several critics pointed out shortcomings in the Story of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. COGconnected and Hardcore Gamer criticized the campaign for feeling rushed, shallow, and lacking emotional connection, with Hardcore Gamer noting the story's deficiency in character development. Additionally, some reviewers, like Guardian and GameSpace, mentioned that while the campaign had thrilling sequences and memorable moments, it lacked freshness, depth, and daring, ultimately falling short in delivering a truly impactful and innovative narrative experience. The limited impact of player choices on the overall story, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis, also detracted from the potential depth and replay value of the campaign. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War leans towards a somewhat underwhelming reception. While the game succeeds in delivering a nostalgic and engaging narrative with moments of tension and intrigue, it falls short in terms of originality, character development, and the meaningful integration of player choices into the storyline. The inclusion of multiple endings and branching narrative choices, as appreciated by Digital Chumps and MMORPG.com, adds a layer of replayability but may not fully compensate for the perceived lack of depth and emotional resonance in the storytelling. Ultimately, the game offers a mix of positive elements, such as the 80s setting and interactive gameplay, alongside criticisms regarding the campaign's brevity and missed opportunities for a more impactful and resonant narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the Story of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Some praise its engaging narrative, nostalgic 80s setting, and interactive elements like player choice. However, others criticize it for feeling rushed, lacking depth, and failing to deliver a truly impactful experience. While the game offers moments of tension and intrigue, it falls short in terms of originality, character development, and integrating player choices effectively. Overall, the game's reception is somewhat underwhelming, with mixed opinions on its storytelling and gameplay elements.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

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 Cold War, highlighting various positive aspects. Impulsegamer appreciated the familiar Call of Duty multiplayer modes and the traditional Zombies mode, while GRYOnline.pl noted the introduction of new mechanics like character creation and dialogue choices, offering a more diverse and RPG-like experience. COGconnected found the gameplay fun and engaging, with smooth combat mechanics and satisfying gunplay, and Game Informer mentioned excellent gunplay and customization options in the multiplayer suite. Additionally, GameSpace enjoyed the variety of weapons and modifications available in the multiplayer portion. However, some critics did point out certain negatives regarding the gameplay of Black Ops Cold War. App Trigger mentioned a lack of gun variety in the arsenal, Cheat Code Central highlighted wonky hit detection and chaotic combat situations, and Game Revolution noted issues like grenade spam and lack of customization flexibility persisting in the game. PC Invasion mentioned spawning issues and some gun balance problems, while TheSixthAxis felt that typical run-and-gun missions lacked weight compared to previous games. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. The game was commended for maintaining the classic Call of Duty combat loop while introducing new modes and innovative gameplay elements, as noted by Pure Xbox and TheXboxHub. The fast-paced and slick gameplay, satisfying gunfights, and diverse experiences across different modes were highlighted by several critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Malditos Nerds. Despite some minor issues raised by a few reviewers, the majority agreed that the gameplay offered an engaging and enjoyable experience for both series traditionalists and players looking for something new. The game successfully blended familiar elements with fresh mechanics, providing a solid and entertaining gameplay experience that resonated positively with the critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praised the gameplay of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War for its fun combat mechanics, satisfying gunplay, and diverse experiences across different modes. Some noted drawbacks included limited gun variety and chaotic combat situations, but overall, the game was lauded for blending classic Call of Duty elements with innovative gameplay features, offering an engaging and enjoyable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War are varied and offer a comprehensive view of the game's visual presentation. Critics like Daily Star and Digital Chumps praise the game for its impressive graphics, with Daily Star mentioning that the visuals are "crazy good" and push the limits of aging consoles, while Digital Chumps highlight the seamless load times, gorgeous ray tracing, and next-generation console quality. Game Over Online also notes the incremental improvement in the next-gen version of the game, with ray tracing being a buzzword for the new consoles. On the negative side, some critics express concerns about the game's visuals. App Trigger mentions that the graphics are less realistic and more cartoonish compared to Modern Warfare, while GameSkinny criticizes the multiplayer visuals for being not as good-looking as Modern Warfare, with a muddy color palette that makes it hard to see enemies. Softpedia points out numerous technical issues in both single player and multiplayer modes, with instances of broken textures and environments popping in and out, making the game feel rushed. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side, with many praising the game for its stunning visuals, detailed environments, and impressive lighting effects. Critics like Player 2 and AusGamers highlight the game as visually stunning and the best-looking Call of Duty ever made, with silky smooth gameplay and impressive character details. Despite some criticisms regarding the cartoonish look in multiplayer modes and technical issues in certain versions of the game, the overall sentiment is that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War delivers a visually impressive experience, especially on next-gen consoles, with attention to detail and immersive graphics that enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Some praise its impressive visuals and next-gen console quality, while others criticize its cartoonish look in multiplayer and technical issues. Overall, the consensus is positive, with many applauding the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and impressive lighting effects, making it the best-looking Call of Duty yet, especially on next-gen consoles.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War are largely positive. Critics like DarkStation, Noisy Pixel, and MMORPG.com praise the immersive sound design that enhances the gameplay experience, with impactful gun sounds, explosive effects, and distinct audio cues. Game Revolution and Push Square appreciate the clear sound design that aids competitive players by making footsteps and gunfire easily distinguishable. New Game Network highlights the brilliant and varied music in the campaign, blending seamlessly with the action and featuring good remixes from older Black Ops games. The use of classic Rock and Pop songs in the campaign, as mentioned by Impulsegamer, adds a nice touch to the overall experience. On the negative side, some critics point out issues with the sound design and music of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. The Digital Fix notes audio issues like a helicopter taking off silently, which can detract from the immersion. GRYOnline.pl finds the sound design slightly disappointing in their review, indicating that there may be inconsistencies or shortcomings in the overall audio experience. Guardian expresses disappointment in the lack of effort to capitalize on the early 1980s setting, missing out on cultural references and nostalgic revelry that could have enhanced the overall atmosphere of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Sound Design and Music of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. The majority of reviewers appreciate the immersive sound design, impactful gun sounds, and varied music that blend well with the gameplay experience. Critics like Player 2, Press Start Australia, and Xbox Tavern highlight the wonderful sound design, high-quality soundtrack, and immersive effects that contribute to the overall satisfaction of the gameplay. While there are some criticisms regarding audio issues and missed opportunities in capturing the setting's essence, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music play a significant role in enhancing the player's immersion and enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praise Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War for its immersive sound design and music, with impactful gun sounds and varied music enhancing the gameplay experience. Some note issues like audio inconsistencies and missed opportunities in capturing the setting's essence. Overall, reviewers appreciate the immersive sound design and high-quality soundtrack that contribute to the game's overall satisfaction.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has received widespread praise from the critics. DarkStation commends the solid voice acting, stating that characters effectively deliver their lines, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. Game Revolution appreciates how the voice acting captures the spy games vibe perfectly, with player choices impacting the story. GameSkinny goes as far as likening the stellar performances to watching a movie, highlighting the immersive experience created by the voice actors. PCGamesN notes that the well-developed characters with actual backstories contribute to the immersive storytelling experience, with the voice acting playing a crucial role in this aspect. On the flip side, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Hardcore Gamer mentions that while the replacements for iconic characters are suitable, there is a noticeable difference from the original voice actors, which might impact the player's connection to the characters. New Game Network specifically points out that the new voice actors for returning characters Mason, Hudson, and Woods do not sound like the originals, potentially affecting the continuity and familiarity for long-time fans of the series. Press Start Australia expresses disappointment that none of the big players returned to voice their roles, impacting the game's ability to sell the characters effectively, especially with the player character, Bell, remaining silent throughout the dialogue options. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Critics like Cheat Code Central and Xbox Achievements highlight standout performances by specific voice actors, contributing to the impressive overall quality of the voice acting. TheXboxHub praises the top-notch voice talent that enhances the gaming experience without big-name stars overshadowing the game. Despite some criticisms regarding the replacements for iconic characters and the absence of original voice actors, the majority of critics agree that the voice acting in the game is well-done, immersive, and crucial in bringing the characters and story to life.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics widely praise Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's voice acting for enhancing the game's atmosphere and immersive storytelling, with solid performances likened to watching a movie. However, some critique the replacements for iconic characters not sounding like the originals, impacting player connections. Overall, while some flaws are noted, the majority of critics agree that the voice acting is well-done, immersive, and crucial in bringing the characters and story to life in the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

20%

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

In terms of the technical performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on different gaming platforms, there are notable positives highlighted by the critics. For instance, on the PlayStation 5, reviewers like Cubed3 and Digital Chumps praise the seamless experience with impressive visuals, load times, and the effective utilization of the DualSense controller's features. The Xbox Series X also receives positive feedback from critics such as AusGamers for running smoothly at 60fps, quick matchmaking, and steady progression. However, there are several negatives pointed out by the critics regarding the technical performance on various platforms. For example, Easy Allies and The Digital Fix mention connection issues and stability concerns on the PS5 version, with reports of drops, crashes, and instances of broken textures. On the Xbox Series X, Game Over Online and TheXboxHub highlight significant performance issues, crashes, and bugs affecting the gameplay experience, with suggestions to disable certain features like ray tracing. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on different gaming platforms is mixed. While some platforms like the PlayStation 5 and PC receive praise for their visuals, load times, and performance enhancements, there are consistent reports of stability issues, crashes, and bugs impacting the gameplay experience on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Critics like Impulsegamer and New Game Network specifically point out stability issues and network problems that need to be addressed post-launch. Despite some positive aspects, the technical performance of the game seems to be a point of concern across multiple platforms, with improvements and patches expected to address these issues in the future.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on PS5 and Xbox Series X for visuals and performance but highlight stability issues, crashes, and bugs on both platforms. Mixed reviews point out network problems and suggest post-launch fixes for an overall concerning technical performance across different gaming platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Replay Value of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has received mixed feedback from critics. Several reviewers highlighted the game's positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. Critics like Daily Star, Digital Chumps, and Game Informer appreciated the multiple choices and endings in the campaign, which incentivize players to replay missions and explore different outcomes. Additionally, GameSkinny and Gamers Heroes noted the significant amount of content at launch, with promises of future updates, providing players with reasons to continue playing. The variety of multiplayer modes and customization options in both multiplayer and Zombies mode, as mentioned by Game Informer and Gamers Heroes, also add to the game's replay value. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the limitations and drawbacks affecting the game's replayability. App Trigger and Easy Allies criticized the underwhelming amount of maps and repetitive nature of the zombie mode, which may deter players looking for fresh experiences. Shacknews mentioned that the limited number of maps in the Zombies mode could lead to a desire for more variety, potentially impacting long-term engagement. PC Invasion raised issues with slow weapon progression, tedious leveling up processes, and strict skill-based matchmaking, which could hinder the overall replay value for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive outlook on the Replay Value of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. While there are criticisms regarding certain aspects like map variety, repetitive gameplay, and progression systems, the game's strengths in offering multiple endings, diverse gameplay options, and ongoing challenges in multiplayer and Zombies modes seem to outweigh the negatives. Critics like Game Revolution and Pure Xbox highlighted the game's potential for engaging multiple playthroughs through various endings and side missions. Despite some shortcomings, the game's overall content, customization options, and future update promises contribute to a generally positive perception of its replay value among reviewers.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Some praise its multiple choices and endings, abundant content, and multiplayer modes, while others criticize its lack of maps, repetitive zombie mode, and slow progression. Overall, the game's strengths in diverse gameplay options and ongoing challenges outweigh the negatives, making it engaging for multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

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

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from various critics. In terms of positives, several reviewers have highlighted the engaging gameplay, solid visuals, and variety of game modes. Critics such as The Digital Fix and Game Over Online commend the game for its interesting story, engaging gameplay, and impressive visuals. The inclusion of features like the DualSense controller's capabilities, as mentioned by The Digital Fix, adds to the overall experience and immersion. Additionally, the diverse multiplayer experiences, engaging Zombies mode, and polished visuals have been praised by Gamers' Temple and XboxAddict, contributing to a well-rounded gameplay experience. On the negative side, some critics have pointed out issues such as technical problems, lack of innovation, and content shortcomings. Reviewers like Impulsegamer and Softpedia have criticized the game for stability issues, outdated visuals, and a lack of discernible innovation. Furthermore, GamingBolt and Cheat Code Central mention that the multiplayer and Zombies mode fall short, not justifying the full price of the game. PC Invasion also notes conflicting visions between developers impacting the game's identity and experience, indicating an area for improvement. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War being a solid entry in the franchise with room for improvement. While some reviewers, like Comicbook.com and Game Revolution, appreciate the game's campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies combination, others, such as PSX Extreme and IGN Portugal, find it lacking in certain aspects like innovation and depth. The game is praised for its nostalgic elements, engaging gameplay, and potential for future updates, as highlighted by Noisy Pixel and GameSkinny. However, it is clear that there are areas where the game falls short of expectations, requiring enhancements to match the quality standards set by previous titles like Modern Warfare, as noted by Malditos Nerds. Ultimately, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offers a mix of positives and negatives, appealing to fans of the series while leaving room for growth and refinement based on the feedback provided by the critics.

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has garnered mixed reviews. Critics praise its engaging gameplay, visuals, and diverse game modes, but criticize technical issues, lack of innovation, and content shortcomings. While some appreciate its nostalgic elements and potential for updates, others find it lacking depth. Overall, the game is seen as a solid entry in the franchise with room for improvement, appealing to fans but needing enhancements to meet expectations set by previous titles.

CRITIK

Reviews

202 reviews found

Cheat Code Central

Xbox One

Nov 17, 2020

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

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a great entry into the Black Ops storyline, with a compelling storyline and flaws that may be forgiven due to their potential tie-in with the plot twist. The campaign alone makes it worth buying.

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AusGamers

Xbox Series X

Nov 13, 2020

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

The review highly praises Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, calling it a special entry in the series with a strong story mode, polished visuals, and engaging gameplay mechanics. It suggests that the game is a must-play for fans of the franchise.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Nov 24, 2020

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

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a fresh and exciting entry in the series. The solo campaign offers more than just a rollercoaster of action, and the multiplayer is solid. The game is well worth a look.

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MMORPG.com

Nov 23, 2020

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

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is described as brilliant, with a thoroughly enjoyable campaign featuring unexpected features and a return to form for the franchise, making it a worthwhile experience especially for the campaign alone.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2020

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

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on PlayStation 5 delivers a solid campaign with branching narrative choices, impressive visuals, and engaging gameplay. While not perfect, it sets a good foundation for the next generation of consoles.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 5

Nov 12, 2020

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

A return to form for the franchise, showcasing Treyarch's signature style and setting the stage for an exciting future.

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PCGamesN

Nov 12, 2020

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

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a superb offering from Treyarch, with a playful campaign, excellent multiplayer experience, and a refined Zombies mode. Despite minor technical issues, the game delivers on all fronts and revitalizes the Black Ops series.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 5

Nov 12, 2020

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

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offers a polished and enjoyable experience with its variety of game modes and options. While it doesn't shake up established systems, it delivers on the core elements of the franchise.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Nov 18, 2020

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

Solid presentation across all modes, engaging gameplay, visuals, and sound design. Earns a solid 8.6/10 rating.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox One

Nov 18, 2020

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

The review states that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a comprehensive package that will satisfy fans of the series, with addictive gameplay and a variety of modes to choose from. It also mentions that there is more content than one could possibly ask for.

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