As the year comes to a close, Activision is preparing to release its latest addition to the Call of Duty franchise: Black Ops 6, which revisits a beloved sub-series. However, newcomers and returning players might find the Call of Duty landscape a bit perplexing.
Unlike earlier games that functioned as standalone applications, Call of Duty has transitioned to a centralized hub. This format is reminiscent of Fortnite, where multiple game modes are available within a single platform. Upon launching the game, players are presented with various options, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III, and Warzone, alongside Black Ops 6. Players can only access the titles they own, which can make returning to different versions convenient but potentially confusing for those new to the series.
Black Ops and Modern Warfare, while grouped together in one application, are fundamentally different games. They offer unique characters, narratives, and gameplay styles. For several years, Call of Duty primarily focused on World War II narratives but shifted drastically with the release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007. This installment introduced modern military conflicts inspired by real-world events and set the stage for subsequent sequels that focused on character storytelling.
The Modern Warfare sub-series gained acclaim for its high-stakes, action-packed narratives, introducing players to memorable characters. This success led Activision to create a spin-off sub-series, Black Ops, which diverged from traditional warfare to explore themes of espionage and conspiracy, dealing with historical events in a fictional context.
As the two sub-series evolved, Black Ops ventured into futuristic battles, while Modern Warfare wrapped up its initial trilogy. Following this, Infinity Ward rebooted the Modern Warfare series in 2019, offering a more grounded military experience compared to the previous high-octane narratives.
The timeline of the Call of Duty: Black Ops series is intricate, spanning over a century and incorporating player choices that affect character outcomes. The upcoming Black Ops 6 fits into this timeline as a sequel to Black Ops Cold War and the 1980s elements of Black Ops 2, taking place in the early 1990s with protagonist Russell Adler.
With a development period of four years, Black Ops 6 aims to provide a more polished and content-rich experience. Players can expect a lengthy campaign, enhanced Zombies mode with new features, and an innovative multiplayer experience. The Zombies mode, popular since its introduction in World War at War, has evolved into a complex co-op experience, complete with puzzles and ongoing storylines.
Additionally, Black Ops 6 will feature a classic multiplayer gameplay format, familiar mechanics, and several new movement options to create dynamic combat. However, players should note that previous cosmetics and gear from past games will not carry over due to the distinct differences in gameplay style and art design.
Despite the complexity, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 aims to be accessible to all players, whether they seek quick-paced multiplayer action, an engaging solo story, or cooperative zombie gameplay. The game promises to offer something for every type of player as it releases later this year.