Call of Duty: Black Ops III Review
Overview of the Game
Game Title: Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Platforms Available: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Developer: Treyarch
Genre: First-Person Shooter (FPS)
Release Date: November 6, 2015
Price Point: £39.99
Introduction to the Franchise
Jim Sterling aptly described the Call of Duty series as “the disposable camera of the videogame world.” While I agree with this sentiment to some extent, I must confess that no other franchise has provided me with as much entertainment over countless hours. Since its groundbreaking entry with Modern Warfare in 2007, each installment has attempted to innovate within a familiar framework. Although none have truly reinvented the genre—most remain standard first-person shooters—they consistently deliver fresh and engaging ways to engage in combat.
Single-Player Campaign Analysis
Setting and Storyline
Set in a dystopian future year of 2065, Black Ops III draws inspiration from notable works like Deus Ex and Channel 4’s Humans. For the first time in this series, players can customize their character—a feature reminiscent of Fallout 3’s customization options. The narrative follows your character on an outrageous journey through a technologically advanced world where cybernetic enhancements facilitate mass destruction.
Gameplay Mechanics
While critics have lambasted its storyline for being incoherent or absurdly short (approximately five hours), I found it refreshing that this installment deviated from traditional expectations associated with Call of Duty games. The combat remains rooted in classic run-and-gun mechanics but introduces unique abilities akin to those seen in BioShock Infinite—such as deploying robotic bees or executing powerful ground pounds.
Replay Value
After completing the campaign once, players can revisit it with altered plot points tied into Zombies mode—a clever way to enhance replayability despite its brevity.
Online Multiplayer Experience
Changes and Challenges
The online multiplayer component feels like a departure from what made previous titles successful. Players now select “Specialists,” characters equipped with unique weapons and abilities reminiscent of champions from League of Legends. This shift detracts from individual skill development; instead of relying solely on personal talent for achieving high kill/death ratios, players must navigate an environment filled with supercharged abilities that disrupt traditional gameplay dynamics.
Local Co-op Issues
Local co-op play has also become cumbersome; setting up requires additional accounts on consoles rather than simply adding guests—a frustrating change for casual gamers looking for quick matches together.
Zombies Mode: A Return to Form
Zombies mode makes a triumphant return featuring enhanced graphics and engaging gameplay mechanics that require teamwork among four celebrity soldier characters—each possessing distinct backstories ranging from aspiring actresses turned femme fatales to crooked cops and broke magicians.
This mode is best enjoyed cooperatively among friends due to matchmaking challenges when playing solo or randomly pairing up with others online. The Morg City map offers expansive environments filled with undead hordes requiring strategic planning regarding ammunition usage while navigating chaotic scenarios.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Black Ops III
Call of Duty: Black Ops III represents both innovation and frustration within its FPS formula. While it successfully integrates elements inspired by popular culture into its single-player campaign—and boasts an impressive Zombies mode—the online multiplayer experience leaves much room for improvement due largely because new features feel underdeveloped compared against past entries’ polished offerings.
Despite these shortcomings affecting replayability significantly compared against earlier titles’ longevity potential overall enjoyment remains intact thanks largely due visual fidelity audio quality tight controls present throughout gameplay experiences offered here today!
| Graphics | Sound | Gameplay | Replayability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Review copy provided by publisher.