I’ve been diving into Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 , and I wanted to share my first impressions before you decide to buy it. As always, it’s an online only game and, yep, a huge download but let’s skip the usual complaints and get into the good stuff: the campaign, zombies, and multiplayer.

I should say up front, I’m not some hardcore COD esports player. I just play casually, like most of you probably do. So what I’m sharing here is my perspective as someone who wants to have fun and enjoy the game without stressing over every little detail.

Black Ops 6 Review – Campaign

Setting & Story

The campaign is seriously solid this year. It’s much better than the tacked-on mess that was Modern Warfare III and more interesting than Modern Warfare II. It’s a strong follow‑up to Black Ops Cold War, and this time, it’s set in 1991 during Desert Storm. You form a ragtag squad of soldiers from around the world to tackle a dangerous international force. You’ll meet familiar faces like Adler and Woods, along with new characters, all based in a spooky ex‑spy mansion hideaway. In contrast to the massive, globe‑spanning warfare of Battlefield’s multiplayer and campaign, Call of Duty’s missions feel tighter and more focused on intense, narrative‑driven encounters that keep the pace brisk and personal.

Gameplay & Perks

Here, you can walk around, chat with your teammates, and spend in-game currency to unlock perks for missions. The perks aren’t massive, but they add little touches that make preparation fun. Throughout the campaign, you’re constantly changing tactics and equipment. Scenarios shift frequently, ammo is limited, and experimentation is rewarded. Missions span the globe, and while it’s familiar in parts, the energy and pacing make it feel fresh.

Combat & Action

Some highlights? Big office shootouts with glass shattering, paper flying, and pillars collapsing, all while sprinting, sliding, and diving with the new movement system. You’ll use explosive RC cars, throwing knives, and other gadgets that make combat exciting. The ’90s setting, snippets of good music, and appearances by historical figures like Bill Clinton add a unique flavor.

Open-Ended Missions & Exploration

The campaign in Black Ops 6 also includes open-ended missions, giving you freedom in approach. For example, in Iraq, you can destroy three targets any way you want sniping, stealth, planting C-4, or going full guns-blazing. These missions encourage exploration, reward creative play, and are far more satisfying than the slapped-together open-ended missions in Modern Warfare III.

Visuals & Audio

Visuals are stunning in Black Ops 6, the music hits hard, and levels often evolve dynamically or shift in time, keeping the pace blazing. Some experimental moments even wake you up with unexpected creativity, showing that Treyarch is willing to try new things in a familiar format.

Small Issues

A couple of nitpicks: the Black Ops 6 is surprisingly easy on normal difficulty, and some pre-rendered cutscenes look pixelated, almost like a glitch in streaming. Still, the campaign clocks in around eight hours, feels like a Michael Bay movie with plenty of explosions and memorable characters, and is one of the more entertaining COD campaigns in recent memory.

Multiplayer – Fast-Paced, Twitchy, and Skill-Driven

Omnimovement System

With the new omnimovement system in Black Ops 6, everyone’s sprinting, sliding, and diving in all directions. It’s a wild upgrade, making the gameplay feel faster than ever even crazier than Modern Warfare III. You can sprint in every direction, dive sideways through doors, and perform a supine maneuver that allows a full 360-degree view while prone. It feels like being Neo in the matrix when you get the hang of it.

Gameplay Speed & Balance

The speed is insane, and the lower TTK (time to kill) makes rifles and sniper rifles more powerful, while shotguns are only useful at extreme close ranges. Auto-aim has been nerfed, which raises the skill ceiling. Casual players in Black Ops 6 might struggle at first, but it rewards anyone willing to master the twitchy gameplay.

Maps & Modes

Maps were improved since the beta. Some are tight and congested, while others are too open, but the visuals are mostly great, sticking to the classic three-lane COD structure. New modes like HVT (High-Value Target) offer fun twists on classic objectives.

Weapons & Loadouts

There are 33 guns at launch, 12 completely new. They feel satisfying, look great, and while some attachments are a bit odd, shooting is solid overall. No major overhauls here the focus is on refining what works.

Performance & Visuals

Gameplay is smooth on consoles, though sometimes the visuals get blurry during hectic matches. Enemy readability can be tricky at times, but it doesn’t ruin the fun. Overall, multiplayer feels polished, and if you love fast, chaotic action, it’s a ton of fun.

Zombies – Classic, Fun, and Forgiving

Gameplay & Objectives

Round-based zombies are back in Black Ops 6, ditching the half-baked systems of Modern Warfare III. Objectives are clearly marked, and health bars make it easier to track enemies. Maps are more open than before, giving a forgiving experience that’s easier to navigate.

Maps & Exploration

Two starting maps are included:

• Liberty Falls: A sunny small town with open spaces perfect for mowing down zombies and unlocking the pack-a-punch.
  
• Terminus: An abandoned island installation with congested interiors, massive size, and opportunities to explore distant islands via boats.
  

Overall Fun Factor

Zombies are as satisfying as ever, with solid gameplay loops, fun exploration, and classic Black Ops charm. While Cold War did it first, this is a much-needed return to form compared to Modern Warfare III.

Final Thoughts

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 delivers a solid campaign, chaotic multiplayer, and enjoyable zombies. Some tweaks are needed for balance and visual clarity, but overall it’s a fun, polished experience. Whether you’re in it for story, multiplayer, or zombies, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Also read –
Battlefield 6 vs Call of Duty Black Ops 7. Why COD Failed
Is Battlefield 6 Cross-Platform? Full Crossplay & Cross-Progression Explained