As a dedicated Call of Duty fan who’s been with the franchise since its early days, I must say that the Black Ops series has always held a special place in my gaming heart. And let me tell you, the sequels have only gotten better!
Enthusiasts of the Call of Duty franchise worldwide are preparing for the launch of Black Ops 6 on October 25, 2024. As we approach the release date, it’s an ideal opportunity to reminisce about the cherished series and its past instalments before embarking on the next exciting chapter.
In contrast to the Modern Warfare series, the Black Oops (Black Ops) franchise has produced five primary titles throughout its history, establishing itself as an enduring component of the Call of Duty lineage. Here’s a rundown, ranked from least favorite to favorite, of each Black Ops game.
Best Black Ops games
5. Black Ops 4
- Year: 2018
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Modes: Multiplayer, Zombies, Blackout
- Metacritic Score: 83
The contested debut of Black Ops 4 occurred because it was the initial primary Call of Duty game not to feature a single-player campaign at launch, which left many dedicated followers feeling shortchanged as they perceived the product to be less substantial compared to previous releases.
As a gamer, I was thrilled to discover that this game was brimming with new experiences, like introducing the first-ever Call of Duty battle royale map. It was also groundbreaking as it marked the first time a title in the Black Ops series didn’t include automatic health regeneration. These innovations signified a fresh wave of creativity not just for the Black Ops franchise, but across the entire Call of Duty universe.
Regrettably, Black Ops 4 didn’t quite nail the introduction of its fresh features and advancements. Although Blackout presented a unique gaming experience, demonstrating that Call of Duty could evolve with the increasing fame of the battle royale genre as pioneered by Fortnite, it represented an initial attempt that had its flaws.
The multiplayer experience remained just as captivating as before, and with the comeback of Specialists, the game seemed to be revisiting its retro arcade charm. Iconic fan-loved maps such as Slums were delightful additions, along with the weapons and combat mechanics. I find myself reminiscing about the chaos I used to create with the Maddox on the nostalgically recognizable Firing Range map.
To be frank, I found myself divided amongst my peers regarding the health adjustments leading to the game’s current Time-to-Kill (TTK), which continues to stand as the longest in the series so far.
4. Black Ops Cold War
- Year: 2020
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Modes: Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign
- Metacritic Score: 76
As a gamer, I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by Call of Duty: Cold War, considering the reported challenges during its development among Sledgehammer Games, Raven Software, and all. Kudos to Treyarch for stepping up as the lead studio, making it possible to enjoy a strong CoD title in 2020.
As a dedicated gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of Black Ops, I can confidently say that the latest installment is a must-play for fans of the series. The multiplayer and Zombies modes are as thrilling as ever, but it’s the Dark Aether storyline that truly sets this game apart. Having followed the narrative since its introduction in previous Black Ops titles, I can attest to the fact that it has only gotten better with time, offering a rich and engaging experience that keeps me coming back for more. The campaign, on the other hand, left me wanting more, but the Zombies mode more than makes up for it with its addictive gameplay and immersive storytelling. Overall, Black Ops 6 is a worthy addition to the franchise, and I can’t wait to see where the Dark Aether storyline goes next.
In this game, there were multiplayer weapons such as the AK-74u and Krig 6 that were incredibly enjoyable and hard to put down. After Modern Warfare 2019, they went back to a more restricted movement style, which made mastery of guns more crucial.
Initially, there were just eight maps available when the game launched, which was quite disappointing. Fortunately, after the initial release, popular maps such as Raid, Standoff, and Slums were added to the rotation.
3. Black Ops
- Year: 2010
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii, Nintendo DS
- Modes: Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign
- Metacritic Score: 87
Back in the day, after the massive success of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, it seemed like an insurmountable mission for me as a gamer – or rather, for the talented folks at Treyarch – but they pulled it off spectacularly by launching the Black Ops series.
Initially, multiplayer offered numerous advancements such as customizable symbols, firearms, and Theater Mode which simplified recording and sharing gameplay footage. Developers also introduced Nuketown, a highly sought-after map, to complement fan favorites like Shipment and Rust within the Modern Warfare collection.
The campaign introduced characters like Mason, Woods, Weaver, among others, as they embarked on a secret CIA mission to thwart the strategies of Soviet agents fourteen years after Woods’ first appearance in the Black Ops series. This character, Frank Woods, made a significant impression right from the start and will be part of the campaign for Black Ops 6.
Growing up, I’d rush home from school to immerse myself in the challenging missions of Modern Warfare 2, only to find solace in Black Ops 1’s continuous sense of advancement. Even now, about 14 years later, I can vividly remember the unique symbols that signified each level of prestige.
Although it maintained the elements that made Modern Warfare 2 exceptional, it developed a unique personality that set it apart from merely being a ’60s redesign of its forerunner.
It’s not surprising that the success of Call of Duty’s new campaign narrative, popular multiplayer map, and captivating Zombies mode led to the approval of a follow-up, solidifying Black Ops as a regular component in the series.
2. Black Ops 3
- Year: 2015
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
- Modes: Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign, Nightmares
- Metacritic Score: 81
In the midst of the debate surrounding the introduction of exo-suits in Call of Duty following Advanced Warfare, Black Ops 3 successfully mastered this concept. Treyarch’s interpretation of enhanced movement offered an exhilarating feeling of momentum, fostering opportunities for imaginative plays within multiplayer, notably with the addition of wall running and sliding.
In this game, they added Specialists – distinct characters with skills customized for various gaming approaches. This feature significantly enhanced Call of Duty gameplay, particularly when engaging in objective-centric matches on intricately designed and aesthetically pleasing three-lane maps.
Black Ops 3’s Zombies gameplay is often praised as the best in the mode, offering players an impressive six maps along with Zombies Chronicles, a remake of legendary maps such as Kino der Toten, Origins, and Verruckt.
Conversely, exo-movement didn’t seem to be well-received by experienced Call of Duty players who were more inclined towards grounded combat, and the campaign fell short of Treyarch’s usual exceptional standards.
1. Black Ops 2
- Year: 2012
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U
- Modes: Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign
- Metacritic Score: 83
Back in the day, I was absolutely blown away by the game that put the Call of Duty franchise on the map – Black Ops 2. It really raised the bar high for what we’d come to expect from this legendary series during its infancy.
Discussions frequently revolve around the Origins and Mob of the Dead zombie maps as some of the greatest ever created. This speaks volumes about how fortunate fans of the round-based mode were back in 2012.
The narrative of the campaign maintained a captivating pace that held players spellbound throughout, and what truly shone was the novelty of navigating multiple storylines based on player choices, influencing the story’s outcome for the very first time.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the Pick 10 system really took the create-a-class mechanic to new heights, putting more power into our hands when it comes to customizing our loadouts. The combination of weapons and maps was nothing short of divine, crafting an experience that’s simply unforgettable. From Express to Raid, and Standoff in between, these maps have left an indelible mark on the multiplayer landscape.
The crowning achievement of Black Ops 2 was undoubtedly the debut of League Play, marking the first competitive mode in Call of Duty specifically designed for dedicated players to hone their skills until the next annual installment arrived.
Speculation hints at the possibility that Call of Duty 2025 could be a continuation of Black Ops II. This means fans may not have to endure a prolonged wait for the upcoming installment, as there’s a chance we might see two Black Ops games consecutively.
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2024-08-20 17:37