Call of Duty: World at War was the first Call of Duty game I played, and I still vividly remember the excitement when a friend introduced me to its hidden zombie mode. I spent countless hours immersed in Zombies across World at War and Black Ops, eventually feeling a bit fatigued by it. However, the zombie modes in subsequent Call of Duty games have evolved, with each installment bringing its own unique twist. Despite this, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode retains a sense of familiarity that is surprisingly refreshing.
During the Call of Duty Next event, Treyarch showcased a more detailed look at the Zombies experience in Black Ops 6. Prior to the event, I had the opportunity to play a solo game of Zombies at an event in Washington, D.C.
After several rounds of gameplay, I found the experience to be a perfect blend of the old and the new. The game boasts impressive visuals and player-friendly loadouts, a far cry from the humble origins of the mode in World at War. However, the classic round-based structure remains intact, providing a sense of progression and challenge that has stood the test of time since its debut in 2008.
The Evolution of the Undead
During a briefing before my gameplay session with Black Ops 6, Treyarch emphasized their commitment to the round-based Zombies mode this year. The gameplay starts off familiar with slow and weak zombies in the early rounds, escalating to more powerful and numerous foes in the later stages. As you progress, your own strength and arsenal also grow.
By earning currency from slaying zombies, players can unlock new map areas, weapons, and abilities. This dynamic balance between empowerment and vulnerability adds an exciting layer of strategy to the gameplay. Despite the enhancements and additions in Black Ops 6, the core essence of the original Zombies experience remains intact.
Attention to Detail
The Zombies mode in Black Ops 6 benefits from the game’s overall polish and attention to detail. The new map, Liberty Falls, offers a refreshing daytime setting, contributing to the visual diversity of the round-based mode. The inclusion of unique death scenes based on the cause of demise adds a personalized touch to each playthrough.
Further enhancing the gameplay experience, players now have the option to play Zombies in third-person view, providing a fresh perspective on the familiar formula. Additionally, quality-of-life improvements such as shared currency for cooperative gameplay and customizable gun camos add depth to the overall experience.
Black Ops 6 Zombies represents a return to the roots of the Call of Duty Zombies franchise while incorporating modern enhancements. Fans of the classic Zombies experience will find this iteration both nostalgic and compelling. I eagerly anticipate delving deeper into the latter-game systems and exploring the post-launch “Directed mode” teased by Treyarch.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on October 25.
