9.11.2015

For me CoD has been a yearly purchase since CoD4. I know that maybe the last 2 haven't been the best but those games were NOT made by Treyarch - this game however was. As someone who has played every CoD since 4 and bought all the DLC too, I now the difference between each developer and its unsurprising that Treyarchs last game - Black Ops 2 - is still being played by hundreds of thousands of people every day 3 years later. Just because I was disappointed by Advanced Warfare, doesn't mean that Black Ops 3 is going to be as bad as its made by a completely different development team. It means I maybe wary of buying CoD in 2yrs time!With that being said, lets move on to the game.Treyarch have given us the most feature packed CoD ever. Not only that, its also a return to what made CoD great for me.The campaign is probably the weakest aspect from my point of view in terms of 'story' but what it does offer is up to 4 player co-op. All the missions can be played in any order, each has a list of challenges which help boost your XP, which in turn help you unlock more abilities etc too. The campaign has its own progression system and weapon camo's, player cards etc to unlock. Also once you beat it, you have access to a different version of the campaign too (no spoilers but its worth playing through to unlock this). Unlike previous games, there is more reason to replay the campaign and has the added 'fun' of playing with friends too.The MP is probably what many will spend the majority of their time playing. A lot has been made about the new movement and the ability to run on walls, swim etc but in essence these factors are not game breaking like Advanced Warfares Exo movement was rather they enhance the experience. The game still flows like a traditional CoD game and the maps are designed in that traditional 3 lane system. The movement allows for quicker navigation whilst still allowing you to use your gun-skill. The emphasis is back to that gun on gun action and the majority of engagements are very much 'boots on the ground' with gun-skill being more important than movement mastery. The movement itself is very intuitive anyway and doesn't give a major advantage to 'scuf' users like AW did. I know those with Scuf or the new Elite controller will have a bit of an advantage in some circumstance but no more so than in the earlier CoD's. The new Specialists add something extra too but again not game breaking. So far the weapons feel 'balanced' although I do think that AR's are likely to be the most used in general. The Scorestreaks overall are good although a few need tweaking to be effective. Class set up uses the familiar Pick 10 system too. Overall I think this MP game has benefited from the MP beta a few months back.New to CoD is the Gunsmith and Paintjobs. The Gunsmith allows you to make your own weapon variants using the variety of attachments and camos. Paintjobs allow you to create your own 'camo' although these don't cover the whole weapon. You can create up to 64 layers and each weapon has 3 areas to apply these 2 - top, left and right. Each weapon has its own.Zombies returns too. Its come a long way since its easter egg bonus beginning in World at War and grown into its own separate part. The new Zombies retain the same formula as previous games but with a few added extras. Unlike AW's Zombies, fortunately there is no crossover with the movement mechanics. It too has its own XP progression system with unlockable camos etc that can be used in any of the other parts of this game.I know its early days for this particular game in the Call of Duty franchise but my initial impression is that its certainly the best Gen 8 version CoD game by a long way. The 3 year development time (an extra year for Treyarch) has been put to good use to add new features, polish the experience and retains the things that made CoD the franchise it is. Every part has replayability and opportunity to play with friends, CoD games may not be the most visually stunning games but they are certainly not the worst and one of the better games to run at 60fps and this is no exception. Sound design is also great throughout - not just the score but the weapons and effects too.For its price, you would be hard pressed to find a game that delivers as much great content as this has and for any FPS and CoD fan, this is an essential purchase. From my point of view, this is a truly the best next gen CoD by a big margin!

8.11.2015

NB - this review is based on the campaign - I don't do much multi-player on fps gamesLets get the tech issues first;I updated to the latest drivers (the ones NVidia released yesterday for this game), but I still got dropped framerates. Tweaking the config.ini worker threads didn't work, but removing vSync and setting max frame rate cap to 58 worked.The game also does not optimise for your system, throwing you into the game at minimum quality, which is a bit of a shock until you realise you need to up all the settings in the Video > Advanced tab.The game has a dual resolution system (screen resolution and render resolution) that a few other games also have (such as ARMA3),but until you get it working without glitches, the best thing to do is to, set them to the same, lowering both together until you get something acceptable. Dont make resolution and render resolution different until you get good fps. This fact killed me for ages (I have a 4k screen, and although the render resolution was 1080p, the actual resolution was 4k, and this seemed to be killing my card with no visual improvement over having them both at 1080p... once I reslised this, I could wind them both up from 1080p together until I got something good).Once you sort all that out, the game is actually very pretty and runs well.[Edit - the game seems to be working well for me now as of 16/11/2016 - I still recommend you set the render resolution and screen resolution to be the same though]Ok, on with gameplay.The setting takes us into the near future into a world with increasing tensions (because of reducing resources and overpopulation), augmented soldiers, military robots and lots of other Deus Ex story arc rip-off stuff. All fine, if not all that original, as long as we still have the game-play, which we do apart from a shaky first level.Dont let the really really cheesy first level of the campaign disappoint you (yes, it does feel like it was written by a 12 year old; the rest of your team bursting into 'USA! USA! USA! as they tear through the bad guys almost seems inevitable, but gladly they don't). Your biggest allies are actually the Egyptian Army once the game progresses, so the annoying initial jingoism of the first level quickly dissipates.The storyline does picks up quite a lot once you get 'promoted' from flesh and blood to cyborg (you now get some cool combat overlays and can pilot drones, plus the storyline picks up considerably), but we're still on catch-up mode with games that have done this for years (the twin shadow of Crysis and Deus Ex looms large, and even older games like Frontline for the drone control).There are some very good imaginative levels though. One even has you revisiting an older setting for Call Of Duty...So yeah, this is a pure blooded FPS Christmas hit, and not a FPS with stealth path options + role play elements. If you want that, then you are probably all out of luck; this is an unashamed fps blockbuster that is easy on the brain but heavy on your PC hardware, albeit with some interesting new weapons (based on electronic warfare) and some interesting level design (the storyline has you fighting in the virtual and psychological worlds as well as the physical world).I'd give this 4 or 5 stars once it all works, 4 stars right now because it loses a star because it doesn't work 100% out the box, so you'll lose half an hour tweaking it.So overall, its a bit of a mixed bag; lovely once you get it working, but a bit of a bind initially for first adapters.

31.1.2016

So I have got this game on both consoles. PS3 and PS4. Although I was not able to transfer my data to PS4, as I had pre ordered the ps3 edition. This game is splendid. However the graphics may vary from time to time, as it is a run down version of the ps4 copy, with 720p graphics and 30fps. It has an immersive multiplayer which I was stuck playing for hours on end, yes the console does tend to freeze on the multiplayer, but COME ON PEOPLE, IT'S NOT ACITIVISON'S FAULT, it's Beenox (the same people who made the Amazing Spiderman games, especially the small let down of the second one) Although there is no Black Market, players are rewarded with cool looking camos which can come from the multiplayer by getting headshots,or by killing zombies in the Shadows Of Evil Zombies map, which I'll get onto later. The controversial Specialist abilities allow the player to have a more in depth feel to how they'd normally play the COD multiplayer, as typically I'd run and gun, so I'm more of a Weapons or overdrive kind of person. I tend to find it more fun to play with friends, especially the zombies.ZOMBIES returns in all new glory, which is present within SOE, it's beautiful, it's new and it's very very interesting, with multiple Easter eggs, along with special weapons and hidden secrets, it's always going to keep you coming back for more, now with it's amazing XP system for Zombies. You can unlock weapons and new GobbleGum, which is used within game to give temporary effects to the players, they vary within two types of GobbleGum, Classic and Mega. Classic are unlocked by leveling up your account, by killing zombies, and doing other meaningful tasks within the map, like opening doors and buying perks. The Mega balls are unlocked through a system with Liquid Divinium, which is a special vial you unlock by buying stuff (doors, perks, weapons, PAP and more) and these can unlock crazy things for you, like perks, power up drops and a lot lot more. Shadows of Evil greatly ties in the story from Black Ops 2 and is in parallel time with The Giant, a next generation exclusive unfortunately. Back to the leveling up system, you can also unlock weapons, which can be already found in the box from level 1. The XP levels allow you to customise each weapon separately with unique camos and attachments on each weapon, giving the player freedom to play however they'd like.Overall, this game on PS3 even surprised me, it looked better than some games, and still got a lot of hate from people across the Internet, especially youtube. But don't listen to them, because A GAME IS NOT ABOUT GRAPHICS, IT'S gameplay that counts.Micro transactions don't play as much of a part on PS3 as they do PS4 as you can only buy Liquid D with these COD points you can purchase. However PS4 has the Black Market, which allows you to get different camos, weapons, attachment types, calling cards, clothing types, taunts and gestures and a lot lot more. The good thing is, spending money on this game doesn't give you a better odd of winning than not paying, as it's all cosmetic, unlike Advanced Warfare, which allowed players to buy Supply Drops with special weapons in them which gave different stats with each weapon, making it better or worse than it's base variant.This game is so good for online play, I'd buy it again and again

22.1.2016

good little game great graphics as you would expect on a next gen computer but I miss the old call of duty black ops I think they have ruined it by going the way of advanced warfare and adding jet packs into the game I wish they had kept to the way black ops 1 and 2 I loved those 2 games.. I love the zombies but come on treyarch really GIANT its just der rise you've had that map on all 3 of your games now it was a good map on B.O 1 but there's nothing to do on it apart from sitting at the top of the stairs its just boring now, that's the one thing about black ops I have never liked and that is with copying the maps and guns and just updating them its just lazy.campaign.I can't really review as I only played the first couple of missions but from that it was ok again apart from the exo suit jumping crapzombies. I have always loved zombies with black ops and I have always played them a lot (and I am very good at them)shadows of evil is a great little map and I love that there is more to do like the rituals and finding the parts for the special weapon, riot shield and getting the sword the map is very good its an old fashioned map with a new generation game and weapons there are a couple of problems with it like some times when the host leaves it sometimes ends the games (BUT they can/will be fixed with updates) sometimes in the loading screen it wont load up a game it will just have the screen were your character is sitting by the fire (but again that will probably be fixed with updates) all in all the zombies is good fun apart from der riese AKA now GIANT it was a great little map on black ops 1 and was still a good map on black ops 2 but now it is just boring and now I cant stand the map and after a couple of hours everyone just leaves the game because of boredom I cant wait to see what maps they got coming up but I hope its not just an old one updated unless its KINO :-)multiplayer. the multiplayer is good and I like that they have put the specialty's in there and the guns on there are good but for me black ops is getting to nooby with everyone caring to much about there KD so all anyone does is camps or runs around with amplify which has to be the thing I have hated most about C.O.D I have turtle beach headphones and I have used it just to see how effective it is and most of my mates us it but I am against it and for me it ruins the game everyone is using it now and I understand why trayarch left it in but I thought that they would at least make dead silence more effective with it especially seen as you cant unlock it until level 50 or you unlock it once you have prestiged and like I said above I don't like that they have went the way advanced warfare with the exo suits they should of just kept it like black ops 1 and 2.all in all its a good game but it could of been better

21.11.2015

Black ops 3 provides a very enjoyable experience which I feel has been missing from the last two cod instalments. I found the last two be very boring and the online maps to be dull and just not what I thought next-gen could provide. This made me put those games away after 15-20 hours of playing. However after playing black ops 3 for around 20 hours. I have to say I am very much enjoying it. The online feels good, I have some small problems with connecting and getting into a game, but that was at launch and has since been fine. The maps are much better then the last two call of dutys! Which to me help the game so much! Yes they are not as good as modern warfare 2 or black ops 1 but I think they are very good,nicely balanced and provide good base for online.Following on, I find the gameplay online to be balanced and enjoyable experience, yes there are times when you will rage and get mad that you didn't kill the person even though you shot them first or you shot them more, but that will happen in any shooter so it's something I am used to. The games modes are the same ones we are used to in call of duty games, with domination being my personal favourite and in this instalment it feels like each game will be a closer fought battle rather then one team completely destroying the other.New comers or players who don't play shooters that much will find the movements and some of the specialist hard to get used to, but after a few games that shouldn't be an issue. And the addition of having free run mode in there which is almost a practice arena for the movements is enjoyable and will help anyone struggling.Zombies return and this mode is as enjoyable as ever, although I do highly recommend playing with friends or online as on your own will be tricky! There is a lot of depth to it and it seems that they have put a lot of effort into making zombies more then just the basic "survival" mode.This game is without a doubt not perfect and there are downsides. One being the campaign, like most campaigns it does take a back seat to zombies and online, and after playing the first 4 missions I gave up and switched back to the multiplayer. However if you play it with some friends there may be some more enjoyment to be had.Also even though the graphics are good and up to a good standard, when compared to something like Star Wars battlefront they are found a little lacking, more so in details that other games have. However this is just a small thing, as it's not something I concentrate on in a cod game.Overall, I would recommend picking up a copy, give it some time if things aren't going your way online, as once you start to have some good games it feels very rewarding. This is a big improvement on the last two cod games! And a fine addition to the cod series.

9.11.2015

I had the original Atari as a kid, when it came out at the end of the 70's/early 80's, yes I'm that old, and always had computers and consoles. However, for the last 10 years I gave them a rest so never really played COD except for a quick go on a mate's PS3. Recently I impulse bought a PS4 after seeing a few Youtube videos of GTA V (PS4) and how amazing the graphics were. And it is a truly stunning game. Looks amazing on 50" Sony Bravia. I noticed COD Black Ops III was coming out and a mate recommend it so I pre-ordered. I used to play Medal of Honour and Wolfenstein on the PS2 and there's nothing more satisfying than killing some Germans in a WWII scenario. WOW! How these war games have moved on.

8.11.2015

I never usually write reviews, but after seeing some up and down reviews about the game I thought I'd put my opinion across for those multiplayer lovers, like myself.The multiplayer on this game is such a massive improvement on Advanced Warfare (least favourite in the franchise). It plays 100x better and feels really smooth. The movement isn't as frantic as AW, it's not overpowering enough to game change because the wallrunning areas are really obvious and easy to spot people using them. The jumping is really subtle, as it has to regenerate to be able to use it again. As much as I like the movement, i still would choose ladders over jumping anyday, just saying.The maps are pretty standard,

9.11.2015

If you like Black Ops (one) you'll like this. It's a proper next gen version of the series. We're all getting used to the next gen graphics and smooth running which can cloud how we remember the older games and what we expect on the new games.First things first - this is pretty much your usual COD Black Ops game with a few tweaks but nothing ground breaking, if you like the Black Ops series then you will like this.The campaign is okay, graphics are good, runs smoothly, can be be played offline on your own or in a fireteam online (a bit like destiny but more basic) The 'cybernetic' modifications are a nice touch but it is still a pretty linear story where you shoot everything in sight.

6.11.2015

Before I start my review this is only based on the multiplayer as one of the main reason we all play Call of duty (I'm sure Zombies & the Campaign Is good aswell).When it comes to a COD game My expectations hadnt been so high since COD4/MW2.. that was until I played the beta in September and from playing the full experience I think it'd be fair to say Treyarch have delivered in what we've all wanted from a COD game.. bringing back the FUN TIMES!!! Bare in mind I've only played TDM, Kill Confirmed and Dom, im ranked level 44 and have played over 30 multi matches.If you enjoyed Black ops 2 you'll definitely enjoy this (unless you quick scoped )

6.2.2016

Before I start this review I want to point out that I am not a heavy gamer, I just really wanted this game for some fun in the evenings. Also this review is for people who havent played or seen much about it.This is my first call of duty, and I must say that despite it being a port for Xbox 360, its an awesome game. Whether there is a loss of features or not, this is still the best call of duty that I have played.One con if this game is that there is no campaign mode and no black market, which is a shame. However, I wasn't planning on playing campaign and most of the things available from the black market are unlockable elsewhere anyway.Another thing to touch on his that having seen some screenshots comparing the graphics of this game to the Xbox One version,

26.12.2015

I'm in shock at this game because it's actually decent! It's been a long time since I've enjoyed playing a call of duty game and doubted I ever would again especially since Titanfall was released and I absolutely love that game! So I expected very little of this game, so much so that it is the 1st one I haven't purchased on day 1. Yet it has really surprised me as there are definite improvements. Of course there are still the usual problems such as people camping but that's what COD is so you just have to get on with enjoying the game and let the campers enjoy sitting in a corner every game. There is still the occasional "how the hell did I die then?" Or "I shot an entire clip into him how is he not dead?" But it doesn't seem as often as before.

10.11.2015

I hated the last two games, but i played the beta and i enjoyed it so i thought i'd give it a go!Anyway i get the game put it in start playing ect...The gameplay has improved massively online and offline, online servers do migrate and have issues a fair bit at the minute but mostly due to it being released and all the people on it, the maps are good, but of course there is still the bullsh*t where you run around a corner and somehow then got shot around it and the occasional spawn camping, apart from this it is a good online experience with customization which is nicely set out and fun.Campaign... well... the stories are now just losing the touch of the days of connection with the characters like Ghost on MW2 and Soap on MW,

9.11.2015

Played the beta version and thought to myself 'this is good'. Now ive got the full game and its great online. I'm usually harsh on COD games since the online demise of Modern Warfare a few years back (which I still believe was absolutely perfect - the best game ever made) because not one new version came close to matching those original standards. This is the next best thing. Online games feel better. Really great maps which imo are as good if not better than MW and solid graphics. Good sound effects and there isn't a constant barrage of missiles and rubbish coming at you from the sky.Happy with everything except minor gripes:Cheesy winners circle which looks like Nintendo graphics and poor font used (yes I know,

1.1.2016

This is (in my opinion) the greatest COD ever. I have played all of them since modern warfare and world at war but still think this one is the best. It looks amazing, it plays great, the optimisation has finally come around and also zombies is still the same old, classic fun we used to have as friends and family. Treyarch really have put some effort into this but you can't feel the greatness until you have played it (do not get it on previous gen console and if you have a gaming pc, get it on that). I urge you to get the deluxe edition on steam whilst it is on sale as of its hefty price. I almost forgot, if you play this on pc especially, the fan base and community are exceptional as the hackers,

6.11.2015

Got it from Tesco (sorry Amazon) and have to admit that it's very good. Single player is really impressive, MP is a blast, guns sound awesome, no crappy hit detection and the maps are really tight, wide and bright!Zombies is the pinnacle of BLOPS in my opinion, and from the three rounds I played, it certainly delivered and looked impressive at the same time. I cannot wait to sink some more hours into this, but honestly, after two years of disappointing COD games, I can safely say that this game blows both GHOSTS and AW out of the water (and thats only after five hours with it so far, so you can imagine how much better it is.)So for anybody that longs for the good old days of COD,

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 - Reviews

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