From Cold War to Cold Reception: Why Black Ops 6 maps miss the thrill of kill

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Call of Duty Black Ops 6 has arrived and is being touted as one of the best games of the franchise due to its immersive campaign that throws the “military” or “soldier of fortune” formula out the window to deliver a spy thriller that fans have seen recently in action games.

The First Person shooter, as always also has a multiplayer game mode this year which brings back the tried and tested formula of classic CoD gunplay with its vanilla modes such as Moshpit, Kill Confirmed, Domination, and many more.

However, despite the new movement mechanics and gameplay Treyarch has built for longtime Black Ops fans, the multiplayer maps fail to strike the right chord and are plainly boring.

Windows in COD Black Ops 6 maps
There’s just too many windows on every map. Image by Activision.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 maps are as stagnant as ever

One of the most significant flaws with the Black Ops 6 multiplayer maps is that they rely too heavily on the structural elements found in prior versions. There’s a strong sense of deja vu, with typical three-lane configurations that provide few routes and tactical options.

While the basic three-lane concept has long been a Call of Duty trademark, it now appears to be a design crutch rather than a purposeful choice. Players must navigate confined passageways with little verticality or diverse obstructions, resulting in a predictable flow and repetitive gunfights.

Visually, while the graphics in Black Ops 6 are undeniably enhanced, the environments frequently lack the individuality and uniqueness that memorable CoD maps are known for.

There is a significant lack of distinctive elements or landmarks that could establish a map’s identity or provide strategic points of interest. They are frequently bland, lacking the cinematic flair or thematic complexity that has made maps like “Nuketown” or “Summit” from earlier titles legendary.

COD Black Ops 6 Omnimovement
None of the maps work seamlessly for Omnidirectional movements. Image by Activision.

Omni-movement thrown out the window

The introduction of new gameplay concepts, such as Omnidirectional movement, should ideally inspire new map designs to suit these advancements. However, there appears to be a disconnect.

The levels do not appear to be customized to effectively utilize these additional movement options, which may have resulted in more dynamic and entertaining gameplay. Instead, players find themselves using these mechanics in spaces that appear to have been constructed without them in mind, resulting in a cumbersome experience.

I’ve played a total of 25 multiplayer games where I got a chance to try out all the maps, however each time I used my newly learned Omnidirectional skills, I found myself falling off the edge of the map or taking fall damage from a height.

This goes on to show how much time Treyarch has actually spent polishing the Multiplayer mode, despite the excellence it portrays in crafting a flawless campaign experience.

Black Ops 6 COD Multiplayer game
The gameplay feels uninspired in BO6 Multiplayer. Image by Activision.

What our COD expert Stefania has to say

In my experience, the maps in Black Ops 6 are quite disappointing. While I enjoy the Campaign, some of the maps feel repetitive, small and lack the creativity that previous Call of Duty maps had. I’ve noticed that certain areas are just too cluttered, making it difficult to navigate and enjoy the gameplay, which can lead to frustrating matches. Overall, while there are some nice visuals, the map design doesn’t always live up to expectations. It’s still too early to draw conclusions, but it feels like the spawn system is not ideal either. I know Treyarch can do better.

Given technological developments and player expectations, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s maps had the potential to alter the multiplayer experience. Instead, it has provided maps that, while functional, lack the imagination, creativity, and innovation that fans seek.

For a brand that relies heavily on its multiplayer component, this is a missed opportunity to capture its audience with fresh environments that may be as memorable as those from its illustrious past.

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Which mastery camo skin is your favourite in Black Ops 6?

About the Author

Rishabh Sabarwal

Rishabh is a Gaming Writer on VideoGamer with over 7 years of experience. He likes thanking the bus driver in Fortnite and grab a sweet Victory Royale quite often.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X
  • Genre(s): Shooter