Call of Duty fans divided over returning character for Black Ops Gulf War

Call of Duty fans divided over returning character for Black Ops Gulf War
Callum Smith Updated on by

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Activision will announce the next Call of Duty coming out this year fairly soon. But, before the curtain is officially pulled aside on the series’ newest entry, a boatload of leaks may have already spoiled what’s coming. The game is allegedly called Black Ops Gulf War, and rumors over a specific returning character have some Call of Duty fans divided online.

Leaks suggest the Call of Duty 2024 reveal will happen slightly before the Xbox June summer showcase. Its rumored consoles has fans disappointed, but the leaks concerning zombies are exciting for fans underwhelmed by MW3, and there are over 100 leaked guns, perks, and killstreaks that should have fans pumped for multiplayer.

While the multiplayer will keep fans coming back, it’s obvious by the negative backlash for Modern Warfare 3 that fans also crave an amazing story. Activision are capable of delivering excellent campaigns as evidenced by Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2, but some fans are already down on the potential of Black Ops Gulf War because of rumored returning characters.

Raul Mendez could return in Call of Duty Black Ops Gulf War

We previously reported that the Call of Duty 2024 campaign is poised to be the best ever. This is because it will reportedly feature an open-world more aching to Far Cry, as well as because the game has reportedly been in development for four years.

In this report, it’s mentioned that the game is called Black Ops Gulf War because, as per its namesake, it’s taking place during the Gulf War. It’s also mentioned that characters from the Black Ops series are expected to return with Sadler specifically cited.

Now, in addition to Sadler, rumors suggest that Raul Mendez from Black Ops 2 could be coming back with Manuel Noreiga. None of these characters are confirmed to be returning for the campaign, so this is merely rumors as of writing rather than anything official.

Sadly, the Call of Duty voice actor for Raul Mendez, Kamar de los Reyes, passed away at the age of 56 in 2023. The rumor suggests that the campaign will feature voice lines from Kamar de los Reyes which is possible as presumably everything about the campaign was acted and recorded before the end of last year.

Reacting to the rumor on Reddit, some fans are divided about the possibility of Raul Mendez returning. The top comments acknowledge the actor’s passing with comments such as ‘Wont be the same without Kamar’ and ‘As much as I’d like Raul to return, it is indeed not the same without Kamar de los Reyes. Therefore I think it is best to let the character stay where it is’.

Fans acknowledge it’s possible for Kamar to still be Raul as ‘Voice lines for animated movies and video games are usually recorded very early during production’. In addition, Raul’s return for the campaign also makes sense as the ‘Gulf War is in the 90s so it’s right after the invasion of Panama which was in BO2’.

Aside from just the passing of Kamar, some fans are just tired of the Black Ops formula. One of the most upvoted comments says ‘I wish Treyarch would drop the “black ops” titled games at this point honestly. I understand it’s kind of their bread and butter after all these years but “Call of duty: Gulf War” would be way more appealing to me… I’m tired of the same characters/timeline from Treyarch and I wish they’d try something new’.

For more CoD news, we have a whole hub discussing all of the leaks and rumors for Call of Duty 2024. There is a leaked perk bound to upset fans, and the multiplayer beta release window may have leaked.