Call of Duty: Black Ops III Review

Call of Duty: Black Ops III, developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, launched on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) in 2015, pushing the franchise into a fully futuristic shooter setting. This installment embraced advanced movement, unique character abilities, and a deep focus on its multiplayer and Zombies mode, making it a standout title on the PlayStation 4. This Black Ops III PS4 review explores its lasting impact.

Gameplay: Specialists, Advanced Movement, and Fluid Combat

Black Ops III on the PS4 delivered a fast-paced and fluid FPS experience. The core gameplay was defined by the introduction of “Specialists” – unique characters, each with their own distinct weapon and ability. This added a strategic layer to character selection, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their chosen Specialist.

The advanced movement system, featuring thrust jumps, wall-running, and power slides, allowed for unprecedented verticality and mobility in combat, creating dynamic engagements. Gunplay was precise and satisfying, complemented by the extensive “Gunsmith” system for weapon customization. The game consistently targeted 60 frames per second on the PS4, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience that was crucial for its high-octane action.

• Unique Specialist characters with distinct abilities
• Fast-paced advanced movement system (thrust jumps, wall-running)
• Deep weapon customization via Gunsmith
• Fluid and responsive 60 FPS gameplay on PS4
• Engaging multiplayer modes for competitive play

Campaign: A Divisive Co-op Narrative

The single-player campaign of Black Ops III took players to a dark, dystopian future where cybernetic enhancements and psychological warfare blur the lines of reality. Notably, it was designed from the ground up for 4-player co-op, allowing friends to experience the mind-bending narrative together.

While ambitious in its themes and offering replayability through the “Nightmares” mode (a zombie-themed re-telling), the campaign’s complex and often abstract plot was divisive for some players. However, the “Safe House” hub, allowing for character customization and lore exploration, was a neat addition.

Zombies Mode: Treyarch’s Masterpiece

For many, the true highlight of Black Ops III was its Zombies mode. Treyarch delivered one of the most expansive and beloved iterations of the co-op survival experience. The base game launched with the intricate “Shadows of Evil” map, featuring new characters and a unique, arcane storyline. Subsequent DLC introduced fan-favorite maps like “Der Eisendrache” and “Revelations,” alongside the “Zombies Chronicles” pack, which remastered classic maps.

The mode’s deep lore, challenging Easter eggs, and endless replayability fostered a passionate community, making it a standalone experience almost as significant as the multiplayer itself.

Legacy: A Defining Black Ops Title

Call of Duty: Black Ops III was a massive commercial success and remains one of the most played titles in the franchise. It successfully pushed the series into a futuristic setting, and its innovations in movement and Specialist abilities influenced subsequent Call of Duty games. Its robust multiplayer and exceptional Zombies mode cemented its status as a classic CoD title.

Is Call of Duty: Black Ops III on PS4 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. Call of Duty: Black Ops III on PS4 is still a highly enjoyable FPS. Its fast-paced multiplayer, unique Specialist abilities, and particularly its expansive and beloved Zombies mode, offer countless hours of engaging gameplay. For fans of futuristic shooters and online multiplayer, it remains a vibrant and essential title in the PlayStation 4 library.