Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

 Xbox One
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 185 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 185
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 185
  3. Negative: 74 out of 185
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  1. deffold
    Feb 11, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Покупалась игра из за мультиплеера, все не плохо, но подбор игроков мне не понятен, в оной игре к/д 0.3 в следующей 3 , а баланса и какой-то середины нет. А в warzone я вообще не понял как учиться играть, когда тебя кидает к 200 + уровням на которых ты даже при целится не успеваешь. В общем sbmm полный бред… Expand
  2. TurtleDerr
    Dec 18, 2020
    0
    This game is absolutely the WORST CoD I have EVER PLAYED! The guns are absolutely broken. The SBMM (skill based match making), if you’re good or above average, KILLS the fun these games used to bring. You have to play at your ABSOLUTE BEST every **** match just to stand a chance at winning! Btw, forget about trying to just grind camos with how hard the matches are ANNNDDDD.... The camosThis game is absolutely the WORST CoD I have EVER PLAYED! The guns are absolutely broken. The SBMM (skill based match making), if you’re good or above average, KILLS the fun these games used to bring. You have to play at your ABSOLUTE BEST every **** match just to stand a chance at winning! Btw, forget about trying to just grind camos with how hard the matches are ANNNDDDD.... The camos are LEVEL-LOCKED! Which means... You need to level the weapon up for one class of camos out of (6?)!!! You need to get a weapon to LEVEL 52 before you can unlock the final camos. And since you’re in a lobby you’re *REQUIRED* to sweat in, you’ll barely stand a chance against anyone using an MP5, M16, a shotgun etc.The perks are also either broken or USELESS. The attachments for the weapons, while there’s a lot of them, are ALSO USELESS for the most part. Now that this game is implemented into warzone, the weapons shred compared to MW weapons and people are invisible now! **** AND SHAME ON THIS HORRID GAME!… Expand
  3. Davidrutigliano
    Dec 21, 2020
    1
    Skill based matchmaking has ruined this game. It makes the multiplayer unplayable and just not fun. The campaign and the zombies are fine, but more zombies maps are needed. All in all, I was extremely disappointed with this game, because I had so much hope for it after modern warfare 2019 being garbage. If they took out skill based matchmaking, I think it would make the game much moreSkill based matchmaking has ruined this game. It makes the multiplayer unplayable and just not fun. The campaign and the zombies are fine, but more zombies maps are needed. All in all, I was extremely disappointed with this game, because I had so much hope for it after modern warfare 2019 being garbage. If they took out skill based matchmaking, I think it would make the game much more playable and even fun.… Expand
  4. Stasimus
    Dec 30, 2020
    0
    Skilled based matching is making game no fun to play, because it’s imbalanced and not designed to be played strongly competitive. Shady SBMM system knowns before the round starts whom will win. Maps, respawn system and kill streaks are designed to add extra random factor into game to make all kid in the lobby close to 1. Additionally aim resist is a new technic to balance you if your areSkilled based matching is making game no fun to play, because it’s imbalanced and not designed to be played strongly competitive. Shady SBMM system knowns before the round starts whom will win. Maps, respawn system and kill streaks are designed to add extra random factor into game to make all kid in the lobby close to 1. Additionally aim resist is a new technic to balance you if your are doing well in current match, as well as hidden bugs and glitches.… Expand
  5. Roberto93
    Feb 11, 2021
    2
    I have been a Call of Duty fan boy for nearly 17 years, and I've played them all, the multiplayer for this game is the worst in a very long time, the game is clunky and graphically appalling when compared to it's predecessor, the gane play feels stagnant and years old not quite 2020, the only saving grace is the zombies is enjoyable and the campaign was okay, but don't buy this game forI have been a Call of Duty fan boy for nearly 17 years, and I've played them all, the multiplayer for this game is the worst in a very long time, the game is clunky and graphically appalling when compared to it's predecessor, the gane play feels stagnant and years old not quite 2020, the only saving grace is the zombies is enjoyable and the campaign was okay, but don't buy this game for full price it will never be worth it… Expand
  6. askii
    Nov 18, 2020
    1
    Constant crashes and freezing on Xbox One S. Cannot even get into a split screen match without the game crashing on loading screen. Can play with bots for about 3 minutes before the game crashes and completely turns off the Xbox. Didn't play Campaign or Zombies.
    Refunded.
  7. AC_Cordoza
    Dec 18, 2020
    0
    This is by far the worst call of duty that has ever been released. The graphics are terrible, the gameplay is garbage, and the campaign with extremely short. Activision needs to scrap it and restart support for modern warfare it was so much better. PS I want a refund.
  8. Mexdude
    Nov 21, 2020
    3
    Horrible step backwards from Modern Warfare. The game is currently broken on Xbox One X and can crash intermittently, fully powering off the Xbox. There are instances where the game randomly experiences significant slowdown, audio glitching during loading screens, and runs at much lower framerates for extended periods of time. When running normally it's a smooth experience but random buggyHorrible step backwards from Modern Warfare. The game is currently broken on Xbox One X and can crash intermittently, fully powering off the Xbox. There are instances where the game randomly experiences significant slowdown, audio glitching during loading screens, and runs at much lower framerates for extended periods of time. When running normally it's a smooth experience but random buggy periods of low FPS intermittently is frustrating. Adding to disappointment the game launched without the Gunfights mode in online multiplayer that is present in Modern Warfare.… Expand
  9. Bbsniper
    Nov 16, 2020
    0
    Worst and most buggy cod ever.
    My campaign didn’t save, split screen doesn’t work, buggy as, connection issues, graphics feel like a step back. Makes console reset. Microsoft refused my refund.
  10. Ghost_Over1ord
    Nov 15, 2020
    1
    Constant friezes in the campaign, problems with sound when you turn on the overlay, management: the worst in the series, the sensitivity of the sticks on the gamepad is almost impossible to configure( I couldn't, because read more MP), constant jerks(sniper rifles) graphics and everything else is backward, and now multiplayer. Visibility is disgusting, operator skins are invisible,Constant friezes in the campaign, problems with sound when you turn on the overlay, management: the worst in the series, the sensitivity of the sticks on the gamepad is almost impossible to configure( I couldn't, because read more MP), constant jerks(sniper rifles) graphics and everything else is backward, and now multiplayer. Visibility is disgusting, operator skins are invisible, everything is the same as in MW19. Network code is **** up. ping 60, but the breaks are constant (RU) everything lags, you lag yourself, players teleport, kill in seconds(on the replay for 3.5 seconds) with" mega bullets " that the body throws away. just disgusting. Well, everything else exclusive buns for PS. tnx fukk. I will request a refund on Monday. This is my first Call of Duty refund
    Brumbers21 +++++    … Expand
  11. ThePeoplesPlay
    Nov 20, 2020
    1
    This game is buggy. All the cut scenes seem like they’re going in slow motion. I swear they didn’t have any one test this game before they released it. The sad thing is I want to like this. But it’s awful. I wish I could have my money back! Do not buy.
  12. taw5022
    Jan 15, 2021
    1
    UPDATE:
    As my understanding of the multiplayer patents filed by Activision and testing done by YouTubers who love to crunch data grows on the SBMM issue I'm lowering my score to a 1. Seriously, any company that makes a system that punishes you for playing better is idiotic. The games where I've struggled I've noticed my ping over 100ms and it consistently happens after a series of good    UPDATE:
    As my understanding of the multiplayer patents filed by Activision and testing done by YouTubers who love to crunch data grows on the SBMM issue I'm lowering my score to a 1. Seriously, any company that makes a system that punishes you for playing better is idiotic. The games where I've struggled I've noticed my ping over 100ms and it consistently happens after a series of good or even average games. To know they don't prioritize connection is frustrating.

    I was hoping for more. It fixed a lot of things that I hated about MW but managed to negate those fixes by creating other issues.
    Keep in mind my review is heavily based on multiplayer. The campaign is fine but the bulk of game play is based around the multiplayer where I spend the majority of my time like many other players.

    Cross play is back. Pros: You can play with your friends on other platforms like in MW so there is no need to worry about not being able to play with your friend on PC or PS4/5. Con: Game chat is horrible in this game especially in cross play. It is distorted 90% of the time making call outs and basic communication hard.

    Footsteps in multiplayer have been reduced. It no longer sounds like you are running with clogs on. However, sound design in this game sucks period. It's hard to tell if enemies are above, below, left, or right of you. Explosions and gun fire are all less than satisfying. MW had this portion of the game right but Cold War falls flat here.

    Map design is better and yet worse at the same time. While the maps aren't designed to be rewarding to corner campers like in MW the map design lends itself to more medium to long range exchanges. There are long lines of sight in this game on many maps leading people to sit in the back of spawns and camp in the furtherest corners the can. I'm a run and gun player but can also be patient and methodical when needed. I've found myself doing much more of the latter while equipping every weapon with at least a 2x scope. I've also found the recoil on a lot of guns makes them less than favorable to use leading people to use only a few viable options in game play. Most of the maps are ok but none are great and Garrison is absolute trash for respawn modes.

    Servers are not great. You can tell who has a better connection rather quickly. Skill based match making is still a thing and it's terrible and should be removed. The game should have a ranked and non-ranked mode but it figures the devs are not smart enough to do this regardless of how much people ask for it. For example, I currently have a 1.25 K/D in TDM. My K/D is usually low when starting. I don't game hardcore but I'm a decent player and it takes me a minute to unlock everything I need to actually be competitive. Most nights I'll play closer to a 2.0 K/D but I've had multiple nights where every single player on my team will score a 0.5 K/D or lower. All SBMM or team balancing, actually does is frustrate me and other higher skilled players. It's annoying. I don't want to have to drop 30+ kills every game to even have a chance to win.

    MW got movement right. Mantling, running, jumping, sliding all felt good in the game. Some how cold war took a step back and everything feels mechanical in the Xbox One version. This might be different on next gen consoles but it's poorly done on the One and PS4.

    Graphics are somehow better and worse. Satellite and Miami look good. Garrison and Crossroads don't. To make matters worse, bland coloring in most levels allows players to blend in seamlessly with the background making it extremely hard to pick out players simply standing there. Other character movements look horrible. Character models running look like something you'd see from 2 console generations ago. Climbing and mantling animations are horrible. Cut scene animations look like early last gen graphics. Again, maybe this looks better on next gen consoles but on the PS4/ Xbox One they look dated.

    I don't know how, but Activision and their devs always find a way to make the next COD as underwhelming as the previous. They fix on issue and introduce 10 more.

    My suggestion, if these issues seem better on the new consoles or PC it might be worth it otherwise skip it unless you can get it on sale or just want to play the campaign and zombies.    … Expand
  13. Brumbers21
    Nov 15, 2020
    3
    Broken. Every time I log in it down loads something despite being a massive file size to begin with, I am assuming these are hot fixes fro the shear amount of issues that result with launching a unfinished game, Runs like a three legged cat, constant frame jumps, lags, and glitches and that was just in the opening cinematic scenes. I am not going to mention the story as people seem to careBroken. Every time I log in it down loads something despite being a massive file size to begin with, I am assuming these are hot fixes fro the shear amount of issues that result with launching a unfinished game, Runs like a three legged cat, constant frame jumps, lags, and glitches and that was just in the opening cinematic scenes. I am not going to mention the story as people seem to care about it but I don’t, the gameplay is ok but is plagued with freezes, glitches and frame jumps. Multi player, broken in so many ways. Hit boxes are all over the place damage seems to be random, full health enemy’s either die from one shot or are bullet sponges usually the latter probably due to the net code. Movement is awful, the maps are lazy and unfinished I keep getting stuck on random bits of unfinished or invisible Furniture, spawns are ####ed on the smallest maps and you will either get trapped with the opposite team spawn camping you to death or you will get spawn killed repeatedly with nothing you can do about it. The menus don’t work half the time you just see gray blobs where the weapon skin or operator should be. Surprise surprise the only thing that works flawlessly is the in game store, funny that. Match making can take forever. Seems to have taken a massive step backwards from modern warfare.

    I don’t play BR

    Zombies good fun easily the best bit of the game, they should just release it as a 10 dollar stand alone game every other year. Could be a good game if they had bothered to finish it before release but why bother, just chuck it out the door and fix it on the fly so we can make a **** zillion dollars. This game sums up all of the problems with modern AAA studios.    … Expand
  14. kapapt
    Nov 16, 2020
    0
    Such a waste of my money, the game is awfully bad! Graphics are bad, game mechanics, visuals and general gameplay is bad, multiplayer is lacking modes and all of it is a downgrade from previous titles, I don't understand how a company lets this be released. Zombie mode? Terrible!
    Even the sound, you can barely understand what footsteps are! Not to mention the amount of cheaters already    Such a waste of my money, the game is awfully bad! Graphics are bad, game mechanics, visuals and general gameplay is bad, multiplayer is lacking modes and all of it is a downgrade from previous titles, I don't understand how a company lets this be released. Zombie mode? Terrible!
    Even the sound, you can barely understand what footsteps are! Not to mention the amount of cheaters already tanking advantage of bad code.
    I don't think this can even be fixed, no software patches can correct this.    … Expand
  15. xBASSxTURDx
    Dec 4, 2020
    0
    So disappointing. Was extremely looking forward to this title, but it is absolutely worthless. Might as well play COD Ghosts. The game tech feels at least that dated. Stick to COD MW. It is far superior.
  16. Yaboymikey
    Dec 10, 2020
    3
    Console keeps shutting off
    Everything seems unfinished Zombies is ok
    Campaign is the worst out of all the black ops games SBMM is a joke
  17. BiggoronWarlock
    Dec 18, 2020
    0
    Main menu simulator...if you're lucky. This game crashes every single time I play it. It used to crash my entire console but now it just send me to the home screen. Usually I make it to round 17 in zombies before it crashes. Can't play a 5 round game mode in multiplayer without it crashing. I am stubborn because I want to enjoy this game but I have probably played for 50 hours and haveMain menu simulator...if you're lucky. This game crashes every single time I play it. It used to crash my entire console but now it just send me to the home screen. Usually I make it to round 17 in zombies before it crashes. Can't play a 5 round game mode in multiplayer without it crashing. I am stubborn because I want to enjoy this game but I have probably played for 50 hours and have around 200 crashes. The worst excuse for a game that exists. Makes me want to yeet the game and my Series X straight out a window. Honestly if you buy this game go ahead and yeet yourself out of a window too.… Expand
  18. Gyanno
    Dec 16, 2020
    0
    Such a bad game with disbalanced SBMM ,spawn points are very bad ) just having 1.6KDA in lobby im getting with FaZe Doozy and other like them )
  19. Lump444
    Dec 1, 2020
    1
    Perhaps the worst cod of all time, poorly built maps, the game promotes and rewards camping, skill based match making makes it so boring and a lack of maps. Zombies is average
  20. Lukeappleby
    Dec 2, 2020
    0
    What a huge step back for Call of Duty.. I actually ended up returning the game for a refund.
  21. DeadlyDogbone
    Feb 20, 2021
    0
    I am the owner's brother writing this review. I have genuinely never seen my brother so angry at this game. It's tearing him apart.
    He's raged so many times to it and I am sick of it.
    The game promotes aggressive and violent behaviour. He's angry almost all the time nowadays because of this game. That's just the beginning. I feel like there's overusage of strong language and swearing.    I am the owner's brother writing this review. I have genuinely never seen my brother so angry at this game. It's tearing him apart.
    He's raged so many times to it and I am sick of it.
    The game promotes aggressive and violent behaviour. He's angry almost all the time nowadays because of this game. That's just the beginning.
    I feel like there's overusage of strong language and swearing. I'm not a fan of swearing and I feel like this game only makes it seem like they are normal words.
    The violence is extremely brutal and you can even select how you can stab someone. I mean, what the heck!?
    The game is also very buggy and it only makes my brother even more mad.
    The game overall is complete garbage and garbage for everyone who plays it. I have never been so dissapointed at a video game. If you want to learn about the Cold War, just listen to your school lessons.
    Bravo Activision, you just made the worst shooter game in history.    … Expand
  22. hoganpaulio
    Nov 14, 2020
    1
    great game loving the zombies and the campaign is bad and the multiplayer sucks but overall one of my favourite call of duty games better than modern warfare but the zombies is so good that like it makes it a 10/10 for me, so I give the game a 8.5/10
  23. Mybrosis
    Nov 14, 2020
    0
    this game is awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome I love it multiplayer is really good
  24. JayJitsu13
    Dec 7, 2020
    0
    Broken, laggy, trash. Not enough space to list all of the problems in detail, but if you've played it, you know
  25. Rockstar80
    Dec 17, 2020
    0
    Игра, которая убивает xbox series x. Больше никогда не куплю этот кусок дерьма. Купил исключительно для next generation и что я получил? Верните мне 70 баксов!
  26. OnTheBus
    Nov 24, 2020
    3
    Let me begin by saying I am a die hard CoD fanboy with the caveat that Treyarch is my least favorite of the three head studios under Activision that are tasked with making Call of Duty. I would also like to give Treyarch the benefit of the doubt as they were put in a bad situation for the launch of this game. They had to pick up the launch for Sledgehammer games whose title was not goingLet me begin by saying I am a die hard CoD fanboy with the caveat that Treyarch is my least favorite of the three head studios under Activision that are tasked with making Call of Duty. I would also like to give Treyarch the benefit of the doubt as they were put in a bad situation for the launch of this game. They had to pick up the launch for Sledgehammer games whose title was not going to be ready, they were making the title that will straddle console (and graphics card) generations, they were making the follow up game behind one of the best Call of Duty games ever, and trying to do all of this during the pandemic. That being said as a stand-alone product I cannot recommend this game for the asking price. I want to start by listing the things I rally like about Black Ops: Cold War (CW from here on). For starters the campaign is good. It’s not the best but it’s stylish, quick, has some replayability, and doesn’t over stay it’s welcome. There is some light decision making and multiple endings ad some spice to the final act. I think that they have dialed back on the ridiculous factor for this title and it genuinely feels better. There are still some “yeah right” moments but it feels like they are there to be comedic relief in response to the all serious all the time campaign of 2019’s Modern Warfare reboot. It doesn’t feel like it’s all Woods one liners all the time and I like that. The Zombies mode makes a return but poor net code and the requirement of four well coordinated players means that it’s just as hit or miss as ever. I have played quite a few matches and stuttering is frequent with early patches resulting in an inability to join games.) If you are coming for the zombies modes specifically I would pass on this game for now as it feels like a severe downgrade from the generous suite of zombies in black ops 4. Then there is the main course, the multiplayer. The state the multiplayer is in right now is pretty shameful but for the reasons at the top of this review I place the blame squarely on Activision for rushing this launch before the American holiday season. There are much fewer guns in CW than last years game and the map design feels off from Treyarch’s typical three lane format, on top of that there are only eight maps at launch. The maps feel very open when compared to the companies previous offerings but the guns do not feel balanced for the layouts. At launch the MP5 was completely broken and more effective than sniper rifles at range. The most egregious offense is the bugs and crashes. One bug prevents all of the magnified scopes from loading in so your crosshairs flicker and dissolve as you try to aim. I also have had the game crash more than 6 times between matches and it hard crashes the console. As it stands now I can’t suggest buying this game let alone for full price; or even half price.… Expand
  27. Tsyuko
    Nov 18, 2020
    2
    My whole review is only about MP, I never play anything else in CoD...

    As 6v6 MP only player I considered MW 2019 absolutely the worst CoD ever created. It had terrible maps with too many angles, terrible doors, infinite claymores with restock, no dead silence perk, TTK too fast, camping spots(even remastered maps were ruined with them), strong SBMM in casual playlist, washed out    My whole review is only about MP, I never play anything else in CoD...

    As 6v6 MP only player I considered MW 2019 absolutely the worst CoD ever created. It had terrible maps with too many angles, terrible doors, infinite claymores with restock, no dead silence perk, TTK too fast, camping spots(even remastered maps were ruined with them), strong SBMM in casual playlist, washed out graphics etc. It was the only CoD ever I almost refunded. It was like game itself decided if I kill or die.

    The last thing I ever wanted from CoD series is realism - the only reason I buy CoD is that it's casual fast paced arcady shooter, so I consider Cold War being huge improvement(to me every single CoD is masterpiece compared to last year MW). It's fast paced, maps are better(but not perfect), perks are more balanced, TTK is little bit slower(but still quite fast), there is just 1 land mine with long CD, game actually has some colors, camping is not the only way to play and it can be countered. It's CoD again and not Insurgency clone made for CoD haters and realism seekers. First 10 hours I had flawless experience - it reminded me times of BO1 and BO2 which are my most favorite CoD games. I wanted to go for 8+ rating but then thick skill based matchmaking kicked in and it ruined my experience with game little bit(and little bit more). Hard campers and sweats started to often fill my lobbies again(but at least whole game is not designed only for them). There should be casual playlist with weak or none SBMM and ranked with this kind of SBMM with ranks and extra rewards. Also on some maps there are flashing textures(sand on Satelite, mountains on Cartel). This was not happening on beta. There are also small bugs here and there like unlockable calling cards are not saved when you pick them. Another problem is lack of 6v6 maps on release so for now its like 6.5/10 for me untill everything is fixed. After that and when they add more maps it would be like 7.5/10. If they add also ranked and nerf SBMM in casual playlist I would go even for 8.5/10 easily. No performance problems at all on my side, runs exactly as MW (i7-7700k+1080Ti), 80-100 fps 1440p maxed out(tested MP only)

    EDIT: Changed rating from 7 to 2 just because of SBMM... It's not objective but I just can't do this anymore. I like game itself in general (much more than MW) but I absolutely refuse to sweat each and every single game to my maximum potential just to keep 1,2+ k/d in CASUAL playlist. I am not ranked player in any game - I HATE e-sport and ranked tryhard-meta trend, only reason I was playing COD was because it's casual MP game and it's not anymore. Game offers absolutely no choice in this matter, no ranked vs quick match playlist, there is only ranked without rank. Burn in hell for ruining this casual MP series and otherwise good game with system like this. I hope at least Battlefield will never give up on completly random server list system... I always liked COD more but this is just unbearable. Game itself decide who and when will do well or terrible in each match, not player skill. You had 2 good matches? Bad for you, next 2 you will be annihilated... You suck in 2 matches? Well, here is your candy - you will be rewarded with some easy game next. This is not even multiplayer, it's just singleplayer with adaptive difficulty with players carefully picked instead of bots.    … Expand
  28. Turdnuggz
    Dec 2, 2020
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Campaign:

    If you include all of the side dialogue and puzzles then this game is as long as your typical Call of Duty campaign, which is short. Once you've played it once and learned the puzzles, this game becomes even shorter. Some of the missions are decent, but overall most of the missions felt lacking. There is a huge emphasis on stealth missions, where it's fun on the first playthrough, but i fail to see the replay value. Sure there are choices, but most are inconsequential with the exception of the final ending choice. The game introduces multiple new characters, and brings back some old classics. Almost every new character is pretty much forgettable, and at the end of the game you still barely know anything about the main character "Bell" and the main villain "Perseus". The classic characters they bring back were also awful representations of the characters we have grown to love. Hudson is still mostly the same, but they changed alot with Mason and Woods, mostly Woods. Not only are the voice actors different, but the way the characters act alot of the game don't feel like the same characters from the previous iterations. Woods constant attemtps of humor with cringe one-liners, are enough to make me cringe as hard as watching Tik Tok video cringe compilations. Mason seems to be more serious, which is like the old character, however the dialogue he has doesn't feel the same as the old. Before he had more of a darker more threatening vibe to him. He acted more like a battle hardened veteran who wasn't afraid to call out BS. This time around he seems to be alot more loose with his attitude, and doesn't come across as tough as before. The main plot is basically a mix ripoff of Black Ops 1 and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, but far worse. The pacing, especially near the endgame started to feel rushed as well. The "ambush" ending shootout was laughable. You set up an ambush where you're supposed to kill off your team including the two beloved Black Ops characters, and how does Raven Software make it happen? By basically putting you in a regular shootout with about a dozen shooters on each side, and if you shoot your team they ragdoll when they die. This ending had so much potential, but it felt wasted. Perhaps it was due to the development issues and rushing of the game. This is by far the worst campaign of the Black Ops series and I prefer to pretend it didn't happen.

    Multiplayer:

    Compared to previous games in the Call of Duty series, this game is definitely lacking in game modes and maps. No casual party game modes either such as gun game, sticks n stones, one in the chamber, infection, etc. There were only a total of 8 maps before they included Nuketown, and the majority of those maps aren't that good. They're visually pretty, but a mess. They didn't "flow" as well as older maps in the series. The multiplayer also has cross-platforming, giving PC players an advantage, and they once again added skill based matchmaking. SBMM alone ruins the multiplayer for me. Also, the game is once again plagued with quickscoping, shotguns, and flashbangs galore. The multiplayer is so barebones, which is unfortunate because I felt like it had alot of potential. Possibly this is also due to the development issues and rushing.

    Zombies:

    Though there are some changes to the formula, zombies is still largely the same as it has been. Something of which, I have been bored of for the last 8 years. I appreciate the new additions, and the game mode is a decent time, but still ends up being the typical zombie's experience: repetitive, full of unnecessarily convoluted easter eggs. If only they can bring back my excitement for the side modes like Ghosts did with Extinction.

    Conclusion:

    This game is the worst one of the entire Black Ops series. I will pretend it never existed and stick to just playing Black Ops 1, 2, and 3.    … Expand
  29. Comixfan
    Nov 15, 2020
    0
    I was just in a Dirty Bomb match with an AFK player. It was getting towards the end of the match and we were lagging way behind because we were a man down so after I died I went into the menus to report them.

    That's when the game decided to end and I found myself stuck in the menu, unable to exit it, while I could hear the end of game stuff playing in the background. I actually had no    I was just in a Dirty Bomb match with an AFK player. It was getting towards the end of the match and we were lagging way behind because we were a man down so after I died I went into the menus to report them.

    That's when the game decided to end and I found myself stuck in the menu, unable to exit it, while I could hear the end of game stuff playing in the background. I actually had no other recourse but to manually quit the game from the Xbox menu. As a result I got no XP for the match.

    I pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition and despite the beta being a little rocky I had hopes they would fix the issues for launch. They quite obviously did not (MP5 is still broken, for example) and now I'm very seriously considering refunding this and going back to Modern Warfare/Warzone.    … Expand
  30. Akim89
    Nov 19, 2020
    0
    I had to make an account to let people know how bad this game is. I mean it's the end of 2020 and for some odd reason treyarch decided to go backwards with this game. I'm not a fan of either studio nor do I care. As a consumer, I just want a good game. I mean it didn't take long for people to realize that they cut corners and released an unfinished product. The guns sound like plastic. TheI had to make an account to let people know how bad this game is. I mean it's the end of 2020 and for some odd reason treyarch decided to go backwards with this game. I'm not a fan of either studio nor do I care. As a consumer, I just want a good game. I mean it didn't take long for people to realize that they cut corners and released an unfinished product. The guns sound like plastic. The movement makes everyone look like they're wearing heelys. The fact that they used an old engine for a 2020 game is beyond me. You can already tell this game was a complete money grab and that little to no effort was put in. And to charge a premium price tag on top of that is absurd. The game feels like it's free to play or maybe even $20 tops. It lacks everything.… Expand
  31. K7065
    Nov 16, 2020
    2
    The gameplay feels like a cheap $20 arcade game. Gun play is mediocre at best and uninteresting. Movement mechanics are poor and clunky. Multiplayer has 7 maps and very limited modes. Graphics are atrocious. A major step back from modern warfare
  32. TangoDemorious
    Nov 19, 2020
    4
    Campaign: I am halfway through and haven’t experienced any issues with freezing or losing progress. It’s an interesting story so far with a decent mix of mission variety. The pseudo “Hub” for the campaign is a nice change of pace as well. I am not fixated with graphical fidelity but this game looks and feels a little dated.

    Multiplayer: I’ve played these games annually for longer than I    Campaign: I am halfway through and haven’t experienced any issues with freezing or losing progress. It’s an interesting story so far with a decent mix of mission variety. The pseudo “Hub” for the campaign is a nice change of pace as well. I am not fixated with graphical fidelity but this game looks and feels a little dated.

    Multiplayer: I’ve played these games annually for longer than I would like to admit. This installment gives me BO1/2 vibes and is nice to vector away from the Modern Battlefield Warfare previous installment. My largest complaint is simply where is the rest of the game? $70 for a backwards compatible version that has a fraction of the depth of previous BO titles. Limited Maps/Modes/ and customization. Bottom line: when it works it can be entertaining but you may be better off waiting until they offer $60-$90 worth of content because as of now it is not there.    … Expand
  33. jhbalearic
    Nov 23, 2020
    0
    Shockingly bad; dated animations and gunplay, poor sound and graphics - looks and plays like a free to play game from several years ago. If you've played Modern Warfare 2019 don't consider buying this, you will be sorely disappointed in every way. If you haven't played Modern Warfare 2019 then buy that instead.
  34. Wildghost68
    Nov 16, 2020
    2
    Being 100 percent honest the only thing good about this game is the campaign. Im a huge fan of zombies, and what they did to it is completely unacceptable. Its like they took all of the charm from the old zombies, and they completely threw it away. Multiplayer is a watered down version of modern warfare
  35. Under8tedX
    Feb 25, 2021
    0
    This game is absolute trash don't buy it especially on the Xbox One. The cut-scenes are also garbage and lag (Yes the cut scenes LAG lol). The story is eeeehhh ok. But the main of these "COD"games are its multiplayer modes. 1. There is no indication or that green connection bar i was used to playing with.2 The matchmaking is absolute garbage, and pits you in with players 3 times the skillsThis game is absolute trash don't buy it especially on the Xbox One. The cut-scenes are also garbage and lag (Yes the cut scenes LAG lol). The story is eeeehhh ok. But the main of these "COD"games are its multiplayer modes. 1. There is no indication or that green connection bar i was used to playing with.2 The matchmaking is absolute garbage, and pits you in with players 3 times the skills of your own. 3.Snipers are over powered and in a way so is the knife. So i am shooting hitting this guy multiple times through his body, and he comes up with one swipe of his knife boom dead lol. Yeah im sorry but thats trash in my book. But snipers? Snipers are the worst. When you look at their kill cam, when you get killed they don't even aim. Also one time i remember only my head was visible, and this guy (from what i seen from the kill cam) just lifted his gun and it was automatically on my head didn't even have to aim.. Thats some straight up BS and you have cheaters (especially the PC ones) .Anyways its not the worst Cod game, but its definitely one of the worst ones. Also the zombies are not that good, maps are WAY too big. Just not for me i guess.… Expand
  36. ShutdownCod
    Mar 25, 2021
    0
    This is the game that has made me stop buying/playing any call of duty game ever again. The gaming industry needs to be moderated and not just a pathetic rating of what age groups are allowed to purchase and play because nobody enforces that.
    We are consumers and should have the right to complain about a poorly made and corrupt game. I would class the actions of the developer's as    This is the game that has made me stop buying/playing any call of duty game ever again. The gaming industry needs to be moderated and not just a pathetic rating of what age groups are allowed to purchase and play because nobody enforces that.
    We are consumers and should have the right to complain about a poorly made and corrupt game. I would class the actions of the developer's as criminal. Don't buy anymore Call of duty games if this is the crap they are producing. Good bye Call of duty. Never in my life will I buy another game by you.    … Expand
  37. Sirpupsalot
    Apr 23, 2021
    1
    **** game - huge downgrade from modern warfare Unlimited sprint Bouncy jolting feel to the game Cartoonish overly shiny graphics despite the next gen consoles **** to play
  38. Paulkdragon2
    May 10, 2021
    0
    If you're trying to get this game for the multiplayer don't... this game is nothing more than a gigantic waste of you time and money

    The skill based matchmaking makes the multiplayer unbearable to play you can win like 1 or 2 games but then you're gonna get like 8 bad games in a row It's not fun it's frustrating and absolutely stressful most of the matches they don't feel like a video    If you're trying to get this game for the multiplayer don't... this game is nothing more than a gigantic waste of you time and money

    The skill based matchmaking makes the multiplayer unbearable to play you can win like 1 or 2 games but then you're gonna get like 8 bad games in a row It's not fun it's frustrating and absolutely stressful most of the matches they don't feel like a video game they feel more like you're in a tournament

    The team balancing is awful and the aim assist doesn't work half the time

    Unless Activision changes or remove skill based matchmaking I am not trusting them with my money ever again    … Expand
  39. gamer_bunny
    Nov 29, 2022
    3
    The campaing is very short, bad optimization and lack of arguments history telling. The truth is that the only great Call of duty is Black ops 1 and 2, the others are junk.
  40. Italian_guy
    Apr 13, 2023
    0
    I've put so many hours into this game with doing ever single Easter egg in the zombie maps its inanse and at least this game is better then vanguard...

Critic Reviews

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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Generación Xbox
    Nov 27, 2020
    86
    Black Ops Cold War keeps the standard high despite the difficulties of development this year and continues to be one of this year's must-have shooters.
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  2. Xbox Achievements
    Nov 18, 2020
    85
    For some reason, I always have a preconceived notion that I won't enjoy this year's Call of Duty. How can a series that releases every single year without fail possibly maintain a consistent quality bar? There are detractors who'd say it doesn't, but let's be honest – it does. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is very good.
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  3. Cheat Code Central
    Nov 17, 2020
    96
    A great entry into to Black Ops storyline. It gives an interesting view of the time, has a compelling storyline, and leaves you wanting more.
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