Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

 Xbox Series X
User Score
4.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 756 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 270 out of 756
  2. Mixed: 71 out of 756
  3. Negative: 415 out of 756
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  1. Ibakeritb24
    Dec 14, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Been playing all 3 types for about 5 hours each, campaign is fine no complaints, Zombies is better but still no complaints, multiplayer is **** they pushed so hard for no camping but this game advocates it, the maps are terrible, SBMM has got to go but sure it won’t… Expand
  2. Nawicki
    Mar 7, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. очевидно ,что это шаг назад по сравнению с modern warfare. купил за полную цену и теперь жалею. Не стоит оно того… Expand
  3. bleizer
    Nov 15, 2020
    4
    I thought that COD MW was the worst COD but this one took the prize, bad maps that force people without ability to camp, multiple connection errors, constant FPS drops, SBMM as always a garbage. Graphics long overdue for a 2020 game and lousy gameplay, this is undoubtedly the worst of the worst
  4. millertime1055
    Nov 18, 2020
    4
    -Zombies=great
    -Campaign= Good usual campaign

    -Multiplayer- No content, barley any maps, Barely any guns (about 5 are actually useful) Time to kill is inconstant, tacticals are inconstant, Camping isn't so bad this time around. Play for an hour? you've seen everything already. Wait for a sale not worth $60 maybe MAYBE $40
    It feels like rainbow six trying to be Call of Duty.
  5. Hdkalinowski
    Nov 18, 2020
    4
    Zombies mode is fun, campaign is passable although disappointing to see almost none of the original voice actors reprise there roles from the OG black ops. Multiplayer is more of the same from the past 5 years, not worth much over 30 dollars
  6. UnintentionalMC
    Nov 22, 2020
    4
    I'm going to be honest, I set up an account on here, purely to review this game. I have now experienced the three components of the game in their entirety, completed the campaign on Veteran, completed the Die Maschine Easter Egg and have reached the the first prestige on multiplayer, so I would say that I have a fairly rounded experience across the game.

    Firstly, the campaign. I have    I'm going to be honest, I set up an account on here, purely to review this game. I have now experienced the three components of the game in their entirety, completed the campaign on Veteran, completed the Die Maschine Easter Egg and have reached the the first prestige on multiplayer, so I would say that I have a fairly rounded experience across the game.

    Firstly, the campaign. I have often found the Call of Duty games to be somewhat varied in the campaigns, even the more jaw-dropping ones such as MW2 and BO2 were still essentially A to B and occasionally point C whilst shooting enemies. The campaign of BOCW was quite fun for the most part, an interesting new character in the form of Russell Adler with a different take on letting the player take on the role of protagonist. The twists and turns felt quite typical for a Black Ops campaign with the different endings, optional side missions and hidden extras bringing in a welcome call back to Black Ops 2. The set pieces are quite fun and it was nice spending the campaign with the CIA as I quite liked the covert nature of a lot of the missions. The main downsides to this would be that even though it has a fair few missions, they felt quite short and that despite being in the advertising, Woods and Mason felt extremely absent from the game.

    The zombies mode is a welcome sight, especially since the last instalment in Black Ops 4 was essentially a failure to launch a new story mode and a few remakes of old maps which left the season pass owners (myself) feeling quite cheated. This on the other hand, is a remake done right. Nacht der Untoten was one of the first quality experiences in modern wave based survival and to have a remake done to this scale allows it to take on a new life. The story mission feels easy to a point but is still enjoyable to a casual player and it is nice that it can be accomplished solo rather than previous entries making it nearly impossible. The ammo boxes make it easier to restock, the crafting bench with equipment and killstreaks feels a lot easier than finding parts to items scattered around the map. The new wonder weapon feels like a welcome call back to BO and BO2 and the boss zombies don't feel unfair. Overall a much nicer step in the right direction than BO4 tried. That being said, bringing back the Chaos story line could be quite interesting on the now current generation consoles as they really had some interesting locations to explore.

    This brings us on to the multiplayer which I am sure many people have already vented their frustrations about the game and is certainly where the game falls in terms of quality, especially when compared to its previous generation predecessor. The balancing issues with the weapons essentially mean that in close quarters you need the MP5 and long distance you need either the M16 or AUG rifles. Score streaks feel like they take an age to unlock and when they do, most people are running Cold Blooded and Ghost which takes away their usefulness. The constant frame dropping and sometimes console crash make this multiplayer experience an absolute slog to find the one out of one-hundredth game that is actually enjoyable and feels fair. Playing other games on the Series X doesn't seem to bring about such issues, Gears 5 feels consistently smooth and has a fair matchmaking with constant frames. Granted it has been out a year longer but again, was running on last generation systems.

    The maps look quite stunning on the Series X, when the skybox isn't flickering and the textures load in fully. What I will say for the maps is that they have certainly moved away from the three-lane formula that plagued Black Ops 4, was it in a good way though? That's hard to say as some maps such as Garrison and Checkmate provide a suitably varied setting, with plenty of cover should you need it. Others such as Moscow, Cartel and Armada have very little in the way of cover so if you're sighted first, you're pretty much dead. Lastly, the Skill Based Match Making in this game means that there is no sense of progression in the game, since my first game, I can't think of a single match that hasn't made me feel like a noob using the default classes. Again comparing it to the Gears franchise, a ranked and casual set up would remove this problem with a beginner category exclusive to those between levels one and twenty.

    Call of Duty had an amazing send off on last generation consoles with Modern Warfare and has sadly launched with what could have been another hit. The story was solid, zombies evolved in a natural and fun way but the thing that brings people back has been an undeniable disaster. The frame drops, graphical issues, system crashes, skill based match making and balancing issues have turned what could be a really solid introduction into next generation shooters into a challenging effort stuck in the shadow of its predecessor.    … Expand
  7. Pro_Ponder
    Nov 24, 2020
    4
    So to start things off somewhat positive, this game has potential... I hope it becomes the game it can be but so many things need fixing and adjusting first. Simply it's an fps game with aiming that just doesn't allow the fluid aim a COD usually offers, I can't tell if it's light or heavy but it feels awful. Once this is fixed the game would get maybe a 7 rating from me as all the otherSo to start things off somewhat positive, this game has potential... I hope it becomes the game it can be but so many things need fixing and adjusting first. Simply it's an fps game with aiming that just doesn't allow the fluid aim a COD usually offers, I can't tell if it's light or heavy but it feels awful. Once this is fixed the game would get maybe a 7 rating from me as all the other issues are reasonably small but just aren't up to scratch with MW so hopefully treyarch give this game the attention it needs and fix the issues and it may challenge the top 5 costs but until then there's no chance of it comin… Expand
  8. OverSized
    Dec 2, 2020
    4
    The campaign needed more refining before it came out It feels sloppy in some places overall the best mission that the game added was the KGB mission in my opinion at least The zombies is one of the only saving graces but it does have its problems indeed from recycled content and the worst part of the game is the multiplayer as it's recycled content The graphics in some rare cases are goodThe campaign needed more refining before it came out It feels sloppy in some places overall the best mission that the game added was the KGB mission in my opinion at least The zombies is one of the only saving graces but it does have its problems indeed from recycled content and the worst part of the game is the multiplayer as it's recycled content The graphics in some rare cases are good but other times in all the maps seems like it's the lacking modern warfare was much more refined in design campaign audio graphics It could have been good but it missed the mark by mile What I paid the full 60 no I would wait for a deal so you don't waste your money as well And it's current stance I don't think there's anything that they can do to quiet overhaul the game enough to get it recuperating I give it maybe seven or eight months before I will probably collapse on itself if it doesn't try to change but there's so much inconsistencies there constantly going on that it's hard to say It doesn't help the activation pressure them giving them half of the time that they were allotted to make the game in the first place… Expand
  9. Jmoreno3
    Dec 17, 2020
    4
    Baja calidad de gráficos y la experiencia es muy similar a juegos móviles
  10. Kamil775
    Jan 12, 2021
    4
    Bought on xbox one x, seems to run well. Built my 5950x and 3070 equipped pc a month ago and noticed that this game is on sale - the game runs like trash on my system. WHY? COD Warzone runs maxed out not dipping below 100fps ever. I'm running other games at max fidelity and I haven't experienced such poor performance even with Cyberpunk 2077.
    Overall campaign is good, zombies is decent &    Bought on xbox one x, seems to run well. Built my 5950x and 3070 equipped pc a month ago and noticed that this game is on sale - the game runs like trash on my system. WHY? COD Warzone runs maxed out not dipping below 100fps ever. I'm running other games at max fidelity and I haven't experienced such poor performance even with Cyberpunk 2077.
    Overall campaign is good, zombies is decent & multiplayer just isn't worth the bother.    … Expand
  11. IreviewGamesYay
    Feb 3, 2021
    4
    This game is somewhat enjoyable, The campaign is a thrilling story and its multiple endings make up for its length, The campaign has some very enjoyable missions such as desperate measures. The zombie mode is also very fun but you're going to need more than just one map to keep the thrill going, The map die Maschine is very fun but it only supports run n gun strategies. The multiplayer isThis game is somewhat enjoyable, The campaign is a thrilling story and its multiple endings make up for its length, The campaign has some very enjoyable missions such as desperate measures. The zombie mode is also very fun but you're going to need more than just one map to keep the thrill going, The map die Maschine is very fun but it only supports run n gun strategies. The multiplayer is where my frustration starts, It is very buggy on the first hand and has SBMM which makes it unenjoyable.… Expand
  12. jpowers02
    Apr 10, 2021
    4
    When I first started to play this game when it came out, I was fairly entertained. The graphics were very crisp and clean, and the feeling of it felt good. The campaign itself, in my opinion, is rather short and they could have done more missions in Vietnam rather than some rather boring missions running around. The campaign also feels "recycled" from the original Black Ops sense in thatWhen I first started to play this game when it came out, I was fairly entertained. The graphics were very crisp and clean, and the feeling of it felt good. The campaign itself, in my opinion, is rather short and they could have done more missions in Vietnam rather than some rather boring missions running around. The campaign also feels "recycled" from the original Black Ops sense in that someone is captured, brainwashed, and then used to help find a villain. The zombies mode within the game I have found to be a boatload of fun, it is a challenging and rewarding experience, especially with friends. Although, I think like myself, a lot of people bought this game for the multiplayer. The multiplayer is quite poor in my opinion. the absence of skill-based matchmaking makes it very unenjoyable due to the fact that one game you'll murder a team of much lower skilled players but then for the next ten games, you'll be the one getting murdered by much higher skilled players. The mechanics of it are average from what players have seen in past games but the biggest complaint I have with multiplayer is that it feels half finished. This is very evident and clear when you boot up last years Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The lack of maps definitely hurts my rating for this game. Overall, this game is not drop dead horrible, but it is not something either I rush home to load up and play.… Expand
  13. SaiseiTunes
    Aug 19, 2021
    4
    Casual gamers will likely have a good time with this. Hell, I even had fun with it at first. Now? Not so much. This game was rushed and dear god does it ever show. Extremely short campaign that almost feels like an afterthought, though it isn't the worst they've ever put out. Multiplayer is just utterly ruined thanks to the special variants of weapons, way too many people sweating in MP,Casual gamers will likely have a good time with this. Hell, I even had fun with it at first. Now? Not so much. This game was rushed and dear god does it ever show. Extremely short campaign that almost feels like an afterthought, though it isn't the worst they've ever put out. Multiplayer is just utterly ruined thanks to the special variants of weapons, way too many people sweating in MP, battle pass completely destroying natural progression if you just shell out some cash, bugs, maps are extremely hit or miss, TTK is still disgustingly low. It's better than MW2019, but only barely, both are still really low on the COD totem pole.

    Zombies was admittedly a ton of fun for me, I enjoyed it quite a bit. The new mechanics felt great for bringing on new players, old perk system returned with a few tweaks that finally found an effective way to deal with crutch perk issues, and the Die Maschine and Firebase Z maps were a ton of fun! Shame that Treyarch has decided to ruin it by focusing on Outbreak rather than Dark Aether's main storyline and maps, the characters have no personality since they're all MP Operators, and Treyarch seems focused on playing to our nostalgia for previous games rather than creating something new (can we get some more new perks like Elemental Pop, please? Instead of old perks reworked or combined?). While it's not entirely without merit, Cold War is a perfect encapsulation of how the Call of Duty series has fallen from its once lofty heights. Buy at your own risk    … Expand
  14. Pun1sher
    Oct 3, 2022
    4
    I didn't think this game would be that bad.
    I can't play one game because they do technical work! The plot in the game is not bad, but I'm waiting to play single player, **** you.
  15. Gildou35
    Jan 5, 2021
    3
    Problème de connexion, 20 ans pour rejoindre ses potes en crossplay, les bug en tout genre, ce jeux pourrait etre bien.. si il fonctionnait
  16. BatmanIsLyfe
    Mar 23, 2021
    3
    First off, there are parts of the game that are absolutely incredible. (1) I don't EVER play campaigns because they bore the s*** out of me, but this one, I was glued to the screen and finished it in 2 sessions. It was incredible, the graphics were stunning, the story actually made my jaw drop at the end, and the Vietnam and KGB missions were a complete blast. (2) the Zombies is actuallyFirst off, there are parts of the game that are absolutely incredible. (1) I don't EVER play campaigns because they bore the s*** out of me, but this one, I was glued to the screen and finished it in 2 sessions. It was incredible, the graphics were stunning, the story actually made my jaw drop at the end, and the Vietnam and KGB missions were a complete blast. (2) the Zombies is actually fun. I hated BO3/BO4 zombies because they got too ambitious. This zombies is very different, but it is in good ways. The changes make it feel like a revised BO2/BO1 zombies, and that's what everyone wants. The story and characters need work though, because at the moment, I am left missing the old school characters and the sarcastic voice lines. (3) Fireteam Dirty Bomb is the most fun new game mode I have played in several years. it's like a combination of Battlefield Conquest, Search and Destroy, and Battle Royale. It's utter chaos, and both maps are excellent. I find myself having fun even when I get last place. I hope more people start playing it because outside of needing some respawn balance, it's a complete blast.

    Now the bad (and the reasons this game is currently rated a 2.9)

    Holy motherf***ing s*** this game has the absolute worst gun balance and lag I have ever experienced in ANY game. EVER. You can avoid most of the horrible gun balance by playing hardcore, but in core, Assault Rifles can range anywhere from 4 headshots to kill to 12 body shots to kill. Yes I typed that correctly: 12 HITS. SMG's are the most balanced guns overall in my opinion, but with a combination of lag and aim assist that is too strong (which I'll get to), they melt you before you can even ADS. Then to top it off, you have the Tactical Rifles (Burst weapons and DMR) that kill you in one 3 round burst. So you can probably guess that almost every person in the game is using them. I can't understand how a Franchise that has been doing the same thing for so many years can still royally f*** up on something as simple as gun balance. I know it will get fixed, but geeeeez. The guns in Dirty Bomb feel a bit more balanced, since you have Armor and it takes a few burst shots to kill at range, but yeah guns need major work.

    The aim assist. Ok now I am a PC player, and I understand that we PC players can get ridiculously sweaty, but I was an Xbox player just a few years ago. I have watched videos breaking down the aim assist and how it will continue to drag your aim in the direction of the player, even if you are pulling the stick the opposite direction. Aim Assist is entirely necessary for joysticks in a shooter, because you don't have nearly as much range of control/motion as you would with a mouse (hence why PC has no aim assist), but it is ridiculous in this game (and in MW). It is to the point that aim assist literally deletes most of the recoil for most guns and console players are getting headshots almost on accident, while PC players have to actually compensate for recoil. Sure it's nice for bad players, but when a console player is actually good, it is almost impossible to kill them unless you catch them by surprise, because aim assist takes care of a good 80% of their recoil. It's extremely frustrating. I have connected an Xbox controller to my PC and tried it out, and I was able to lead the lobby... mind you I haven't played COD on a controller since Black Ops 3. There is also a version of aim assist called "Focused" where if you are missing your target, it will literally pull your reticle to the target for you. It isn't aim assist anymore, it is soft aimbot.

    Last, the graphics in multiplayer are so bad. I don't understand why honestly... Dirty Bomb and the Campaign both look amazing, then you have maps like Cartel where the bushes look like they're made out of paper mache. If I had to guess, I would say that Treyarch spent most of their time on Fireteam, Campaign, and Zombies (all three of which are quite fantastic) and then they had to rush the multiplayer when they were told their game would be pushed up a whole year.

    Overall, for having an entire year chopped off of their development time, this game is really impressive. I actually like it better than Modern Warfare. I've heard a lot of people complain that it's clunky, and I must assume that these people have never played BO1. It really does feel like the OG Black Ops, and the new mode and Campaign are two of the best things I've played in quite some time. I recommend buying the game and playing only Hardcore Multiplayer and Fireteam: Dirty Bomb if you like to be competitive. I cannot however rate it above a 6 because the gun balance is completely embarrassing.

    If they fix the gun balance, improve multiplayer graphics, and lessen aim assist, I really would rate a 10.

    UPDATE: Season 1 laggy as f***, not even playable now.

    UPDATE 2: Tried it again on 3/24 and the lag is even worse now. The game is a lost cause, save your money.    … Expand
  17. phoenixsuple
    Nov 29, 2020
    3
    This is a joke, the game is a step back from modern warfare. campaign short and multiplayer weak, the game engine also backward. Waste of money.
  18. Radiationbum
    Dec 19, 2020
    3
    Worse in every single way when compared to last years Modern Warfare.

    The Graphics are worse looking less real and more arcade with over saturated coulours The Campaign is shorter and ends poorly The Multiplayer has less maps, poor balancing, missing features that were there on day one of Modern Warfare, the attention to detail is gone so Snipers have glare reguardless of what    Worse in every single way when compared to last years Modern Warfare.

    The Graphics are worse looking less real and more arcade with over saturated coulours

    The Campaign is shorter and ends poorly

    The Multiplayer has less maps, poor balancing, missing features that were there on day one of Modern Warfare, the attention to detail is gone so Snipers have glare reguardless of what scope you use, Wild cards break the game, Score streaks over Kill streaks is a bad choice    … Expand
  19. Elitestriker421
    Dec 19, 2020
    3
    Good graphics.... sort of, poor gameplay, lack of content, weird design and so on. It’s really sad since Modern Warfare was so amazing. The audio, the graphics, weapons handling etc were top notch. There are complaints about balance and match making but that’s besides the point. Cold War feels like a real step in the wrong direction. 3 steps forward, 5 steps back. Personally, coming fromGood graphics.... sort of, poor gameplay, lack of content, weird design and so on. It’s really sad since Modern Warfare was so amazing. The audio, the graphics, weapons handling etc were top notch. There are complaints about balance and match making but that’s besides the point. Cold War feels like a real step in the wrong direction. 3 steps forward, 5 steps back. Personally, coming from modern warfare to Cold War is like going back in-time for graphics, playability and story. It’s a COD game. It’ll be fun, everyone will buy it because it’s what we do but dang. Treyarch really missed the mark on this one.… Expand
  20. Nerevarinho
    Sep 16, 2021
    3
    Multiplayer team deathmatch takes forever, and since it makes not really fun, its a pain to finish a match. Aim assist is too invasive. Movement and animations are not fluid. Respawn locations are not balanced/scattered enough. Cant read white text on white helmet background in multiplayer loadout. Singleplayer campaign was good, but multiplayer is bad compared to MW.
  21. JesterDEWIT
    Nov 14, 2020
    3
    Call of duty: Black ops cold war takes the old and adds new, unlike black ops 4 where that game took the old that worked that people liked and replaced it for the sake of making something brand new, I'm mostly referring to the zombies in that case, but this game takes the old that fans liked about Black Ops series and adds new to that, without removing the old. As it goes for the Cold WarCall of duty: Black ops cold war takes the old and adds new, unlike black ops 4 where that game took the old that worked that people liked and replaced it for the sake of making something brand new, I'm mostly referring to the zombies in that case, but this game takes the old that fans liked about Black Ops series and adds new to that, without removing the old. As it goes for the Cold War theme and the story.
    I really want to sit down and ask few questions to the people who made the story, ask them things like what they were going for and what message, are they trying to put out if any. I get a few hints in mind. And if it's true I think it's really bad for this game series. The multiplayer can be fun while keeping with the games theme and even giving you an introductory cutscene just it starting up to add to the set theme, but particularly in the multiplayer I don't like the animations in this game. I don't know if it's because I've been spoiled with the motion capture from on MW and there feel for realistic looking
    but fast gameplay they went for. But if I go play Black Ops 3 zombies for some reason I like the animations better. I have a theory that it cold war uses the game engine from Black Ops 4, and I didn't like how that game felt, and a lot of people didn't, as I've heard. As I was playing through the campaign i was thinking about this the whole time but didn't want to admit it but I'm going to admit it.... The reason why they called Black ops and why Hudson woods and Mason are in the game.. they pulled a Disney...you know like other new Star wars movie had all the old characters in it but they were not themselves and we're not involved in the main plot? Basically what they did it feels it me... Little throwbacks here and there but they pulled a Disney it feels like..... Maybe that's why they didn't cast the original voice actor for woods, he probably would have been pissed off like mark hamill was with Luke in The last Jedi. Look... nostalgia....is a good powerful, almost like a drug for the brain, and it helps give a happy feeling, a lot of people loved the original characters and there were bits of them in Black Ops 4, but it seemed like there was a trick for using nostalgia in a way to buy the characters, or the game. what I'm saying is like I tried to explain earlier I feel like they made a "Disney clickbait". If the original crew were not teased in the trailers in this game then not called Black Ops. I don't think it wouldn't have been as popular and I don't think much people would have bought it if it wasn't for them being in the game. They're nothing like themselves, of course they may not sound like them, but from what I know they could have got woods his voice actor easily but they didn't, and for some reason they got a guy who sounds like he's trying to sound like the previous voice actor.... why? I understand that their previous title did not go so well (Black Ops 4). But to bring back, beloved characters from the dead, so to speak, just to have the nostalgia feeling kickin so people would buy your game, then for them to be completely different. Why would you do that?I know people would complain to me and say that's what the new modern warfare did but the new modern warfare reimagined the whole Modern Warfare trilogy, but in modern times. This game, tried to put itself between black ops 1 and 2 story.. But they treated their characters like if they reimagined them? they added bits and histologia to keep you going, there's multiple endings and there's one that makes me question what's the point of this games story? Matter of fact, I think they all do that, and the thing with these Call of Duty games. The theme is the story, and the setting, and if the story is good. The rest of the game feels and looks good. If the theme is trash. The rest of it all falls apart (zombies and multiplayer). To be brutally honest, I'm upset that they didn't try to get james C. Burns To play Woods again, as they did before. It makes sense if you were reimagining the story like Modern Warfare but they didn't, I want to know the truth of why they did not try to get him. Imagine how you made James feel, how you made the fans feel. I've seen a bunch of clips on YouTube of him acting, a bunch of interviews, and that's woods right there. you can't put the body of his character in people's views for nostalgia to get them to buy your game. Maybe that's not what they did. I don't know but that's how I feel and I feel horrible... I feel worse Wondering how James feels. Short summary there is fun to be had with this game, especially the zombies.
    But the theme for both multiplayer, and zombies the bad story and it makes the rest of the experience feel bad. Just like it would in any other Call of Duty game. Not trying to be a hater but this this reminds me of black ops 4, sometimes beloved characters should be put to rest instead of brought out of their grave and treated like this. Master Chief is a great example    … Expand
  22. whatlurks
    Nov 14, 2020
    3
    This just feels like such a downgrade across the board. Even details as subtle as footsteps just feel years behind MW 2019.

    This is clearly half finished. Disappointed. Downloading MW on my Series X instead.
  23. AdvancedCabbage
    Nov 19, 2020
    3
    My first FPS was Call of Duty: Black Ops. I absolutely loved the atmosphere, story, violence, and intensity and immediately had to see more woods and mason action in this game. I lived through no man's sky, played sniper ghost warrior 3, and yet this is the single largest disappointment since my parents divorced.

    My main focus is the story, as the multiplayer and zombies have already    My first FPS was Call of Duty: Black Ops. I absolutely loved the atmosphere, story, violence, and intensity and immediately had to see more woods and mason action in this game. I lived through no man's sky, played sniper ghost warrior 3, and yet this is the single largest disappointment since my parents divorced.

    My main focus is the story, as the multiplayer and zombies have already been beaten to death by far more dedicated fans of the modes and let's face it: I have a LOT to say about just how far this game misses the mark for me as a long time black ops fan.
    Right out of the gate, it's clear the game wants to take itself slightly less seriously than its predecessor. By my standards, that's not the right way to go with the story, as black ops was a very gritty game (narratively speaking). The 1980's aesthetic hits you like a brick wall, and pretty much everyone's character is ground down to a unidimensional one-liner dispensary. If I had to characterize Robert Redford's clone, I'd have no choice but to report him as "cool man with leather jacket and battle scars". I'm immediately insulted that this caricature is intended to inspire or move me in any way. This character was the perfect opportunity to portray that stereotype as a multidimensional and vulnerable person. Giving that character depth while maintaining the calm and macho persona would have been a great subversion of expectations that everyone would have appreciated.
    I mention this supporting cast member before your own playable protagonist because, quite literally, there isn't one. This game subscribes to the voiceless protagonist. In 2020. I could honestly tolerate all of these flaws, if they were merely pieces that complimented already established characters that held up.
    They're not. How do I even begin to express my grief from hearing my childhood favorite protagonists, expertly animated and in clear high resolution, open their mouths only to speak like a group of high school theater kids were given 30 seconds of clips from their characters' previous games and then performed all of the lines in one take. I could understand mason not having the same actor. Sam Worthington sounds like he's mighty busy with avatar 2 and I imagine quite a bit of difficulty persuading him to star in such a measly production. But you mean to tell me this is the BEST replacement they could find for him? Blasphemous.
    I wish I could say mason got the worst of it, but his character remained in tact to a degree. During the few cutscenes he had, he expressed human reactions to the stimuli around him. Woods was absolutely positively character assassinated. There are few things more mortifying than a character once thought multidimensional being stripped bare.
    Woods was always one to make you laugh, and he was always one to curse a lot. That's about all that was carried over from previous games. Where woods used to make crucial decisions, be laser focused, have no time for **** and always, ALWAYS curse when in distress, this new woods is a flatlined infantile shell of his former self. This portrayal had him constantly quipping **** useless, and even borderline annoying one liners that were there solely to seek approval from his squamates, not entertain himself or build bonds as he'd always done before. Woods seemed to have his spine removed in this installment, with the best example being him and bell (your voiceless protagonist) infiltrating a base and, despite their best efforts, ending up being found out and in a firefight. Between gunfights, he's criticized for this mistake. Rather than cursing the radio operator out or defending it as the right choice, he simply turns to you and says "she seems mad. does she sound mad". It's a 180 when his character is to shine the most. Absolutely disruptive and shameful to me as a long time fan. All of this culminates in the absolute brick straw that's going to paralyze this camel for life; all of the voice actors were replaced. I know I already bashed mason's, but wood's voice actor did NOT live up to what James C. Burns did with the character (shoutout to my boy). Hudson sounded like a 14 year old boy trying to make his voice deep in front of his friends.

    Many of the locations in the campaign are straight ripoffs from last year's modern warfare, black ops 1, and even some games from other genre's I've played. The PC performance is mind bogglingly terrible. The bugs everyone is raving about are very present here as well. The voice acting is god awful. Your protagonist is silent and boring. Graphically it holds up worse than modern warfare. The engine is the same old engine every cod ran on before modern warfare. An absolute no go for me, and I would only buy it on sale and ONLY for the zombies, if you're that into bad interpretations of a game mode that rarely lives up to its potential. That's it boys. I know the trailer was gas but the game is a dumpster fire.    … Expand
  24. Skiro86
    Nov 28, 2020
    3
    Game is straight trash. I started it up the first time and it turned my console off. Then when I went to play it the next day it shut it off randomly again. After a restart of the xbox and the game, I got through some interactions with the team in the safe house and started to review evidence when, boom, shuts off again. The other crappy thing is, during the cut scenes, they are jitteryGame is straight trash. I started it up the first time and it turned my console off. Then when I went to play it the next day it shut it off randomly again. After a restart of the xbox and the game, I got through some interactions with the team in the safe house and started to review evidence when, boom, shuts off again. The other crappy thing is, during the cut scenes, they are jittery and laggy. They look like they could be good to look at, but haven't been able to tell. For a AAA game, this is trash.… Expand
  25. StonerJedi17
    Nov 29, 2020
    3
    Please for the love of God do not buy this! I know people exadurate but literal-its the most broken buggiest game in the series. This game makes the bugs in assassins creed unity look like nothing. In a week I've had 2 full console hard resets, party is full errors, my first game of zombies I had to quit cuz I got stuck staring at the ground and couldnt move, sound tearing into static, uiPlease for the love of God do not buy this! I know people exadurate but literal-its the most broken buggiest game in the series. This game makes the bugs in assassins creed unity look like nothing. In a week I've had 2 full console hard resets, party is full errors, my first game of zombies I had to quit cuz I got stuck staring at the ground and couldnt move, sound tearing into static, ui error bugs that crash the game (on xbox), random disconnections from the serve when I verified my internet is fine. Seriously the bugs are soooooooo bad. Please please dont make the same mistake as me. Now zombies is good. Imo one of the best zombies since kino bo1. And positives-the game is still cod. It feels like cod. When it works....zombies tho is why this is a 3 and not a 0. Bugged out worse than any cod game EVER. Avoid like the plague (the black plague-not the Corona one...we see how well people avoiding that one has gone)… Expand
  26. abdullahsabbir
    Nov 30, 2020
    3
    I am not a veteran CoD player. My first CoD where I actively played MP was MW2019. While it was not perfect, the SBMM in that game wasn't as strong as it is in BOCW. I'm a very casual player, I played about 125 Hours of MP in MW2019 and my K/D ratio is 1.01. Here in BOCW, I have to sweat in every single game and my K/D ratio rarely touches 1. Some people will probably tell me to just getI am not a veteran CoD player. My first CoD where I actively played MP was MW2019. While it was not perfect, the SBMM in that game wasn't as strong as it is in BOCW. I'm a very casual player, I played about 125 Hours of MP in MW2019 and my K/D ratio is 1.01. Here in BOCW, I have to sweat in every single game and my K/D ratio rarely touches 1. Some people will probably tell me to just get good, but you know what? I don't want to. I play games to relax at the end of the day and this game is not relaxing or fun. I'm giving this a 3 just because the campaign and the zombie mode are okay.… Expand
  27. Marco2020
    Dec 5, 2020
    3
    Too many boring cinematics in single - not much to play , some levels ok, some very redundant with same old algotyrhms and very linear action. Not Very Bad - but overall mediocre - i played on series X and graphics is so so - flat texture are very common. Console hang out from time to time, the whole system was crashing several times.
  28. Chris0nF1re
    Dec 7, 2020
    3
    Absolutely broken. Terrible animations and awful frame rate. Game makes me feel nauseous when I play it. Tones of glitches. I’d stay away and only buy the game if on sale for £10/15

    Campaign was okay but forgettable.
  29. PROTEVS
    Dec 12, 2020
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I’m a long-time COD fan who has almost always enjoyed the lore for the campaigns and for Zombies, and I’ve enjoyed the multiplayer modes for most of the games. Unfortunately, COD: Black Ops Cold War just doesn’t live up to the hype in my opinion.

    1) Campaign [TL;DR]

    First off, I’m not a huge fan of the campaign. It didn’t really add much to the Black Ops storyline. There were a few callbacks to the original Black Ops storyline, such as the mission in Yamantau with Hudson and Weaver, Kravchenko whose story had already concluded in Black Ops II, with just as much screen time and importance in that game as well, and Raul Menendez who ran a cartel under Noriega’s time in power. However, the callbacks felt like cheap fan service that served virtually no purpose whatsoever.

    Your playable character’s story arc (codename “Bell”) felt meaningless. The brainwashing concept had already been attempted with Alex Mason in the first game, and to some extent it really worked. Discovering that Victor Reznov used Steiner’s attempted brainwashing on Mason to serve his own purpose of eliminating Dragovich, Steiner and Kravchenko was a huge twist, especially when we also figured out that Reznov had died during Mason’s escape from Vorkuta.

    Bell’s brainwashing on the other hand felt too predictable, and the canonized ending felt a little forced. It would’ve seemed more likely for Bell to turn against his CIA colleagues and finish Perseus’s mission, as opposed to continuing the fight against Perseus, given that he had been previously aligned with Perseus. He never really had much incentive to aid Russell Adler or Jason Hudson.

    To top that off, the stakes never really felt high. It always seemed as if the CIA was going to be able to accomplish its mission of obtaining intel on their rivals, and that every setback was a trivial issue. I never really felt on-edge as I’d felt with Mason being brainwashed by Steiner.

    In the original Black Ops, your attempt to neutralize Castro was unsuccessful since Dragovich and Kravchenko had tipped off Castro. They always seemed at least one step ahead of the CIA. You’d lost a couple of allies along the way—Harris and Bowman—and Kravchenko almost killed Weaver as well.

    In Modern Warfare 2, Roach and Ghost secure intel on Makarov, only to be betrayed by General Shepherd. It’s later revealed that Shepherd used the conflict to bolster his reputation as a general and to avenge his fallen men, while pinning the blame on those associated with Task Force 141. As a result, your team goes in hiding and rely on the help of former-Spetsnatz soldiers Nikolai and Yuri to kill Shepherd and Makarov. In the process of chasing after Makarov, Soap dies in the conflict and Yuri must explain his past ties to Makarov to Captain Price so he can trust Yuri to assist him in their epic final showdown.

    At no point did I feel the same level of high stakes in Black Ops Cold War. You barely even see Perseus! He’s in a couple of cutscenes, and you only see him face-to-face in Bell’s alternate ending! I would rate the campaign a 2/10.

    2) Multiplayer

    As of me writing this review (Dec. 2020), I am still disappointed in the multiplayer experience. The maps are either too big or they make you feel claustrophobic. Players have resorted to camping and spamming tacticals/lethals to get kills against enemies. In previous multiplayer experiences the maps were typically more balanced, and you were capable of navigating throughout the map a lot easier without the risk of getting sniped across the map or without being forced to push hard with a few allies in a hard-camped area of the map just to gain an edge.

    The weapon progression system is also frustrating. I do enjoy more options for my weapons, but 55 weapon ranks seems too excessive in my opinion. The only way to rank your weapons up quicker is if you play the multiplayer mode or wait for another 2XP weekend—assuming that isn’t bugging out again.

    This is more of a personal nitpick, and those of you reading may disagree with me, but I really dislike the overall progression system as well. Hitting a prestige rank used to feel meaningful. I would be able to show that I’d put enough time into the game where I could essentially restart my progress for my character and challenge myself to earn back all my perks, weapons and equipment. There’s no challenge, so there doesn’t seem like much of a point to the current progression system. 2/10

    3) Zombies

    I enjoyed Die Maschine. I wasn’t expecting another chapter of the Zombies lore, but this new story seems interesting enough. I’m still not sure how I feel about upgrading your perks, but the weapons customization is a nice touch. 8/10

    4) Conclusion

    I feel like I paid $70 USD for a game I only enjoy one-third of. As of now, I feel like it’s only worth $20 USD. Either wait for that price or don’t buy it at all.    … Expand
  30. Mcfeely08
    Dec 25, 2020
    3
    With a brilliant zombies and a ok campaign, the multiplayer fails this game very very much, with the skilled based matchmaking and the unbalanced guns which makes this game require no skill what so ever, is just a disaster from the get go. They do not seem to care to what the community has to say and are too busy making new skins which nobody cares about rather than fixing there buggyWith a brilliant zombies and a ok campaign, the multiplayer fails this game very very much, with the skilled based matchmaking and the unbalanced guns which makes this game require no skill what so ever, is just a disaster from the get go. They do not seem to care to what the community has to say and are too busy making new skins which nobody cares about rather than fixing there buggy game. This game is just a mess and I would not recommend anyone to buy this game at all, just not fun to play at all.… Expand
  31. JPMO
    Dec 28, 2020
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mal optimizado, aparte de que causa que se trabe el juego y sea injugable
    Hay SBMM Las cosas buenas son los zombies y la campaña pero fuera de eso creo que es el peor black ops    … Expand
  32. iam007me
    Jan 3, 2021
    3
    PC players clean house against console players.
    Constant corner jumping.
    Crashes constantly on the Xbox One X.
    Zombies and campaign only redeeming qualities, but gets repetitive fast.
  33. Bootywooty01
    Mar 30, 2021
    3
    Treyarch proves once again that they should no longer be allowed to make Call of Duty games with Black Ops Cold War. Game was unplayable for the first week, which was a sign for things to come. Balance patches are a rare sight, and when they do come, they hardly change anything noteworthy. Multiplayer is among the most unbalanced in the series, with 2-3 guns being viable in mostTreyarch proves once again that they should no longer be allowed to make Call of Duty games with Black Ops Cold War. Game was unplayable for the first week, which was a sign for things to come. Balance patches are a rare sight, and when they do come, they hardly change anything noteworthy. Multiplayer is among the most unbalanced in the series, with 2-3 guns being viable in most multiplayer maps. With the majority of maps being overly large, sprawling areas with large amounts of dead space (half of the map "Miami" is a beach which is almost entirely unused in gameplay), most people only play on the Nuketown 24/7 playlist. Campaign is good, being the first Black Ops campaign since 2012 to not be a convoluted spin off that barely has any attachment to the franchise. Zombies is excellent, although there are frequent glitches that cause anything from random disconnections, to not being able to que into a game, to having the game completely freeze and require task manager to close. Treyarch's content dripfeed has been severely underwhelming, with only one or two notable things added so far. The battle passes have both been full of filler, with most variants added being simple camouflages that wouldn't look out of place as a gray-tier item in Counter Strike. Overall, Treyarch shows that they have lost their touch with making Call of Duty. Cold War shouldn't have even come out in the first place, considering the pandemic affecting development. Activision should have not released a new game in 2020 and instead, allowed Treyarch to improve their game, instead of delivering a not even half baked and extremely disappointing experience. Don't buy this game if you want to play for the multiplayer, just get Modern Warfare. You should only consider this game for the zombies mode and if it's on sale.… Expand
  34. GTressols
    Jul 27, 2021
    3
    Los tres puntos que le doy son por la campaña y los zombies. El multijugador es una basura, spawns de mierd*, los snipers son solo para clavar mira y campear al igual que las ligeras y lo mas importante es que el SBMM cagó la poca experiencia de juego buena que te puede brindar este pedazo de mierda.
  35. Tharobberduck
    Nov 9, 2021
    3
    The multi-player is broken by cross-play and skill based match making. Controller on console vs mouse on pc, is obviously a disadvantage. If you disable cross-play it takes ages to find a match. And what's the point of getting good at the game, when you're constantly getting more and more skilled opponents. Back in the day, you would get slammed, when you started playing. But as youThe multi-player is broken by cross-play and skill based match making. Controller on console vs mouse on pc, is obviously a disadvantage. If you disable cross-play it takes ages to find a match. And what's the point of getting good at the game, when you're constantly getting more and more skilled opponents. Back in the day, you would get slammed, when you started playing. But as you learned the maps, mechanics and weapons, you could be really good, and get awesome kill n death ratios. That's now destroyed. You can't relax and just play a chilled game. Then you will get destroyed, by the other players. A shame a fundamentally good game is broken by bad decisions. And stop the annoying commercials that pops up every time you start the game. If i want to by Vanguard I'll do it. Annoying that you have to skip the commercials every time you start the game. Activision **** of.… Expand
  36. metadubrev2
    Dec 28, 2020
    2
    another broken game. I like using bots but that aspect of the game is broken. after each match you have to back out to main screen and go through the whole process of setting up again.
  37. Ruthkess_Luke
    Nov 21, 2020
    2
    Would be a 7 or 8 except multi-player shuts your system OFF. Frequently.
    Know how pissed you get when ylur gf shuts your console off in the middle of a match?
    Imagine that except for no reason, with no warning, and doesn't let you grab her butt.
  38. MichaelJordan23
    Nov 27, 2020
    2
    The mechanics are very different and not fluid. It doesn’t feel like a Call of Duty game, much less a Call of Duty: Black Ops game. This game just feels very uninspired and even rushed. They used to only get 2 years and they still made good games, but this is probably the worst Black Ops game to date. Black Ops 1 is the best Call of Duty game in my opinion other than maybe Modern Warfare 2The mechanics are very different and not fluid. It doesn’t feel like a Call of Duty game, much less a Call of Duty: Black Ops game. This game just feels very uninspired and even rushed. They used to only get 2 years and they still made good games, but this is probably the worst Black Ops game to date. Black Ops 1 is the best Call of Duty game in my opinion other than maybe Modern Warfare 2 and World at War. The maps suck and the gameplay sucks as well. Zombie’s is ok, but the 1st map sucks and it feels too easy. One of the worst Call of Duties to date.… Expand
  39. unxc3113d
    Nov 22, 2021
    2
    Купил игру, поставил компанию, запускаю и мне предлагает купить игру еще раз. И это спустя год после релиза. В гугле по запросу "xbox call of duty cold war already purchased" - куча ссылок в т.ч. видео на ютубе и прочее. Пришлось выкачивать весь доступный контент, с учетом того, что мультиплеер мне не нужен - 150Gb ради 4-х часовой компании. Компания норм. Продавать версию для консолейКупил игру, поставил компанию, запускаю и мне предлагает купить игру еще раз. И это спустя год после релиза. В гугле по запросу "xbox call of duty cold war already purchased" - куча ссылок в т.ч. видео на ютубе и прочее. Пришлось выкачивать весь доступный контент, с учетом того, что мультиплеер мне не нужен - 150Gb ради 4-х часовой компании. Компания норм. Продавать версию для консолей нового поколения за отдельный прайс, проигнорировав smart delivery, это вершина жадности. Оценка 2 - за отношение разработчиков к игрокам.… Expand
  40. Johnb091986
    Nov 24, 2020
    2
    £63.99 a graphical discrace game is awful on both next gen consoles.....fps is good but graphically plays like ps3....real lazy work..modern warfare is 100% better than this...also its using recycled assets!
  41. 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
  42. ThePeoplesPlay
    Nov 15, 2020
    2
    Wow this needs work! Just saying. There was some awful graphics and my Xbox X looks like it can hardly load it!
  43. hostile_raider
    Nov 15, 2020
    2
    (CAMPAIGN) very short plus who cares anymore

    (zombies) who cares (MULTIPLAYER) HERE WE GO AGAIN the thing that matters the most and of course is the worst part about the game. SADLY THIS IS NO MW2 BO2 OR BO3 MULTIPLAYER. Its just another WEAKSAUCE cod multiplayer built to protect the people that still have no clue how to play cod mp, Just so they can make more $. If you enjoy going 1    (CAMPAIGN) very short plus who cares anymore

    (zombies) who cares

    (MULTIPLAYER) HERE WE GO AGAIN the thing that matters the most and of course is the worst part about the game. SADLY THIS IS NO MW2 BO2 OR BO3 MULTIPLAYER. Its just another WEAKSAUCE cod multiplayer built to protect the people that still have no clue how to play cod mp, Just so they can make more $. If you enjoy going 1 for 1 almost every game due to strong sbmm, slow clunky mechanics and, WEAKSAUCE boring weapons that all preform almost the same way, even when loaded with attatchments you will enjoy this pile of GARBAGE or at least SWEAT HARD while doing it. Maps are all average at best and pistols and even shotguns are beaten out easily by smgs even in close range situations so why even have them in the game. WEAKSAUCE AF GETTING MY MONEY BACK TOMMOROWS. SO ENJOY SWEATING ALL OVER EACH OTHER LOSERS, PROBABLY JUST FOR A 1.4 KD/WL RATIO HAHA PATHETIC CAUSE I KNOW IN THE END IT WONT BE WORTH IT. :) NOW IM GONNA GO BACK TO 2015 AND PLAY A REAL COD MP CYA........    … Expand
  44. Booooobie
    Nov 18, 2020
    2
    Predictable is an understatement for the campaign. The multiplayer is stale day one. Movement, gunplay, animations, and balance are god awful in comparison to MW. Zombies is tight tho (Treyarch should just make left 4 dead style zombie games)
    This is a step backwards for the franchise just when it felt like it was starting to change for the better.
  45. UnrelentingLoaf
    Nov 19, 2020
    2
    Never been so disappointed with a game purchase. If xbox had not removed the reviews feature I would have known how poorly this game was made. So alas I regret my purchase. Game is a clunky buggy mess that could have been acceptable if made 5 years ago. Does not compare to modern warfare.
  46. Yanaschcka
    Nov 21, 2020
    2
    Short: This game ist broke. Zombie is okey. it makes fun with friends. Campaign is short but it makes fun. i like the different endings and dialogs. In general I like the Campaign. The Multiplayer is much weaker than Modern Warfare. The weapons are broke and not balanced. SBMM is worse than in Modern Warfare. Camper are Everwhere on my Elo (1.7KD). Every year Cod gets much worse. I cantShort: This game ist broke. Zombie is okey. it makes fun with friends. Campaign is short but it makes fun. i like the different endings and dialogs. In general I like the Campaign. The Multiplayer is much weaker than Modern Warfare. The weapons are broke and not balanced. SBMM is worse than in Modern Warfare. Camper are Everwhere on my Elo (1.7KD). Every year Cod gets much worse. I cant recommend it… Expand
  47. xZw0rdx
    Nov 27, 2020
    2
    This game is a complete disappointment. Multiplayer is the most stressful and raw in years, the game is unbalanced, bad gameplay choices, few weapons and few maps with questionable design. The campaign is very good. The zombies are very good too
  48. Hern73
    Nov 27, 2020
    2
    What exactly did we get? This game is whole downgrade x5 from MW. We paid full price expecting a great game but instead we got the beta. I felt as if I was playing counter strike on my pc. Maps get boring to easily and are also too small to be able to explore. I really hope they get it together and don't give us this trash. 2/10
  49. Toothpaste_man
    Nov 28, 2020
    2
    Black ops cold war is the next installment in the recently underwhelming call of duty franchise. In my personal experience the game's core feel is great and often quite enjoyable. The campaign is easily my favorite in the series and zombies is infinitely replayable and very fun, while multiplayer on the other hand is a buggy, sweaty mess. I rarely ever get frustrated with games but thisBlack ops cold war is the next installment in the recently underwhelming call of duty franchise. In my personal experience the game's core feel is great and often quite enjoyable. The campaign is easily my favorite in the series and zombies is infinitely replayable and very fun, while multiplayer on the other hand is a buggy, sweaty mess. I rarely ever get frustrated with games but this has pushed me to my limit. It feels like nothing I do matters going 38-4 then going 4-38. Your performance is almost entirely dictated by the game's #sbmm outside of each gunfight.rgis really sucks as a long time treyarch fan who usually does pretty well in term of multiplayer. Now outside of gameplay this game is about as stable as a house of cards. I play on the Xbox series x and usually the game runs fairly smoothly with few interruptions until..... The game turns the damn machine off. At its worst it was turned off 7 times..7 TIMES! In about a 60 minutes period. This game is poorly optimized at best. I can only hope this game is fixed and playable if ever.… Expand
  50. nroberts5603
    Nov 30, 2020
    2
    Quite frankly, this is the worst Call of Duty I’ve purchased in some time. I haven’t gotten to try the campaign yet for fear of crashing my Series X. As for the multiplayer...yikes. There’s a severely limited map selection and regardless of which map you’re on, you spend the majority of your time getting obliterated as soon as you spawn. I don’t know how their matchmaking algorithm works,Quite frankly, this is the worst Call of Duty I’ve purchased in some time. I haven’t gotten to try the campaign yet for fear of crashing my Series X. As for the multiplayer...yikes. There’s a severely limited map selection and regardless of which map you’re on, you spend the majority of your time getting obliterated as soon as you spawn. I don’t know how their matchmaking algorithm works, but it continuously creates blowouts. I wish I could say it had gorgeous, next-gen graphics, but I have to turn off ray tracing to have ANY chance of it not crashing my system. Overall, this game feels like a beta (did I mention it’ll crash your system?) and is a horribly disappointing product. There have been bad launches in the past that turned out ok, so I hope that’s what happens. Until then, this game is nothing but a regretful purchase.… Expand
  51. otislive356
    Dec 1, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fix your game! I shouldn't have to worry about my console shutting or possibly worse. This was a known problem in Modern Warfare when it released and should've been avoided in this one!… Expand
  52. Juliantkill
    Dec 2, 2020
    2
    Really bad game, to much bugs, I only like campaign, terrorific multiplayer and crashed my Xbox Series X
  53. Rumble1984
    Dec 4, 2020
    2
    Performance so bad!!!
    It dont run on a i5 3450 16 gb ram and a AMD Fury. Modern Warfare runs very good without frame dropping!
    Cold War runs under full hd and still frame drops! unplayable! normaly i want my Money back! and go back to Modern Warfare.
    Fix the hard performance problems...and ban the hackers on the server.
    Also your "balancing" matchmaking is ****
  54. Alexmar28
    Dec 4, 2020
    2
    BMM kill the multiplayer, the experience is realmente bad, zombies and campaing are good
  55. Orion590
    Dec 5, 2020
    2
    Game keeps crashing xbox one console. Gameplay is choppy. Far inferior to modern warfare
  56. Julesbarrios
    Dec 13, 2020
    2
    If it wasn’t for the zombies mode this game would be thrown into the discount bin. As a returning CoD player I’m irate at the thought of this franchise going for dollars instead of acclaim. What an absolute pile of dog ****
  57. Jcan
    Dec 13, 2020
    2
    Waste of money, only way I can justify buying it was by playing zombies but you can only do that so many times.. multiplayer was just trash and the game wasn’t near finished on release but still payed full price
  58. matt32607
    Dec 16, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The campaign is fun but the cutscenes are not watchable, zombies is very good but need more support in the future, multiplayer is decent but cold war ending up crashing my console a couple of times with no ray tracing on.… Expand
  59. Ethonios
    Dec 20, 2020
    2
    Garbage game, SBMM is trash, i went 72-19 then boom, 22-39. Guns are so unbalanced, zombies is insanely repetitive with same map over and over, all maps are trash multiplayer maps except for 4, only reason why it gets a 2 is campaign is amazing but it’s so freaking short.
  60. Fwen
    Jan 14, 2021
    2
    just more of the same. multiplayer isn't any fun and gets extremely boring. I've only owned the game for about 3 days and I'm sick of it, campaign isn't interesting and feels rather dull. It feels like it doesn't go anywhere, Zombies isn't any fun either, it's confusing to new players and again feels dull. Call of Duty: Black Ops: Cold War is an uninspired, unfun, parody of the 1980's.just more of the same. multiplayer isn't any fun and gets extremely boring. I've only owned the game for about 3 days and I'm sick of it, campaign isn't interesting and feels rather dull. It feels like it doesn't go anywhere, Zombies isn't any fun either, it's confusing to new players and again feels dull. Call of Duty: Black Ops: Cold War is an uninspired, unfun, parody of the 1980's. This game feels like the previous entry Modern Warfare, which attempted to revolutionize and revamp Call of Duty, just with a 1980's skin over it. Activision took Modern Warfare, did not change anything, and put 80's fashion over it. Terrible. Awful. Disappointing. If you plan on bringing a character back, at least try to get the original voice actor for them.… Expand
  61. DevilRage
    Jan 18, 2021
    2
    Only crashes on Playstation 5 Multiplayer is fun but SBMM sucks Not recommendable
  62. Nickymkz
    Jan 18, 2021
    2
    The gameplay is horrible complete downgrade from modern warfare. The maps are the worst I’ve seen in a call of duty game like Miami is god awful so isn’t cartel and what the hell is raid and the pines just trash maps awful. And I can’t even stay in the same lobby with people I was just playing with what the hell is that about oh and this “skill based matchmaking” gtfoh with that bs. ThenThe gameplay is horrible complete downgrade from modern warfare. The maps are the worst I’ve seen in a call of duty game like Miami is god awful so isn’t cartel and what the hell is raid and the pines just trash maps awful. And I can’t even stay in the same lobby with people I was just playing with what the hell is that about oh and this “skill based matchmaking” gtfoh with that bs. Then we got the overpowered guns that just came out in Cold War and modern warfare then they nerf the guns that came out on launch so that you would either have to buy the battle pass or some other **** just to have a decent gun. Then the game crashes, shuts down your console and everything else THIS GAME IS BROKEN. The game modes are **** horrific like dirty bomb is the worst **** I’ve ever seen not fun at all. And only play gunfight if you want the other kid on your team to immediately quit or not play and have to play the whole game yourself and if you do find a good person to play with on that mode say see ya before the game ends cuz not like you can play another game with them because it throws everyone out of the lobby. Sure go ahead waste $60 or $70 if you want the Xbox one and the series x game which is bs cuz you can play the 60$ on your series x and one so why even have that option. So yea buy the game if you want to be killed by random grenades and people camping not just one or two whole **** teams camp have fun wasting your time and money on the ****tiest game ever oh and don’t buy it for the campaign that’s **** too. Oh almost forgot make sure you disable cross platform cuz they can’t figure out a way to stop people from using aimbots or wall hacks while playing the game on pc.… Expand
  63. AliensLoveToo
    Jan 23, 2021
    2
    SBMM completely ruined the multiplayer. Everyone knows it. On top of that, there’s some shady sh*t going on with the aim-assist.
  64. ing1
    Feb 6, 2021
    2
    pure disappointment in everything: bad graphics with no details, many crashes, player and opponent movement terribly bad,
    Guns are no fun, everything is cheap and like a game 20 years ago. I made my money in the bin, I don't feel like playing it to the end
  65. Gibbo0619
    Feb 10, 2021
    2
    So many fault and errors from pointless doing objectives as you get more points if you just camp reload issues it pauses cant change calling card or emblem and many more
  66. Wackochacko
    Feb 10, 2021
    2
    Console players have a distinct disadvantage. A couple of nice maps but overall too broken .
  67. rarina
    Feb 16, 2021
    2
    SBMM нет. Отключить кроссплей невозможно. Вполне обыденно, когда во вражеской команде один игрок набивает 100 киллов на Нюктауне, когда как в противоположной команде у топ1 - 30 киллов. Обыденно, когда против Вашей команды нон-стоп серии убийств работают.SBMM нет. Отключить кроссплей невозможно. Вполне обыденно, когда во вражеской команде один игрок набивает 100 киллов на Нюктауне, когда как в противоположной команде у топ1 - 30 киллов. Обыденно, когда против Вашей команды нон-стоп серии убийств работают.
  68. kyrstengus
    May 21, 2021
    2
    This games graphics suck, the lobby's are ALWAYS broken, it's neat impossible to play with 3+ people, all the maps suck (the only good maps they have are from past cod games, which by the way they just made them loom worse) their game modes suck (when they finally make a good one they just take it away) they have no gun fight maps, and this makes me never want to buy another cod again.
  69. CerberusTheWise
    Aug 21, 2021
    2
    Zombies is only redeeming feature. Campaign boring. Multiplayer is so god awful.
  70. SammyHauguth
    Mar 20, 2021
    1
    Using players as hosts when playing zombies... And don't know who the retard was that decided this. But I'm not enjoying the game because of this.
  71. Sirpupsalot
    Jun 28, 2021
    1
    Man I hate this game. Such an incredible downgrade from the previous game - I actually got this game before I ever played modern warfare and despite coming out 2 years later on the series X it’s absolutely awful in comparison
  72. radzman
    Nov 15, 2020
    1
    I can play maybe 1 or two games of multiplayer before getting bored out of my mind. SBMM takes the fun out of every lobby and once again, it's heavily utilized. Gone are the days where i can run around with anything i want and still have fun. I spent upwards of 5 hours trying to unlock akimbo pistols just to find out that there's no way i can make them be viable in game. 28 totalI can play maybe 1 or two games of multiplayer before getting bored out of my mind. SBMM takes the fun out of every lobby and once again, it's heavily utilized. Gone are the days where i can run around with anything i want and still have fun. I spent upwards of 5 hours trying to unlock akimbo pistols just to find out that there's no way i can make them be viable in game. 28 total multiplayer weapons and maybe 3-4 of them are usable. TTK is still incredibly fast and when the connection is as terrible as it is currently, you won't even be able to react before you drop. i've played Multiplayer for about 10 hours in total and i don't think i'll be playing after a few more days. I've been playing CoD since 2007 with CoD 4 and i'm thinking this will be my last CoD for Multiplayer because it's just not fun. I've already been asked what i think of the game by friends and i could not recommend it.

    Campaign is alright. It's extremely short but still fun.

    Zombies is pretty fun. Such a shame that there's only 1 map though. I'd say wait 6 months for them to release new content but that won't fix the fundamental flaws this game has.

    Also annoyed that Halo: Infinite was delayed. i would rather be playing that.    … Expand
  73. Blaha
    Jan 22, 2021
    1
    Sbmm ruins the game, it's a shame

    Maybe 1/20 games are back and forth in TDM... The rest of the games you can tell which team are winning half way thru and that makes is so boring
  74. Chele2552
    Nov 15, 2020
    1
    Multiplayer is absolute trash, warzone is non existent, zombies is a highlight with only one map, pretty sure story the only good thing about the game, is should be a 30$ game at most.
  75. abelhen
    Nov 19, 2020
    1
    Campaign cutscenes are super laggy and unplayable. It’s bricked my Xbox one three times already. Multiplayer Is unfun with SBMM and a super long time to just level up. Zombies is the only thing it has going for it. Zombies is amazing.
  76. AndrewEvolution
    Dec 11, 2020
    1
    Game is broken ! Lot of bugs ! The theme is good but so few modes, maps and guns make the Multiplayer repetitive , don´t waste your time with this crap , feels like a plastic downgrade compared with COD MW ! Also SBMM ruins the matches ! ! !
  77. Gabe7494
    Jan 16, 2021
    1
    I can’t think of something positive to say about this game, it’s just getting worse with every “update” they put out. Haven’t seen a single issue get fixed since launch day. The cutscenes in campaign have lag somehow, any glitch you can think of can be found somewhere in the game, skill based matchmaking is the worst thing to ever happen to multiplayer, combining with Modern Warfare hasI can’t think of something positive to say about this game, it’s just getting worse with every “update” they put out. Haven’t seen a single issue get fixed since launch day. The cutscenes in campaign have lag somehow, any glitch you can think of can be found somewhere in the game, skill based matchmaking is the worst thing to ever happen to multiplayer, combining with Modern Warfare has brought some of Cold War’s problems into MW and the developers just don’t seem to care. Buying this game was my only regret of 2020 and I even own Cyberpunk.… Expand
  78. TTH-YeCoBz
    Nov 27, 2020
    1
    La verdad es que la historia, aunque es bastante corta, es muy divertida, los zombies son entretenidos y intentar hacer el easter egg se siente genial pero la principal razón por la que la mayoría se compra los nuevos call of duty es el multijugador, y este multijugador, con el SBMM es horrible, no es divertido jugar a 200 de ping y enojarse porque las balas no entra, al final la razón porLa verdad es que la historia, aunque es bastante corta, es muy divertida, los zombies son entretenidos y intentar hacer el easter egg se siente genial pero la principal razón por la que la mayoría se compra los nuevos call of duty es el multijugador, y este multijugador, con el SBMM es horrible, no es divertido jugar a 200 de ping y enojarse porque las balas no entra, al final la razón por la que muchos juegan y es claramente la principal es para divertirse, pero a 200 de ping y jugar con gente de tu nivel y tener que estar concentrado toda la partida, no es nada divertido, prefiero irme a jugar al black ops 4 o al 2 en vez de el cod de este año, la peor compra que pude realizar en mucho tiempo, y el peor cod en cuanto a multijugador desde el ghost… Expand
  79. Mohamad4alinzad
    Nov 25, 2020
    1
    Just usually,and very downgrad in every moments and every things u can feel downgrads
  80. Thesquirrel111
    Nov 24, 2020
    1
    Nothing new is added, is basically a redone modern warefare with a smaller budget. Be prepared to have people spawn inside of you and get killed by the MP5 all day every day. I find it surprising that even though I have a positive k/d every game I still find the mutiplayer boring and quite annoying.
  81. bex038
    Nov 18, 2020
    1
    The reason why i give this game 1 point is because of the decent zombies mode. Everything else is pretty bad and the multiplayer is not really enjoyable because of the sweaters i have to play against.
  82. DR-TURKISH-PRO
    Nov 18, 2020
    1
    Just the gameplay really sucks everyone is camping and the movement is bad worst multiplayer
  83. FatAlbert0716
    Nov 18, 2020
    1
    Don’t buy this just because it is COD, it is awful and a waste. They just duplicated Black Ops 2 graphics with the same gameplay and **** mechanics
  84. H3ADLIN3R
    Nov 19, 2020
    1
    Unfortunately it's a pure sweatiest. SBMM and the **** of bugs makes this game merely unplayable for me. CoD is just no fun anymore. Boy, do i miss those old days where you could just put the disc into the console and have fun. Now, you HAVE to always play the hardest you can and always use the best equipment. No diversity etc.
  85. Silver1154
    Nov 21, 2020
    1
    This game has taken a step back in Every way.the visuals are below modern warfare map design feels like a rehash of older black ops maps and it failed.campaighn is good but multiplayer sucks.do yourself a favor a don't buy.this game is even 10$ more to top it off what a slap in the face.it gets a 1 for campaign only
  86. Drewader
    Dec 21, 2020
    1
    This game would be great, but Activision/Treyarch have yet to address the constant crashing issue the game causes on all platforms. I personally have a high-end PC and the game freeze, crash, and/or crashes my whole PC multiple times a day.
    I've put up with it for the past week and hoped it would be address with some patches, but nope. They would much prefer to put out NukeTown than    This game would be great, but Activision/Treyarch have yet to address the constant crashing issue the game causes on all platforms. I personally have a high-end PC and the game freeze, crash, and/or crashes my whole PC multiple times a day.
    I've put up with it for the past week and hoped it would be address with some patches, but nope. They would much prefer to put out NukeTown than address the severe issues with their game. Which leaves me very close to seeking a refund for my purchase and not returning to the game, even if its eventually fixed. I do not want to support a company that refuses to address issues that should have been addressed by now.

    Update:

    The game has not gotten better since the season, that was a week late started. In fact the season only further enhanced the issues with the game. There is clearly no hack prevention because it us absolutely rampant. Especially now that they opened up Trial Accounts. Optimization for RTX is dumpster. Clearly the developers and company are only concerned with putting out a cash grab.
    Treyarch you suck.

    The only decent part of this game was the campaign, but that is overshadowed by the massive dumpster fire that the multiplayer is.    … Expand
  87. AldaiirArevalo
    Nov 26, 2020
    1
    El juego tiene múltiples crasheos por temas de desconexion en el servidor u host. También caídas de fps y pantallas de carga muy prolongadas para iniciar partida multijugador y zombies.
  88. Nyceef
    Nov 28, 2020
    1
    Disappointing, glitchy, and in terms of zombies entirely too hard considering the garbage perks it takes too long to access. I am disappointed on every level and after more than 15 years of support and pre-orders I will never again pre-order one of their games. They have access to too many resources and too much money to have produced such mediocrity.
  89. callofbugs
    Nov 29, 2020
    1
    Ok so lots of bugs , this game reset my xsx often , RT dont work , camping is to short
    My advice dont buy this game becouse can broke your xbox
  90. Alfalfa
    Nov 30, 2020
    1
    I gave 1! Horrible game. Couldn’t finish single campaign because game was crushing every 5 minutes, I thought there’s something wrong with my next gen console but it was this game. Overall horrible experience! 70€? Joke. Dont buy.
  91. Seattleboos7743
    Nov 30, 2020
    1
    This is trash. If it had double the launch maps for multiplayer it would be just alright. I cant play now because it causes my xbox to shut off. F this trash. Theres so many problems that shouldnt be there with an AAA title at all. The campaign is fun but I miss some of the dialogue because the game doesn't load properly. It lags like youtube and pauses than struggles to catch up and I'mThis is trash. If it had double the launch maps for multiplayer it would be just alright. I cant play now because it causes my xbox to shut off. F this trash. Theres so many problems that shouldnt be there with an AAA title at all. The campaign is fun but I miss some of the dialogue because the game doesn't load properly. It lags like youtube and pauses than struggles to catch up and I'm just playimg the campaign. Just trash. Please dont waste your money… Expand
  92. BurstingScore
    Dec 2, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The worst call of duty ever! A lot of bugs and lags! Raytracing is bugged! Cheaters in multiplayer from day 1! Lack of maps and weapons in multiplayer! Bad guns gameplay!… Expand
  93. Aaronbruh209
    Dec 2, 2020
    1
    Most unfinished game I’ve ever played. Split screen doesn’t work, frame rate stutters even on series x, crashes system often and still no patch after almost a month after release. On top of all that, the gameplay movement/aiming just feels sluggish. Best way I can describe it is it feels like I’m playing on a screen with a crazy high response time
  94. NobleWarHamster
    Dec 2, 2020
    1
    Campaign was fun, but blasted through it within a few hours, after the campaign, what you are left with is multiplayer and zombies. Which feels like an incomplete game. Weapon choices seem few and far between unlike some of their more recent titles, and the only Weapons you’ll be using anyways are the MP5 and Mauer shotgun. Multiplayer plays laggy and and the map layout feels rushed. AllCampaign was fun, but blasted through it within a few hours, after the campaign, what you are left with is multiplayer and zombies. Which feels like an incomplete game. Weapon choices seem few and far between unlike some of their more recent titles, and the only Weapons you’ll be using anyways are the MP5 and Mauer shotgun. Multiplayer plays laggy and and the map layout feels rushed. All in all, it’s still fun to play, but they know we’re going to give them our money regardless, so I feel like they just ran out of **** in this one.… Expand
  95. Kyaal
    Dec 3, 2020
    1
    1 simply for the zombies effort, well done to the zombies team. Campaign is forgettable. Don't get me started with multiplayer... Me and my friends decided it's arguably the worst COD ever made. Treyarch/infinity ward and others should have given this year a miss instead of releasing a game that plays and feels like a pre alpha
  96. animaczech
    Dec 4, 2020
    1
    Really bad performance of the game. On specific maps even without the rate tracing there is a huge FPS drop. Game is unstable it crashes a lot. And it’s the only game which somehow make my xbox crashed completely.
    There is a lack of the game content and maps. Campaign is really short, graphics are worse than modern warfare. :( I am disappointed!
  97. im_honest_ea
    Dec 18, 2020
    1
    This game was a huge disappointment and after playing it for a while with SBMM all this game feels like it's filled with just sweats. The only redeeming quality is zombies but, even that's still bad with me getting kicked out of high rounds and frames dropping for a game that feels like it's only a current Gen console. Would rather buy CyberPunk cause at least you know they put more timeThis game was a huge disappointment and after playing it for a while with SBMM all this game feels like it's filled with just sweats. The only redeeming quality is zombies but, even that's still bad with me getting kicked out of high rounds and frames dropping for a game that feels like it's only a current Gen console. Would rather buy CyberPunk cause at least you know they put more time in their game.… Expand
  98. forkinthebutt
    Dec 10, 2020
    1
    Don't listen to the critics, this game is terrible... multi-player is quick scoping or nothing, so if you don't quick scope all the time don't think you will get on here and ever get a positive KD... only redeeming part of this game is zombies... I'm reinstalling MW
  99. KingOfDNorth
    Dec 15, 2020
    1
    This Game was breaking people’s console and almost broke mine. Avoided zombies because of all the bugs. The campaign was literally 6-7 hours of rushed gameplay with bugs that crashed my console twice. SBMM makes multiplayer matches unbearable, you have to camp to get a decent score. Activism only cares about selling their season passes. Gave a 1 - The game crashed my console twice b - SBMMThis Game was breaking people’s console and almost broke mine. Avoided zombies because of all the bugs. The campaign was literally 6-7 hours of rushed gameplay with bugs that crashed my console twice. SBMM makes multiplayer matches unbearable, you have to camp to get a decent score. Activism only cares about selling their season passes. Gave a 1 - The game crashed my console twice b - SBMM makes multiplayer unbearable
    c - Zombies are crashing peoples consoles so I haven’t tried it. d - there are paywalls attached to better skins Ana camo’s.    … Expand
  100. grey_k1ller
    Dec 16, 2020
    1
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2020
2
#2 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. WellPlayed
    Feb 11, 2021
    70
    The beating heart of the Call of Duty experience in terms of multiplayer feels like a solid return to the classic formula, but abundant technical issues make this a worrying stumble into a new generation.
    Read full review
  2. Game Over Online
    Dec 1, 2020
    70
    Overall, despite some performance issues, I rather enjoyed the mercenaries, spies and private eyes campaign that is Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. I’d like to see the development team get a chance to really flesh out a longer campaign in this style, but you know…the call of duty.
    Read full review
  3. M3
    Nov 30, 2020
    60
    With an entertaining campaign, great online opportunities and panic-stricken zombie slaughter, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is an impressive package. Still, we can not help but feel disappointed. The best parts of the campaign could have been developed much more and the online modes feel well stripped down. Cold War still impresses, but with more development time, it could have been so much more than "this year's Call of Duty game".
    Read full review
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