As a seasoned gamer who has witnessed the evolution of the gaming industry since the days of Doom and GoldenEye, I must say that the return of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s campaign has been nothing short of a breath of fresh air. After the lackluster Modern Warfare 3 (2023) campaign, it felt like COD had lost its touch. But fear not, for this new campaign is a masterclass in blending tension, espionage, and frantic first-person shooter action – reminding us all of the glory days when single-player campaigns were celebrated.
Players of Black Ops 6 are thrilled with the latest campaign, and it’s a classic revival that long-time fans have eagerly anticipated.
Following the snooze-inducing Modern Warfare 3 (2023) campaign, Call of Duty managed to hit the mark with Black Ops 6. Remarkably, they delivered a campaign that transformed a suspenseful tale of spies and espionage into an exhilarating first-person shooter experience.
Similar to how the initial Black Ops and Black Ops: Cold War set the stage before it, there were instances when the campaign of BO6 brought me back to a time when single-player campaigns in first-person shooter (FPS) games were highly acclaimed. Games like GoldenEye 007, Doom, Halo, and even early Call of Duty titles played a significant role in shaping the genre, yet this seems to have taken a backseat recently.
Call of Duty campaigns are still worth it
I frequently find myself taken aback and disappointed during discussions about single-player aspects in first-person shooter (FPS) games nowadays, as there can be a strange disdain towards them. This sentiment is particularly evident when we talk about the campaigns in Call of Duty series.
Among certain gamers, expressions such as “I haven’t touched a COD campaign since Advanced Warfare,” “There seems to be no one playing COD campaigns these days,” and “You still play the single-player mode in COD?” are all sentiments I have encountered, and it’s truly unfortunate.
It’s not entirely unfounded that these players feel this way: Call of Duty campaigns have changed from what they once were in both cultural relevance and overall quality. However, even when the campaigns are top-notch, they’re frequently overlooked without a closer look. In essence, this is simply a reflection of how the gaming industry has adapted over time.
It’s true that multiplayer games are widely prevalent nowadays, but it’s important to note that the demise of single-player games, such as first-person shooters, has been overstated. Games like Doom Eternal, Wolfenstein, Halo Infinite, and the Far Cry series incorporate multiplayer aspects, yet their primary allure remains the immersive single-player experience they offer.
COD redefined the first-person shooter
Indeed, it’s worth noting that in 2024, none of these franchises can match the dominance of Call of Duty. However, I would contend that for a period, no other franchise excelled at single-player campaigns like Call of Duty did. While there might be an “Okay, Boomer” feel to this (even though I’m technically a Millennial), let me explain. Growing up, many of us were introduced to first-person shooters before the era of multiplayer gaming, so yes, we carry a certain bias. But that’s simply because we had such enjoyable experiences with these games.
It’s important to note that we share the same passion for Warzone and other competitive online shooters as many others do; however, what sets us apart is our admiration for a thrilling first-person shooter (FPS) campaign and an engaging storyline. The pivotal moment for Call of Duty came with the release of the original Modern Warfare in 2007. Similar to the games I mentioned earlier, this installment redefined the FPS genre, and since then, its impact has been profound.
But it wasn’t just the multiplayer that made MW1 (2007) a hit; its memorable cast of characters is another significant factor. Characters like Captain Price, Soap, Ghost, and Gaz from the Taskforce 141 team have endured and remain relevant in today’s Call of Duty series. This is why they stand out as iconic figures.
The iconic Modern Warfare series transformed these characters into familiar faces and engaged players with their compelling narratives. The nuclear explosion in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Allied forces, Soap’s demise, and the “No Russian” mission in MW2 (2009) left a deep impact on me – as well as many other gamers. These events sparked such anticipation that we eagerly awaited Modern Warfare 3 (2011) to see the series’ antagonist, Makarov, receive his due justice.
It’s clear that if you haven’t experienced the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, you’re missing out on something truly special. The passion I have for Call of Duty, and the very reason I find myself writing this article on a Monday afternoon, can be traced back to these captivating stories. And let me tell you, it’s not just about the amazing multiplayer experience that Call of Duty has been known for, year after year.
Keep campaigns coming
So, when other players forget, belittle, or don’t understand the value of these experiences, it can be quite frustrating. I’d also include Activision themselves in this. When the publisher made the decision to not include a story campaign in Black Ops 4, that alienated me as a player. I look forward to my annual blast through a COD campaign. Even if I’m too busy with other games and life commitments to fully embrace the multiplayer these days, I always make time for the campaign.
I enjoy playing Call of Duty because its single-player first-person shooter experiences are among the best I’ve ever encountered, and I can’t imagine a world without them. Unfortunately, I recognize that I’m part of a dwindling group and represent a small segment of COD players. It’s challenging to identify the exact moment when players lost interest in single-player Call of Duty games. My guess is it was around the time between Ghosts and Infinite Warfare, but the decline wasn’t sudden; instead, it appears to have been a gradual process.
To certain gamers, witnessing Black Ops 6’s campaign receive its due recognition might serve as a reminder of the exceptional quality a Call of Duty (COD) campaign can offer. For younger players, this could spark their curiosity to explore it, but I suspect for many veterans, the bias is too deeply entrenched. The reality is, while some COD campaigns have been unremarkable – I’m looking at you, Modern Warfare 3 remake – most are actually quite commendable.
2024 has proven that the Call of Duty story campaign is highly appreciated, which makes me feel less isolated as a gamer and reassures me that there are others who share my passion for these campaigns. While multiplayer modes are undeniably thrilling, single-player campaigns have always been a crucial aspect of first-person shooters, and it’s heartening to see Activision continuing to recognize this. I’m eagerly anticipating the innovative ideas they’ll bring in 2025!
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2024-10-28 19:49