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Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 • 2023

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Quick resume

Black Ops Cold War, the direct sequel to Call of Duty®: Black Ops, will drop fans into the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s.

Global score

80/100

Genres

Action, Shooter

Pros

  • Engaging campaign with multiple endings
  • Strong zombies mode with co-op and progression
  • Classic and satisfying multiplayer gameplay
  • Good customization and weapon variety
  • Active player base with crossplay support

Cons

  • Requires constant internet connection
  • Multiplayer can be clunky or unbalanced
  • Some technical issues and crashes reported
  • Campaign is relatively short
  • Grind for unlocks can be tedious

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have control over campaign choices, loadouts, and playstyles, but multiplayer and zombies modes follow established FPS structures."

  • Competence
    4

    "Game offers skill-based multiplayer, challenging zombies mode, and a campaign with varied difficulty; players report mastering mechanics and strategies."

  • Competition
    4

    "Multiplayer features ranked modes and skill-based matchmaking; players engage in competitive matches and leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Many players report long play sessions, habitual engagement especially in zombies mode, and continued interest years after release."

  • Cooperation
    4

    "Zombies mode and some multiplayer modes emphasize teamwork and co-op play; players enjoy collaborating with friends."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Customization of weapons and characters is present; zombies mode includes loadout customization and some creative map design, but core gameplay follows FPS conventions."

  • Domination
    2

    "Competitive multiplayer includes elements of dominance, but no strong evidence of toxic or authoritarian behavior beyond typical competitive trash talk."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to relieve stress, escape real life, and immerse in Cold War era fiction and zombie survival."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Most players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore different campaign choices, weapon loadouts, and zombie strategies, indicating experimentation within game systems."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Campaign and zombies modes offer new areas and secrets; exploration is present but within structured levels."

  • Expression
    3

    "Players customize characters, weapons, and skins, expressing personal style especially in multiplayer and zombies."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Game immerses players in Cold War espionage fiction and supernatural zombie scenarios, providing strong imaginative experiences."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Players form communities around zombies and multiplayer modes, sharing experiences and collaborating."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in multiplayer combat, zombies strategies, and campaign tactics, showing learning and improvement."

  • Health
    -4

    "Game is a sedentary FPS experience with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and active engagement; not suited for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Social interactions occur mainly in cooperative modes; some emotional sharing among friends but limited evidence of deep relationships."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Some players take leadership roles in co-op zombies or multiplayer teams, but no strong emphasis on leadership."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression systems with weapon upgrades, unlocks, and leveling in multiplayer and zombies modes."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find zombies mode relaxing and enjoyable; multiplayer can be tense but campaign offers balanced challenge."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Game provides sensory stimulation through graphics, sound design, and intense action sequences."

  • Status
    3

    "Players seek recognition through ranks, achievements, and cosmetic unlocks visible to others."

  • Story
    4

    "Campaign offers narrative immersion with multiple endings and character development; zombies mode has its own storyline."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Players engage in tactical planning in multiplayer and zombies, including loadout choices and map control."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Game delivers suspense and excitement through tense combat, surprise zombie encounters, and campaign twists."

  • Value
    3

    "Players generally perceive good value especially when purchased on sale; content variety adds to perceived return."

  • Violence
    4

    "Enjoyment of combat and destruction is central to gameplay across all modes."

  • Survival
    4

    "Zombies mode and some multiplayer modes emphasize survival against threats and resource management."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026