Call of Duty®: Black Ops III similar games & best alternatives
Call of Duty®: Black Ops III
2015
Related articles
Quick resume
Call of Duty®: Black Ops III Zombies Chronicles Edition includes the full base game plus the Zombies Chronicles content expansion.
Global score
85/100
Genres
Action, Adventure, Shooter
Similar games
Pros
- Extensive zombies mode with rich lore and community mod support
- Engaging cooperative gameplay
- Advanced movement and combat mechanics
- Customization and expression options
- Replayability through mods and dlc
Cons
- Multiplayer population decline and hacking issues
- Poor optimization on some systems
- High price for an older game
- Campaign considered weak or confusing
- Security concerns on older pc ports (patched but noted)
Analysis
Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Domination, Status. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Intimacy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Value, Domination.
How to use the graph
Similar games map
Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.
- Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
- Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
- Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
- Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.
Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players have extensive control over loadouts, character specialists, and modding/custom maps especially in Zombies mode, allowing personal freedom in gameplay choices."
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Competence3
"The game offers skill-based challenges especially in Zombies mode with Easter eggs and high rounds, and multiplayer requires skillful use of movement and specialists."
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Competition2
"Multiplayer includes ranked modes and leaderboards, but many reviews note multiplayer is mostly dead; Zombies mode is cooperative with some competitive elements."
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Continuation4
"Strong habitual play in Zombies mode with extensive mod support and community maps encouraging long-term engagement."
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Cooperation4
"Zombies mode is heavily cooperative, supporting multiplayer co-op and community play; campaign also supports co-op play."
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Creativity5
"Extensive modding and Steam Workshop support for Zombies maps and multiplayer customizations enable high creativity and player-driven content."
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Domination-2
"While multiplayer is competitive, community and cooperative play in Zombies mode emphasize shared experiences over domination."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game to escape real life stresses, with immersive futuristic settings and engaging Zombies gameplay providing distraction and flow."
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Expectation-3
"Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest, especially for Zombies mode and modding; some frustration with price and multiplayer issues but no obligation."
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Experimenting5
"High experimentation encouraged through modding, custom maps, and varied gameplay mechanics like specialists and movement."
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Exploration3
"Zombies maps and campaign offer exploration of new areas and secrets; mod maps further expand discovery opportunities."
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Expression4
"Customization of characters, weapons, and loadouts plus emblem and paintjob editors support player expression."
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Fantasy4
"Futuristic sci-fi setting with cybernetic enhancements and zombie horror elements provide strong fantasy immersion."
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Fellowship4
"Community and cooperative play in Zombies mode foster social connection and group identity."
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Growth3
"Progression systems and skill challenges in multiplayer and Zombies encourage learning and mastery."
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Health-4
"Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention and active engagement, especially in multiplayer and Zombies modes."
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Intimacy3
"Cooperative modes and community interactions support forming friendships and social bonds."
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Leadership2
"Some opportunities for leadership in team-based multiplayer and cooperative Zombies play, but shared decision-making is common."
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Progression4
"Strong progression through leveling, unlocking weapons, cosmetics, and gobblegums, especially in Zombies and multiplayer."
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Relaxation2
"Gameplay balances challenge and flow, but some tension exists in high rounds and competitive multiplayer."
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Sensation3
"Visually and aurally stimulating with detailed graphics, immersive sound design, and fast-paced action."
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Status1
"Some recognition through leaderboards and unlocks, but multiplayer population decline limits social status opportunities."
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Story2
"Campaign has a complex narrative; Zombies mode has rich lore and Easter eggs; multiplayer is context-light."
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Strategy4
"Requires strategic thinking in multiplayer loadouts, specialist abilities, and Zombies Easter eggs and map navigation."
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Thrill3
"Tense moments in Zombies and competitive multiplayer provide thrills and suspense."
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Value-2
"Many reviews criticize high price for an older game, recommending purchase only on sale for good value."
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Violence4
"Enjoyment of combat and destruction is central, especially in multiplayer and Zombies combat."
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Survival4
"Zombies mode emphasizes survival against waves of enemies with resource management and strategic defense."
Last update: 29/04/2026