Call of Duty has long been criticised for its lack of innovation. While each instalment may introduce new maps and weapons, the core gameplay often feels stagnant, with little to distinguish one title from the next. This was especially true in recent years, as the franchise seemed more focused on chasing trends than redefining its identity. Modern Warfare (2019) attempted to break the mould, but its success came with compromises, leaving subsequent releases feeling formulaic.

Going into Black Ops 6, expectations were low — another rehash, this time set in the 1990s. But after sinking over 30 hours into the game, it is clear that Treyarch has delivered one of the most unique Call of Duty experiences in years. Drawing inspiration from past entries, Black Ops 6 reinvigorates its campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes with ambitious design changes. While it isn’t perfect, it marks a fresh chapter for the franchise.

The standout innovation in Black Ops 6 is the omni-movement system, a dramatic overhaul that lets players sprint, slide, and dive in any direction. This new mobility mechanic radically changes how gunfights unfold, allowing players to maintain focus on opponents even while evading or repositioning. Sliding sideways into cover or diving backward mid-duel creates dynamic and stylish combat sequences reminiscent of action films. For the first time in years, Call of Duty’s movement feels transformative.

Omni-movement injects a new layer of skill expression into multiplayer, making every match an opportunity to master creative strategies. However, this freedom also introduces issues. The pace of gameplay has accelerated to near-jetpack levels, sometimes feeling overwhelming. Treyarch’s attempt to balance this frenetic energy is hindered by the map design: only two of the 16 launch maps, Skyline and Vault, fully utilise omni-movement’s potential. The rest stick to the traditional three-lane format, which clashes with the new mechanics, creating chaotic and unpredictable matches.

Despite its flawed map roster, Black Ops 6’s multiplayer remains addictive. The return of fan-favourite features like account prestige and Dark Ops challenges adds depth to progression, while weapon customization has been reworked to emphasise unique traits over min-maxing stats. These changes breathe life into a mode that had been teetering on monotony.

While multiplayer introduces bold new ideas, Zombies is where Black Ops 6 truly shines. Treyarch has blended the best elements of past iterations to craft a mode that caters to both newcomers and veterans. Classic mechanics like Cold War’s rarity and elemental upgrades and Black Ops 3’s Gobblegum system return, providing powerful tools to outlast the undead hordes. Combined with omni-movement, these mechanics create an exhilarating, high-stakes experience.

Zombies’ roster of enemies has also expanded, featuring not only shambling undead but also armoured soldiers, mutated spiders, and lightning-breathing monstrosities. The difficulty curve is steep, forcing players to master the game’s systems to survive. Each match is an opportunity to discover new strategies, and the variety of secrets and Easter eggs ensures replayability.

After years of division within the Zombies community — whether over Black Ops 4’s convoluted puzzles or Cold War’s overly casual design — Black Ops 6 strikes a near-perfect balance. It offers depth and challenge without alienating its audience, making this the most compelling iteration since Black Ops 3.

If multiplayer and Zombies are Black Ops 6’s triumphs, the campaign is its biggest disappointment. Set in the 1990s, the story follows a faceless protagonist, Case, and their team as they take on a shadowy organisation called The Pantheon. While the setup teases a spy thriller filled with conspiracies and psychological warfare, the execution falls flat. A single plot twist derails the narrative, turning a promising story into a generic corridor shooter by the final act.

Despite the lacklustre story, the campaign excels in mission design, particularly in its first half. Highlights include a tense blackmail operation at a political rally, a high-stakes casino heist, and non-linear levels that borrow from open-world gameplay. These missions push the boundaries of traditional Call of Duty campaigns, but they can’t compensate for underdeveloped characters and a shallow antagonist. Ultimately, the campaign feels like a missed opportunity.

Black Ops 6 is an ambitious entry that succeeds in many areas while stumbling in others. The omni-movement system redefines multiplayer, making it the most exciting it has been in years, and Zombies mode is a standout return to form. However, the campaign struggles to find its footing, and the map design holds back multiplayer’s full potential. Even so, Black Ops 6 represents a step forward for the franchise, proving that Call of Duty still has room to evolve.

For players seeking innovation and a fresh take on the series, Black Ops 6 is a worthy investment. It might not be perfect, but it is a bold experiment that lays the groundwork for future success.