Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Cold War has an innovative campaign with player choice mechanics and investigation-based gameplay, but these ideas are severely underutilized. Multiplayer feels sluggish with poor map design and aggressive SBMM while zombies remains a tired gimmick.

A mediocre, by-the-numbers entry that recycles the same five-hour campaign, thin multiplayer and zombies formula yet again. The gunplay is satisfying and meaty, and the campaign's branching choices and multiple endings add some variety, but the enemy AI is atrocious, combat is far too easy and hand-holding, and the keybinding and disconnection issues are a real nuisance. Only worth it for fans content with more of the same.

Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War Campaign is a strong recommendation with compelling gameplay and design.

Campaign is very solid, long-term multiplayer will be enjoyable. Initial multiplayer grind is brutal — success hinges on Treyarch ongoing support. Modern Warfare comparison mixed — some things better, some worse.

One of the best surprises of 2020. Campaign is a top-5 story this year with meaningful choices and excellent execution.

Solid, safe entry with compelling campaign but underwhelming choices; not essential for players invested elsewhere.

Strong package with excellent campaign, solid multiplayer, and traditional zombies mode.

Campaign outstrips MW with fantasy/intrigue. Good co-op Zombies. Multiplayer falls flat with server issues, lacking key mechanics.