Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | Further Thoughts & Opinions

I've been fairly invested in Cold War's multiplayer. I started playing it not long after I played the campaign. Shortly after that though I encountered a console bricking bug that caused me to step away for a good few days. A bug that has seemingly since been fixed, or made fixable. I read up on fixes, and found that the most agreed upon workaround was in regards to downloading the right version for the console you are playing on. This CoD release actually marked the first time a Call of Duty game had been released on dual platforms of the same brand. In the rush to get the game out there was obviously some missteps that resulted in the game auto-downloading certain files that were either new-gen friendly or old-gen compatible. Making it not work correctly in some instances depending on the console in use. I actually ended up deleting the original download, and went back to the library to re-download the appropriate files. Being I got a reviewers copy I wasn't able to download the proper version from the PSN Store which would have been the preferable method of dealing with it. Now that it's fixed, and I've spent more time with the maps, and loadout options I feel more comfortable in giving my opinions on the multiplayer gameplay.

Down to the brass tacks ... I think, in all honesty, Cold War suffers from a bad netcode, unfair matchmaking, and gunplay that feels less satisfying or rewarding than it did in Infinity Ward's latest take on Modern Warfare. The netcode, and matchmaking in the game are staple features that cause a major conflict of interests in regards to their intended functions. Players who lagswitch or cheat can pretty much instakill any player in any lobby, and despite these cheaters having ridiculous elims they'll still find their way into lobbies with players who are less than prepared to deal with the disadvantage. Supposedly the matchmaking is skill based this time around, but even so it does not stop the lobbies from becoming sweaty 24/7, because legit players can easily move up the skill ladder in fair matches making them a sweaty lobby candidate. I, myself, have always been a mid-tier player in Call of Duty. I'm able to maintain a positive k/d, and win/loss stats. Just above negative digits. Thus planting me firmly into the range of matchmaking reserved for the most sweaty players. Mostly because I camp like a bastard, and take advantage of vantage points which in turn earns me more elims than deaths on a regular basis. Even in Cold War I can maintain positive stats. In fact it's oddly more easy to do due to the many flanking points made available. There's too many "peek-a-boo MF'er" opportunities for anyone playing. I personally chock this off to a lack of in-game soldier clarity. The in-game character models are harder to spot. Both from a close angle, and at a far away distance. It doesn't help that characters blend in easily with the map environments, and set pieces either.

On a different note, I find the grind in Cold War to be a little bit too much when it comes to season ranking. You're not rewarded rank XP every match. Most XP goes to unlocking loadout and weapon options. That's fine to a point, but when trying to reach the goal for the season's blueprint reward, and max prestige it makes it a frustrating climb. I think Treyarch designed it this way to stretch out players' commitment, and interest due to the lack of content made available at launch. Like so many others who have said it I too think Cold War seems more like a rushed out Beta than a full game. The lack of unlockables, a season pass, and cosmetic store really left a bad impression on me. The limited amount of content in the way of base level banners, emblems, keychains, etc., also made for a lack of motivational material worthy of continuing the grind for. The game really does feel like a work in progress in so many was, and desperately needs more to make the grind worth it.

Moving on ...

Soon I'll be diving into Zombies to give you the heads up on the mode, and it's offerings. My opinions, and thoughts on it. I've been a hit or miss Zombies fan throughout the years, but did enjoy Black Ops 4's zombie mode. Something about the gladiator theme struck a chord with me as did the expansions and their themes. Hopefully it's as good as I've heard ...

In closing I'll say this ... Cold War still needs some serious work to be a worthwhile investment, and time sink. It needs some spit, and shine, so to speak. Until then I'm not as impressed as I could have been. When the season pass rolls around on the 16th I'll give you the lowdown on that as well, life willing.