Gamer Chronicles

COD Black Ops 6: Nostalgia, Chaos, and Zombie Madness

• Aden • Episode 5

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In this episode of Gamer Chronicles, we break down the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, exploring everything from its nostalgic yet chaotic campaign to the frantic multiplayer mode and impressive Zombies experience. Black Ops 6 promises innovation while embracing CoD’s roots, but does it deliver on all fronts?

The episode kicks off with a roundup of the latest gaming news, covering:

  • Monster Hunter Wilds struggling with performance issues in its PC beta.
  • BioWare’s surprising decision to shift focus from Dragon Age: The Veilguard DLC to the next Mass Effect.
  • Disappointing reception of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on PC due to performance and accessibility issues.
  • A sneak peek at Slitterhead, a rough-around-the-edges horror game from the creator of Silent Hill.
  • The latest on Roblox’s massive user growth, Ubisoft’s quiet NFT game release, Dragon Quest 3's HD-2D remake, and Turtle Beach’s new Stealth Pivot controller.

Then, we dive into Black Ops 6:

  • Campaign: A classic spy-thriller feel with fun missions and 90s nostalgia, featuring choices and creative missions like infiltrating a gala with Bill Clinton.
  • Multiplayer: Introducing omni-movement, which adds speed and chaos to gameplay but raises challenges for snipers and cross-play balance.
  • Zombies Mode: A fresh take on classic Zombies with new maps, enemies, and exciting features like exfil mechanics.
  • Visuals and Sound: High production values shine, despite some technical bugs and clunky interface issues.

We wrap up with final thoughts on Black Ops 6’s bold return to form, packed with intensity, innovation, and nostalgic charm, making it a wild ride for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Stay tuned for more gaming updates and deep dives in upcoming episodes!

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 ------ Intro ------  0:00


Welcome to Game of Chronicles, the podcast where pixels tell stories and gamers become legends. I'm your host, Aden. And today We're breaking down Call of Duty Black Ops six, a game that has been in development for four years with the goal of shaking up the franchise while keeping the classic COD feel. With Treyarch and Raven teaming up. They've promised a mix of nostalgia with innovation, and for the most part, they pulled it off. So let's dive into what makes this instalment a unique beast in the Call of Duty franchise. 

But of course, first the news. So welcome to today's gaming news roundup. So we've got a lot to cover from performance issues in popular titles to surprising studio decisions and remaster misfires. So pretty much standard really for news these days. 


 ------ Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Struggles ------  1:18


So first up, Monster Hunter Wild is facing major issues in its open beta on PC. Players are struggling with graphical glitches that turn characters and monsters into pixelated messes, even on high end systems. problems have been so severe that many are calling for Capcom to delay the game's release to ensure it gets the polish it needs. Capcom has acknowledged the issues and is working on patches, but this launch is a reminder of the challenges and optimizing PC games across different hardware setups. So fingers crossed that these fixes arrive soon, allowing players to experience monster hunter wilds as intended. Luckily is the beta because otherwise it would be really bad if they released this full, but is also pretty much the game done with just a few tweaks that are required for a few months. It looks like they need to go back and really look at this. to be fair, a lot of games that have come out this year have been quite optimized quite well on PC, and that includes Dragon Age, the Veilguard, which I'm playing at the moment. Call of Duty and God of War Ragnarök. 


 ------ BioWare Shifts Focus from Dragon Age to Mass Effect ------  2:22


Next. BioWare has confirmed that Dragon Age, the Veilguard won't be receiving any major downloadable expansions, making a significant shift in the studio's approach. Unlike past titles that received rich post-launch content like Dragon Age, Inquisition, Trespasser, BioWare plans to focus on quality of life updates for the Veilguard while redirecting resources is to the next Mass Effect game. While some fans are disappointed, Bioware's commitment to the upcoming project suggests they're aiming for a high quality, immersive experience. This is not the first time The people who make Spider-Man who Promise DLC have actually cancelled all the DLC to work on the Venom game. And when it comes to BioWare, I mean, I'm playing the Veilguard at the moment, so that review will come hopefully next week. But let's just say I can understand why they won't be focusing on the DLC and want to do the mass Effect thing, because at the moment I'm unsure of the game, so I can't really comment on it because I've only played it for about 10 hours. So I will want to finish it and then start talking about it probably for next week's episode, And hopefully it is a very good game so far. Not sure, but as it develops, hopefully the reason they're not releasing DLC for it is not because it's a bad game and they're panicked that they will shut that down, hopefully because it's a very good game and doesn't need it and people can look forward to this. 


 ------ Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster Falls Short ------  3:47


This one is a bit disappointing because all the Sony games that have come on to PC have performed excellent. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, which has had a rocky debut on PC with player counts falling behind the original Complete Edition's performance. Many players felt that the improvements in the remaster don't justify a switch, as the original had already been heavily optimized through the years of patches. Additionally, Sony's requirement of a PlayStation network account and regional restrictions have further limited the remasters reach. This reception suggests Sony strategy for PC releases might need a rethink to better meet players expectations and regional demands. Because there's something silly like over 100 countries that don't have access to PlayStation Network. you know, there are a number of reasons behind it, such as lack of laws to prevent piracy of games. Sanctions in place. There could be a lot of reasons for this. But the fact that Sony are purposely doing it and there's no need for a PSN account on the PC limits what gamers do in these countries. And it's just not good for the industry because everyone should be able to enjoy these games, especially if they're not playing on a PlayStation and playing on a PC because Steam is all over the place, so they should be able to enjoy this experience without having to log into something that might not work in their country. 


 ------ Slitterhead Promises a Unique Horror Experience ------  5:13


All right. Moving on in the horror game, Slither had an upcoming title from Silent Hill Creator Keiichiro Toyama promises an original experience that Toyama himself describes as a bit rough around the edges. Launching on November 8th. The game emphasizes freshness and creativity, even if it means sacrificing some Polish. Fans of Toyama's work are intrigued by this approach, looking forward to an action horror experience that's not afraid to take risks. I mean, the Silent Hill games are some of the best horror games out there. And on YouTube and look at Slither Head. It looks incredible. And I think this is going to be great for horror fans. It's just a shame that it didn't come out on the 31st of October because that really would have gone with the horror experience. So I hope this game is good. I don't really play horror games, so don't expect anything from me on this one. 


 ------ Roblox’s Player Growth and Financial Success ------  6:10


And another Roblox story, this time on the business side of things. The Roblox Corporation has seen a surge in its user base and in-game spending, leading to a revised Full year revenue forecast of $4.37 billion. Roblox reported 88.9 million daily active users, its highest growth rate in two years. The platform's appeal to older users alongside algorithm improvements and developer updates seems to be paying off big time. With these numbers, it's clear that Roblox continues to dominate the social gaming space. I went to the Smiths toys to get my son a toy the other day and there were these teenagers looking to buy robux. It's not something that I would have expected, you know, at my age to see people trying to buy fake currency from a shop with money never thought of that. online a lot of people would do it, like with Fortnite and stuff. But now to be able to go into a shop and say, I want to buy some robux for real money, I just find that really bizarre. But there you go. That's where we are now. 


 ------ Ubisoft’s Quiet NFT Game Release ------  7:15


So switching gears, Ubisoft, always every time I would be soft has to be in the news. Recently they launched an NFT based game champion Tactics Grimm Warrior Chronicles with minimal fanfare. And this was sneaky because if you go on the website and you type in this game on Google, it doesn't say anything about Ubisoft until you just dive a little bit further. Known for previous unsuccessful NFT integrations in games such as Ghost Recon, Breakpoint, Ubisoft a similarly tried to fly under the radar. This time players need both an Ubisoft account and an active crypto wallet to participate and high prices for in-game Nfts haven't helped the game's popularity. The muted release suggests Ubisoft might be fulfilling all the NFT obligations as they cautiously test the waters in a market that has shown a lukewarm reception to NFT gaming. It' like Ubisoft want to just fucking sink because it seems that everything they do, they want people to hate them. It's like they're trying to compete with EA and Activision for the top most hated company in the world in gaming. And it's not even like they're trying hard anymore because every week there's some other stupid thing that they're fucking doing and this is just ridiculous. The fact that you need a crypto wallet play a game that is from a major developer is ridiculous and nfts were a thing and now they're not. No one does NFT anymore. 


 ------ Dragon Quest 3 Remake: A Nostalgic Touch with Modern Hiccups ------  8:44


And this one is for you. Dragon Quest three fans. So Dragon Quest three HD 2D remake is capturing attention, especially among fans of classic RPGs. The remake retains the 1988 title's charms with improved graphics, difficulty options and quality of life improvements, yet still feels minimalistic by today's standards. While the nostalgia is strong, the game could benefit from more accessibility options for a modern audience. And some players have noted an emerging breaking DLC prompt early in the game. Nonetheless, the Remake's appeal remains high for those who remember the original. 


 ------ Turtle Beach’s Transformative New Controller ------  9:26


And lastly, Turtle Beach has announced the Stealth Pivot controller, which shifts from a traditional layout to a mini fight. Stick with a rotation feature designed for Xbox, PC and Android. It boasts customizable modular parts and audio functionality priced at 

$130. The controller releases on November 26th and AIMS to offer both flexibility and functionality for gamers looking to switch up their control style. So that's it for the latest in gaming. From delays and bugs to remasters and innovative tech. There's no shortage of excitement and drama in the industry right now. Stay tuned for more updates. 


 ------ COD Campaign ------  10:24


Call of Duty, Black Ops six. So let's start off with the campaign. So here's the deal. The campaign in Black Ops six is basically COD trying to convince us it can tell a spy story without getting totally lost. You play as a CIA guy named Case, and up against a Pantheon, a bunch of rogue operatives with a name that sounds way too dramatic. We're talking cheesy conspiracy vibes set in the nineties with a story that does just enough to keep you interested, even if it feels like they threw plot points at the wall to see what's stuck. That being said, credit where credit is due, though the voice acting is on point. Woods is back, angry as ever, and the cast brings some actual life to the tale of good guys versus bad guys. The missions have their shining moments, too. You've got a mission scaling a clock tower in Avalon, France, where you decide if you're going to go in choir or just blow the place to hell, which I really like. I like the fact that you have these choices in this game. And there's a wild gala infiltration with Bill Clinton himself. You get to choose how you want to get dirt on targets. And honestly, it's some of the most fun I've had in a COD campaign in ages. When I say ages, I mean I'm I'm talking like modern warfare time that those were the best campaigns. And Call of Duty Black Ops six seems to bring that back. Really good campaign. Not the best. Definitely not the best, but a very, very good attempt at it. One thing that makes the campaign more than just a run forward and shoot everything experience is the rook hideout. It's a free roam hub where you pick missions, offer messy map of photos and read strings like a full on spy movie. You can even pick up dossiers and do some spy shenanigans, such as retina scans. Now, the story itself, don't expect it to make too much sense. It's convoluted as hell, but you're in for a treat. If you like a popcorn movie. So you just sit back and enjoy the campaign because hopefully we'll get a good one again. But this may not be for a long time. 


 ------ COD Multiplayer ------  12:31


And of course, where would Call of Duty be without its multiplayer mode? All right, let's talk multiplayer, because this is where the game either becomes a blast or a migraine, depending on how you play. So Black Ops six has introduced this new omni movement system that lets you sprint, slide and dive in any damn direction. You want, which is absolutely it's ridiculous. It is ridiculous. But it's like Treyarch looked at all the past games and said, You thought we were fast before. Hold my beer. It's fun as hell, but chaotic enough to make you feel like you're in a caffeine fueled fever dream. You'll be sliding around diving like a maniac. And if you're on controller getting your ass handed to you by mouse and keyboard warriors who flick around like they're in a sci fi movie. Crossplay with console. Yeah. Good luck. And I can tell you I'm on PC and I would say that you do see that a lot of console players do struggle. Not  to say that they're not good players, but against PC, they are struggling a bit, so doesn't really work. The Cross-Play keyboard mouse against consoles. But it is nice because it makes you feel like you're okay at the game and you're not totally shit. So for me, because I know I'm not the best at Call of Duty, so for me, I'm like, Yes, I'm doing well. I came up with one on this map even though everyone else was on a console. Now here is where things get a bit dicey. I would say two of the 16 maps actually work with this new omni movement because the rest are three lane arenas, which means you're basically stuck in close quarters combat all the time. It's fast and furious, but also for my sniper friends, it seems that Treyarch forgot snipers exist. And speaking of which, sniping in this game is an exercise in frustration because the glare of the sniper scopes is like a giant neon sign screaming, I'm here. Come kill me. And I'm not joking, because if someone's trying to snipe you, okay, there's a good chance they will get you. where it used to be their most powerful rifle, would one shot you in the head and to shot you everywhere else? Their most powerful rifle will one shot you in the head, chest or upper arms because of how easy it is to spot a sniper because the glare. If you ever remember playing one, that's where I remember sniper glare being introduced. But it wasn't 100% obvious. Like by the time you saw the glare in the scope, it would be too late here. The second they pull up, t scope shines. As bright as a diamond which is nice in one way because you're not getting snipers everywhere. So everyone's ditching snipers for submachine guns and assault rifles. But then again, that brings its own balance issues because you're all fighting close combat. And basically it's whoever sees who first, while as if you're a sniper, you're usually on the other side of the map. So it wouldn't make a difference. And game modes such as capture the flag on maps and are not mirrored, definitely make it feel like one team's always got the short end of the stick. And this is frustrating because I say this no matter what you do when you play a map, okay, and everyone's rushing for the flag, if you're on one side, generally 80% of the time you will lose unless you have a very, very good team I don't think I've ever been on a team that actually lost a game on the other side, that's just because of how the maps are laid out, because one side definitely has an advantage where the side they come from has either more places to hide behind, is actually closer to the point, is easier to get to because I know one of the maps, which is this I can't remember the name of it, but it's one of the snow maps is the only snow map. And you can get through a lot of hiding spots from one team. While as the other team is quite open, which means you can be picked off quite easily. So from that side, that mode is a bit hit and miss, depending on what side you're on. And once they capture the flag, I mean modes like hardpoint and domination and ones like that. So of course another problem is the spawn system, because it's like the game is out to make you rage. Quit because I've had moments where spawn and get shot before I can even blink. And I've also done it to other people because literally they spawn in front of you and you're like, Ooh, let's shotgun them to the face. But I'm not alone here. I've seen lobbies throwing out curses because the spawn and die stuff and Treyarch do need to fix this because literally with or without the perk, by the way, because there is a perk that you can place, that you spawn yourself somewhere. But the problem here is that if you're playing one map, there is a always forget the names of these maps, but there's a desert map with the main domination point in the middle and the team has one point and the team always spawns at point A A team B doesn't point doesn't spawn near point C, but team A spawned the A, point A and point B, and they're literally in the same place. while it's a disadvantage in that game mode, if you chuck a grenade in that room, you're killing four people because they just spawn there all the time and you know where they spawn. And the only way they would not spawn in that room is if you are actually in that room and there are about three of you in that room. Otherwise, if you're just outside that room, they will spawn, they'll come running through and then you'll just shoot them in the back. Treyarch, if you're listening, please fix this mess. But that being said, on the plus side, Black Ops six does bring back some fan favorites like Come, Prestige, Dark Ops Challenges, and there's more content coming in Season one, which drops on November 14th with new maps modes, and an in-season zombie map. And for all of you Warzone fans, omni movement and Black Ops six Loadouts will be available in warzone in the next update, so you'll have plenty to keep you busy. 


 ------ COD Zombies ------  18:23


let's get to what might make the crown jewel of Black Ops six, which is the zombie mode. Treyarch. Bless their undead loving hearts brought this mode back to its roots while adding a few clever twists. zombies in this game isn't just walk around and shoot things that smell bad. No, they're actually taking things up a notch. We're talking armored soldiers, mutated monsters and three head creatures that shoot lightning like they've got a personal vendetta against you. Two new maps here. Terminus, a prison research facility, and Liberty Falls, a town in West Virginia that looks like Halloween threw up all over it. Terminus has vertically moving platforms that work with the omni movement. Liberty Falls has wide open areas and zip lines, which means it's basically designed for the chaotic dive. Happy gameplay. Each map is loaded with secrets, including math puzzles and a bowling minigame with zombies. Because why the hell not? The zombies mode has all the currency and upgrades systems you could want but streamlined so you're not constantly picking up junk off the ground. You earn essence for everything, unlocking doors, summoning tactical rifles, upgrading weapons. There is salvage too, but thank God they made it unique to each player. So you're not fighting teammates over resources. Add in the exfil mechanics which let you call for an escape. If you've had enough zombie action and you've got a mode that's almost perfect. 


 ------ COD Visuals and Sound ------  19:48


So let's talk Polish The game is visually gorgeous and sounds amazing, which you would expect from a Call of Duty title. and they've poured money into making it look and feel like a blockbuster. And it shows in every explosion, every shadow, every grimace on Wood's face. Now, of course, as good as graphics are, there's still plenty of bugs here that remind you this is still a call of Duty game. Because if you've ever tried to pick up a dog tag and killed confirmed only to find it stuck in the floor, that is a thing. and occasionally you'll see bodies clipping through the environment like it's GTA on a bad day. The audio is solid in single player. And I said this last week the pay to win and one of the things that COD had was you could pay for better sound. So I don't know if this is something to do with it, but the sound in multiplayer is a bit of a mess because enemy footsteps sound like they're sneaking through molasses one second and the next they're stomping around like elephants. And one of the most frustrating things is the unified launcher. Trying to switch between games is clunkier than a shopping cart with a broken wheel. The big obnoxious ad for Vault Edition and the battle pass doesn't help either because you launch the game. So you start the game, let's say on Steam, Game Pass or whatever. You already in one launcher. You then go to another launcher where you pick the call of duty game you want to play, be a Black Ops six, Modern Warfare, whatever. Okay? and then you get the Black Ops six and then you have to choose between the three game modes. That's all you get at the screen. So you have to choose multiplayer campaign or zombies. So you have to jump through three screens before you can even play the game. But thankfully they've dialed back the ads in the post match screen. And I get it because you've you got Game Pass. May it's just the game pass game. I don't know. Maybe the players on Steam don't have this thing in your face. All the time saying, Buy me, buy me by me. 


 ------ COD Final Thoughts ------  21:41


So here's the bottom line. Call of Duty Black Ops six is a bit of a beautiful mess. The campaign's a blast if you don't take it too seriously. With call missions, ridiculous spy gadgets and enough nintees flair to make you feel like you're watching a Michael Bay movie. Multiplayer is intense, fast, and chaotic, but then you only movement comes at a cost. If you're here for sniping or tactical gameplay and good luck Because you're in for a world of pain. Zombies, though. Zombies, absolutely rocks pulling in the best elements of past games with just enough new stuff to keep it fresh. Despite the map design headaches, frustrating snipe experience and technical bugs. Black Ops six manages to feel like a return to Call of Duty's roots. It's got enough grit, enough intensity, and enough no silly bullshit to keep longtime fans happy while drawing in newcomers with fresh movement and polished zombies mode. So if you're in the mood for some classic cod fun with a few modern twists, the game is worth the chaos. But if you're looking for something perfectly balanced, a glitch free, maybe give Treyarch a few patches to sort things out. But for now, grab your controller or in this case, mouse and keyboard. Dive into the action and prepare for a wild ride. That's equal parts. Exciting and exasperating. 


 ------ Outro ------  22:56


As always, if you've enjoyed today's show and want to hear more about the weird, wonderful and downright strange games out there, make sure to subscribe or leave a review and hit us up on social media. Put links in the description below and subscribe on the podcast. We're on many platforms. I'd love to hear what games are playing or avoiding these days. So as always, make sure you stay safe and of course, keep gaming.