We are less than one week out from the first installment of a four-part DLC series for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and I couldn’t be more excited. February 2 marks the official date of Awakening and the new content adds to an already fantastic set of features. In fact, Black Ops 3 might just be Treyarch’s best first-person shooter since the original release back in 2003. Let’s take a look back at what made Black Ops 3 such a great success in 2015.
Wall-Runs
One of the best features offered in Black Ops III is the ability to wall-run while duking it out in both single player and multiplayer. The new innovation not only challenges players in an entirely new manner but it also creates unique battle scenarios that have never before been seen in a first-person shooter.
Four-Player Co-op
Black Ops III features a co-op campaign where gamers can finally tackle the mode with up to four players either online or locally. This much-requested addition also provides the option for players to drop in and out of specific campaign checkpoints in the event they want to help their friends complete a difficult section.
Multiplayer Specialist Characters
The new option of allowing gamers to choose from a series of specialists, or customized characters with unique abilities, was a genius design move. Not only does this provide players with additional replay value, but it also gives them the option to choose from several unique characters that all come packed with various special moves.
Detailed Story for Zombies
I’ve never been a big fan of the Black Ops Zombies Modes in the past, but this year’s version came with an actual storyline that almost forces you to give it a try. Needless to say, the storyline captured my attention and gave me some incentive to mow down zombies with whatever epic weapons I could find.
Weapons
Speaking of weapons, Black Ops III sports some of the best first-person shooter weapons we’ve seen in a long time. They’re balanced, unique but authentic, and provide a high rate of satisfaction. Not only are the weapon offerings solid but the sounds that accompany them are spot-on as well – there’s so much greatness packed into that one overlooked feature.
Movement System
Another overlooked feature within Black Ops III is the fluid chain-based movement system that essentially ties every analog movement to that of what’s happening within the game’s environment. Player movement has been dramatically improved since the last installment and the result is apparent with each new match played.
Swimming
Finally is the only word I can use when describing the ability to swim in any Call of Duty game, let alone Black Ops III. It may sound silly to place swimming on this list, but once you’ve experienced the feeling of taking down an enemy underwater, you’ll never feel the same again. Good thing our specialists don’t need floaties for this one!
Gunsmith
One of the best options in Black Ops III is most certainly the Gunsmith feature. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a feature where you can fully build out your weapon to your exact playing style and specifications. The weapon customization features within the Gunsmith option are mind-blowing as the game finally lets you pick and choose exactly what accessories you want to add to your favorite weapons.
Sniper Rifles
This is purely speculation, however, based on the robust improvements to the sniper weapons and the added range to some of the other rifles, Treyarch has no choice but to add a few massive sniper maps either now within the DLC or in future Black Ops offerings. Just imagine a headshot from a few miles away while you’re perched in a treetop base – sounds oh so sweet.
Customizable Killstreaks?
Just imagine a world where players could literally build their own killstreak from a few baseline offerings. Imagine if you could rain death on your enemies from a Lightening Strike while simultaneously rolling out a fleet of Cerberus – I think your head might explode with excitement. I believe this, or something of the sort, might be the direction Treyarch could take in the future as they continue to build the Black Ops brand into something fresh and unique. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, but until then, enjoy the first DLC pack.