Each arena is a confluence of differing sightlines, hectic clash points, and diverse elevations. In fact, Black Ops III's multiplayer offers some of the best map designs in the franchise. The proverbial carrot still dangles on a string in front of us-it's just smaller than usual. And when I'm not learning the intricacies of a new character, Black Ops III defaults to a more generic Call of Duty experience. By the time I earned Seraph and her one-shot Annihilator handgun at level 22, her two abilities didn't offer enough variety to keep me excited for the next unlock. Black Ops III grants you access to four specialists out of the gate, and subsequent options unlock at a trickle. And for the first several hours in Black Ops III's multiplayer, I explored as many possibilities as I could.īut that sense of discovery fades with time. Certain powers work better in specific game types, and shift momentum when used well. That dichotomy between power weapons and abilities-and the possibilities they reveal-leads to dynamic scenarios from one match to the next. The Outrider is a microcosm of how the specialist system excels. The new movement options can help get the jump on opponents. This is even more crucial in hardcore matches when motion sensors are absent. It reveals enemy silhouettes through the walls, giving me and my team the drop on nearby attackers and a better sense of the overall situation. As a more cautious player, I preferred this option. On the other hand, she can equip the Vision Pulse ability. The Outrider, for instance, can enter fights with the Sparrow compound bow, launching exploding arrows into the enemy team's ranks. You're forced to choose between the two, though, as only one can be equipped at a time.
You still have the traditional loadout system with 10 slots to spend on weapons, items, and equipment-but specialists add a little more nuance.Įach character carries a power weapon or special ability that charge several times over the course of a match. They're also Black Ops III's new layer of customization. These are the soldiers of humanity's future, clad in titanium alloy armor, brandishing multi-million dollar weapons. The newest iteration of multiplayer begins on a promising note as Black Ops III's specialists cover the screen. Now Playing: Call of Duty: Black Ops III - Video Review By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's