Set to launch later this year,Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold Waris also planning to shake up the formula that has made the current Call of Duty: Modern Warfare so popular with fans. Some of the bigger changes are coming to the multiplayer side includingthe much talked about scorestreak systemas well as the larger feeling maps. However, with Raven Software in charge of the campaign portion, the studio is also hoping to revitalize the story side of the game by introducing some fresh ideas into the traditional linear action.
In a recent interview,Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold Warsenior creative director Dan Vondrak spoke about these changes to the campaign in greater detail. For this year’s release, the studio is doubling down on building open-ended missions for players to experience. While the studio has previously discussed side missions and how they’ll ultimately influence the narrative and ending players see, Vondrak went on to confirm a surprising element to the campaign.
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Taking inspiration from the look and feel of the 80’s, Vondrak wanted to take things a step further for the campaign. During missions, players will need to not only gather intel and clues to gain access to different parts of side missions, but they’ll also need to solve puzzles in some cases. Using the evidence, players will need to solve a puzzle in order to unlock different parts of the side missions. Failing to do so will make certain missions inaccessible and will likelyalter the narrative and the ending that players earn.
In addition to puzzle solving, Raven continues to try and break out from the traditional campaign expectations from players. Players will be faced with dialogue choices at times, more open ended missions with multiple endings, as well as decisions that players will need to make to progress. Some missions are removing the standard faire linear action segments players have come to be familiar with by introducing assassination missions. As seen previously, players will infiltrate an enemy base or building and attempt to kill a certain target. How players accomplish this is up to them, giving them plenty of options that is reminiscent of IO Interactive’sHitmangames.
With all these additions and changes, Raven Software is aiming to make a campaign that is highly replayable, mirroring the success of the multiplayer and Warzone modes which are able to keep players coming back day after day. Given the bigger importance of the campaign for this year’s title,Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold Waris shaping up to be a juggernaut this holiday season in terms of available content. In addition to the Treyarch produced multiplayer,Zombies is also coming backfor this year’s game as well as the ever popular Warzone battle royale mode.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold Warlaunches on November 13 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X versions also in development.
