Black Ops 3 vs. Black Ops 4: Which Call of Duty Reigns Supreme?
The question of whether Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (BO3) or Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (BO4) is the superior game sparks heated debates among fans. Ultimately, there’s no single definitive answer, as the “better” game depends heavily on individual player preferences and priorities. However, taking a comprehensive look at the different aspects such as campaign, multiplayer, zombies, and overall value, Black Ops 3 emerges as the slightly stronger title for its comprehensive package, especially given its inclusion of a traditional campaign mode. While BO4 innovated with its Blackout battle royale mode, the absence of a dedicated story mode and some multiplayer criticisms ultimately hold it back slightly.
Deep Dive: Comparing the Key Aspects
To truly understand the nuances of this debate, we need to break down each game into its core components:
Single-Player Campaign
This is where BO3 gains a significant advantage. Black Ops 3 features a full-fledged campaign, although its narrative can be a bit convoluted. Players delve into a futuristic world filled with cybernetics, moral dilemmas, and action-packed sequences. While the story’s complexity isn’t for everyone, the campaign offers a substantial experience with replayability through various difficulty levels and challenges.
Black Ops 4 made a bold move by completely omitting a traditional single-player campaign. Instead, it focused on expanding its multiplayer and zombies modes. While this decision was controversial, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this allowed developers to dedicate resources to refining other areas of the game.
Multiplayer
The multiplayer component is where the contest becomes much closer. Both BO3 and BO4 offer fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping gameplay that Call of Duty is known for. However, there are key differences:
- Movement: BO3 introduced advanced movement mechanics like wall running and thrust jumping, adding a vertical dimension to combat. BO4 toned down these mechanics, emphasizing a more grounded and tactical play style.
- Specialists: Both games feature specialists with unique abilities and weapons. However, BO4 further emphasized specialist abilities, making them more central to the gameplay experience. Some players found this change refreshing, while others criticized it for reducing the importance of traditional gun skill.
- Map Design: While BO4 had fewer maps at launch, some argued that the map design was better overall. The maps in BO4 generally promoted a slower, more deliberate pace of play.
- Content at Launch: BO4 only had fourteen multiplayer maps at launch with only a few of them being remastered. Some players felt that this was a letdown, and felt like BO4 was just a re-skin of Black Ops III.
Ultimately, the preferred multiplayer experience comes down to personal preference. Players who enjoy the fast-paced, acrobatic action of BO3 will likely prefer its multiplayer, while those who prefer a more tactical and strategic approach will gravitate towards BO4.
Zombies Mode
Both BO3 and BO4 boast exceptional Zombies modes, widely considered among the best in the Call of Duty franchise.
- Black Ops 3 Zombies: The Zombies mode in BO3 is often regarded as the best Zombies experience, thanks to its exciting maps, varied weapons, and action-packed gameplay. Its maps, such as Shadows of Evil and Der Eisendrache, are still highly popular, with many considering them among the best Zombies maps ever created. The game offers a full XP-based progression system for zombies that adds depth.
- Black Ops 4 Zombies: BO4 introduced several innovations to the Zombies formula, including customizable loadouts and difficulty settings. It also featured multiple storylines and a wealth of content.
Deciding which game has the better Zombies mode is subjective. BO3 is often praised for its iconic maps and classic gameplay, while BO4 is lauded for its innovation and customization options.
Blackout (Battle Royale)
This is where BO4 truly shines. Black Ops 4 introduced Blackout, a battle royale mode that predates Call of Duty: Warzone. Blackout features a large map filled with iconic locations from previous Black Ops games. It’s a thrilling and addictive experience that sets BO4 apart. While the popularity of Blackout has waned with the release of Warzone, it was a significant innovation that cannot be ignored.
Overall Value and Lasting Appeal
Considering all factors, Black Ops 3 offers a more complete package, with a campaign, strong multiplayer, and a beloved Zombies mode. Its advanced movement mechanics, while divisive, add a unique flavor to the gameplay. The large amount of content at launch was also a benefit.
BO4 innovated with Blackout and refined its multiplayer and Zombies modes. However, the absence of a campaign and the somewhat controversial specialist system may turn off some players.
Conclusion: The Verdict
While Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 both have their strengths and weaknesses, Black Ops 3 provides a slightly more complete and satisfying experience for many Call of Duty fans due to its inclusion of a single-player campaign, solid multiplayer, and widely praised Zombies mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, offering deeper insights into the ongoing debate:
1. Is Black Ops 4 a direct sequel to Black Ops 3?
Yes, Black Ops 4 is a sequel to Black Ops 3, continuing the storyline in a new and different way. The events are set after the Black Ops 3 storyline.
2. Why did Black Ops 4 not have a campaign?
Activision chose to focus resources on multiplayer, Zombies, and the new Blackout mode. The company thought this would make a better and more innovative game.
3. Is Blackout still active in Black Ops 4?
While the community isn’t as large as it once was, Blackout in Black Ops 4 still has an active player base, and many dedicated players still enjoy it.
4. Which game has better Zombies maps, BO3 or BO4?
This is subjective. Many players prefer BO3 Zombies maps such as Shadows of Evil and Der Eisendrache, while others favor BO4’s maps for their innovations.
5. Are the specialists in Black Ops 4 unbalanced?
The balance of specialists was a frequent point of contention. Some found certain abilities overpowered, leading to balance adjustments throughout the game’s lifecycle.
6. Why is Black Ops 3 still priced high?
Some older Call of Duty titles remain expensive due to Activision’s pricing strategy, which some argue encourages players to buy the latest release.
7. Is the Black Ops 3 campaign worth playing?
Despite its confusing narrative, the Black Ops 3 campaign is worth playing for its unique mechanics, interesting themes, and action-packed gameplay. It is one of the longest campaigns to date.
8. How does the movement system differ between BO3 and BO4?
BO3 featured advanced movement like wall running and thrust jumping, while BO4 toned down these mechanics, emphasizing a more grounded experience.
9. Which game is better for competitive multiplayer?
This depends on preference. Some competitive players prefer the faster pace of BO3, while others prefer the more tactical gameplay of BO4.
10. Did Black Ops 4 have a season pass?
Yes, Black Ops 4 had a season pass that included new maps, Zombies content, and other bonus items.
11. Is Black Ops 3 or 4 more beginner-friendly?
Generally, BO4 might be more beginner-friendly due to its less complex movement and more emphasis on tactical gameplay.
12. Which game has better graphics?
Black Ops 4 generally has slightly better graphics due to being released later in the console generation, although the difference isn’t drastic.
13. What are some of the best Zombies maps in Black Ops 3?
Some of the best Zombies maps in Black Ops 3 include Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, and Gorod Krovi.
14. Does either game have cross-platform play?
No, neither Black Ops 3 nor Black Ops 4 has cross-platform play.
15. Where can I find more information on the learning aspects of video games like Call of Duty?
You can explore the Games Learning Society website for insights into how video games can contribute to learning and skill development. You can find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
We hope this detailed comparison and FAQ section has helped you better understand the nuances of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. Ultimately, the choice is yours!