Who is the Main Character in Call of Duty: Black Ops III?
The main character in Call of Duty: Black Ops III is, quite uniquely, you. The game deliberately avoids assigning a fixed identity, instead putting you, the player, directly into the role of the protagonist. This customizability extends to gender, appearance (face, outfit, and helmet), and even though not directly inputted, name as you’re simply referred to as ‘The Player’. This design choice allows for a more personalized and immersive experience, blurring the lines between the player and the character they control.
Understanding the Player Character in Black Ops III
The Customizable Protagonist
Unlike many Call of Duty titles where you step into the boots of a pre-defined soldier with a set backstory and personality, Black Ops III opts for a different approach. You design the character you will embody throughout the campaign. This level of customization was a significant departure for the series, allowing players to create a character that resonated with them personally.
The Unnamed Soldier
The player character is consistently referred to as “The Player” throughout the game. This anonymity further contributes to the sense of immersion, reinforcing the idea that you are the one experiencing the events unfolding on screen. This lack of a name also avoids any potential dissonance that might arise if the player character’s name didn’t match the player’s expectations or personal preferences.
A Key Distinction from Other Characters
While Specialists like Battery, Prophet, Ruin, Seraph, Nomad, and Outrider are significant figures in the Black Ops III universe, particularly in the multiplayer modes, they are distinct from the player character in the single-player campaign. These Specialists possess their own backstories, abilities, and distinct roles, separate from the player’s journey.
Delving Deeper: Why This Choice?
The decision to make the player character customizable and nameless was likely driven by a desire to enhance player engagement and create a more meaningful connection with the narrative. By allowing players to craft their own avatar, the developers fostered a sense of ownership and investment in the character’s fate. This approach also aligns with trends seen in other games that focus on player agency and personalized storytelling. Games like Mass Effect have successfully implemented similar mechanics, allowing players to define their character’s personality and appearance, impacting the game world around them. These design choices are of particular interest to researchers studying Games Learning Society, as they explore how games can facilitate identity exploration and self-expression.
Black Ops III’s Enduring Appeal
Despite being released several years ago, Call of Duty: Black Ops III retains a dedicated player base. Its engaging Zombies mode and refined multiplayer experience continue to draw players back. Additionally, the visually impressive design and customization options contribute to its lasting appeal. The fact that players can still express themselves creatively through their character’s appearance ensures the game remains relevant and enjoyable. The active community and ongoing support, including new downloadable content (DLC) and community contracts, further extend its lifespan.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Black Ops III
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the game and its elements:
1. Is Call of Duty: Black Ops III still being played?
Yes, particularly on platforms like Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. The game’s robust online multiplayer and Zombies modes continue to attract players.
2. Can you play as a female character in Black Ops III?
Yes, the game allows you to customize your character’s gender, providing the option to play as a female soldier.
3. Who are the main Specialists in Black Ops III?
The main Specialists include Battery, Prophet, Ruin, Seraph, Nomad, and Outrider, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
4. What is the story of Call of Duty: Black Ops III about?
The story is set in 2065, where technological advancements and cybernetic enhancements have blurred the lines between humanity and machinery. Players face moral dilemmas and grapple with the consequences of their actions in a world on the brink of collapse.
5. Is Black Ops III suitable for younger players?
The game contains mature themes, violence, and language, and is generally recommended for players aged 17 and older. However, some features can be toggled off in the settings.
6. Does Black Ops III support split-screen play?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops III supports two-player split-screen online play in Multiplayer or Zombies game modes. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 support split-screen for up to four players in Multiplayer, but only in local play.
7. Why is Black Ops III’s Zombies mode so popular?
Black Ops III is often regarded as the best Zombies experience due to its exciting maps, varied weapons, and action-packed gameplay.
8. Who is the main antagonist in the Black Ops series?
In the original Black Ops, the main antagonist is Major General Nikita Dragovich.
9. Who is Reaper in Black Ops III?
Reaper is a robotic Specialist in Call of Duty Black Ops III, possessing a powerful weapon and high-tech abilities.
10. Who is Agent Bell in the Black Ops universe?
Agent Bell is the main protagonist in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
11. Is there swearing in Call of Duty: Black Ops III?
Yes, the words “f*k” and “sht” appear in the dialogue.
12. What rating did Black Ops 4 receive, and why?
The VSC rated Black Ops 4 PEGI 18 due to strong violence and language.
13. Who is Dr. Monty in the Zombies storyline?
Dr. Monty is a mysterious and powerful figure in the Zombies storyline, later revealed to be corrupted by the Dark Aether.
14. Is Richtofen a good or bad character in the Zombies storyline?
Richtofen is portrayed as a complex character with morally questionable actions, often engaging in torture and manipulation to achieve his goals.
15. Who are the main characters in the “Shadows of Evil” Zombies map?
The main characters in “Shadows of Evil” are Nero Blackstone, Jessica Rose, Jack Vincent, and Floyd Campbell.
The focus on player customization and agency makes the player character in Black Ops III a unique and engaging element of the game. This approach enhances the overall experience, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the world and story.