Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is just a few short weeks away from launch and we couldn’t be more optimistic about the completely redesigned features contained within the flagship series. The new offering isn’t just another recycled version of the first-person shooter – some real design thought definitely went into this one. If the latest launch trailer hasn’t gotten you hyped up for the release of this redesigned fan favorite, then perhaps our list of the top ten things we are most looking forward to in Blacks Ops 3 will change your mind.
The Return of Nuketown
One of Call of Duty ’s most famous maps, Nuketown, is making it’s return to Black Ops 3 . This glorious platform of death first made its debut on the original Black Ops, back in 2010, and instantly became a hit. The new Nuketown, properly renamed Nuk3town, has been completely redesigned to fit within the game’s 2065 futuristic setting, but still manages to include the old features that made this map awesome. The only catch with the resurrection of this classic is that gamers will need to scoop up a launch version on PS4, Xbox One, or PC in order to obtain it. Yep, the last-gen consoles got the shaft on this one, too.
Fluid Movements
Contrary to popular belief, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 isn’t just another rehashed offering of the previous version. The new installment comes with a brand new movement system that allows players to fluidly trek through environments by using a number of new movement options like power slides, controlled thrust jumps, wall runs, and swimming. That’s right, kids, no more drowning in five feet of water! Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the movement systems comes from the game allowing players to have complete control over their weapons while engaging these new options. Run, jump, and slide your way through the battlefield, all without missing a beat.
Gunsmith
Treyarch’s new Gunsmith weapon modification system enables players to completely customize their battle piece from the ground up. All previous modification restrictions have been removed and any weapon can be meticulously customized to each player’s liking. Multiple models are now available with attachments that perfectly complement the wide range of real-world optics. Players can also add some additional battlefield swag with a vast number of unique camos and emblems to deck out a weapon that is entirely unique to them.
Weapon Paint Shop
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 ’s Weapon Paint Shop is geared toward players looking to take their weapon visuals to the next level. If the pre-loaded camos and emblems seem a little too generic, players can head over to the Weapon Paint Shop and deck out their firearms with up to 64 different layers and a canvas of three separate weapon sides to design. The Shop allows players to edit pre-loaded emblems, create custom graphics, and use a multitude of design tools in order to create the baddest looking weapon the year 2065 has ever seen.
Zombies
Zombies are back and the flagship game mode is more robust than it’s ever been before. Black Ops 3 will now sport a full-fledged storyline that provides players with some much-needed context for blasting away at the undead. Four unique characters will take on Shadows of Evil, a 1940’s-esque metropolis that’s crawling with a horde of living nightmares. The extended game mode will also offer an experience-based progression model that provides players with additional replay value and a means to track their zombie-destroying progression.
Multiplayer Character Options
Black Ops 3 brings an entirely unique offering to it’s most popular multiplayer game mode with the new Specialist character system. Players will now have the ability to choose from nine separate soldiers, each with their own distinct identity, special weapons, and abilities. The multiplayer tweak should provide a fresh new take on the exhausted rinse and repeat model used in all previous versions of the first-person shooter.
Redesigned Maps
Perhaps the most enticing change to the multiplayer offering comes in the form of the completely redesigned maps. Treyarch opted to build every map from the ground up in order to handle the game’s new movement system – no more rehashed maps with different renderings and annoying hallways of instant death. All 12 confirmed maps were tailored to not only take advantage of the new character features, but to allow players to take full advantage of the wide-open environments as well. Let the epic firefights commence, friends!
Taunts and Gestures
Everyone remembers the famous “tea-bag” taunt and the rage-induced effect it had on players in Halo 2 multiplayer mode back in the day. Heck, you might have even seen the “tea-drag” every now and again if you were lucky. Anyway, It appears Black Ops 3 has taken a more official approach to the satisfying act of taunting your opponent – players will now have the ability to jab one another both during and after each match. The taunts are said to be unique to each Specialist and are expected to be customizable sometime within the near future. Let’s hope no one breaks their controller over these hilarious animations.
Revitalized Campaign Mode
The campaign mode contained within Black Ops 3 completely redefines how players experience the story offering. Treyarch has not only implemented a four-player co-op option, but they’ve also given players the ability to pick and choose specific missions within the storyline. In other words, if players start the game and want to play the last mission first, they can dive right in without any restrictions. Campaign mode has also been fitted with a series of wide-open environments in order to provide players with the flexibility to chose how they attack each mission rather than following a predetermined line.
Beast Mode
Marshawn Lynch, NFL running back for the Seattle Seahawks and lover of all things Skittles, will make his video game debut when Black Ops 3 hits the market on November 6. Treyarch has been quiet about Lynch’s overall involvement, outside of him playing as a mercenary fighter within Campaign mode. However, the most intriguing part about Lynch’s role comes at the hands of several videos featuring the football player engaged in motion-capture acting. The amount of content that features Lynch strapped into the capture suit is pretty significant. Group that, with the lack of info the developers have provided regarding his involvement, and players could be in for an epic surprise. Either that, or he could be just another celebrity in the long list featured within the Call of Duty series. Any way you split it, Beast Mode in the new Black Ops 3 is pretty sweet.