Call of Duty: Black Ops 6Zombies fans are being spoiled with content, as just a month after Citadelle Des Morts release date, another round-based map is coming to the FPS. Prior to its release, fans have been treated to a great deal of info, with only its opening cinematic being unreleased as of now. With multiple trailers and blog posts to go off of, fans know a fair bit about what this new map - The Tomb - will have to offer. However, one of the coolest elements of thisBlack Ops 6Zombies map could actually turn out to be a double-edged sword, as it draws attention back to a recurring issue.
While gameplay-focused fans continue to debate about whether the map re-uses too many assets, like its Wonder Weapon, Death Perception, and electricMimic special enemy, and lore lovers prepare to meet Archibald Fotherington-Smythe, fans of artistry in video games cannot wait to jump into the Tomb. The map has made a great impression in this regard, not only with its visually stunning Dark Aether location, but with some of the most distinct special Zombie looks yet. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to acknowledge the in-game artistry of Treyarch with this map without thinking of all the AI artwork being used outside of it.
The Tomb’s Art Direction Deserves Praise…
Practically everything aboutBlack Ops 6Zombies’ Tomb mapis visually appealing. The sandy Dig Site starting area stands out visually thanks to its numerous staircases, pillars, partially dug-up statues. The map only gets more interesting from there, with its tombs and catacombs boasting some serious IX vibes. The huge cave that is the subterranean temple really stands out from everything else inBlack Ops 6, while the Dark Aether Nexus looks like it will be more breathtaking than previous visits to the Dark Aether. Instead of a ton of purple plants and crystals, players are greeted with a skybox resembling outer space, gigantic orange mushrooms, and unique terrain to walk on.
It’s unclear how large the Dark Aether Nexus will be, as with thePack-a-Punchmachine present within the area, there’s a chance it’s only a small part of the map. Regardless, it could still house the Tomb’s final boss battle alongside some small references to the Aether and Chaos storylines.
However, a good-looking map is not all that The Tomb has to offer from an artistic standpoint, as its Zombie models are also top-notch. Zombies has had many interesting character models in the past, featuring everything from civilians and prisoners to cowboys and soldiers. As players search forIce Staffupgrades and listen to audio logs, they will encounter Zombies wearing ancient armor, ragged cloaks, and shirtless attire that exposes their bony chests. A particularly unique regular enemy design features briefly in the trailer, with the undead character model boasting a bony animal helmet and appearing to be covered in white paint. Perhaps its look serves as a hint at the map’s boss, but regardless, it’s a very distinct look that will surely add to the immersion of the Tomb.
…But Call of Duty Embracing AI Art Remains a Red Flag
Still, while the Tomb itself seems to be a clear example of how much good art direction can contribute to aCall of DutyZombies map, it’s the content outside the map that has drawn ire from the franchise’s fan base. Players have spotted numerous loading screens and calling cards that have clear signs of AI usage, whether it’s awkward posing or too many digits on the hands of the characters being focused on. Sadly, Zombies is not safe from this controversy, and in some ways it has suffered the most because of it.
As video game actors fight for protection against publishers replacing them with AI, or using their voice to make new material without paying the actors for their work, a massive strike has taken place. This strike has seemingly led toBlack Ops 6Zombies recasting not only Peck, but Samantha Maxis, a character who has been at the heart of the mode for well over a decade. This has been a huge worry for players, as they are not only missing Sam’s old voice withinBlack Ops 6, but fearing further changes to the actor lineup. This major concern, coupled with theAI artwork used for the Tomb’s logoand Zombies’ seasonal events, makes the human-made art of the Tomb stand out more than ever. Clearly, Treyarch is a studio full of talented individuals that can produce great art, so AI elements being forced intoCall of Dutyis as unnecessary as it is frustrating. Hopefully, Activision walks back its usage of AI, as it’s been a stain on an otherwise greatCall of Dutygame.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Forced to go rogue. Hunted from within. This is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops.The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity.In a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, players will test their skills across 16 new maps at launch, including 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6.Black Ops 6 also marks the epic return of Round-Based Zombies, the fan-favorite mode where players will take down hordes of the undead in two brand-new maps at launch. Post-launch, players can look forward to even more exciting maps and groundbreaking experiences dropping into both Multiplayer and Zombies.
