As the hype for the next Call of Duty game(s) rises, it’s no coincidence that the player base for Black Ops 3 slowly dwindles. The fourth and final DLC, Salvation, hopes to bring back a few fans with their swan song. Four multiplayer maps, and the rumoured final zombies episode of the saga is on offer here. Can it end on a high, or will its name succumb to irony?
Citadel came up first during my play time; setting the overall tone of the map pack at a level of surprise. Despite its abandoned castle atmosphere ordinarily being more suited to something out of an Elder Scrolls dungeon or an old Quake map, it works surprisingly well. The gloomy greens help offset its gothic self from the other available maps too. The drawbridge, alongside some long hallways, help cater for the snipers and long range engagements, whilst the many claustrophobic areas let your inner madman run free.
Micro, in terms of looks, is probably the complete polar opposite. Its ‘wacky’ micro machines-esque design will inevitably split opinions. On the one hand, its bright palette helps revitalise colour into the shooting genre, whereas on the other, it comes across a little too cringe-worthy for me. Either way, we’ve certainly come a long way from the warzones featured in the past games. As much as I’m not exactly a fan of battling through pizza boxes and cups, the map does play well. A few crafty wall run spots are placed about too, helping you get the jump on ‘that guy’ who’s pushing the spawns a little too hard.
Rupture is the first of two remade maps in Salvation, and is probably the weakest map available. Remember the World at War maps with pilotable tanks? Well this is a reimagining of probably the most popular one, ‘Outskirts’, complete with vehicles. The map itself can be great fun to play on, its colourful and futuristic design is reminiscent of some of Black Ops 2’s greats, yet the ‘mechs’ are in all honesty, a tad disappointing. Thankfully they’re not particularly overpowering at least, and you do have to exit them in order to capture domination points etc. The climb to the top of the fabled tower takes a little less time nowadays too, meaning you’ll often contend with a pesky sniper up there, despite them not often lasting long uncontested.
Outlaw rounds off the multiplayer maps by bringing back an old classic, and many peoples favourite from Black Ops 2, ‘Standoff’. Remade in an ol’ Western theme, the four year old map holds well with the new movement system. Experienced players will remember the over-watching sniper spots and steer rightfully clear, and I’m sure many like myself, will be glad there’s no ‘target finder LMG’s’ in the game. Working well no matter the game type, its medium size caters to all manner of players too.
Revelations, the eagerly awaited conclusion to the zombies storyline that’s spanned over four games, and across two generations of consoles. It’s difficult to go over the map for inevitable spoiler reasons, but I will say that if you’ve played a lot of zombies in your time, you’re in for a serious influx of memories. To just sit and play the map afresh would perhaps do it an injustice; the amount of fan service to the dedicated followers is simply fantastic. Of course it goes without saying that there are the usual easter eggs, wonder weapons and a general plethora of secrets to discover too, once you can overcome the nostalgic factor that is…
Salvation is probably a fitting end for the Black Ops 3 DLC cycle, it seems Treyarch have thrown caution to the wind and let their creativity run free. The two map remakes are both iconic and synonymous with some of their best work; even if Rupture didn’t quite live up to my expectations, it can still be a blast to play. Citadel and Micro feature looks that are usually so far removed from the genre, that they’re completely unexpected. And despite my personal feelings towards the visuals of Micro, it’s once again, a fun map no matter the game mode. Revelations is such a trip of a nostalgia and reminiscence that it’s almost worth the fee alone; zombies fans will certainly enjoy the trip. Once again, the lack of any weapons or specialists included in the pack does sting a little; especially considering the amount of money you’ve already committed to what is a yearly release. Aside from that though, Salvation is easily one of Black Ops 3’s best DLC packs.
