Black Ops 6's campaign set a high standard that an unexpected sequel a year later was never going to hit. But it feels like they didn't even try. This year's campaign is obviously, blatantly designed for co-op play, to the point that you literally can't even pause it. It will kick you out for being "idle too long."
Co-op play for the campaign is a great option for it to have, but it shouldn't be mandatory. Activision is so desperate to spike its player numbers that it doesn't dare let you go off into a corner to have fun alone. COD is no indie darling. If a game in the franchise is good (like Black Ops 6) it will make millions of dollars. Heck, if a game in the series is terrible (looking at you, COD Ghosts) it will make millions of dollars. What in the name of Alex Mason is happening here?
I was concerned when they announced that COD was breaking with tradition and cranking out two Black Ops games back-to-back. It had killing the golden goose energy, and ruining the campaign is following along that same sad path.
At the end of the day, almost nobody is buying this franchise for the campaign, I get that. But a year after really impressing everyone in that regard, it's really sad to see Black Ops take such a huge step backwards.
If there's a lesson here that should be learned, but probably won't be? Good stories don't need live service.