"Call of Duty: Black Ops III" ($60 for PS4, Xbox One, PC; $50 for PS3, Xbox 360; rated Mature), the latest entry in the popular run-and-gun franchise, quickly becomes a test of endurance for solo gamers: How long can you soldier through this futuristic fighting campaign before monotony beats you down?
Even though several paths lead toward goals, the game feels as if it's on rails. Better shooters such as the "Uncharted" series do the same thing, of course, but cloaked under a much more engaging narrative. Despite a variety of new features, such as powerful cyber weapons and player customization, the actual action is repetitive.
The best thing that "Black Ops III" has going for it is a robust multiplayer experience — local and online — and the inclusion of the latest "Zombies" bonus game, a fun diversion.
But the overall result is a middling experience.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Variety
Nation
The Rolling Stones set to play New Orleans Jazz Fest 2024, opening Thursday
It looks like the third time is the charm as the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival prepares, again, for The Rolling Stones to perform.
Business
This 'supereasy ramen' recipe shows how easy it is to make the Japanese noodle dish at home
Ramen noodles are so popular they have become one reason to visit Japan. But ramen can easily be cooked at home too, especially if you can find the ingredients at your neighborhood Asian grocery store.
Business
More than just a bowl of noodles, ramen in Japan is an experience and a tourist attraction
Spicy, steaming, slurpy ramen might be everyone's favorite Japanese food.
Variety
John Lithgow takes on the role of the new kid in school for a PBS special celebrating arts education
At 78, John Lithgow's acting career is not slowing down. He appeared in the best picture nominee ''Killers of the Flower Moon'' and starred with Jeff Bridges in the FX series ''The Old Man." Recently, the two-time Academy Award nominee and multiple Emmy, Tony and Golden Globes-winning actor played the new kid in school. He learned dance, ceramics, silk-screen printing and vocal jazz ensemble with Los Angeles-area high school students. It was filmed for ''Art Happens Here with John Lithgow,'' airing Friday on PBS with the goal of promoting arts education.
Nation
Movie Review: A lyrical portrait of childhood in Cabrini-Green with 'We Grown Now'
Two 11-year-old boys navigate school, friendship, family and change in Minhal Baig's lyrical drama ''We Grown Now.'' It's an evocative memory piece, wistful and honest, and a different kind of portrait of a very infamous place: Chicago's Cabrini-Green public housing development.
