"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.