Alright, gamers, gather ’round the dumpster fire đĨ because it’s that time of the year again! The days are getting shorter (and your K/D is probably getting lower), the leaves are falling (just like your win rate), and the pumpkin spice latte madness is upon us (a fate worse than dial-up internet). These are all signs of the impending release of *another* Call of Duty game. This year we have *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7*, launching on November 7th â because apparently, the universe hates us. In the ridiculously confusing timeline of the *Black Ops* franchise, this game is supposed to be a direct sequel to the ‘classic’ *Black Ops 2* from 2012, because who needs fresh ideas anyway? Certainly not *Call of Duty*! đ¤Ŗ Forget *Black Ops 6* from last year. We’re rewriting history, baby!
Last week, the privileged few who preordered *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* (bless their naive souls) got to play the closed beta. After a weekend of jumping and sliding like caffeinated squirrels đŋī¸ through these new, “innovative” maps, I have opinions. If you enjoyed *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6*, then prepare for the exact same thing, but with a “7” slapped on the end. If you were foolish enough to hope for the tactical gameplay of the *Modern Warfare* series, go back to playing *MW*. This isn’t the game for you, unless you want to experience a whole new level of disappointment.
*Black Ops* has always been the arcade-style đšī¸ sibling of *Call of Duty*, but with last year’s omnimovement system, Treyarch cranked it up to eleventy-billion! Players can now seamlessly blend jumping, sliding, and generally flailing around like a fish out of water. Sure, some players (read: campers) hated the faster pace, but soon everyone was swan-diving and shooting like they were auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. Like every other “major” change to the *Call of Duty* formula, it just took some Stockholm Syndrome.
Some people enjoy it, sure, but they’re probably the same ones who enjoy pineapple on pizza đ. You can still hear the *Modern Warfare* fans crying in *Warzone*, as they accidentally swan-dive off buildings while trying to tactically move. They’re going to despise *Black Ops 7*. It’s like rubbing salt into a wound, then setting that wound on fire.
This year, omnimovement is back, but now you can run on walls! đ Like you’re Spider-Man if Spider-Man was addicted to Mountain Dew and had a serious anger problem. The speed and movement are the same, but slightly faster and more precise. Wall-running adds some much-needed verticality because who needs ground when you can be a wall-running ninja? It’s not as liberating as the exo-suits from *Advanced Warfare*, but at least it brings us closer to *Titanfall’s* parkour. Remember *Titanfall*? That game was great. Maybe we should all just go play that instead.
The mobility is perfect for these maps, which are designed for constant movement. The beta has five maps, which are smaller than last year’s, with even the biggest feeling small. Every map is full of shortcuts and ways to get around, so even the best camping spots are easy to attack from different angles. We don’t know much about this year’s campaign, but the maps seem to be designed to make campers suffer đī¸.
The removal of manipulatable doors is a change that no one likes. I hate it too. Instead of doors that can be opened, kicked, peeked through, or closed, all doors are automatic. This means that players can’t control the threshold tactically. Since the 2019 *Modern Warfare* remake, doors have been very important for controlling the battlespace. A player could carefully clear a section of the map from behind a cracked door. The humble door changed the game. By going back to automatic doors, each map is broken up into smaller arenas instead of being one big battlefield. This keeps the pace fast and stops door campers, but it also makes each map less tactically interesting.
The gunplay felt solid, with only a few weapons and gadgets to choose from. The near-future setting means that most of the arsenal is realistic, and the more futuristic weapons are saved for killstreaks. The Gravemarker rifle, which can find and shoot enemies through cover, and the D.A.W.G., a dog that runs around killing people, are both good. Pistols can now be used as primary weapons, but most people will still use assault rifles. The beta included three SMGs, which all shoot very fast but have low damage and lots of recoil, making them good for sliding attacks at close range. đ¯
