Feature: Black Ops 7 Beta Review (Xbox) -Skin, But Zombies Mode Shines
By Call of Duty returns this year with its inaugural back-to-back Black Ops installment — akin to Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 from a few years back — which undoubtedly makes this year’s title seem like less of a transition. COD 2025 appears to be constructed on the undeniably-solid framework of Black Ops 6, rendering multiplayer quite recognizable here in Black Ops 7. Nevertheless, several clever modifications still render this version worthwhile, and the Zombies mode has the potential to genuinely excel this time around.
Currently available in beta format, players can jump into a selection of multiplayer maps/modes along with a single Zombies experience – naturally, the complete offering will be accessible in the full release. Multiplayer transports us to a near-future ambiance in BO7, which visually is a refreshing shift – even if the weapons and devices available don’t deviate that much from last year’s edition.
Nonetheless, other aspects of the MP experience have been adjusted a bit more, and we’re generally on-board with these modifications. The maps are more compact and targeted than what we were experiencing by the conclusion of the Black Ops 6 cycle; they bear a closer resemblance to what we encountered in Black Ops 3 and Black Ops 4. In reference to those titles, developer Treyarch has also incorporated a more grounded version of its wall-jump feature from BO3, broadening the levels with some more engaging traversal options and chances to execute spectacular plays. We’re appreciating both of these adjustments currently.
Gunplay is, well, classic COD gunplay. The time-to-kill seems slightly quicker than last year (though that might be a result of the game’s overall tempo), and defeating opponents feels as robust as ever for the series. Headshots are especially gratifying to achieve here in Black Ops 7 multiplayer; you know that moment when those hit-marker and head-pop sounds synchronize perfectly? Mmm, a chef’s kiss.
Touching on that tempo remark I just made… I want to caution players that Call of Duty multiplayer feels particularly swift this year, which may deter some of you. It’s a trademark of Treyarch games to be balanced, and last year’s title wasn’t significantly different – but BO7 can be quite fast-paced at times, leading to some sweaty lobbies when your adversaries are taking things extremely seriously. Remain composed, enter another lobby, all’s well… right?
Now, Zombies. Zombies, Zombies, Zombies. I’ll confess, I’m an old school COD Zombies enthusiast. I cherished the days of the distinctive story-driven characters, the compact maps that required substantial skill to survive on, and how the experience used to embody its own identity compared to the remainder of the game. Black Ops 7 doesn’t capture all of those elements, but the Beta’s Vandorn Farm survival map is incredibly enjoyable if you’re seeking some traditional Zombies excitement.
Vandorm Farm is a compact survival map inspired by the Farm map from Black Ops 2, and it provides a delightful change of pace to simply engage in a COD Zombies map again while focusing on enduring for as long as possible. We anticipate a more extensive, elaborate experience will be introduced in the main game that will satisfy the Zombies fans who desire that type of content. Personally, I just want to team up with friends and survive; defeating zombies until the early hours of the morning. Vandorm Farm is delivering that experience for me right now, so, more of this in the full release, please, Treyarch!
Conclusion
Thus far, Black Ops 7 is shaping up to be one of the most iterative COD titles in years, which holds significance for an annualized franchise that some contend scarcely evolves every single year. Its framework is rooted in last year’s Black Ops 6, making the experience occasionally feel overly-familiar. Nevertheless, as per usual, the team has instituted some clever changes to multiplayer that truly render this beta at least worth testing, and Zombies has the potential to delight both old and new fans this time around. The verdict is still out on the entire package, but Black Ops 7 is almost managing to validate its existence at the moment. Almost.
What are your thoughts on the Black Ops 7 beta so far? Share with us your experience below.