While the excitement surrounding a captivating campaign and the addictive Zombies mode is certainly noteworthy, my primary focus remains on the multiplayer aspect of Black Ops 7. The multiplayer gameplay of Black Ops 6 has set a high bar, arguably among the best since the inception of the ‘Warzone era’ in Call of Duty. With the recent reveal trailer, I find myself oscillating between hope and a sense of weariness. The promise of an extensive array of maps, an intriguing new game mode, and a novel wall-run mechanic is enticing, yet I am less enthusiastic about the expansion of Call of Duty’s already complex loadout system.
Loadout Complexity
Finding the ideal loadout in Call of Duty has always been a meticulous process. Players are faced with a plethora of choices, from weapons and equipment to field upgrades, perks, and wildcards, not to mention the seemingly endless attachments available for each firearm. In Black Ops 7, this complexity deepens with the introduction of Overclock upgrades. As players effectively utilize their equipment and field upgrades, they will earn Overclock modifiers that can enhance specific gear or alter its performance. For instance, a standard trophy system can be upgraded to reduce its charge time or to provide additional ammo for intercepting explosives.
While I could accept this addition if it were limited to field upgrades, the fact that it applies to all equipment—including frag grenades, stim shots, smokes, and C4—raises concerns. Even scorestreaks are now part of this system. Although I appreciate the intention to offer players greater freedom in their loadouts, it feels excessive, especially when upgrading a smoke grenade doesn’t seem like the most gratifying way to achieve that freedom.
Streamlined Sharing and Exciting Maps
Despite the potential for extended time spent in loadout menus, Black Ops 7 introduces Build Codes, which offer a welcome reprieve. Each weapon build will now come with a share code, enabling players to send their configurations to friends for instant replication. This feature promises to expedite the process of applying recommended builds from friends or expert guides, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
The launch lineup of maps is equally promising, featuring 18 maps in total. Sixteen of these are core, 6v6 multiplayer maps, which is music to my ears. Notably, Treyarch has opted against relying heavily on remakes, with only three maps from Black Ops 2 making a return: Raid, Express, and Hijacked—each a classic in its own right.
New Game Modes and Mechanics
A new game mode, Overload, has also captured my attention. This mode appears to blend elements of Hardpoint, Control, and Capture the Flag, as players must transport a device into one of two enemy control zones to ‘overload’ it, all while the device’s location is visible on the opposing team’s HUD. This will require players to navigate the map carefully, defend the device, and thwart enemy efforts to reach the objective.
Additionally, the introduction of the Wall Jump mechanic, which allows players to briefly scale walls for a height advantage, adds an exciting dynamic to gameplay. According to Treyarch, players can chain Wall Jumps together up to three times, albeit with diminishing momentum each time, encouraging strategic movement across the map.
Looking ahead, next week promises to be significant, with the CoD Next showcase scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, followed by the Black Ops 7 beta beginning on Thursday, October 2. This will provide the first opportunity for players to engage with the game firsthand. In the meantime, it’s worth exploring the details of the Black Ops 7 carry forward system to determine how existing guns and cosmetics will transition into the new game.
For those eager to discuss Black Ops 7, its formidable competitor Battlefield 6, or any other anticipated FPS titles, I encourage you to join the conversation on the PCGamesN Discord server.
