Black Ops 7 introduces a Zombies experience that has captured the attention of fans and critics alike, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and innovation. The debut round-based map, Ashes of the Damned, pays tribute to the beloved Tranzit map, which remains a personal favorite for many within the community. Notably, this new map is the largest ever created for the series, reuniting iconic characters from Black Ops 6 with their Dark Aether counterparts, including the fan-favorite quartet of Dempsey, Nikolai, Takeo, and Richtofen.
New Modes and Features
This year, players can immerse themselves in four distinct modes: Standard, Directed, Survival, and Cursed. The latter mode harkens back to the simpler, yet thrilling experiences of earlier Black Ops titles. Additionally, the return of Dead Ops Arcade offers a unique top-down perspective, adding a surreal twist to the gameplay. Treyarch’s creative director, Miles Leslie, hints that this is merely the beginning of an exciting journey, stating, “If you thought launch was crazy, it gets even crazier.”
During a recent pre-launch event in London, I had the opportunity to experience Ashes of the Damned’s Standard mode, explore the first Survival map, and dive into Dead Ops Arcade. While my comprehensive review of Black Ops 7 will be available soon, initial impressions suggest that while the gameplay remains familiar to Black Ops 6, there are delightful surprises that enhance the experience.
Introducing the Zursa
Among the intriguing new elements in Ashes of the Damned is the Zursa, a formidable enemy that diverges from the increasingly mutated foes of previous installments. This zombified bear, characterized by its aggressive nature and beehive-like growths, unleashes swarms of Zombees that relentlessly pursue players, adding a fresh layer of challenge to the gameplay.
Leslie elaborates on the inspiration behind the Zursa, stating, “You’re in this sort of wilderness and Dark Aether smashed together, so what the hell would be chasing you? And that’s when the team goes off, and they’re like, ‘Well, what if it was a crazy ass bear?'” His enthusiasm for the Zombies team’s creativity is palpable, as he describes them as “insane” and filled with innovative ideas for enemies, quests, and environmental exploration.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Another standout feature of Ashes of the Damned is the introduction of Ol’ Tessie, an upgradable pickup truck that players can control. Leslie explains how the idea evolved from a simple question about driving the bus in Tranzit to creating a “Wonder Vehicle” that rivals traditional Wonder Weapons in importance. “It almost feels like another character,” he notes, emphasizing the significance of providing players with a robust navigational tool to explore the expansive map.
The Cursed mode, while reminiscent of past Zombies experiences, presents a greater challenge for dedicated fans. Alongside Survival, Standard, and Directed modes, it offers players a chance to refine their skills. Leslie envisions this four-pronged approach as a way to cater to varying skill levels, allowing players to “graduate” from simpler modes to the more complex Cursed mode.
Looking Ahead
As players delve into the vastness of Ashes of the Damned, anticipation builds for the next round-based map set to debut in Black Ops 7 Season 1. A tantalizing glimpse of this upcoming map—a screenshot featuring an elaborate machine in a star-lit observatory—has been shared, accompanied by the promise that it is “out of this world.” When pressed for further details, Leslie cryptically hints at even more surprises to come, assuring fans that they will be “eating” well with plenty of content to savor.
With Season 1 expected to launch in early December, players have ample time to master Ashes of the Damned and enjoy the whimsical chaos of Dead Ops Arcade. Following the mixed reception of Black Ops 6, the challenge for Treyarch will be to maintain consistency and deliver a steady stream of engaging content. Ashes of the Damned sets a promising foundation, and the community eagerly awaits to see how the journey unfolds in the months ahead.
