Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7: Aiming for Glory, Hitting Some Snags
When Zombies Outshine the Campaign
Launch Day Larry
Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7 has stormed onto the scene with all the subtlety of a flashbang in a dark room. It’s a game that promises high-octane action, a smorgasbord of modes, and enough firepower to make Rambo blush. But does it deliver on all fronts, or does it leave players reloading in frustration? Let’s dive into the trenches and find out.
Gameplay: Wall Jumps and Zombie Stomps
Black Ops 7 introduces some nifty new mechanics that will have veterans of the series nodding in approval. The wall jump feature adds a layer of strategy to multiplayer matches, allowing players to channel their inner parkour enthusiast. The gunplay is as satisfying as ever, with weapons that feel punchy and responsive, making every headshot a moment of pure joy.
However, the campaign mode feels like it was left in the dust. Always-online requirements and a lack of pause functionality make it feel more like a chore than a thrilling narrative experience. The supernatural elements, while ambitious, seem out of place in a series known for its military roots. Meanwhile, the Zombies mode is the real MVP here, offering a polished and engaging PvE experience that fans of the undead will adore.
Graphics: Beauty Meets the Beastly Performance
Visually, Black Ops 7 is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the graphics are stunning, with beautifully detailed weapons and characters that look like they just stepped out of a high-budget action movie. The environments are atmospheric, thanks to modern rendering techniques that enhance visual clarity.
Yet, the game’s performance issues are as glaring as a sniper’s scope glint. High VRAM usage and frame drops plague even the most powerful systems, turning what should be a smooth experience into a stuttering mess. The recycled assets and AI-generated content don’t help, leaving some players feeling like they’re playing a game that’s more Frankenstein’s monster than cutting-edge shooter.
Story: A Plot with More Holes Than Swiss Cheese
If you’re looking for a gripping narrative, Black Ops 7’s campaign might leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a stun grenade. The story is criticized for being incoherent and lacking depth, with characters that are as memorable as yesterday’s lunch. The villain, Emma Kagan, is underutilized, and the plot twists are about as surprising as finding a camper in a corner.
The open-world format, while ambitious, detracts from the traditional campaign experience, making it feel more like a chaotic multiplayer match than a cohesive story. The sci-fi elements, complete with mutated monsters, seem to have wandered in from a different game entirely, leaving players scratching their heads.
Final Verdict
Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7 is a game of contrasts. It excels in delivering high-energy multiplayer and a standout Zombies mode, but stumbles with a lackluster campaign and technical hiccups. If you’re here for the co-op and PvE thrills, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. But if you’re hoping for a compelling story or seamless performance, you might want to keep your expectations in check.
Score: 6.5/10