Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Review

 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is the direct follow-up to 2024’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and is what some might call "the other side of the same coin." Because it was developed alongside Black Ops 6, many of the gameplay changes and features were carried over. To take things a step further, nearly all unlockable content in 6 was initially set to transfer into 7, allowing for a more unified experience that rewarded players for their hard work the previous year.

However, after backlash regarding the overuse of unrealistic skins and weapons in 6, the decision was made to cancel nearly all "carry-forward" content to allow Black Ops 7 to stand on its own. This change is felt throughout the entire experience; Black Ops 7 does, in fact, feel more like an expansion than a completely new game—but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Despite being put in such a unique position, Black Ops 7 seemingly addresses fans' concerns and has released in a much more complete state. With 18 launch maps and plenty of additional free content planned throughout the year, the game feels, in some ways, like what Black Ops 6 should have been.

But putting its history aside, what is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 really about? Is it a title worthy of the name, or is this one better off skipped? Honestly, that depends entirely on what a player is looking to get out of the release and their reasons for playing Call of Duty to begin with. To be blunt: this is not a game one should pick up for a single-player campaign. Instead, it is a complete, multiplayer-focused package, and that focus extends to all branches of the game.

Black Ops 7 Campaign and End Game:

The Black Ops 7 campaign is unlike any other title in the series. Picking up after the events of Black Ops II, the game follows David Mason’s JSOC team as they investigate the return of Raul Menendez. However, the story takes a surreal turn as reality bends around Mason, forcing him and his team to face twisted horrors from their past. This shift is caused by their internal neural links and a new drug released upon Avalon. Those who breathe it in are met with hallucinations that can only be escaped by overcoming the trials within them. It may not be real, but it is the only way out.

When it comes to the characters, it is interesting to see Milo Ventimiglia taking on the role of Mason this time around, with Michael Rooker returning as Harper. Overall the entire cast does a great job with their characters, but there's no denying just how ridiculous things get—so be prepared.

Due to this unique setup, Black Ops 7 is not your typical Call of Duty campaign, and not everyone will be happy to hear that. The story is a step back from what fans have come to expect, and the gameplay is anything but traditional. While it calls itself a campaign, it is actually an RPG shooter with a focus on multiplayer PvE and "raid-like" stages that break up the open-world segments. Enemies have health bars, while power-ups and upgrades determine your strength. The toxin in the air ensures anything is possible: humans, robots, zombies, monsters, giant plant bosses, and floating platforms are all on the table—elements that have never been what Call of Duty is about.

Shifting Perspectives

That doesn't mean there isn't fun to be had. If you can cast aside your notions of what the series "should" be and view the campaign as a spin-off—similar to the Zombies mode—it takes on a completely different light. Rather than feeling like Call of Duty, it feels more like a page out of titles such as Destiny, or even The Division when playing from a third-person perspective. It is hectic and keeps you constantly on the move. Furthermore, everything you unlock and all experience gained transfers to your overall profile. This means players can reach the level cap solely by playing the campaign, making it a mode some may choose to spend all their time in.

Crucially, the campaign serves as a "tutorial" for End Game. Originally, this mode needed to be unlocked, but it is now available to everyone the moment they start the game.

Exploring End Game and Avalon

End Game gives players one hour to drop into the full map of Avalon—the same game world that made up past titles, including Black Ops 6—to complete as many objectives as possible. The map is divided into different regions with level recommendations, and players who complete previous rounds of End Game keep their progress. The goal is to start small and work your way up, as higher-level areas offer better rewards.

Missions in End Game typically follow a familiar structure: either "defend this point" or "escort this robot dog," with special bosses and events mixed in. While players can go off on their own, it is often better to work as a team to complete the more challenging goals. Eventually, players can begin a final "extraction" mission to escape and bank their progress. However, it is possible to betray other players by leaving without them. While follow-up extraction missions can be started, the looming time limit makes things difficult if you aren't quick. Ultimately, missions can become an "every man for themselves" ordeal depending on your teammates.

Outside of the mission structure, the general gameplay differs from other modes. Both the campaign and End Game feature equipment sets and abilities not found in multiplayer, such as grappling hooks and high jumps. Guns and gear are found in random loot chests, and upgrade stations are located throughout the world to boost your gear. Perks are awarded for completing goals, and your in-mode level continues to grow, allowing you to eventually take on harder challenges.

Final Verdict

Black Ops 7 offers a fully online-focused "RPG shooter" experience that blends its gameplay with that of an extraction shooter. It is a completely different experience and not a traditional Call of Duty campaign. Since Black Ops 7 was originally planned as a companion to Black Ops 6, the "true" campaign experience remains in the previous title—and not every fan is going to be okay with that.

VERDICT: Maybe

Black Ops 7 Zombies:

The classic Call of Duty Zombies mode returns in Black Ops 7, featuring multiple maps and game modes to explore. Similar to Black Ops 6, this installment brings back the traditional round-based zombies experience, where the goal is simply to survive for as long as possible. The game offers both "Standard" and "Directed" versions of maps. Those familiar with the series will already know what to expect, but here are the basics.

The Basics

Zombies is a multiplayer co-op PvE mode where waves of monsters and undead attack the players. Resources are limited; however, by killing enemies and earning points, you can purchase new weapons, upgrades, and ammo refills. Occasionally, special power-ups provide additional perks or limited-time boosts—such as Double Points, Insta-Kill, or the screen-clearing Nuke. While managing ammo and weaponry, players can spend points to unlock new areas of the map, complete various objectives, and hunt for dozens of hidden Easter eggs.

In Standard Mode, players receive no guidance and must figure out where to go and what to do next. This is often a lengthy process, though the game does allow players to save and quit mid-session. In Directed Mode, while the gameplay is still an extensive undertaking, the game provides clear objectives and hints. This doesn’t mean newcomers won't spend three to five hours on a single run, but it streamlines the learning process and makes follow-up playthroughs much easier.

Upgrades

In addition to in-game perks and buffs, players can research and equip permanent upgrades and new abilities. While new players start with nothing but their chosen loadout, experienced players gain an edge by starting each playthrough with unlocked abilities. Completing a single "upgrade branch" requires multiple playthroughs, creating an addictive gameplay loop that gives players a reason to return time and time again.

Stages and Content

It is important to note that Black Ops 7 launched with a single Zombies map, with a second map added shortly after. Both offer unique goals and distinct atmospheres. Additional maps are scheduled to be added with each new season.

Final Verdict

Black Ops 7 Zombies offers "more of the same," which is exactly what long-time fans want. The round-based gameplay appeals to veterans who have been playing since World at War, while the choice between Standard and Directed modes caters perfectly to the modern audience. While this mode isn't for everyone, it is a robust, standalone package that can be enjoyed without ever touching the rest of Black Ops 7.

VERDICT: Recommended

Black Ops 7 Multiplayer:

Black Ops 7's multiplayer will be one of the biggest draws of the game for many, with a large group of players focusing on it exclusively. While Black Ops 6 faced significant backlash due to its generally small maps and lack of a true three-lane style, Black Ops 7 sets out to correct course and offer exactly what fans are looking for. To do so, the game not only reintroduces multiple fan favorites from the series' past but also includes newly constructed stages designed to fit that original style. The result is possibly one of the best multiplayer experiences in years, though it might not win over long-time fans who have already decided on their favorite entries.

The General Gameplay

The multiplayer in Black Ops 7 doesn’t do much to reinvent the series, but it doesn’t necessarily need to. Building on the faster movement introduced in Black Ops 6—specifically the ability to sprint in any direction—Black Ops 7 now allows players to jump off walls and climb to new heights. These additional movement options provide a competitive edge during gunfights. Beyond these changes, the game maintains its core gameplay loop: players are dropped into a map to compete against one another for the win. However, not every player is created equal.

Customization

To no one’s surprise, Black Ops 7 features the same customization options that have become a staple of the Call of Duty series. Initially, everyone begins at level 1 with limited options; however, by playing the game and leveling up, players can unlock new gear and equipment for their loadouts. This allows players to create and customize their own "classes," which can be swapped mid-match if the situation calls for it.

As for the loadouts themselves, each one contains a primary weapon, a secondary weapon, a melee weapon, at least three perks, a wildcard, tactical and lethal equipment, a field upgrade, and a specialty buff determined by the three perks chosen. Additionally, wildcards further expand customization by allowing players to equip extra perks, carry a primary weapon in the secondary slot, or even expand weapon customization itself—which is a whole other layer of the game.

Weapons can be modified in several ways. Up to five attachments can be equipped and changed at any time, with parts such as optics taking up a slot. Optics and other components can also be changed cosmetically; overall camos and stickers allow for additional personal flair. These are unlocked by completing specific in-game goals with a weapon or by progressing through the in-game seasons.

One major change to customization in Black Ops 7, however, is the new Overclock system. Overclock is an additional perk that can be equipped to field equipment to slightly alter its function. This can range from simple changes, such as expanding an item's range of effect, to major changes, such as turning gas into a poisonous weapon. This ensures that no two players are truly the same; even when using the same gear, they can tailor it to their personal preferences. The same system applies to Scorestreaks—powerful perks and attacks that can be activated in battle if a player achieves a high number of kills without dying.

With all of these options available, Black Ops 7 offers some of the most diverse customization in the series to date, helping it stand out from its predecessors.

The Maps and Game Modes

As previously mentioned, Black Ops 7 features larger maps compared to Black Ops 6, including several returning fan favorites. While each map offers multiple paths—further enhanced by the new wall-jumping ability—they still maintain a strong focus on the classic three-lane design. There are clearly defined main paths for navigating each map, yet plenty of cover and flanking routes exist to help players sneak past campers and snipers. While some maps still feature large, open areas that can be difficult to traverse, a simple change in strategy is usually enough to outsmart a sniper—though it is ultimately up to the individual player to adapt.

Regarding game modes, all the classics have returned. Team Deathmatch, objective-based modes like Hardpoint and Domination, and party modes such as Gun Game are all present. The standout addition, however, is Overload, which functions as a "reverse Capture the Flag" mode. In Overload, players must pick up a device and deliver it to the enemy’s base. The device carrier is restricted to using a handgun and their location is revealed to everyone, making them a prime target. The first team to eight points wins, with a halftime "switch sides" event triggered after the first four points are scored. It is a frantic, fun mode that perfectly suits the faster pace.

In addition to these modes, quality-of-life improvements from Black Ops 6 have been carried forward, and further balancing continues. For instance, the way Kill Confirmed tags float after a kill has been retained from the previous game, and door mechanics have been refined since the Black Ops 7 Beta. Within the game itself, Overload has already seen significant balancing; while players could originally use their standard loadouts while carrying the device, they are now restricted to handguns. The development team is actively listening to fan feedback, ensuring these changes improve the experience across both map flow and gameplay modes.

Open Matchmaking

The final aspect of Black Ops 7’s multiplayer is the reintroduction of Open Matchmaking. Rather than checking a player’s skill and matching them with others of a similar rating, Open Matchmaking allows anyone to go up against, well, anyone. An "elite" player with high stats can potentially face a newcomer with a 0.20 kill-to-death ratio—a scenario that simply wouldn’t have been possible under previous systems. While this means matches will frequently feature high-skilled players, it also allows "lower-ranked" players to occasionally face others at their own level without the game's interference. Furthermore, since it usually takes time for the game to establish a player's "true skill," Open Matchmaking allows players to skip the placement process entirely.

However, the downside is that matchmaking isn't always truly "open." Standard Skill-Based modes still exist, and these are constantly rotated. Not every game mode is available in the Open Matchmaking pool, and conversely, not every mode in Open is available for Skill-Based play. Not everyone will appreciate this change, as some prefer one system over the other, but the choice isn't always the players' to make. Everyone is at the mercy of the current playlist rotation in Black Ops 7, a reality that players will simply have to accept.

Verdict

With all of this being said, Black Ops 7 multiplayer is a lot of fun and has the potential to be one of the best in the series. At the time of this review, there are still some minor balancing issues, but the overall experience feels great. The maps alone help make this one of the more memorable entries, but the additional movement options and the extra layer of field equipment customization also go a long way. Those who were let down by Black Ops 6 will feel much more at home here, and should definitely not overlook the game.

VERDICT: Recommended 

Should you play it?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is a robust package and a companion title to 2024’s Black Ops 6. The game features a unique RPG-style co-op mode, sees the return of the fan-favorite Zombies, and contains a solid multiplayer offering that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy. While the lack of a true campaign is disappointing and the nonsensical story holds it back, the other modes are more than worth the time.

FINAL VERDICT: Recommended
Reviewed on PlayStation 5