Black Ops 7, the latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise, has landed with a resounding splash, and it's easy to see why this annual release remains a major event for fans. Set in a dystopian 2035, where a global arms manufacturer known as the Guild claims to be the only solution to an apocalyptic new terrorist threat, Black Ops is a paranoid, conspiracy-obsessed game that delves into themes of psychopathic corporations, hybrid warfare, robotics, and tech oligarchies.
The campaign mode, which makes up just a quarter of the overall package, is a hallucinogenic romp through socio-political talking points. Players take on the role of four lead characters who are exposed to a psychotropic drug that makes them relive their worst nightmares. The result is a chaotic, relentless, and stupidly pleasurable experience, especially when played in co-op mode with friends.
But Black Ops 7 isn't just about the campaign; it's also home to some of the most polished multiplayer experiences in recent memory. New maps, guns, and gadgets are added to the mix, including the highly-regarded Alaska base map Imprint, which features a moving platform that makes taking objective points incredibly messy and disorienting.
Another standout feature is Zombies mode, an online co-op offering that takes place in a vast nightmarish hellzone of abandoned frontier towns and irradiated wastelands. Players take on wave after wave of zombie monsters while upgrading their weapons and abilities to hold out as long as possible. It's a return to the round-based structure of previous Zombies entries, with plenty of new features, including the ability to drive from area to area in a pickup truck.
For those looking for something more offbeat, Dead Ops Arcade 4 is a self-contained top-down twin-stick shooter that can be played with up to four players. This hidden gem was born as a side project by members of the original Black Ops team and has been revamped to remind old-school fans of classic shooters like Smash TV and Geometry Wars.
Finally, there's Warzone, the battle royale mode that has become a staple of modern Call of Duty experiences. With its usual refresh, Warzone brings fresh gameplay mechanics and maps to the table, ensuring that players will never be short on options.
Overall, Black Ops 7 is a maximalist paean to video game design – shooting stuff on a TV screen is indeed a hell of a lot of fun. With its slick multiplayer experiences, engaging campaign mode, and sheer amount of content, this is an exhaustive package for Call of Duty fans that's sure to satisfy even the most die-hard enthusiasts.
As for the price, Black Ops 7 is out now with a standard price tag of £69.99 – a value that's hard to argue against given the sheer amount of content on offer. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or just looking for some slick, thrilling entertainment, Black Ops 7 has something for everyone.
The campaign mode, which makes up just a quarter of the overall package, is a hallucinogenic romp through socio-political talking points. Players take on the role of four lead characters who are exposed to a psychotropic drug that makes them relive their worst nightmares. The result is a chaotic, relentless, and stupidly pleasurable experience, especially when played in co-op mode with friends.
But Black Ops 7 isn't just about the campaign; it's also home to some of the most polished multiplayer experiences in recent memory. New maps, guns, and gadgets are added to the mix, including the highly-regarded Alaska base map Imprint, which features a moving platform that makes taking objective points incredibly messy and disorienting.
Another standout feature is Zombies mode, an online co-op offering that takes place in a vast nightmarish hellzone of abandoned frontier towns and irradiated wastelands. Players take on wave after wave of zombie monsters while upgrading their weapons and abilities to hold out as long as possible. It's a return to the round-based structure of previous Zombies entries, with plenty of new features, including the ability to drive from area to area in a pickup truck.
For those looking for something more offbeat, Dead Ops Arcade 4 is a self-contained top-down twin-stick shooter that can be played with up to four players. This hidden gem was born as a side project by members of the original Black Ops team and has been revamped to remind old-school fans of classic shooters like Smash TV and Geometry Wars.
Finally, there's Warzone, the battle royale mode that has become a staple of modern Call of Duty experiences. With its usual refresh, Warzone brings fresh gameplay mechanics and maps to the table, ensuring that players will never be short on options.
Overall, Black Ops 7 is a maximalist paean to video game design – shooting stuff on a TV screen is indeed a hell of a lot of fun. With its slick multiplayer experiences, engaging campaign mode, and sheer amount of content, this is an exhaustive package for Call of Duty fans that's sure to satisfy even the most die-hard enthusiasts.
As for the price, Black Ops 7 is out now with a standard price tag of £69.99 – a value that's hard to argue against given the sheer amount of content on offer. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or just looking for some slick, thrilling entertainment, Black Ops 7 has something for everyone.