Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is rapidly approaching its November 14th launch, and Treyarch, ever the master of generating buzz, has just dropped a fresh batch of intel that’s sure to ignite discussions across the player base. From the tantalizing promise of fan-favorite maps making a long-awaited return to a redesigned movement system and a rather stark adjustment to the ‘Carry Forward’ program, Black Ops 7 is shaping up to be a title that both embraces its roots and carves its own path.
The Return of Classics – With a Twist
For many, the heart of any Call of Duty experience lies in its multiplayer maps. Black Ops 7 has already confirmed the return of beloved arenas like Raid, Hijacked, and Express. While these are undeniably classics, their reappearance often sparks a familiar sentiment: “Haven`t we played these before?” Indeed, these iconic battlegrounds have graced previous Black Ops remasters. However, a recent brief from Treyarch’s design director, Matt Scronce, offered a glimmer of hope for something genuinely fresh.
When pressed on the possibility of never-before-remastered Black Ops 2 maps, Scronce’s succinct reply – “Yes, you can” – sent ripples of excitement through the community.
Maps such as the intricate urban sprawl of Plaza or the tight, vertical engagements of Yemen have long topped wish lists. The prospect of experiencing these forgotten gems with modern fidelity and updated mechanics is a truly exciting proposition, hinting that Treyarch is keenly listening to the veteran players who yearn for a deeper dive into the Black Ops vault.
Redefining Movement: A Grounded Approach
The fluidity and options available to players in combat are perennial topics of discussion in Call of Duty. Black Ops 7 is making a clear statement by firmly planting its feet on the ground. Players can rest assured: the era of jetpacks and gravity-defying wall-runs is not making a comeback here. Instead, Treyarch is introducing “redefined omnimovement” complemented by a new wall-jump ability.
This isn`t just a simple hop; it can be chained for up to three consecutive jumps. But before you envision players perpetually bouncing off every surface like digital pinballs, Scronce clarified that “On that second and third jump, you’re going to lose a little bit of momentum.” This measured approach aims to provide agile tactical options without devolving into frenetic, disorienting movement that can often detract from balanced gameplay. It’s a thoughtful compromise, offering enhanced traversal while keeping the core combat experience grounded and predictable – a welcome relief for those who prefer strategic positioning over airborne acrobatics.
The Carry Forward Conundrum: What Stays, What Goes
Perhaps the most significant revelation, and one that carries considerable weight for player investment, concerns the “Carry Forward” program. Introduced in previous titles as a way to bridge content between game iterations, the program in Black Ops 7 has undergone a rather dramatic curtailment. Players who had accumulated a vast arsenal of Black Ops 6 weapons, operator skins, and other cosmetic items with the expectation of seeing them transition into Black Ops 7 will be met with a stark reality: they will not.
The program, as it stands, will only carry forward double XP tokens and GobbleGums – a rather limited offering that might leave some players scratching their heads, or perhaps, gently sighing. This decision marks a significant departure from recent trends, signaling a desire for a clean slate, a fresh economy, and perhaps, a renewed incentive for players to engage with Black Ops 7’s native progression systems from day one. It’s a bold move, effectively resetting the cosmetic playing field and emphasizing that Black Ops 7 is very much its own distinct entity. A truly “forward-thinking” approach, perhaps, but not in the way many had hoped.
Beyond Multiplayer: Campaign and Zombies Teasers
Beyond the multiplayer landscape, Black Ops 7 also promises a compelling endgame for its campaign, a massive round-based Zombies map that will surely challenge even the most seasoned undead slayers, and an overall futuristic aesthetic for its multiplayer experience.
Availability and Beta Access
With a beta on the horizon next month, players will soon have the chance to personally evaluate these changes and form their own conclusions. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is poised to launch on November 14 across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
As the pieces fall into place, it`s clear that Treyarch is not just delivering another Call of Duty title, but one that aims to honor its past while making deliberate, impactful decisions about its future. Whether these decisions will resonate universally remains to be seen, but the conversation has certainly begun.
Callum Darby