Another year, another Call of Duty, but this time, something feels different. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is on the horizon, and thanks to the recent multiplayer beta, we’ve had a chance to go hands-on. While every new installment promises to be the next big thing, Black Ops 7 feels like it’s genuinely pushing the series’ core mechanics forward, especially when it comes to how you move around the map. Drawing from impressions across the web, including a detailed take from Windows Central, let’s break down what it’s like to play.
Welcome to the Future of Movement: Omnimovement 2.0
The biggest and most immediate change is the evolution of the movement system. Black Ops 6 introduced ‘Omnimovement,’ allowing players to sprint and dive in any direction. Black Ops 7 takes that foundation and builds on it with what could be called Omnimovement 2.0. The most exciting new addition? The wall jump. This isn’t just a simple bounce; it’s a fluid, intuitive mechanic that lets you quickly change direction, gain height, or reach new lanes. It feels surprisingly natural and adds a whole new layer of verticality and unpredictability to firefights.
To complement this, the overall base movement speed has been increased, making the game feel faster and more aggressive. Interestingly, the traditional tactical sprint has been removed. If you want to move even faster, you’ll need to dedicate a perk slot to it. This seems like a smart design choice, forcing players to make a meaningful decision between speed and other valuable perks.
What’s New in Multiplayer?
The beta gave us a taste of a few maps, and they are clearly designed with the new movement system in mind. ‘Exposure’ is a larger map with plenty of opportunities for wall jumping, including a dangling shipping container that practically begs you to use it. ‘The Forge’ features a unique environmental hazard: a spinning, four-part circular wall in the center of the map that makes holding objectives like a hardpoint incredibly chaotic and fun.
In terms of modes, a new one called ‘Overload’ was a standout, offering a fresh objective-based experience. Of course, it wouldn’t be Call of Duty without some weapon balancing debates. Right out of the gate, the M10 Breacher shotgun is causing a stir. It feels incredibly powerful, capable of one-shot kills from distances that feel a bit too generous for a default shotgun. This is typical for a beta, and we can expect Treyarch to be looking at the data and tuning it before launch.
A Glimpse into the Campaign
While the beta was multiplayer-focused, we do know a bit about the campaign. It brings back the iconic Black Ops villain Raul Menendez and introduces a new character, Emma Kagan, portrayed by Kiernan Shipka. The story seems to be leaning heavily into sci-fi themes, with robotic soldiers and a surreal, dreamlike tone in some sequences. It’s a departure from the more grounded campaigns of recent years and seems designed for spectacular, over-the-top co-op moments.
A Word on Last-Gen Performance
One of the key points from the Windows Central report was the game’s performance on older hardware, specifically the Xbox One X. While the game still looks decent visually, it reportedly struggles to maintain a stable frame rate. This is a common challenge for cross-generational titles, and it highlights the growing gap between last-gen and current-gen consoles. If you’re playing on an older machine, you might have to temper your performance expectations.
Your Black Ops 7 Questions Answered (FAQs)
- What is the biggest new gameplay feature in Black Ops 7? The enhanced Omnimovement system, which includes a new wall jump mechanic and faster base movement speed.
- When is the release date? Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to release on November 14, 2025.
- What new multiplayer mode was featured in the beta? A new mode called ‘Overload’ was available and received positive feedback.
- Is the game coming to last-gen consoles like Xbox One and PS4? Yes, but early reports suggest performance, particularly frame rate, is a significant issue on older hardware.
- Who is the main villain in the campaign? The iconic villain Raul Menendez returns, alongside new characters.
- Is tactical sprint in the game? No, the traditional tac-sprint has been removed. Players must use a perk slot if they want to sprint faster than the new, higher base speed.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 feels like a meaningful step forward. The refinements to the movement system are not just a gimmick; they fundamentally change how you engage with the game’s maps and combat, making it feel faster and more dynamic than ever. While there are the usual beta concerns, like overpowered weapons and performance on older consoles, the core experience is incredibly strong. Treyarch has built a fantastic foundation that feels both fresh and familiar. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, skill-based shooters, Black Ops 7 should definitely be on your radar this November.