Black Ops 7, I promise you’re not alone
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has become one of the most divisive games of the year. Since the game launched earlier this month, I have watched the discourse unfold on the internet, among friends and other players, and it’s not looking good, at least at first glance. That first look is always the loudest of the bunch, and the loudest are very clear in that they dislike the game. In truth, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is far from a perfect game, but many are framing it as one of the worst games of the year, which might be a stretch.
Not every game is going to resonate with every player, and for longtime Call of Duty fans, Black Ops 7‘s story strays far away from its psychological thriller roots. That’s no secret. However, that doesn’t mean the game isn’t a good time. Black Ops 7‘s backlash may be significant, but there are still plenty of gamers who are enjoying their time with the first-person shooter, and that’s okay. Hating on Call of Duty has been trendy for years now, and even though the franchise definitely has had its low points, there are plenty who see Black Ops 7 as fun, if nothing else.
Plenty of Black Ops 7 Criticism is Valid, But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Not Fun
There are controversial features in Black Ops 7 like its use of AI and the strange online-only approach to its campaign, but gameplay-wise, it’s still a solid Call of Duty title. The campaign is definitely wacky, but Black Ops 7 is still a strong first-person shooter that is easy to spend hours with. Campaign, multiplayer, zombies, and even endgame mean there’s something for a lot of folks to enjoy because the gameplay is as solid as any CoD game. Because of Battlefield 6‘s launch back in October, it’s understandable why there is so much debate about which one is better, but that happens in every single year with a Call of Duty and Battlefield release.
Black Ops 7 Reviews
The MetaCritic Score for Black Ops 7, as of this writing, is 67. That’s not mindblowing, but there’s only a 15-point difference between it and Black Ops 6, which received a lot of praise. 15 points, in the grand scheme of things, is not that much. 67 is probably a pretty good score, but there are always reasons to enjoy a 7/10 game.
Black Ops 7’s Controversial Campaign Isn’t Bland, To Say The Least
The campaign for Black Ops 7 is already notorious. It tries to nail some kind of psychological horror, that feels far too inspired by Batman: Arkham Knight, and it can all feel like a bit too much. It certainly has lost the plot. However, gameplay-wise, it starts off at one speed and sticks with it. There are no high highs, but there are no low lows either. The campaign plays it a bit too safe, story-wise, even while it is stretched. Being co-op means there’s always fun to be had with friends, with the co-op being more fun because it is co-op than necessarily anything CoD does, but the gameplay, level, and fights are enough to keep some players going.
The new Endgame experience won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s even more added to the overall Black Ops 7 package.
Black Ops 7 Shows That Multiplayer is Still the Heart of Call of Duty
Even though developers took more risks with Black Ops 7‘s story, multiplayer is still the central part of the game, and it’s just as fun as ever. Over the years, there has been a continuing divide between the multiplayer fan base because of the increased presence of wild, unrealistic skins. Call of Duty has continued to embrace this tactic, and even though Black Ops 7 gets rid of its Carry Forward method, that hasn’t stopped the wild skins from already starting.
On the other hand, there are solid maps, solid game modes, solid gameplay, and pretty much solid everything you’d want out of Call of Duty multiplayer. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and constantly on the go. It’s not a realistic military sim, but that’s pretty obvious from its marketing, too.
The first season of Black Ops 7 officially goes live on December 4.
Right Now, Battlefield Can’t Compete With Call of Duty’s Zombies
Call of Duty’s Zombies mode is a classic, and it’s hard to ignore how fun it is just mowing down zombies. Ashes of the Damned’s Easter Egg is fun, while the whole map walks a good line between honoring what makes the mode work and experimentation. The main map is complex enough to stay interesting but easy to navigate, and objectives guide players naturally without breaking the flow. Combat feels sharp, with weapons that hit hard and upgrades that clearly matter. It brings back the familiar Zombies feel while adding just enough polish to keep it fresh and replayable. If you’re having fun with zombies and your co-op partners, that’s all that matters.
The first Call of Duty game to feature Zombies was World at War in 2008
It’s Okay to Enjoy a Game, Even When it Seems Like the Rest of the World Doesn’t
Just as it’s completely valid for some to dislike a game, it’s also just as valid for others to find joy in it. Video games are meant to be fun, and if you are having a good time, then that’s all that really matters anyway. It can be really easy to get caught up in negativity, especially when it seems like that’s what everyone on the internet thinks. However, there are plenty on the internet who have found a lot of good in Black Ops 7, and there are also those who don’t even bother with what the internet has to say, simply playing games without considering reviews or others’ feedback.
No one should feel bad for enjoying a game, so if you’ve liked your time with Black Ops 7, you’re not alone. Many others and I have had a good experience, too. The majority of critic reviews for the game tend to lean toward either mixed or positive, too, and while it is not the best entry in the Call of Duty franchise, it’s not the worst either. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you have fun. If you didn’t, that’s understandable. If you did, that’s understandable too.
- Released
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November 14, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs