Black Ops 7, also called Call of Duty 23, has been out for almost two weeks. I’ve spent enough time in its multiplayer to get a feel for the game. Treyarch’s latest release has gotten some of the worst reception in the franchise, and part of that is deserved. But if we focus just on multiplayer, it mostly succeeds. It’s fun, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel.
The Zombies mode goes bigger than ever. The map Ashes of the Damned is the largest round-based map in the mode’s history. It also brings back features that hardcore fans love. While I was stuck in Nuketown 24×7, my colleague took the time to review Ashes of the Damned and Survival mode.
The campaign, on the other hand, is a mess. Our dedicated review covers co-op, but let’s stick to multiplayer and Zombies here. Both are much better than you might expect.
Multiplayer Feels Tight, But Could Be Bolder
The gunplay in Black Ops 7 is excellent. It builds on Black Ops 6’s solid foundation. Every weapon feels satisfying and distinct, from the futuristic MXR-17 to returning classics like the M8A1. Sounds and feedback make shooting enjoyable, and weapon differentiation is strong compared to competitors like Battlefield 6.
Movement returns with the familiar sprint, slide, and dive system, plus a new wall jump mechanic. It works, but it feels like a compromise. Maps have the vertical space for wall runs, but Treyarch didn’t fully embrace them. It leaves the gameplay feeling like it could have been bolder.
Still, the game is fun. It caters to both hardcore players who love sliding and canceling, and casual players who just want action and progression. Non-SBMM and non-disbanding lobbies make the experience even more enjoyable. It’s not perfect, but it’s solid.
Maps Are Colorful and Well-Designed
Black Ops 7 nails its map design. The 16 launch maps are vibrant and full of personality. Toshin is a neon-lit Japanese shopping district, Homestead is a snowy Alaskan retreat, and Flagship is an industrial maze. The maps flow well and feel natural.
Some standout maps include Cortex, with a smooth three-lane layout, and Den, with Japanese rooftops and stylish interiors. Voting for maps feels meaningful, unlike in BO6. Season 1 will add six more maps, including remakes of Fringe and Standoff. Maps are a major highlight of the game.
Zombies: Chaos Done Right
Zombies is the true star of Black Ops 7. Ashes of the Damned is massive, chaotic, and fun. It’s inspired by Black Ops 2’s Tranzit but without the frustrating lava and fog. The map is big and confusing at first, but it grows on you.
GobbleGums make the mode a blast. These quirky power-ups let you bypass grind and get crazy weapons or effects. Some are hilarious, like turning zombies into farting clouds. Random public players can be frustrating, but Zombies is addictive even with those obstacles.
The mode gives you classic Call of Duty action. Survival rounds and Easter Eggs feel chaotic but rewarding. With more maps coming in future seasons, Zombies is likely the best part of Black Ops 7.
Performance and Graphics
Black Ops 7 runs smoothly on all platforms. I played on an Xbox Series S, and it stayed at a steady 60 FPS with solid visuals. The graphics are sharper and more colorful than BO6 but not a huge leap. Activision’s optimization is reliable, keeping gameplay smooth even on older hardware.
Verdict: A Fun, Polished COD Experience
Black Ops 7 is frustrating to summarize because the important parts are better than most critics suggest. Multiplayer is fun, with excellent gunplay, maps, and match flow. It doesn’t go fully futuristic, but it’s consistently enjoyable.
Zombies is a chaotic highlight, offering massive maps, crazy power-ups, and fun Easter Eggs. It fixes the campaign’s issues and gives you the arcade mayhem Call of Duty fans love.
Overall, Black Ops 7 is better than most of the online chatter suggests. It’s the most fun the franchise has been since Cold War. It may not take huge risks, but it’s a solid, polished Call of Duty game—and maybe the last one of its kind for a while.