I Like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, But I Have 1 Big Concern

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I Like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, But I Have 1 Big Concern

Key Takeaways

  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is currently hosting its early access beta.
  • The beta has so far featured four maps, with Skyline being the standout.
  • Derelict and Scud get old fast, while the fourth map, Rewind, has an interesting setting but isn’t as fun as Skyline.

As a seasoned gamer with over 20 years under my belt and countless hours spent in the Call of Duty universe, I must say that this latest Black Ops 6 beta has left me both excited and slightly apprehensive. The new maps, especially Skyline, are a breath of fresh air, offering a unique blend of combat styles and Easter eggs that make for an engaging gaming experience. However, the Derelict and Scud maps feel like a step back in time, reminding me of the maps from my early gaming days that I used to skip over due to their monotony.

Following my engagement in the beta test for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6‘s multiplayer, I find myself feeling hopeful regarding the upcoming installment in this lengthy series, while also harboring a small apprehension that the multiplayer aspect might not capture my interest as persistently as it has in past years. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is generating considerable buzz since 2019’s revamp of Modern Warfare. The game is being developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, alongside other Activision studios. Notably, Black Ops 6 boasts the longest development period among all Call of Duty games to date.

As a dedicated gamer diving into Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, I can’t help but notice that this title has seen a longer development cycle compared to its predecessors in the series. Yet, it’s not just about the extra time in the oven; it feels like we’re returning to the core roots of the franchise while pushing boundaries at the same time.

In the new installment of Call of Duty: Black Ops, dubbed Black Ops 6, players are now given the freedom to move swiftly and dive in multiple directions thanks to a new feature called omnimovement. This, along with Black Ops 6’s quick Time-to-Kill (TTK), makes this year’s Call of Duty one of the fastest yet. While some have expressed reservations about omnimovement not feeling quite authentic, I personally find it a valuable enhancement to the proven multiplayer formula of the franchise. The more time I spent with the Black Ops 6 multiplayer beta, the more comfortable I became with omnimovement. Initially, I had concerns about omnimovement and the fast TTK, but as far as the core multiplayer battles go, I have no criticisms regarding what Black Ops 6 is offering.

Black Ops 6 Hasn’t Sold Me on Its Maps

I think omnimovement is fun, the new proximity chat features are hilarious, and the core gameplay is a blast. But based on what I played in the beta, I’m really not sold on Black Ops 6‘s multiplayer maps. Four maps have been available to play in the Black Ops 6 beta so far: Derelict, Rewind, Scud, and Skyline. Initially, only Derelict, Scud, and Skyline were available in the game, with Rewind added later in the weekend.

I soon found myself growing weary of Derelict and Scud during gameplay. While Derelict can be enjoyable in brief intervals, its limited, confined three-lane layout becomes repetitive quickly. On the other hand, it seems Scud’s expansive size or open design might have contributed to more running around searching for battles instead of engaging in them. Conversely, Skyline stands out as the star of the beta. Situated on a luxurious rooftop resort, this map boasts stunning vistas and lavish interiors that cater well to close-quarters skirmishes as well as medium-range encounters. Additionally, it houses some amusing Easter eggs such as a hidden passageway concealed behind a bookshelf. Given the map voting system in Black Ops 6, players often chose Skyline when available, and for valid reasons. It offers an entertaining and engaging multiplayer experience within the world of Black Ops 6.

In the Black Ops 6 multiplayer beta, Rewind was included as an additional map later on. I found myself quite pleased to have a fourth map in rotation, even though I didn’t play Rewind as frequently as the others. My overall impression is that it falls somewhere in the middle. I definitely prefer it more than Derelict and Scud, but it doesn’t quite compare to Skyline for me. However, Rewind does offer a distinct advantage with its unique setting – a strip mall environment featuring various storefronts, a sprawling parking lot, and a restaurant ideal for snipers. Despite being enjoyable, I would still choose Skyline over Rewind, and it appears that many others share this viewpoint as well.

Initially, two more “Strike” maps are planned for inclusion in the beta phase of Black Ops 6‘s multiplayer trial; however, they have not been introduced yet. The maps, named Pit and Gala, are smaller-sized battlefields suitable for Gunfight encounters but can also accommodate 6v6 skirmishes. If all goes as planned, these maps should be accessible before the beta concludes on September 4. I’ve enjoyed playing Gunfight in previous Call of Duty titles and eagerly anticipate trying out the Strike maps in Black Ops 6.

When is the Next Black Ops 6 Beta?

I Like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, But I Have 1 Big Concern
  • Open beta is September 6 through September 9

At present, access to the beta version of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” is restricted only to individuals who have pre-ordered the game or subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, from September 6 to September 9, the beta testing will be open to everyone. This upcoming test will showcase all the maps initially offered in the early access, along with a few extra ones. As of now, it’s expected that “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” beta testers will get a chance to explore the Babylon core map and the Stakeout Strike map starting September 6. In all, eight out of the sixteen “Black Ops 6” multiplayer maps will be tested during the beta phase.

At its release, “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” multiplayer offers a rich assortment of 16 maps. However, my apprehension lies in the fact that most of these maps seem to fit into either the Derelict or Scud category, which might discourage me from immersing myself too deeply in multiplayer gameplay. If these maps instead resemble the quality of Skyline, then the multiplayer could be a grand slam. Regularly switching between various maps will also help reduce the monotony that the beta exhibited at times, and perhaps as I’m not compelled to play them quite as frequently, Derelict and Scud might grow on me. Following my positive experience with the “Black Ops 6” beta, I remain hopeful about this year’s installment. However, I’ll need to explore the single-player campaign and Zombies modes before I can determine if the new game truly measures up to the hype.

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2024-09-02 19:44