The “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” early access beta is now available, and things finally seem to be going in a positive direction for the franchise.
This is a title I am sure many people will be picking up and playing, regardless of the high price tag, due to the nostalgia factor. As soon as I saw the announcement that “Black Ops 6” was going to be this year’s game, I placed my pre-order. In the past, I would have warned myself and others to not get the game so early due to high expectations not being met. After taking the time to play the early access multiplayer beta, I can confidently say that this title is making the right changes to improve the “Call of Duty” experience.
When first loading onto the beta, all players are met with an introductory tutorial that showcases how the multiplayer game mode and new movement system work. It is skippable, but with the new omni-movement system being introduced, I decided it would be in my best interest to try the course out.
The new movement is very straightforward and similar to older “Call of Duty” titles. Tactical sprint is making a return, along with some elements introduced, such as the ability to sprint in all directions, dive in all directions and even get into supine positions while on the ground.
After completing the tutorial, I was pleasantly surprised to be met with my pre-order bonus rewards. These rewards usually aren’t available until the full game is out, so it gives players who pre-ordered the game early the ability to play with weapons and attachments that are already unlocked.
The gameplay truly feels different than any of the other “Black Ops” titles, and it is entertaining. Yes, thankfully, there is still skill-based matchmaking. Occasionally, I get in lobbies that feel like they are unplayable and make me question if I should even go through with the purchase, but it makes me want to get better. It could just be the feeling of something new, but I enjoy being able to play out different scenarios when coming across enemy players.
A personal favorite new feature of mine is the ability to take enemy players and use them as a shield. Thanks to the ability of hot mics, you and the person you take as a shield are placed in the same game chat channel so you can have “pleasant” conversations with them while they take bullets for you.
There are three of the 15 brand-new multiplayer features in the early access beta. The three we get so far are mid-sized maps that contain the familiar three-lane style that “Call of Duty” players are fond of.
One of the only downsides to this beta is the lack of content that is included. Of course, I am just being stingy. This game has so much to offer for a pre-released version, and there is plenty of content within it to get the hang of the game. Maybe it is a good thing, but myself and others are looking forward to additional content to be added.
Luckily, with the open beta starting this weekend, there will be additional weapons and maps added to current rotations that are featured on “Black Ops 6.”
Another pleasant surprise is how well this beta runs. These are early versions of the video game that myself and other people are playing on. In the early stages, this game looks and plays amazingly. Typically, it is common for the game to constantly crash, and user connectivity is usually poor.
Many others who have played the early access beta can attest that this is one of the most put-together betas a “Call of Duty” title has seen. This gives me more hope that the fully released game will be something players will continue to want to play.
In my opinion, the approval and hype for this game will only grow as the anticipated release date approaches. The campaign gameplay we have seen looks beautiful, despite looking similar to previous games, round-based zombies seem to have made all of the changes necessary to fix their past mistakes, and it was recently announced “Warzone’s” debut map, Verdansk, will be making its return for “Black Ops 6.”
The only thing left to do now is to get out there and try the beta for yourself! The “Call of Duty Black Ops 6” open beta starts Friday, Sept. 6, and ends Monday, Sept. 9, and is free for all players.