Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has landed with a bang, and we’ve been diving deep into the closed beta to bring you an in-depth, geeky review. After the lackluster Modern Warfare 3 reboot, it’s refreshing to see Treyarch and Raven Software pushing the boundaries of the franchise. The beta has been a rollercoaster of adrenaline-pumping action, slick new mechanics, and some inevitable teething problems. Let’s break it down.

Omnimovement: The Game Changer

The standout feature of Black Ops 6 is undoubtedly the innovative omnimovement system. This game-changing mechanic lets you sprint, slide, and even dive in any direction, opening up a whole new dimension of tactical possibilities. Imagine sliding sideways through doorways, leaping off rooftops like a parkour expert, and maintaining 360-degree aim throughout. It’s a fluid, exhilarating experience that’s seamlessly integrated with the auto-lean feature.

We found that mastering omnimovement requires practice and coordination. Timing your slides and jumps perfectly takes some getting used to, but the payoff is immense. The freedom of movement is a breath of fresh air, and it has the potential to redefine the way we play Call of Duty for years to come.

Maps: A Mixed Bag of Polished and Problematic

Black Ops 6 boasts 16 new 6v6 core maps, but the beta only offered a taste of six. The standout map is Skyline, a visually stunning penthouse with a breathtaking sunset backdrop. It offers a balanced mix of open areas for sniping, multi-level combat, and even a tempting pool that begs for trick shots.

The smaller maps, while visually appealing, felt a bit cramped, especially with everyone zipping around using omnimovement. We also encountered some frustrating spawn issues on these maps, finding ourselves face-to-face with enemies moments after respawning.

Weapons and Game Modes: Overpowered SMGs and Tactical Teamwork

The beta featured 12 new weapons, but one reigned supreme: the Jackal PDW SMG. Its deadly combination of fire rate,accuracy, and range made it the go-to choice for many players. We wouldn’t be surprised to see some nerfs before the official launch, as it currently outperforms many assault rifles at medium to long range.

The beta offered a diverse selection of game modes, including the brand-new Kill Confirmed variant, Kill Order. This mode designates one player on each team as the High Value Target (HVT), adding a layer of tactical teamwork and strategic planning. Protecting your HVT while hunting down the enemy’s is a thrilling challenge that fosters a greater sense of cooperation.

Beta Blues: Frame Drops, False Bans, and UI Quirks

The beta wasn’t without its share of technical hiccups. We experienced severe frame drops that forced us to leave lobbies on a few occasions. Thankfully, Activision has acknowledged this issue and is working on a fix.

The Call of Duty anti-cheat system also caused a stir by falsely banning some players. Activision is reportedly addressing this as well, so we hope to see a smoother experience at launch.

The UI, while generally improved, has some quirks. The rapid progression system often left us scrambling to equip new attachments and perks between matches. A simple “upgrade now” button or a “new” label in the inventory would streamline this process.

Looking Ahead: The Full Release

Despite the beta’s limitations and minor frustrations, Black Ops 6 shows immense promise. Omnimovement is a revolutionary addition, the gunplay feels smooth and satisfying, and the map design is generally top-notch. With a few fixes and refinements, this could be a truly memorable entry in the Call of Duty franchise.

We’re eagerly awaiting the full release to experience the rest of the maps, weapons, single-player campaign, Zombies mode, and the revamped Prestige system. If the beta is any indication, Black Ops 6 is shaping up to be a thrilling evolution of the series.