Recommended Free Tools
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s campaign may disappoint players looking for a tightly directed, traditional solo story—especially those hoping for a worthy follow-up to Black Ops 2. TechRadar’s review calls it a messy, disappointing campaign, even as it views the game’s multiplayer and Zombies more favorably. That is one outlet’s judgment, not proof of a consensus among players. The central question is whether the campaign’s co-op, open-ended approach suits what you want from a Black Ops story.
What kind of campaign is Black Ops 7?
Activision describes the campaign as playable solo or with up to four players. It is designed as part of a connected progression system rather than as an entirely separate, self-contained story mode. The campaign culminates in Endgame, which opens up Avalon for players. Activision’s reveal introduces returning characters David Mason and Raul Menendez, alongside new character Emma Kagan.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sonic Frontiers - PlayStation 5 | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Crimson Desert: Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 - PlayStation 5 | $29.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Sonic: Frontiers (PS5) | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
KontrolFreek Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Aim Boost Kit | Collector’s Edition for PlayStation 5... | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
That structure is a meaningful change in emphasis for anyone who expects a campaign built chiefly around a carefully paced solo run. Co-op can make the experience more appealing if you want to play with friends, but the option to play alone does not by itself guarantee the kind of focused, linear campaign those players may be seeking.
What is the story, and why are Black Ops 2 fans wary?
The story takes place in 2035. David Mason leads an elite JSOC team to Avalon amid a threat involving Raul Menendez and The Guild, according to Xbox Wire’s campaign overview. Returning characters and a later timeline make the connection to earlier Black Ops stories part of the pitch.
#1 Best Overall
- Race across five massive overworlcl islands, each with their own unique action-platforming challenges and hidden secrets to uncover
- Blaze a trail as you see fit and discover side quests, solve puzzles, scale enormous structures, go fishing, and encounter a firendly face or two along the way
- Unlock Cyber Space levels featuring signature 3D platforming at Sonic speeds and a variety of challenges to test your skills like never before
- Use the all-new battle system and skill tree upgrades, combining moves such as dodges, parries, counters, combos, and the new Cyloop ability to take down mysterious foes
- Become Sonic and journey to uncover the mysteries of the remains of an ancient civilization plagued by robotic hordes
That continuity also raises expectations. TechRadar’s review argues that the campaign is a mess and not the Black Ops 2 follow-up fans deserved. Its criticism is most relevant to players who want the new story to build on that earlier game with the same sense of narrative direction. It is a reviewer’s assessment, not a finding that all Black Ops 2 fans will react the same way.
Is the campaign worth playing?
As an editorial verdict, Black Ops 7 looks like a harder recommendation for campaign-first players than for people interested in the game’s full package. If your main reason to play is a polished, tightly directed solo story—or a direct-feeling continuation of Black Ops 2—the available review evidence points to a substantial risk of disappointment. If you are keen to play co-op and intend to spend time with multiplayer or Zombies too, the campaign’s weaker reception may matter less to your overall decision.
Rank #2
- Join Kliff, captain of the Greymanes, and his comrades as they embark on a relentless journey to defend Pywel and fulfill their mission.
- Along your perilous path stands both dependable allies and countless foes who will stop at nothing to see your downfall.
- Face trials to uncover the truth of the catastrophe looming over Pywel and restore peace to the continent.
- Explore the mesmerizing landscapes of the continent where mystical beings, hidden treasures, and thrilling adventures await.
- Pre-order to receive the Khaled Shield (Pre Order Code on Receipt). PS5 Editions include the Grotevant Plate Set DLC as a PS5 exclusive bonus. (In Pack DLC Voucher). Bonus DLC Includes: Grotevan Plate Helm, Grotevan Plate Armor, along with Grotevan cloak, gloves, and boots!
TechRadar says its review involved more than 30 hours of play, including about 12 hours in campaign and Endgame across solo and co-op. That provides useful context for its criticism, but it does not make the review a survey of players or establish how the wider audience feels.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check these requirements before you buy
Campaign play still needs an internet connection
Activision says a continuous internet connection is required for every mode, including Campaign, citing the game’s use of texture streaming. A solo campaign run is therefore not an offline option. Confirm that your connection and platform setup meet the requirement before purchasing. Activision’s editions FAQ also lists PC requirements including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
Rank #3
- Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower.
- This is signature Black Ops across a cinematic single-player Campaign, a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, and the epic return of Round-Based Zombies.
- The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity.
- In a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, players will test their skills across 16 new maps at launch, including 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6.
- Black Ops 6 also marks the epic return of Round-Based Zombies, the fan-favorite mode where players will take down hordes of the undead in two brand-new maps at launch. Post-launch, players can look forward to even more exciting maps and groundbreaking experiences dropping into both Multiplayer and Zombies.
Physical copies are not compatible with every console
Activision says physical editions do not operate on Xbox Series S or a digital-only PlayStation 5. If you own either console, choose a digital access route rather than a disc. For other systems, check the exact edition and platform listing before buying.
Split-screen and console subscriptions have limits
Activision lists split-screen support for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, but not PS4 or Xbox One. The support page says a PlayStation Plus or Game Pass Essential subscription is needed for social features and all game modes except solo play in Co-Op Campaign. Check the current platform requirements for your region and account before relying on a particular feature.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR CALL OF DUTY - Officially-licensed Black Ops 7 design
- EXCLUSIVE SINPER CASE - Holds Performance thumbsticks and Precision Rings
- INCLUDES IN-GAME ITEM - Comes with in-game weapon charm for Call of Duty Black Ops 7
- PERFECT FOR FPS GAMES - Mixed-rise thumbsticks upgrade your aim and control
- GET MORE CONTROL - Mid-rise left stick upgrades grip and movement
Rank #4
- Race across five massive overworlcl islands, each with their own unique action-platforming challenges and hidden secrets to uncover
- Blaze a trail as you see fit and discover side quests, solve puzzles, scale enormous structures, go fishing, and encounter a firendly face or two along the way
- Unlock Cyber Space levels featuring signature 3D platforming at Sonic speeds and a variety of challenges to test your skills like never before
- Use the all-new battle system and skill tree upgrades, combining moves such as dodges, parries, counters, combos, and the new Cyloop ability to take down mysterious foes
- Become Sonic and journey to uncover the mysteries of the remains of an ancient civilization plagued by robotic hordes
Who should play it?
- Consider it if: you want a campaign you can play solo or with up to four players, are interested in the Avalon setting, or expect to get much of your value from multiplayer and Zombies as well.
- Be cautious if: you are buying chiefly for a traditional, tightly directed solo campaign or for a story that feels like a satisfying Black Ops 2 follow-up.
- Check first if: you need offline play, use an Xbox Series S or digital-only PS5 and plan to buy a physical copy, or want split-screen on PS4 or Xbox One.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
