The Call of Duty community is experiencing a rare moment of unity — but not the kind the series’ creators might have hoped for. Instead of celebrating another blockbuster release, fans are rallying around frustration, confusion, and outright disappointment. Black Ops 7, which arrived with massive hype and promises of innovation, is rapidly becoming one of the most controversial entries in the franchise’s history — and for reasons that have little to do with its gunplay. User reception has been brutal. On Metacritic, where players tend to be far more vocal than critics, Black Ops 7 has plummeted to a staggering 1.9/10 based on over 800 user reviews — the lowest score ever recorded for a Call of Duty game on the platform. The previous low point, Modern Warfare 3 (2023), now looks modest in comparison with its 2.3 rating.
Professional critics, meanwhile, are much more forgiving. Early review scores hover around 83/100, suggesting that while the game has issues, it still delivers a polished technical experience and strong multiplayer foundations. Whether that rating holds as more outlets publish their impressions remains to be seen. The heart of the backlash lies in the single-player campaign, which many longtime fans describe as one of the weakest in the franchise. Complaints range from questionable narrative choices to jarring tonal shifts. Players cite bizarre sequences — including massive zombie-like bosses and gravity-defying melee weapons — as examples of a campaign that feels disconnected from the grounded Black Ops identity. Beyond the story itself, structural decisions have raised eyebrows. The campaign requires a permanent online connection, even for solo play, a restriction that many view as unnecessary and intrusive. For some, this single choice was enough to sour the experience entirely.
One of the most unexpected sources of outrage came from the discovery of AI-generated artwork within the game’s calling cards. While minor in gameplay terms, fans argue that relying on AI assets — especially in a premium $70 release — signals a lack of care and respect for artists and players alike. The ensuing debate has only intensified the game’s already heated reception. The friction extends to Steam, where Black Ops 7 currently sits at “Mixed” with only 42% positive reviews. Many negative posts echo the same concerns seen across social platforms: a disappointing narrative, unpolished storytelling, and design decisions that feel at odds with the series’ legacy. Yet professional reviewers continue to emphasize the strengths of the multiplayer suite and the potential of the game’s long-term live-service plans — a reminder that the title may still find its footing over time. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and through Game Pass. But whether it can recover its reputation remains uncertain. For now, the community is left with a complicated mix of frustration and hope — and a release that will likely be remembered as one of the most divisive in the franchise’s two-decade history.
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