Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Officially labeled as the lowest-rated Call of Duty game ever on Metacritic, it holds a discouraging user score of just 1.6 out of 10. Players are voicing their disappointment primarily due to the game’s poorly executed campaign, reliance on AI-generated content, and an odd final boss that’s jokingly referred to as a “Skibidi Toilet.” Let’s dive deeper into what players are saying and why it matters.
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Call of Duty has been a dominant player in the gaming industry for years. However, Black Ops 7 has become a cautionary tale of what happens when expectations run high and execution falls short.
1. User Ratings Dive to an All-Time Low
The user reviews on Metacritic reveal that Black Ops 7 has plummeted to a troubling 1.6 average score. This starkly contrasts with its predecessor, Black Ops 6, which managed a respectable 6.2. Players are not just withholding praise; they are openly criticizing multiple aspects of the game.
2. Lackluster Campaign and Absurd Boss Designs
One of the most significant grievances centers around the campaign mode, which many players have described as uninspired and filled with strange gameplay mechanics. The bizarre “Skibidi Toilet” boss fight—where players must evade massive shockwaves in a dreamlike sequence—has become a point of derision. It feels more at home in a surreal YouTube skit than in a blockbuster AAA game.
3. AI Art Controversy Sparks Outrage
Another major complaint involves the inclusion of AI-generated art, particularly in the game’s calling cards. Players have noted that some of this art resembles the “Ghibli filter” aesthetic that turned heads online, but not in a good way. For a game priced at approximately $70 (about €65), many feel that handcrafted visuals should have been a standard rather than resorting to quick AI solutions.
4. Activision Faces Backlash from Lawmakers
The criticism isn’t just coming from gamers. Activision has also drawn ire from U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna, who urged for regulations on AI usage to protect jobs in the gaming industry. Meanwhile, Activision defended its use of AI, claiming it helps enhance creative processes under the supervision of human talent. However, how convincing that argument is remains debatable.
5. Are the Reviews Valid or Just Review-Bombing?
Some argue the negative ratings could stem from organized review-bombing campaigns, casting doubt on the actual player experiences. For instance, Moyens I/O rated Black Ops 7 an 8.5, lauding its multiplayer mode while dismissing the campaign as lackluster. Interestingly, despite the strong user backlash, the game maintains an 82 average score among critics. What does this say about the divide in opinions?
In conclusion, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 may harbor the potential for standout features, the overwhelming criticism surrounding its execution raises important questions. If you are a fan of the franchise, it might be worth diving into the community discussions surrounding the game. For more insights and updates on all things gaming, feel free to explore related content on Moyens I/O.
What went wrong with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7? The campaign mode was criticized for being underwhelming, and players were particularly frustrated with the absurd design choices like the “Skibidi Toilet” boss fight.
Why are players upset about AI-generated art in Black Ops 7? Many gamers believe a premium game priced at $70 (around €65) should feature human-made artwork instead of AI-generated images that lack nuance.
Could the low scores be the result of review-bombing? Yes, some experts suggest that the negative reviews may not entirely reflect genuine player sentiment but could be influenced by organized campaigns. Yet, the divide between critic and user ratings is significant.
What did critics think of Black Ops 7? While user reviews tanked, many critics rated the game more favorably, with some praising its multiplayer aspects despite issues in the campaign.
Can Activision recover from this debacle? While the backlash is severe, the company will need to engage with its community and prioritize player feedback to regain trust in future releases.