We thoroughly tested the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War beta. The sensations transport us to 2010, when the subsaga debuted. Aim high.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is entering its second testing period. A few weeks ago we brought you our impressions of the alpha version. That little PS4 exclusive appetizer allowed us to know what Treyarch’s bet is on the new trend within the saga.
This beta version offers a much stronger playable idea than the previous one. We feel a completely traditional Call of Duty in sensations, but at the same time with enough new features, some inherited from Modern Warfare 2019, and others of our own creation. Cold War has compelling reasons when it comes to bringing the traditional user back.
Alpha feedback
They seem to have heard us. Four silly changes, subtle, but that completely change the experience. For starters, time per death. The time has been reduced by a few thousandths. The shootouts turn into fast encounters, far from the extreme similar to that of Black Ops 4. Now the confrontations between more players are viable, as it has always commanded in the brand.
On the other hand, the losing streaks. The time to charge them has been increased, as has the refresh rate. There are fewer UAVs, attack helicopters, and artillery salvoes per game. When you use it, it conveys the feeling of being a practically unique moment. You have to know how to measure well when and how to use them.
We also found small differences in the gunplay. Weapons are a bit more difficult to handle. The XM4’s laser has lagged behind. Attachment stats impact weapon performance on par with what we were used to in Modern Warfare. You go from an AK-47 to a Krig 6 and the differences are noticeable. It may not reach the point of changes that its predecessor, but the line marked leads to think that they are on the right track.
We notice a certain balance in the audio. It is easier to detect where the shots are coming from and what features of the combat the characters narrate by voice. Sound has become more important, as it should be. Even the roar of the boots lives up to the mechanics in the latest Infinity Ward game. It remains to be seen what the balance will be when users unlock Ninja.
Familiarity
What do we mean when we talk about a new trend in the saga? The success of Call of Duty: Warzone is undoubted. The battle royale remains in the highest positions of players today. This development in parallel once it reaches the market has allowed it to inherit various functions that enhance the formula.
This is the case of progression, traced to Modern Warfare 2019. Weapons have a number of levels that advance depending on their use. As we accumulate that experience, we will gain an assortment of accessories to equip in the Gunsmith. The very high level of customization is present.
The changes in this regard lie in the information displayed. If we press the right trigger on an accessory, we will know four families of detailed statistics: firepower, speed, precision and ammunition. Does your 60-round magazine increase reload time? Now you know that equipping it will recharge in 3.5 seconds, instead of 2.6.
It is a great success to have created a homogeneous experience behind the scenes. Although the way you play does differ, the construction of your soldier has the same (or more) possibilities as in 2019. We do not know at this time how it will affect the balance of the jokers in Warzone, if the three advantages will continue as usual or you will be able to add more, in exchange for losing other options.
A promising Call of Duty
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War transports us at times to 2010. Close your eyes and think of Nuketown, Firing Range, Hanoi or Summit. Those Famas with a silencer or your first game of Gun Game. 10 years later the same aura surrounds us. You’re at the controls of a fun installment that leaves the talk of classicism behind to prove it with facts.
Even in weak aspects in recent years, such as maps, it shows positive progress. The new beta add-on, Cartel, is great for objective modes. The river section serves as a line to navigate to the rival respawn, while the hangar and the central part is where most firefights are plugged. Unlike Miami, this is horizontal.
As we said in the Alpha, the return of the three-line structure makes you play with the mentality of yesteryear. There are fewer obstacles to the action, force players to learn respawn times and control your play area. And not a single appearance of closed doors or elements to interact with: the setting is basic.
The title will hit the market on November 13 for PS5, Xbox Series X | S, PS4, Xbox One and PC.
