Black Ops 4 Private Multiplayer beta
This past weekend, Activision held its first weekend of the highly anticipated private multiplayer beta for the upcoming game Call of Duty Black Ops 4. This private beta, available to PlayStation 4 owners who pre-ordered the game, gave us a chance to get our hands on the game’s multiplayer component before its launch on October 12th.
Let’s take a closer look at what the first week of the Call of Duty Black Ops 4 private multiplayer beta had to offer!
Pre-order Call of Duty Black Ops 4 now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Beta content – 4 gameplay modes, 10 specialists and 6 maps
The first weekend of the Call of Duty Black Ops 4 private multiplayer beta had 4 gameplay modes, 10 playable specialists (with returning Specialists Nomad and Prophet), and 6 maps (two making their first public appearance). Gameplay modes include a brand new mode called Control, and 3 other fan favourite modes—each with a twist.
Since the Control mode is brand new to Black Ops 4, I decided to play it first. In this mode, between 8 to 10 players play in teams and take turns between attacking and defending the objectives with a limited amount of respawns. Essentially there are a few zones spread across each map, and the first team to win three rounds is victorious. While initially I wasn’t too excited for this mode, it grew on me the more I played it. It requires team work and co-ordination to keep your opponents at bay and I had fun while playing it.
Other modes include Chaos TDM (Team Deathmatch and Kill Confirmed), Capture Moshpit (Domination and Hardpoint), and Search & Destroy. All offered a pretty similar experience that we have seen in other Call of Duty games in the franchise over the years.
Strategic gameplay
One of the first things I noticed when playing the Black Ops 4 private multiplayer beta was the speed of the game. Gone is the boosting, wall-running, and gliding that gave Black Ops 3 its unparalleled sense of speed. Instead, Treyarch has went back to basics so to speak. In my opinion by slowing down gameplay a bit, it adds a level of skill needed to be successful.
Another big change to gameplay is the way in which your character heals. Instead of automatically regenerating your health, you’ll need to heal by using your syringe. And, there is a waiting period between when you can use your syringe so that you can use it over and over again. Now, you’ll have to strategically think when and where to heal.
Each of the 10 specialist bring something new to the game. Abilities range from Ajax’s powerful 9-Bang stun grenades and a Ballistic Shield that will clear a path for your team. To, Crash’s Assault Packs that provide instant health buffs and ammo resupplies for your team. And, my personal favourite specialist Firebreak, who deals out devastating doses of fire via his flamethrower. It’s these unique abilities from each of the specialists that makes Black Ops 4 standout from its predecessors.
Maps ranged from an uncharted island off the coast of Colombia, to a defensive ICMB launch facility in an Icelandic mountain range, to a Japanese metropolis where a bank robbery went wrong. The maps didn’t feel overly large and offered open areas, small corridors, and multiple entrance points. While none of these maps felt revolutionary in their design, they all felt like they perfectly fit the game.
Final thoughts
Call of Duty Black Ops 4 marks the first time in the franchise that there will not be a campaign mode in the game, and that has a lot of gamers talking. Though I initially was upset that this mode would not be included, after playing the private beta this past weekend my excitement level for the game has gone up.
I really like the new specialists and their unique abilities they bring to Black Ops 4’s gameplay. Round 2 of the beta takes place this weekend and will include PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC players. New items, a new map, new XP events, and new level caps will be added for this upcoming weekend. There is still time to pre-order and get in on the beta action.
Pre-order Call of Duty Black Ops 4 now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
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