Call of Duty is known for adding quirky mechanics that innovate the series and the all new omni-movement in Black Ops 6 might be their best move ever! Everybody is literally kungfu fighting and it does feel fast as lightning!
Call of Duty has come a long way from the original WWII games and ranging from its innovating perk system, kill streaks or even vertical jetpack gameplay mechanics we ultimately land in the new movement style of the omni-directional movement system. The beta gives you a literal deep dive into this new mechanic through a fast tutorial. It does a great job at showcasing the 360° free movement from prone and even while jumping. The new mechanic opens up more snappy and even more tactical gameplay and even guarantees to provide some Hollywood style firefights.
Since the mechanic is fairly new literally everyone in during the beta was jumping across door openings or windows. More than the average Call of Duty game so that says a lot! One of the best moments was someone catching a bullet for a teammate which really showcases the power of the new mechanic. Omni-movement also unlocks sprinting in all directions. You’re no longer confined to sprinting forward and then getting stuck in a tight situation. You can now sprint backward, or to the sides, and combined with the omni-movement this unlocks a whole new meta to the series.
Body Shield is another great addition that will turn some icky situations upside down. Using an opponent as a human shield truly feels invasive and gives you this disgusting yet exhilarating feeling of power. Being able to talk through your meat shield is so great and truly creates funny moments for the community.
Since you are still the super soldier you come to expect from a Black Ops game you’re equipped with lots of tactical gadgets such as concussion grenades, Gas traps, and more. The assault packs also keep you running and gunning and it adds a bit more teamplay to the game as you’ll want to keep your own team stocked to their teeth to keep the edge in combat. Weapons like the XM4, AK-47, and also the LR7 sniper rifle feel great and truly shine combined with the all-new omni-movement. Derelict and Skyline are to maps that open up some range to really get those long range controlled shots if you’re not into the fast no-scope sniping like myself.
The maps are great but they do not blow me away as of yet. I hope the full game will let us experience some combat in a bit more thrilling maps. I did like the hidden “Die Hard” vent roads you can take in Skyline and the layering in the map. I heard the maps were designed to be smaller and kind of stray away from the 3-lane engagement layout from previous games. It should make the time to engage shorter and provide faster action. However, it again limits your choice of engagement and feels like a smaller map layout. Time will tell how it’ll received by the community.
Visually the game looks good but I miss that crispness I enjoyed in Cold War. I still feel like that game had this almost realistic way of lighting and was able to build a credible world around me. That being said, it was a multiplayer beta and it wouldn’t be fair to judge it looks as of yet.
The beta was an overall good and strong experience and I feel like the omni-movement is the true star of the show. It is a welcome addition to the franchise that will hopefully become a fixed mechanic for all future games in the franchise!
Omni Six going dark!
