In Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 the first can play the new battle royale mode. But how is the blackout mode received by fans and gaming press? We summarize the first opinions and test impressions for you.
Many fans were skeptical when Activision announced the Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 battle royale in the form of the blackout mode. For many, it sounded like an attempt to jump on the battle royale bandwagon with Fortnite as the locomotive to secure a piece of the pie.
On September 10 at 7:00 PM, the Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 blackout beta opened its doors on PS4. Since then, numerous players have been able to get their own impression of the new blackout mode. How is battle royale received in Call of Duty?
Call of Duty: Black Ops blackout beta – What fans say
Good first impression: According to the first experience reports, the new game mode is received rather positively by the beta participants. The prevailing tenor is that Call of Duty gains a quite interesting enrichment through blackout.
The mode feels very good, the map is huge and diverse, the battles are exciting, tactical, and intense. The new perks that are now consumables in blackout are also well received by fans. Vehicles are well-balanced and easy to steer.
In short: With blackout, it seems Treyarch has succeeded in creating something that many are impressed with and that numerous players are already looking forward to after the first hours of play – even hardcore Fortnite, PUBG, and H1Z1 fans.
What first voices say:
So says Reddit user KokiriSword: “The blackout mode is a fantastic mode. I haven’t had this much fun in Call of Duty since Black Ops 2. But they should really try to increase the maximum player count.”
The Redditor DromedaryGold writes: “I can’t believe how good blackout feels – and it’s just the beta! The game is already in a better state than PUBG/H1Z1.”
JDFive says: “The map and building design are truly impressive.” In another post, he continues: “This is it! This is the battle royale game I’ve been waiting for!”
Even one of the most successful Fortnite streamers, DrDisRespect, had to admit that he is impressed with the new blackout mode. The game design, gameplay flow, speed, visuals, skill, the huge map, the individual battles – everything is that good.
Almost only constructive criticism: The mostly positive mood surrounding blackout is further underscored by the fact that the traditional hate and flaming posts on Reddit or in other forums are conspicuously absent.
Alongside numerous praises, almost all critical contributions focus on constructive feedback – which is really rare for Call of Duty titles. The focus of criticism is mainly on some technical aspects like the fine-tuning of certain in-game mechanics such as armor balance, item pickup, friendly fire, or the quick menu.
You can tell: The blackout mode is well received, and the community is working to improve this experience based on feedback.
Developers respond to feedback: The developers have already spoken out in light of the extensive feedback. In a beta recap for the first day, Treyarch responded to parts of the feedback and announced quick fixes for some issues. However, certain areas like armor balance will be studied for a bit longer and adjusted if necessary.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 battle royale beta – What the press says
Critics are mostly positive about the new blackout mode:
IGN: IGN states in an initial video contribution that the blackout beta plays like a polished PUBG. One can hardly wait to jump back into action. Only more players would have been desired.
Polygon: The site Polygon headlines: “Call of Duty’s battle royale mode blackout is extraordinary.” They were particularly impressed with the intense combat and the high tactical content.
CNET: CNET states: “The battle royale mode of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 makes a great first impression.” After some matches, it was already clear: the new mode impresses – and more than one expected beforehand. One expected a polished PUBG with Call of Duty in the name. But the mode offers more than just that.
Kotaku: The site Kotaku views the new mode a bit more critically – although they were also largely convinced by the first impression. According to Kotaku, blackout feels more like PUBG than Call of Duty and is aimed at those looking for a realistic alternative in the battle royale genre. Kotaku does not see the Fortnite throne wobbling just yet.
By the way: The Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 blackout beta has increased its maximum player count.
