Call of Duty: Black Ops

Call of Duty: Black Ops is yet another game in this best selling action packed first person shooter franchise Call of Duty. This installment of the series really does try to throw as much as they can into the game.  This can hurt many games, but for Black Ops it really seems to work. Just as you get bored playing one mode you can change over to another and it’s almost like a whole new game with the same weapons and controls. I will admit I was skeptical of this game when it was announced, but once I played it I was hooked just like with the past COD titles. This game features a campaign mode and the fan favorite multiplayer (which has competitive matches and zombies).

The campaign mode has you playing as Alex Mason for the majority of the game. Alex is a special operations veteran that is entangled in the Bay of Pigs invasion and then thrown into an underground war that rapidly descends into a psychological adventure. The action of the campaign unfolds in Cuba, Vietnam and Russia. As the story unfolds an interesting tale begins to play out concerning dishonest CIA dealings, communist expansionism, and Nazi experimentation. Not to mention that this is all bubbling beneath the acknowledged "facts" during this era. It's comparable to the Modern Warfare titles since it boils down to a classic manhunt at the core of the game, but as with past titles some elements do get lost in the rush of the gameplay. Yet, this is easily the most coherent and well-constructed plot we've seen from this franchise in years. Although, it's not quite the hippie smashing drug referenced story some were anticipating, there are several plot twists that just show how much better the plots of past titles could have been.

 The campaign really feels nostalgic even though it’s a new title. You find yourself shooting it out on a linear path as we follow a character that feels almost superhuman as he takes out group after group of enemies, but at the same time he doesn’t feel invincible as you can die (and often will) if you don’t keep moving and shooting. The linear path can seem suffocating as the maps appear to be so detailed and visually appealing this time around and you just want to go explore. Yet, even in the constraints placed on the maps Black Ops is a true masterpiece work. Treyarch cranked up the drama and spectacle with elaborate set pieces that will grab your attention and refuses to release it from captivation.

Each mission will have the weapons we have become accustomed to in COD (FAMAS, AK47, M16, etc.) and a few weapons new to the series such as the G11 which is a three round burst assault rifle (that’s a little difficult to use at first put very hand once you get the hang of it) and H510 shotgun that is slow but packs one hell of a punch. The enemy AI is very decent as they won’t just do the usual peek out from cover but will actually rush you if you get to close. They will also leap around the screen like they are gymnasts (gymnasts with guns). With these little changes the enemies in the campaign are a welcomed change in the series as they prove to be different and challenging at the same time.

 The action isn’t the only winning aspect to this game, as the characterization is a very nice improvement. Honestly, none of the characters prove to be very interesting in the story, but the visualization of facial features was a vast improvement. They made use of full performance capture (which is when an actor provides motion capture, dialogue, and facial capture all at once). This creates genuinely believable performances from the characters in the game, and when this is coupled with the directly given lines it creates a very good atmosphere within the cinematic cut scenes not seen in previous titles.  This wasn’t a perfect performance in the cinematic scenes, but it sure is getting close to a level that has not been seen in a video game yet.

On a side note, Treyarch throws references to movies and TV shows into the campaign that adds a sense of connection for the player with the game. This is done with a precision that is not overbearing and it really did help to draw me into the game. Creating a compelling storyline is one of the areas that Treyarch seems to excel over Infinity Ward with this franchise.

 The campaign has a few asides from the run and gun approach placing you in the control of a few vehicles such as an air combat sequence where you are the pilot of a Huey that is destroying enemy forces then fight it out with some Russian helicopters. There is also a boat scene that is actually pretty good. These add a nice change of pace in the gameplay that did not take away from the game. As the campaign only takes an average of six to eight hours it most definitely does not have much room for wasted missions.

 COD is known for its multiplayer and Black Ops does not disappoint. A few changes were made in this one that I personally was a little skeptical of, but they actually helped the multiplayer matches. The maps are expansive and plentiful with 14 maps and each designed for a variety of playing styles. The sizes and variety of scenery vary extremely from the “Jungle” map that has trees, winding paths, and tree houses to “Nuketown” which is a small map that is a simulated Nuclear weapon test site complete with window dummy people.  Each map has areas that make excellent sniper hiding areas or close quarters fight zones mixed into the environment. This coupled with a few of the new equipment items, the camera spike, decoy bomb, and motion detector, can make for a very fun experience.

 Black Ops takes a new approach with multiplayer. Now you gather virtual currency that can be used to buy new guns, equipment, perks, face paint, and gambled in the new “Wager Matches”. This currency is gathered through matches, achievements, and challenges. This means that you can pick and choose which weapons and perks you have and not simply rely on leveling up. This is a neat change to the multiplayer leveling system. You still have to reach a designated level to unlock a gun, but you don’t have to have the gun once you reach that level if you don’t want it.

 The types of multiplayer matches have the usual modes, but the new wager matches are incredibly fun. You pay an entry fee to play these matches and if you are in the first three rankings you win a prize in the virtual credits depending on the amount you pay you can win more, but don’t worry there basic wager matches don’t cost much. “Gun Game” and “Sharp Shooter” both use the theme of making players use as many different guns as possible. This pushes players out of their comfort zone of weapons and is actually really challenging and entertaining. In “Gun Game” you get a better gun with each kill you make and the match ends when a player gets a kill with all 20 weapons or time runs out. In “Sharp Shooter” weapons are swapped out randomly every 45 seconds. This means you have to stay flexible with your strategy to win.  This can result in some hilarious moments in a shootout when guns change and someone gets a rocket launcher. These are great play modes and I encourage everyone to try them out.

The other two wager matches are “One in the Chamber” and “Sticks and Stones”. “One in the Chamber” has you start the match with only one bullet and you get a bullet for every kill. This causes you to choose between shooting and knifing. This creates a need to strategize how to use your bullets and when to knife your opponents.  “Sticks and Stones” gives you crossbows, tomahawks, and ballistic knives for the entire match. Both of these call for some strategy to win, but they are also just plain fun to play (especially when you are winning).

 The co-op mode of Zombies is much better than the in the World at War addition and made it much more fun. There are new enemies and traps for you to deploy on the undead and in some cases it is hilarious to watch these matches. The best part of the zombie mode is the cast of characters you get to play as. I won’t give it away to those yet to play all the modes, but the characters alone are worth checking out, especially when they are killing zombies.

 I honestly didn’t think that COD: Modern Warfare 2 could be bested by Treyarch, but I was totally blown away with this game. They did an excellent job and showed they had the ability to improve an already well established franchise. I hope this trend continues in future COD games as being wrong about how fun a game will be in this instance was great.

Written by: Paul Miller

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