Call of Duty is always a big seller because of its multiplayer, not its campaign. The series has really exploded since Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare which redefined how online multiplayer should be done. If you're a fan of Call of Duty, I don't need to tell you just how fun playing online is.
The new maps are interesting and will take some time to get used to, just like any new Call of Duty. The new maps bring forth some new challenges of obstacles to hide behind, routes to run with the flag, and pots to defuse the bomb.
Black Ops includes 14 all new maps, with some upcoming map packs in the near future. The maps range from small little stages like Nuketown, where you are at the heart of a test weapons neighbourhood and all the cars and manikins are setup for nuclear war testing. If anyone remembers Shipment from COD:MW1, you'll get the idea just how tiny this stage is.
All the standard gametypes are still available, including team deathmatch, capture the flag, search and destroy, headquarters and more. There is one new gametype addition, "wager match", which allows you to gamble COD cash on games, and if you finish in the top three rankings, you essentially take all the losing players money.
The all new match making system, similar to that of Halo: Reach, allows you to vote on the next map, play the previous stage again or pick a completely random map. A great addition to Black Ops.
Multiplayer - Perks and Weapons
The Call of Duty franchise is known for its great guns, special weapons and hit detection. This game is no exception, as the variety of guns that are unlock-able is massive. All the classes are still there, from assault riffles to bolt action rifles.
You can customize your primary and second weapon with attachments, upgrades and a camouflage pattern. Only playing the multiplayer for a few days, it's easy to see that the guns aren't overpowered or someone can easily snipe you with a handgun from across the stage.
The perk system is something I wasn't too thrilled about in COD:MW2, because there was just so much going on at the one time, a missile, airplane, chopper or something else constantly in the air, keeping you from staying in one spot too long. Black Ops still has a customizable perk system, allowing players to select the perk they want, which is achieved once you hit a kill streak.
Kill streaks start at 3 kills with either a spy plane (UAV) or RC-XD; the remote controlled car that is very annoying in this game, with up to 11 kills, using either attack dogs or a gunship.
Multiplayer - COD Points and Contracts
Treyarch introduced a new system for getting guns and attachments, where you earn money on completing challenges, finishing matches, or completing contracts. Instead of leveling up and unlocking weapons and attachments, you can now buy them with COD Points. You can still only use one attachment at a time per gun, unless you use the perk that allows you to use two.
With the implementation of COD Points, they have added contracts with a variety of objectives like kill 75 people in 40 minutes, or win 4 headquarters matches in 45 minutes. You select a contract by buying it, and if you complete it, you can double, triple or quadruple your investment. This is similar to the Halo: Reach challenges system, but you need to select which ones you want to attempt.
Bbbrrrrraaaaaiiiiiiinnnnnnsss!
Yes, zombie mode is back. You start off with a a pistol against zombies trying to break into the room, and your job is to defend yourself. You earn money by killing zombies or repairing the building and with that you can unlock doors or buy weapons off the wall.
Multiplayer - Conclusion
Only playing multiplayer for a few days now, it's nice to see that there is some major improvements over World at War, and a couple of minor changes from COD:MW2. The gameplay is still similar to COD:MW1, which is a great thing, something both Treyarch and Infinity Ward should not change. The controls for this game are similar to previous versions of COD, which really helps to get right back into playing the game.
The hit detection is accurate for this game, although I'm sure we've all witnessed some unbelievable headshots, maybe someone will upload a nice collection using the theater system.
Pros:
- Gameplay is the same as previous versions
- Variety of new challenging maps
- You can buy upgrades for your gun as soon as you unlock it
- New matchmaking system is great
Cons:
- Lag is still an issue with the game
- Connection issues are still very present
- Spawn points are horrible, people start right behind you
- Claymores don't work properly
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