Mark Braboy
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Since its release on Nov. 13, 2012, Activision and Treyarch’s “Call of Duty: Black Ops 2” has rocked the world by selling over 11 million copies within the first week, breaking pre-order records on Amazon.com, and grossing over $1 Billion and counting. Its brand new “Revolution” DLC (downloadable content) has also been released to expand on the gameplay.
Not only that, but it has become one of the most popular video games of all time and becoming extremely popular among Jackson State University students. Despite its popularity however, does this addition to the billion dollar franchise live up to the expectations and perform as well as “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3”?
When compared to MW3, Black Ops 2 is up to par with the title, but does not exceed it. The game itself does not seem to have much more to offer beside campaign (story) mode, multiplayer, and zombie mode, but unlike the original Black Ops, it does not prevent the game from being enjoyable.
Taking place in the late 1980s and 2025, the game includes a non-linear storyline taking place containing three possible endings, a new edition to the franchise. It gives the player free will over the shocking events occur in the story. What makes this so unique is that it causes the player to really contemplate the choices that they make because what appears to be a good decision could end up horrifying. The twists and turns make for a compelling and engrossing story, similar to a Hollywood movie.
The gameplay and controls are consistently good. It appears that Treyarch carries the “When it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality and carry that into BO2. The innovations on the gameplay are very subtle to moderate veterans of the series and they’re favorable.
The new editions to the first person shooter help it improve upon itself. The Strikeforce Mode within the campaign is more tactical and strategic which adds a new layer of depth to the game. The military technology used this time is a mix between common military weapons and tools used during Iran-Contra to the futuristic ones of 2025 which greatly expands upon the military technology that is used today. And the usual favorite, the Multiplayer mode has been revamped with new features in create-a-class, the new scorestreak system which replaces the killstreaks, all new maps, and further expansion on the team modes.
Drake Polk, a senior criminal justice major from Memphis, Tenn., said: “Pretty much it got everything you need as far as a Call of Duty game and a first person shooter. It’s a real good indepth game and it’s more realistic as far as aiming and shooting, because you actually have to move with the target. As far as graphics and everything, it’s pretty good graphics and gadgets on there as far as the cloaking devices. Usually, I’d be a zombie mode player, but now I’ve start liking the gadgets in multiplayer and I like playing with a lot of people, so it’s pretty good.”
Speaking of graphics, they continue to give the realistic movie-like quality they always have delivered, including the sound effects and the music. BO2’s score fits the tone of the game with its eerie and conspiracy-like theme music and intense mission suitable songs.
Casual game players and new comers to COD must be warned: this is not an easy game to master! It is very fast paced and requires the player to remain on their toes at all times or suffer from a hailstorm of bullets or an unexpected grenade explosion. Seasoned or moderate COD players will find this installment to be quite easy to pick up play with.
Overall, while BO2 lacks any significant changes, it still provides players with the same gameplay that Call of Duty fans have grown to love. It is user friendly because the controls in the game play remain consistent. The main storyline is thought provoking and entertaining. The new features keeps the game fresh and entertaining. This game is a must buy for your guy on Valentine’s Day.
