Call of Duty: Black Ops Review

By Tom Bramwell Published 9 November, 2010

Redaction stations.

Version tested: Xbox 360

"Remember, no Russian." When the dust settled, Modern Warfare 2 took as much of a shoeing from critics as it did from politicians for its controversial terrorist smashup in an airport terminal, but while Call of Duty: Black Ops has the potential to cause even more offence – blending real and fictional events during the Cold War, even impersonating JFK and Robert McNamara to add gravitas – the closest it comes is during a pre-credits cut-scene revelation that is more "gotcha!" than grisly.

Instead, finally freed from the shadow of Infinity Ward (albeit by something of a PR mushroom cloud), Treyarch takes us back to the sixties for the birth of the US Special Forces. The action jumps between a few characters, but the story is about Alex Mason, a CIA operative who ended up in a Russian labour camp following the Bay of Pigs fiasco, which saw him captured and handed over to villainous bad guy Nikita Dragovich by Fidel Castro.

At the start of the game, Mason wakes up strapped to a chair being tortured by unknown silhouettes hiding behind frosted glass windows, and through this interrogation you relive various chapters of his adventures and those of his handler, sunglasses-loving iceman Jason Hudson, who is voiced well by a throaty Ed Harris. Mason's recollections take you through Cuba and his pivotal spell in prison, to a Russian space centre and all over East Asia as you hunt Dragovich while the game reveals his ghastly plan.

We may be deep behind enemy lines, but the scriptwriters do their best to leave no cliché behind as we leap from moving trucks to speeding trains, float down jungle rivers listening to the Stones and stealthily infiltrate mountainside communication outposts. There isn't much character to latch onto in Mason, Hudson and company, and occasionally the game is so blatant about lifting things from spy stories and Vietnam films that you develop your own thousand-yard stare. Still, at least you understand who everyone is this time, and the final reveal is confident enough – even though you see it coming, the writers can't help ramming it home five times in a row, and it's been done before on numerous occasions.

'Call of Duty: Black Ops' Screenshot 1

Gary Oldman is back in the recording booth and he's Russian again. His Reznov is the game's most memorable character.

But of course none of this is the point. The point is that you have to shoot a large number of people in the face to advance along a linear path while all hell breaks loose around you, and in this regard Black Ops is as good as expected – and Treyarch is just as qualified to fill your peripheral vision with supersonic flybys, doors being blown off hinges, armies surging over hills, rockets taking off and napalm lighting up tree lines as Infinity Ward ever was.

Call of Duty arguably laid itself bare with the original Modern Warfare training level aboard a wooden ship and its pop-up cardboard enemies – the irony being it was very effective training for a game where enemies won't ever do much more to block your path than merely pop up. Black Ops doesn't try to break free of this model. Enemies (Russian, Vietnamese, Nazis, even British commandos at one point – it doesn't make any difference) take up positions behind cover and it's up to you to iron-sight them to death. If you fail it's because of your impatience or lack of observation rather than their tactics.

It's incredibly slick and spectacular, and you're always surrounded by comrades running in the right direction and yellow objective cursors to drive you where you need to go. The one occasion where the game does a poor job of signposting your next move, failing to notify you that you can kick over some napalm barrels, only stands out because it's the single exception to the golden rule: never leave the player in any doubt what to do next.

But while the campaign is little more than a very nicely decorated corridor, there are lots of fun things to do inside it. There's the Dragon's Breath shotgun with incendiary shells, shooting enemies off motorbikes with a shotgun and cocking it one-handed while jumping over a ridge, a snowy stealth section where you have to avoid detection and silently eliminate patrolling soldiers with a crossbow, and even a sequence where Black Ops almost resembles a strategy game for a few minutes. Forget the setting, the JFK impersonator and the birth of the black ops – Call of Duty is about shooting fast, dying often and watching a good-looking set-piece, and on that level Black Ops unquestionably delivers.

It's not just about that though; it's also about leaving a long-lasting multiplayer legacy, and Treyarch goes a lot further to achieve that than it did with Call of Duty: World at War. Firstly, the Horde-style Zombies mode is back with three expansive, secret-filled new levels (one featuring Nazis, one set in the Pentagon and one we'd rather not spoil) and should keep you and up to three well-drilled friends busy for many hours.

There's also the traditional range of modes familiar to those who answered recent Calls of Duty, including old favourites like Search and Destroy. The progression system now relies on COD Points rather than raw experience, and the range of unlockable perks, killstreaks and modifications is staggering. Maps are visually and spatially varied, and Treyarch is keen that you're always exposed from multiple angles whether you're sneaking around a hotel in Havana, trudging along mud tracks and over rope bridges in the jungle, or darting in between fuel tanks in a missile launch centre.

Mindful that Call of Duty is contested rather ferociously online, there's even a Combat Training mode where you play against computer-controlled adversaries, allowing you to get a taste of every mode and ability before you head online and start playing for real.

'Call of Duty: Black Ops' Screenshot 2

The few vehicle missions - Russian HIND, motorbikes, a gunboat - are a nice change of pace but lack the punch of Medal of Honor's equivalents.

Black Ops' great revelation, though, is Wager Matches, where you gamble COD Points in a series of free-for-all modes. Sharpshooter, where everyone uses the same weapon and it changes randomly at intervals, is rather perfunctory, but the others are gems. Sticks and Stones gives you a crossbow with explosive bolts, a tomahawk and a knife, and the result is carnage, while One in the Chamber gives everyone a pistol with one bullet, a knife and three lives, and the tension isn't so much palpable as saturating.

Gun Game is the big favourite, however. Players start with a pistol and receive a new weapon with each kill, although being knifed will knock you back to the previous one. On paper it sounds as though the early leader should prosper while those stuck with the pistol for longer than a few seconds flounder, but in practice the order you move through weapons creates helpful changes in pace, as the leaders struggle with sniper rifles just as the chasing pack come up through shotguns, SMGs and assault rifles.

Call of Duty has long since settled into an enormously successful rhythm, and the good news for Activision is that Black Ops does little to disrupt it. The campaign is relentlessly aggressive and spectacular – a Jerry Bruckheimer tribute act stuck in permanent encore – while the multiplayer modes are a mixture of smart tweaks to working formulas, as focused on protecting that guaranteed bottom line as the campaign's yellow objective cursor is on making sure you never falter. The results are never less than entertaining whatever you choose to do, then, but not exactly brave and bold either. Say what you like about No Russian - at least it was something different.

8 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

You may also like...

Comments (206) Latest comment 1 year ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • efebayor #1 1 year ago

    First 8)

  • Spydy #2 1 year ago

    meh

  • Futaba #3 1 year ago

    Cue idiots saying 8/10 is a bad score...

  • spazmo #4 1 year ago

    Cue people predicting the comments to follow...

  • muscleblade #5 1 year ago

    As good as MOH then. I rather buy Hot pursuit thanks.

  • JBlokeUK #6 1 year ago

    Now bring on the predictable face-off.

  • phycus #7 1 year ago

    Just hope that they keep on top of the glitches - WAW was full of them that were never patched, which took the fun out of mp.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:08

  • Ignatius_Cheese #8 1 year ago

    As good as every other 8/10 this year. Not as good as Halo: Reach.

    Will be giving this one a miss for now.

  • TheTrueSpin #9 1 year ago

    I think it's fair. The COD games are always going to be polished and slick as developers do very little to modify the already successful formula. However, you can't keep releasing essentially the same game with a different skin and expect AAA reviews forever. Hopefully AA reviews will encourage developers to make sure the next COD game pushes the boundaries, much like the first MW did.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:12

  • FooAtari #10 1 year ago

    "Cue idiots saying 8/10 is a bad score...

    Those were my first thoughts. Lets how long it takes... Been said a million times but 8 is a decent score.

    Seems to be solid enough, but again following the same tired old (for me) formula. If you release the same game year after year scores will eventually begin to drop.

    On the positive side at least xNick won't appear for a while, should be at school all day.
    Edited by 3 at 09/11/10 @ 08:33

  • Ultrasoundwave #11 1 year ago

    As good as Red Dead Redemption......I'll take that!

  • Darren #12 1 year ago

    The Steam version unlocked last night at 10pm so I was able to play an hour of the campaign. I think the game is good but there are no real surprises; it is exactly what I expected, i.e. one spectacular over-the-top set-piece after another and a frantic pace throughout means you never have time to get bored. Plays well enough (even with the Xbox 360 controller which this game kindly supports) and looks great with colourful scenery. I like it. Even had a go at the combat practice mode in multiplayer although that doesn't interest me much beyond getting to see a few of the maps. As for the Zombies mode, it too was fun even if it feels oddly out of place among the other modes.

    The EG review score seems about right. It's a by-the-numbers Call of Duty game made on an existing template and as such it delivers exactly what the fans want (i.e. more of the same) without doing anything clever or innovative of its own.

  • HuggyAtHome #13 1 year ago

    Apologies if I missed it, but how long is the single player campaign? And is there any hope on line for anybody not able to hoover up the on-line perks from day one?

    Does sound like just more of the same, albeit very polished stuff.

  • bad09 #14 1 year ago

    Shows that MOH was over scored if BO gets the same score, EG :)

    Can't wait to play this hopefully later on. MW2 was such a mess on PC at launch it left a bad taste in my mouth on COD (although to be fair later Nvidia drivers and a settled down IWnet improved the game greatly). This sounds like it will wash that bad taste away and my love affair with COD will be back on track. I've not even played it yet but know from the feautres and little bonues that Treyarch have put in a wonderful effort that was lacking from MW2. COme on posite don't let down today!

    Oh, sorry I should say "down with COD" or something.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:18

  • KayJay #15 1 year ago

    Nice review Tom.

    I don't think anybody could have expected anything more than "The Same" and thats not a bad thing for me.
    MW 1 & 2 did exactly what it said on the tin, as with WAW.

    Sounds like Single Player should be a hoot. Online should have some legs too.

    Looking forward to it.

  • bad09 #16 1 year ago

    "Now bring on the predictable face-off.

    I'll do it now for you if you like. PC wins ;)

  • TheElfishGene #17 1 year ago

    Can't wait! between this the new BFBC2 maps and 'nam dlc my winter is sorted.

  • Master09 #18 1 year ago

    Black is never whack!

  • Kill_Crazy #19 1 year ago

    Only done a couple of hours each on sp and mp but already prefer this to mw2. So far really enjoying it.

  • FluffyTucker #20 1 year ago

    Worth a download

  • flipperpod #21 1 year ago

    A game of two halves - and I mainly play SP so I guess this game is not for me.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:20

  • ruslan74 #22 1 year ago

    Since I aint no fan of the CoD MP fashionistas club I will give it a rent for the SP, which by the review doesnt seem to be different from other shooters out there.

  • Fab4 #23 1 year ago

    Another review that doesnt even mention whether the netcode is up to scratch for an online shooter. Cheers.

  • KayJay #24 1 year ago

    Good call TheElfishGene. Forgot about the BC2 DLC, Vietnam looks fantastic.

    Also, Ease up on the 8 chaps. It's a decent score. None of these FPS really do that much more than the next.
    They cant or dont really push the envelope anymore its all about "Blockbuster Entertainment" which this is.

  • beastmaster #25 1 year ago

    Sold!

  • ybfelix #26 1 year ago

    I've played through the campaign, IMO it's a giant wasted opportunity.

    Without spoiling anything specific:

    the ops are not "black" at all, was hoping for some deniable operations mixed with conspiracy history, instead there are even more large scale front battles than MW/MW2? And despite what the trailers may say, the protagonist exists, and his existence is so firm might as well say "Manson, Alex Mason". The antagonists are simply forgettable. Also the premise of the entire plot is simply stupid, even more than MW2.

    Graphically it starts low, quite low, but get progressively better until reaching MW2 single player graphic quality in later levels. Strange, why?

    Oh, and epilepsy inducing flashing flashbacks are out of style, didn't you get the memo Treyarch?
    Edited by 4 at 09/11/10 @ 08:27

  • Haloboy #27 1 year ago

    Fuck I said a 9! Gonna kill myseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelf!!!

    8 is a perfectly acceptable score.

  • Beano #28 1 year ago

    Black Ops out on 9-11 ... I love the symbolism :D

  • SlapLaB #29 1 year ago

    *yawns*

  • uk-kob #30 1 year ago

    sod it ive just ordered it for Ł29.99, from bestbuy.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:55

  • LHH #31 1 year ago

    Bitch whine bitch whine, same ol' same ol'

    Although it's hahahilarious reading on various boards about the pc master race version having framerate issues on top end pc's whilst peasant console gamers laugh and play on.

  • Gambit1977 #32 1 year ago

    Wager matches sound cool!

  • onyxbox #33 1 year ago

    I went into Sainsbury's last night and got it for PS3. I played a little multiplayer and it seemed ok nothing to complain about really except it felt a little slower than I seem to remember CoD MW2.

  • DarknRahl #34 1 year ago

    Reckon you guys might do a proper multiplayer review in a week or two?

    The single player is as expected, utterly linear and scripted and I don't think many people will be buying the game for that, I certainly won't.

  • FooAtari #35 1 year ago

    @LHH
    Although it's hahahilarious reading on various boards about the pc master race version having framerate issues on top end pc's whilst peasant console gamers laugh and play on.

    I haven't looked into it, but if there are widespreed performance issues that basically means Tryarch screwed up somewhere which, yeah, is totally sidesplitting...

  • abot #36 1 year ago

    "The results are never less than entertaining whatever you choose to do, then, but not exactly brave and bold either. "


    The FPS genre is very mature and as a result its hard to see any developer be brave and bold. The only thing that devs can do at this point is to tinker around the edges. This time its wager matches, contracts, combat training mode and unlocking new perks in the order you want rather than a pre-set sequence.

    Its not a bad thing to play a mature genre but we are not going to see "shock and awe" innovation either.

    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 09:01

  • jimmyhill11 #37 1 year ago

    It would have been nice to get some indication in the review of how good (or not) the implementation of 3D is, but maybe that will be looked at by Digital Foundry.

    The review reads like a 9
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:40

  • wizlon #38 1 year ago

    Glad I decided to buy Goldeneye instead of this, thoroughly enjoying it and not just because "it's a good Wii game".

  • MDL199 #39 1 year ago

    I can't believe some people are saying they won't buy a game because of the score given by a single reviewer.

    A game critics opinion is no more valid or important than any of ours and what one man deems an 8 out of 10 game another might deem a 10 or a 5 or 6 at the other end of the spectrum.

    Don't be told what's good or bad just decide for yourself.

  • MinerWilly #40 1 year ago

    What was all the fuss about ? Well done Eurogamer for having the balls not to give it a 9 . I decided this week that any gaming site not to give it a 9 would go up in my opinion . I will stick with the best FPS of this year by quite some way BFBC2.
    Yet when the awards come around they'll either give it to this game or last years MW2 .

  • PixelPirate #41 1 year ago

    The whole review reads like Bramwell desperately trying to pull positives out of something he really has no interest in.

    Consider the hand that feeds not bitten.

    +1 to you sir, bang on the money

  • solidSnake04 #42 1 year ago

    "There's also the traditional range of modes familiar to those who answered recent Calls of Duty"

    Best.line.ever

  • PixelPirate #43 1 year ago

    The thought of Wagner matches sounds like an excellent edition, can we shoot other X-Factor contestants as well?

    ..wait? OH,Wager matches, well they don't sound as much fun at all... *sulk*
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:49

  • broony #44 1 year ago

    Anywhere doing any cheap deals? Any good supermarket prices?
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:49

  • menage #45 1 year ago

    No Russian was crap.

    This looks at least a lot more interesting setting wise. I'll never play it though. After not enjoying the last 2 I'm not even touching this unless I can get it for free somewhere.

  • Goodfella #46 1 year ago

    Yawn.

    More original games please.

  • Jonny5Alive7 #47 1 year ago

    I've played the first couple of hours of the single player and it is rather excellent. Completely over the top but brilliant all the same, especially escaping on the motorbilke with the shotgun, that bit feels very much like Terminator 2.

  • FooAtari #48 1 year ago

    @MDL199
    Don't be told what's good or bad just decide for yourself. A game critics opinion is no more valid or important than any of ours and what one man deems an 8 out of 10 game another might deem a 10 or a 5 or 6 at the other end of the spectrum.

    Very true, but most of us don't have the money or time to buy/rent every game released, so you have to rely on reviews to make purchasing desicions.

    @jimmyhill11
    The review reads like a 9

    Kind of get annoyed at these comments, whats the point? Seem to appear several times in the comments of EVERY EG review. To me it did read like an 8. Don't feel the need to post that though...

  • bad09 #49 1 year ago

    "No Russian was crap."

    Yeah I don't get the fuss about it either, sure it's fun killing holiday makers but is was more a hassle s-l-o-w-l-y crawling around the airport.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 08:57

  • FluffyTucker #50 1 year ago

    Apparently the fps is capped at 90 and the Fov at 80 on the PC, what a load of shit, they can shove it

  • Skandalle #51 1 year ago

    Sounds good to me! Sign me up!

  • Kill_Crazy #52 1 year ago

    Tesco are doing it for Ł25 if you buy it with a Ł20 psn card, so, Ł45 total. I got this as i'll use the card over time.

    EDIT: Or with a 2100 point MS card, don't know what this costs though (expects about Ł20)
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 09:02

  • Douche #53 1 year ago

    It may have been different, but the No Russian level was the shittest in MW2.

    Anyways, good review. Told me everything i wanted to hear. Looking forward to playing tonight.

  • gaselite #54 1 year ago

    get rid of review scores altogether. the obsession with them among the gaming community (and, increasingly, game publishers who aim for a mark on metacritic) is utterly pathetic. the state of game criticism generally has been dire for about a decade, possibly (probably) longer. this review is fine though, as are most eg reviews. to the point where the score is almost superfluous.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 11:30

  • evild_edd #55 1 year ago

    Was never going to be a purchase for me, so i won't claim the review or score has had an impact.

    The game of 2 halves analogy is perfect for this series. A turgid SP experience (Doom was better FFS), and quality - if now falling in to the 'more of the same' category since MW1 - MP element. There are other games I'd rather play, and if I fancy some FPS action then this won't come close to Reach :0)

  • itsfuzzy #56 1 year ago

    Meh. Think ill continue playing Battlefield, Borderlands and Demons Souls

  • andywilkie35 #57 1 year ago

    Good shit, my brother is buying this so I'll play it when he's finished. No chance I'm spending Ł45 on something that will last me 5 hours, but for free I will play it.

  • carlitoswagon #58 1 year ago

    This'll share time with the BC2 new maps and vietnam. No harm enjoying both as I find both enjoyable regardless of what others think.

  • mAc062 #59 1 year ago

    More of the same, Morden warfare 2 bored the pants off me.

  • bad09 #60 1 year ago

    OK I must know, why do people go on about BC2? It's plays like a poor mans COD to me (with the same running knifers and sniper problems as well). I'm staying with it for now but really can't see this amazing game that's far superior to COD that others do.

  • gerald #61 1 year ago

    I was fed up with the popcorn-war-shooter-genre halfway through the short MW1 campaign. Half an hour with random people on xbox live cured me of any temptation to touch one of these games again. Not my type of entertainment, i guess.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 09:21

  • LetsGo #62 1 year ago

    I only buy 9 and 10 out of 10 games which is a shame, as I was looking forward to this :(

    Recession on don't you know, I'm not rich!

  • carlitoswagon #63 1 year ago

    @bad09

    Just a quick explanation and not from a fanboy. BC2 has vehicles, which you control through your own skill and destructible environments, which result in tactics which cannot be used on cod. Hence, the difference is obvious.

    Sorry if that sounded rude.

    Edit: talking about mp by the way. Yes, Treyarch have tanks in waw but not the range and type made available in bc2. Vehicle skill and gunning skill both go hand in hand.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 09:33

  • Sausagechaos #64 1 year ago

    Is it true that Bobby Kotick drowns a kitten in a bucket for every bad review?

  • mooseti #65 1 year ago

    I bloody knew it! 8/10 was a cert.

    I won't be buying it, I loved cod 4 and mw2 and own both, but for some reason Treyarch's games never really did it for me.

  • MDL199 #66 1 year ago

    @LetsGo here's a 9 out of 10 review and this guy is usually tight with his scores.

    http://ww w.metro.co.uk/tech/games/846513...

  • bad09 #67 1 year ago

    @ carlitoswagon

    No not rude at all, my post may come across rude to but I was geniunely curious after being disappointed after a year of hearing it how awesome it was.

  • StolenGlory #68 1 year ago

    "Black Ops was always going to suffer in reviews after they all gave MW2 10/10

    Black Ops is a better game than MW2, yet it scores less. This is why review scores need to be removed"

    It has scored less because we are twelve months removed from that game with little in the way of *significant* improvements and like it or not in that interim, BFBC2 arrived and is a major competitor to CoD, meaning that by proxy, the goalposts have been shifted and CoD:BO should be judged accordingly.
    Edited by 3 at 09/11/10 @ 09:47

  • spekkeh #69 1 year ago

    The new multiplayer modes actually sound pretty wacky and clever.

    However, I don't play multiplayer anymore since the advent of voicechat (and the realisation that annoying acne riddled 12 year olds are massively playing this M rated game). And this being the tenth(!) Call of Duty game in four years time, in a genre which has already been done to death, I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will bomb miserably.

    Oh look, hell's freezing over.

  • geeza2020 #70 1 year ago

    Well 8 is a good score. However, I won't be buying it, as it sounds like its still just the same old COD. I have been playing this series since the first game was released on the PC, and I'm bored to fucking death of them now.

    I'll stick with BFBC2's new maps and Vietnam add-on this autumn/winter. None of this will stop Black Ops outselling everything this christmas though.

  • beastmaster #71 1 year ago

    Just got it from an empty HMV in the Trafford Centre for Ł7.99. RIP MOH.

  • mingster #72 1 year ago

    The bots in multiplayer sounds interesting.
    Also is there no spec ops mode?

  • telboy007 #73 1 year ago

    Apparently there are already high ranked guys running about with loads of unlocked weapons owning everyone with starter weapons on multiplayer and the game has only just come out... whats the point? Reset!

  • daddygerplex #74 1 year ago

    Just completed single player. Took 6 hours straight up. Preferred it to MW2 mainly because of the setting, and whilst rediculous doesn't go as mental as MW2 did.

    Also the ending twist (not the zombie one...) is lol in a good way :)

  • jools #75 1 year ago

    You have to kill British commandos?

    ban this filth!

  • IronGiant #76 1 year ago

    It's not a patch on BFBC2 and i cant wait for the Vietnam pack!! Following this game I can see COD sales declining each year, MW2 left a bad taste in my mouth and many other gamers felt the same, bring on the kinect version it's the future of gaming! :(

  • spekkeh #77 1 year ago

    You have to kill British commandos?

    ban this filth!

    Aye, and that after they made MI6 agent Mason from The Rock a 'Murican!

  • andromeda #78 1 year ago

    I'll be playing this for sure, for some reason cant get enough shooting at the moment. Bloodlust!
    Medal of Honour currently has the best FPS single player campaign for me thou, absolutely loved it.

  • andromeda #79 1 year ago

    just out of interest, how many of you lot use a projector for gaming?
    I now find it really difficult to play a game on even a large TV, such is the experience of playing a FPS at near 1:1 scale..!

  • Average_joe #80 1 year ago

    I cant wait for the ZOOOMMMBBIIIEEESS!!!

    .... and the upcoming face-off

  • ardamillo #81 1 year ago

    Isn't Alex Mason the chap from Red Faction Guerilla? He gets around.

  • Zomeguy #82 1 year ago

    I always preferred a 5 star rating system for games. Avoids the whole 8/9 score debate...

    5: yeah
    4: very good
    3: average
    2: crap
    1: OMG

  • coolbritannia #83 1 year ago

    I called it.

  • Tinrib72 #84 1 year ago

    Same old, same old..

  • DefdumBlindkid #85 1 year ago

    JFK fighting zombies? Worth a purchase for that alone!

  • Douche #86 1 year ago

    'The whole review reads like Bramwell desperately trying to pull positives out of something he really has no interest in. '

    Am i the only one who didn't get that at all? Was Tom Bramwell the Eurogamer writer who like BC2 a lot? It would be heresy afterall, for him to like Black Ops.

    @carlitoswagon

    I would like to see destructible environements - but Red Faction style! Don't think the vehicle sections are that great.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 10:37

  • Inertia #87 1 year ago

    "More of the same, Morden warfare 2 bored the pants off me."

    Wow! That is a radical move for Activision setting the game in the London borough of Merton. Can't wait to take out terrorists in Morden town center car park.

  • gamecubeisbest #88 1 year ago

    Still overrated.

  • Judas_Priest #89 1 year ago

    Well, it's far better then Modern Warfare 2 that's for sure.

  • neems #90 1 year ago

    I'm just waiting to hit up the gun game mode. I suppose I may play the campaign one day.

    Also, No Russian may have been different, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't shit.


  • carlitoswagon #91 1 year ago

    @bad09

    Know where you're coming from.

    +1

  • Moz #92 1 year ago

    Money well not spent then.

    For anyone who's mainly interested in multiplayer this sounds like a complete waist of time would have preferred they just released the maps as DLC and patched in any "tweeks" they've made to the game modes. How much better would it be if we could have the maps from MW, MW2 & BlackOps all playable from one place.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 10:29

  • electrolite #93 1 year ago

    Stop going on about review scores FFS, are you simple or something? Read the reviews and decide from there.

    Review scores need getting rid off, it's cringeworthy watching how people react to them.

  • FogHeart #94 1 year ago

    I just can't bring myself to secure an elzee, take down any tangos, cover anyone's six, report my twenty, or 'evac' an area that is 'hot' anymore. I've had enough military cliches shouted at me in games to last me a lifetime.

  • layleeloo #95 1 year ago

    Vastly overrated and over hyped as usual. MW2 was the same but still better than this one after seeing it last night. Not impressed at all.

  • layleeloo #96 1 year ago

    @ electrolite. I totally agree. Thats why I used to use Joystiq reviews more than here or anywhere else as they didnt put poxy scores on as they mean fuck all. They used to let you decide from what they say which IMO is a far better system. However they then went down the route of 5 stars which pissed me off so now there are not many left who dont put poxy mubers on reviews for the retards to either cum or cry over.

  • TrevSkyline #97 1 year ago

    Good review/bad review?

    All I know is, I'm still laughing at all the people that were queued up at midnight at my local Sainsbury's only to be told THEY HAD NO GAMES DELIVERED!!!

  • neems #98 1 year ago

    I get what you're saying Moz, but for those of us on PC we're seeing the return of dedicated servers, which is kind of a big deal for the online community. Whether the game itself will be good enough, only time will tell.

    Personally, the game doesn't have to be the best ever, as long as it's fun for me and my friends to play together.

  • fragjam #99 1 year ago

    Black Ops? Black plops, more like.

  • actionfitz #100 1 year ago

    cue multiple Map packs featuring several old maps I already bought for the previous games + 1 zombie map in each...
    forcing me to buy them anyway :(

  • billy-beauts #101 1 year ago

    After last year's MW2 I don't think I can be bothered to do COD all over again. I know 8/10 is a great score but it's nothing ground-breaking. There's so many other good games coming out I can save this one for a drought + price reduction.

    Edit: Just read Kotaku's review. I might be unable to resist.
    Edited by 2 at 09/11/10 @ 11:41

  • Zerobob #102 1 year ago

    "JFK fighting zombies? Worth a purchase for that alone! "

    The only reason I bought WaW was for the nazi zombie mode. The single player campaign turned out to be pretty good though, apart from that annoying flamethrower / trenches bit, grrr.

  • mkreku #103 1 year ago

    It doesn't matter what score this gets, it will sell millions and millions. I went to a game expo recently, and the line to play Black Ops was longer than the arena we were in! Immense interest in that game.

  • FortysixterUK #104 1 year ago

    Wtf EG?
    A sensible review, well done.

  • Haloboy #105 1 year ago

    Best thing about this release is that Treyarch are finally going to be a real power to contend with. Something they rightfully deserved since they began in the inudstry.

    Let it sell millions and millions I say. Next time it will be Infinity Ward playing catch up for once.

  • TelexStar #106 1 year ago

    @ kill_crazy "Tesco are doing it for Ł25 if you buy it with a Ł20 psn card, so, Ł45 total. I got this as i'll use the card over time.

    EDIT: Or with a 2100 point MS card, don't know what this costs though (expects about Ł20)     "

    Just been to my local Tescos to take up this offer.... The PSN/XBL points cards are priced at Ł17.49 and you get the game for Ł25. Same deal online too.... http://ww w.tescoentertainment.com/store/...

  • bad09 #107 1 year ago

    Postie delivered my early birthday pressie and it's installing now. Got boring responsible stuff to do first then it's COD all evening. \o/

    Although I suspect my early gift was a ruse, something to do with the Mrs and her Beauty And The Beast bluray tonight. ARGH girlie Disney Nooooo!

  • OllyJ #108 1 year ago

    I've just had a crazy thought, what I might do is play it and make my own mind up.

    I wonder how that will work out?

  • arcam #109 1 year ago

    I wonder how that will work out?

    Expensive?

  • Vergis69 #110 1 year ago

    Starting to get bored of the same re-skinned game now. Yeah im gonna get it but no rush at all.

  • bad09 #111 1 year ago

    @ Haloboy!

    You only get negged if you admit to liking COD. The trick is to slag it off to sound cool then buy it anyway.

  • OllyJ #112 1 year ago

    @ arcam: GTAIV scored 10/10 and I thought it was horrible, now that was an expensive waste of money :D

    Seriously though, I know what I'm getting with COD, I preffered World at War over MW2 so I have no problems putting faith in to Treyarch.

  • MiniAmin #113 1 year ago

    If anyone's wondering what Black Ops' twin stick shooter mode is like (Dead Ops), here it is:

    http://www .youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Z63HHvqp4

  • StolenGlory #114 1 year ago

    @haloboy!

    How about you just ignore the negs?

    They don't mean diddly-shit.
    Edited by 2 at 09/11/10 @ 11:53

  • beatwolf #115 1 year ago

    nice job again tom bramwell for spoiling all weapons and storyline etc. you're so good at it.

  • Haloboy #116 1 year ago

    @ StolenGlory

    I shall, from this day forwards. Thankyou.

  • GAmbrose #117 1 year ago

    FluffyTucker - "Apparently the fps is capped at 90 and the Fov at 80 on the PC, what a load of shit, they can shove it."

    And you need more than 90 frames per second WHY exactly? And if the FOV is capped for everyone then nobody has an advantage.

  • neems #118 1 year ago

    '"No Russian was crap"

    Like, ever? '


    The Cold War is over my friend, everybody loves the Ruskies. Except fps developers obviously.

    In Soviet Russia, comments neg you.

  • JBlokeUK #119 1 year ago

    People completing it already? Lol

  • KonanTheLibrarian #120 1 year ago

    As well as this review I have hopped over to another well known website review and the sp was given z bit of a bashing. Mp was given a good review, but score was 8.5!
    Does a good mp and crap sp really warrant a good score in both these cases?
    Lets face it this game was always gonna sell well. A new box new skins and maps does not to me deserve my Ł40+.

    I have been playing and enjoying moh. The sp is great and mp excellent, just given a lower score because shock horror you can play as Taliban killing US marines.

    My money is going on Hot Pursuit.

    Btw the guy who was laughing at the collection of bods in the queue at sainsbury's, I was just wondering wot u were doing there at midnight. Food shopping?

  • mossychops001 #121 1 year ago

    What does a eurogamer 8/10 review equate to again these days?

  • FluffyTucker #122 1 year ago

    I'm used to 150-200fps on my shooters that's why, less than 100 feels a bit sluggish when you're used to higher

  • 00.00.01 #123 1 year ago

    @ neems 09/11/10 @ 12:01

    'In Soviet Russia, comments neg you.'

    Ghehe I lolled. Best comment in this thread (so far).
    +1

  • geeza2020 #124 1 year ago

    FluffyTucker "I'm used to 150-200fps on my shooters that's why, less than 100 feels a bit sluggish when you're used to higher"

    What a twat.

  • Soton4084 #125 1 year ago

    Sounds like more of the same to be honest and MW2 was a huge disappointment in my opinion. Very overrated. I might get this if a few of my friends decide to, but to be honest I'm far more excited about BFBC 2: Vietnam.

    EDIT: Although that Tesco deal does sound Jolly tempting!
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 12:20

  • StolenGlory #126 1 year ago

    "I'm used to 150-200fps on my shooters that's why, less than 100 feels a bit sluggish when you're used to higher"

    I'm sorry what?

    Less than 100 FPS feels slightly sluggish when you're used to higher?

    I WANT YOUR EYES.

  • FluffyTucker #127 1 year ago

    It's a mouse responsiveness thing really, pro quake players always lower all the details to get the most fps, not so they can see all the frames, it just makes your mouse movement feel better

  • StolenGlory #128 1 year ago

    Oh shit, you're actually serious.

  • FluffyTucker #129 1 year ago

    Well aye, remember the FPS genre started on PCs, back when CS and Q3 were in their prime people would play on 200hz monitors to pull off twitch shots with the railgun, playing an FPS on a PC is a lot different than auto-targeting baddies with the L trigger

  • chrisola #130 1 year ago

    A nice bare bones 2 page review for the 'biggest biggest game ever' which doesn't really touch on anything in any detail like the games performance, 3d performance and effect on the game, on-line lag, the AI of the bots in training, extra modes (is spec ops back?), overall gfx quality, shooting mechanics etc

    Seems a bit underdeveloped as a review as this time the game is clearly not JUST a mod pack for COD MW but the developers seem to have genuinely tried to add extras in and change things up -- i hope there will be a long term MP review. And since when has exciting, slick and spectacular in a LINEAR corridor game been bad? It's almost like it's taken for granted but it can easily be messed up.

    The commenters who said it seems like EG phoned in a token review about a game that the reviewer had no interest in have it nailed.

  • geeza2020 #131 1 year ago

    Maybe its because, like us consumers, the reviewers have played this game a hundred times before just in a different skin? You know what to expect now. Same shit, different disc.

  • haubitzer #132 1 year ago

    It would certainly be fair to complain about the brevity of the review if we dealt with a more evolutionary title. As it stands, this is a COD like any COD; the shooting feels the same, the guys die with the same animations and a couple new ones, and there's a couple of slightly interactive scripted cutscenes from the POV of the character. Levels come short, tightly scripted, and wrapped up with gimmicks of varying success. The multiplayer has had its more anarchic edges polished off and all those things people yelled about for ages on messageboards have, on the whole, been sorted out. A pitch perfect review as far as I can see, and it would be atrocious if simply coming up with a new script and a bundle of levels would keep the accolades pouring in every year.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 12:45

  • ThrowingTuba #133 1 year ago

    This sounds pretty good to me, although I'm hopefully I won't have another mental breakdown due to MP rage...

    BTW, has anyone had any luck with the Ł25 Woolworths deal? Apprently mine arrived this morning, but I'm struggling to believe it...

  • Paperghost #134 1 year ago

    "and it would be atrocious if simply coming up with a new script and a bundle of levels would keep the accolades pouring in every year."

    Six 100/100 scores on metacritic already.

  • jaegermc #135 1 year ago

    Did anyone else wonder why there were no reviews until today, release day. Did Activision pay to supress them or something? It seemed there were plenty of pre-release copies floating around.

    EG - review released first thing this morning
    IGN - review released first thing this morning
    gamespot, the Guardian, ...

  • Stop-gap #136 1 year ago

    I thought Alex Mason was the character in RF:G? Busy chap.

    Sadly all I'm getting from this review is the "biggest game ever" didn't do anything to push the boat out and warrant that accolade :p

  • Ranger101 #137 1 year ago

    @jaegermc
    It's called a press embargo. Publishers ask reviwers not to release a review until release date in the terms and conditions of supplying a review copy.

  • 32768Colours #138 1 year ago

    I have little interest in multiplayer, but I bought MW and short though it was, its set pieces were fresh and exciting. I bought MW2 and thought the SP had a ridiculous story and frustrating gameplay. I sold it within a week for Ł2 less than I paid for it. Not bad but very disappointing at the time.

    Given that this sounds like more of the same (which doesn't surprise me), I won't be buying this.

    I can appreciate however, that this isn't the main thrust of these games which is why sometimes I wish I loved multiplayer, because It'd be nice to actually share the excitement people have for this series.

  • makeamazing #139 1 year ago

    Hopefully this is the start of not giving big budget games highscores for the sake of giving highscores... shame it didnt work with Kinect, but still, COD 8 is a start... :)

    How are people finding the single player?

  • dingo75 #140 1 year ago

    I'm just waiting to hit up the gun game mode. I suppose I may play the campaign one day.


    Get "Day of Defeat Source" cheap from Steam. There are servers out there running this mod since years.

  • PoorMaryBellows #141 1 year ago

    Hang on a minute. If my memory serves me right, Eurogamer whipped itself up into a right frenzy when it was announced that Black Ops was going to be in 3D. They did interviews, 3D features, news stories, the works.

    So why the hell is there not a single, solitary mention of 3D in the review?

    I mean, I'm not adverse to reviews that focus more on game content than graphics quality, but surely the whole point of making the game 3D was that it had the potential to improve the gaming experience?

    Obviously not many people have 3D screens yet, but given the new technology's potential to make a game more intense, I for one would have liked to have been told at least a little bit about how 3D works with Black Ops. Even if it only gives you a headache, that's still worth telling us about, surely?

    Oh well. Looks like I'll have to get my Nurofen at the ready, and find out for myself...

  • ThrowingTuba #142 1 year ago

    Anyone had any luck with the Ł25 Woolworths deal with this?

  • Bartacus #143 1 year ago

    This review was far too short & begrudging in detail.

  • Tiberius_Gracchus #144 1 year ago

    I'd rather be dressed in a burka, watching Armageddon and sitting with a bunch of red-necks who think their cousin is "purdy" than ever play this piece of absolute shite!!!

  • Spydy #145 1 year ago

    Fuck my eyes. The PS3 version look fucking horrendous. Don't know if it up scales poorly are runs at an even lower resolution....shit looks poor. Plus lots of slowdown.

  • kobashi #146 1 year ago

    Man my copy is here from Game and I am seriously considering just taking it back and getting a refund. Single player is the usual scripted COD BS and although MP is good I just dont seem to have the buzz for it anymore. Put so many hours in over the years I just not sure if I am gonna do the same with this.

    Need for speed review has shocked me and thinking maybe wait for that next week instead.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 14:05

  • thedaveeyres #147 1 year ago

    Played for a few hours last night, and the thing that stood out is the sheer amount of content on offer - there's a massive amount to wade through in terms of game modes - much more than MW or MW2. Played some of the campaign and it's blatantly superior to the previous efforts. So... a bit boggled really than this scores lower than MW or MW2.

  • Buran #148 1 year ago

    The campaign looks very bad. The good part is that runs at 60+ fps maxed at 1680 x 1050 in my GTX 275/Q6600/4 GB rig, the bat parts are:

    -Visuals are dated, light years behind Crysis, ArmA II, Metro 2033, Shattered Horizon, Just Cause 2, Mirror Edge, etc.
    -Sound is bad: bland OST (no Hans Zimmer or Harry Gregson Williams this time), no EAX, no 7.1 support, dull sound capture.
    -Inexistant A.I., only scripted events, infinite respawn, linear maps with no alternatives.
    -Lack of physiscs: all is no interactive.

    MP looks promising, with tons of customization, but at last is merely a deathmatch game without objective based game modes and lacking in teamwork.

  • Tiberius_Gracchus #149 1 year ago

    Temporarily blind and disorientate your opponents by opening their bedroom curtains!

  • StolenGlory #150 1 year ago

    @Kobashi.

    Game won't refund anything that has been opened unless it is faulty.

  • Buran #151 1 year ago

    The campaign looks very bad. The good part is that runs at 60+ fps maxed at 1680 x 1050 in my GTX 275/Q6600/4 GB rig, the bad parts are:

    -Visuals are dated, light years behind Crysis, ArmA II, Metro 2033, Shattered Horizon, Just Cause 2, Mirror Edge, etc.
    -Sound is bad: bland OST (no Hans Zimmer or Harry Gregson Williams this time), no EAX, no 7.1 support, dull sound capture.
    -Inexistant A.I., only scripted events, infinite respawn, linear maps with no alternatives.
    -Lack of physiscs: all is no interactive.

    MP looks promising, with tons of customization, but at last is merely a deathmatch game without objective based game modes and lacking in teamwork.
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 15:14

  • RedSparrows #152 1 year ago

    '"and it would be atrocious if simply coming up with a new script and a bundle of levels would keep the accolades pouring in every year."

    Six 100/100 scores on metacritic already. '

    REALLY?!

    Holy crap. I get it that people like the series, but damn.

  • darth_paul #153 1 year ago

    @ RedSparrows
    yeah... but look at the sites that dish out a "Perfect 10" to black ops! all dodgy sites, whose only intent is to be at the top of the metacritic chart (to promote themselves).

  • jefranklin18 #154 1 year ago

    I thought this game was set in the 60s/70s, what is the dude on front doing with Sig which came out in the 80s?

  • Genyus #155 1 year ago

    Easy formula to get high scores. A fun singleplayer and a lasting multiplayer with a nice extra mode (zombies) would add up to an 8 at any time. But don't forget this is the 7th time they have done this already and just by bringing a minor change they try to "brainwash" us. I'm sorry, but I'm not buying in to this anymore, get creative.

  • kobashi #156 1 year ago

    @StolenGlory

    I still not opened it mate. Got it delivered at work!

    I probably will keep it for the multi-player but Ł45 for a multi-player experience is damn expensive. Honestly dont think I will even touch the single player mode.

  • waggy79 #157 1 year ago

    Having now played it, an 8 is looking bang on. Feels a real step back from Reach.

  • chibber23 #158 1 year ago

    @Spydy - Another Poster to add to my ignore list - Why do some people feel so strongly about their choice of console purchase that they have to come on a public forum and spout bollocks about the performance of a rival console is it insecurity with themselves, their decision making ability or are they just morons? The PS3 version is fine Ive played it all morning

  • chibber23 #159 1 year ago

    @Spydy - Another Poster to add to my ignore list - Why do some people feel so strongly about their choice of console purchase that they have to come on a public forum and spout bollocks about the performance of a rival console is it insecurity with themselves, their decision making ability or are they just morons? The PS3 version is fine Ive played it all morning

  • Spydy #160 1 year ago

    @ chibber23.

    I own the PS3 version, hence the disappointment. Why does 360 get better framerate and AA solution? Riddle me that?

  • Cronan #161 1 year ago

    And the best news of all, the Infinite Care Package Glitch is available again. (sobs)

  • StolenGlory #162 1 year ago

    @Spydy

    Remember, HD starts when Sony says it does.

  • andromeda #163 1 year ago

    "-Visuals are dated, light years behind Crysis, ArmA II, Metro 2033, Shattered Horizon, Just Cause 2, Mirror Edge, etc.
    -Sound is bad: bland OST (no Hans Zimmer or Harry Gregson Williams this time), no EAX, no 7.1 support, dull sound capture.
    -Inexistant A.I., only scripted events, infinite respawn, linear maps with no alternatives.
    -Lack of physiscs: all is no interactive. "

    Its badly seeded too ;)

  • sfp_noodle #164 1 year ago

    Same shit different year

  • mukki #165 1 year ago

    oh well I don't think 8 is that bad for the kind of a game...
    as long as MP works but there I am not sure about them COD points thing....

  • koga-dave #166 1 year ago

    Bad Company 2 has shown how bad the COD

  • koga-dave #167 1 year ago

    Bad Company 2 has shown what MP should be like on a console. It blows COD and MOH out of the water.

  • t8yman #168 1 year ago

    this shit is getting traded tomorrow. The spawn points are shockingly bad, graphics are poor, linear SP, I really wanted to like it but I cant. The IW games at least felt tight, this just feels very wooly. BF Vietnam for me for the winter.

  • Yossarian #169 1 year ago

    Not as good as Reach, then. To be expected, I guess.

  • KDR_11k #170 1 year ago

    Alex Mason? Isn't that the bloke from Red Faction Guerilla?

  • irrelevanthuman #171 1 year ago

    Bought this today on a whim,thought I would treat myself on my day off.Stupid boy.Once more unto the Reach dear friends.

  • seffyroff #172 1 year ago

    Predictable 8. Grow some EG.

  • r3n #173 1 year ago

    Gun Game pinched off Counter Strike gungame deathmatch mod! It's nowt new!

  • EVERYGAMER #174 1 year ago

    Thankyou so much for mentioning the napalm barrels I was on that very level this morning before work and I couldnt work out what the game wanted me to do!! Its all well and good having your soldier buddy shouting out "light em up Mason" but when a guided rocket wont even set off the barrels itleaves you wondering just what the game wants of you. Glad I can put it down to poor direction rather than me sucking? I am off now to kick over the barrels and enjoy the rest of the game!
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 18:09

  • chrisola #175 1 year ago

    "Maybe its because, like us consumers, the reviewers have played this game a hundred times before just in a different skin? You know what to expect now. Same shit, different disc. "

    Exactly, so why doesn't the review come out and say this? It should say 'what this game does is fine, but it does nothing new and the whole formula needs a serious shake up' but it just kind of says 'it's good, it's COD. The end'.

    The new bits aren't even mentioned or given a proper going over, like the 3d, customisable MP, combat training bots (Can you play local co-op and fill out the game with bots? who knows.) etc etc.

    I've found out more about this game from reading the previews and fluff pieces than this review tells you...hell even the loser 13hr hour queue guy's energy drink fuelled excited interview is more in depth :p

    *edit* has anyone played this in 3d? there must be a rich bugger with a flash tv on here somewhere...
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 18:19

  • albinac #176 1 year ago

    ok lets clear something up rigth away. shooters based on war(realistic) events are by default never going to inovate that much because you have bounderies that you have to follow. so as to say that black ops is predictable is not a rational comment.this game is made to suite,appeal and give joy to the fans of cod because treyarch listen to the fans and gave them what they where asking for and then some so the only ones complaining are the other one(non fans)so this comes as no surrprise.

  • RedSparrows #177 1 year ago

    Albinac, go back to debating school.

  • lockload #178 1 year ago

    This game has some of the worst single player AI i have seem my teammates just walk pats enemies ignoring each other its a total joke
    Edited by 1 at 09/11/10 @ 19:24

  • CaptainKid #179 1 year ago

    I am new to COD multiplayer and find this review severely lacking.
    Are there dedicated servers as promised?
    How many players at once?
    What game modes?
    Are there vehicles?
    Etc.

    Also the single player part if the review doesn't say much.
    Is it more linear then Modern Warfare 2?
    I found that game's single player surprisingly open after playing the World at war demo.

  • albinac #180 1 year ago

    ill go back to debate shcool when you actualy finish shcool ok. do we have a deal redsparrow.oh by the way i was not debatething.i was stating a fact just like rain falls from the sky and fire is harmfull and can burn you so tell your mummy to not let you stay up too late on your computer because it migth catch fire and burn you fingers.

  • Emmit_Assassin #181 1 year ago

    @albinac & @redsparrow - Grow up, please. No one wants to read your petty banter. Either fuck each other or shut the fuck up.

  • jimmyhill11 #182 1 year ago

    FooAtari
    whats the point of commenting on a review in the comments section of a review?

    hmm, dunno. you got me there.

  • jambo74 #183 1 year ago

    Meh.

  • JBlokeUK #184 1 year ago

    So, we've come to the conclusion that the single player can be finished in about 7 hours. The multiplayer will be ruined within a week with glitchers etc, and there'll be yet another COD game next year no doubt?

    Onto the next game review...

  • DarthGuybrush #185 1 year ago

    Someone asked who the voice talent included - yes Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans) is in as is Gary Oldman (Dracula, The Dark Knight) and Ed Harris (Apollo 13, The Rock). Personally I love it and give it a 9.

  • darth_paul #186 1 year ago

    now that Black Ops is out, could Activision please stop keeping the price of MW2 artificially inflated, please. Its not worth Ł25/30€ anymore... its not like it has a Red Dead Redemption quantity of content, does it!?

  • FooAtari #187 1 year ago

    Well against my better judgment I went out an bought the game.

    SP has been less than steller. It's enjoyable I suppose but lacks substance. The scripted events and re-spawning makes it all feel a little, erm, fake.

    Had a quick blast of Team Deathmatch. Seem to be pretty funny.

    As I thought, it's CoD through and through. I'm sure I'll get some mileage out of multiplayer, but really, if you have played one CoD, you have played them all. This is especially true since CoD 4.

  • Bluetooth #188 1 year ago

    You shoot British Commandos in this game? Why isn't Dr Liam Fox and our government crying about this? Shooting our OWN, brave tro... I mean, HEROES. HOW DARE THEY

    And can someone please clear up for me whether the new game modes (One in the chamber etc) are playable with bots?
    Edited by 1 at 10/11/10 @ 02:55

  • WangKZ3 #189 1 year ago

    8 points for the so-called "game of the year and blablabla" by the media....not playing this....PRRRRRR

  • StackMonkey #190 1 year ago

    Well I bought this via the Tesco offer, SP is a 6 at most, poor AI, respawing enemies, poor mission direction. ie the burning barrels on the vietnam section.

    MP is a 6 or 10 depending on wheather your a loud mouthed 13 year old obnoxious american twat who enjoys camping a lot.

    BFBC2 is far superior imho, the actual SP campaign feels more real, not just a string of setpieces thrown at you. Black Ops just feels so fake. Plus Dice really know how to do large scale enviroments.

    The multiplayer in BFBC2 is stiil the best out there, it's a game that's purely about your skill as a player rather than silly killstreak buffs, that totally punish new players.

    Tactics, skill and teamplay have a much greater impact on the overall game, plus it never feels like your a one man army. You always feel like your part of a team even when your with strangers, when playing BFBC2.

    I guess it's the more realistic approach that BFBC2 has that i prefer, especially the destructable enviroment.
    Plus the Frostbite sound system is still the dog's, especially through a home cinema set-up.

    For me COD is well and truly dead.

    to paraphrase "Once youv'e tried BFBC2 you can't go back" :-)


    Edited by 1 at 10/11/10 @ 10:36

  • carlitoswagon #191 1 year ago

    After a stint on the mp I'm pretty happy. The review didn't really go into enough details regards game modes. There's no mention of 'Pure' which lets you play deathmatch without killsteak rewards. Seeing the number of players in this list it's already a hit. . If you hate being pwned by chopper gunners it's a great option OR play 'Bare Bones' another scaled back mode with the only the 3,5 and 7 killsteak rewards.

    Most of the reasons to complain about cod have been removed with the multitude of options which will suit the game style you're loooking for. If annoying kids talking shit is one of those things just use the mute option.

    Think Treyarch have done a great job. They've listened to community feedback regards mw2 and have created a bit more balance. Maps are excellent as expected.

    Have spent more on lesser games so can't compain.

  • StackMonkey #192 1 year ago

    Cheers, haven't seen the pure mode.


  • Masta200 #193 1 year ago

    How is 8/10 i a bad score?. here's an idea.. play the game for yourself instead of listening to a single reviewers opinion. Also if you check other reviews you will find out that it got even higher scores.

  • geox30 #194 1 year ago

    There are good games and there are excellent games. All Call of Duty games,with the exception of the first two,which where excellent,where basically good.Pretty good if you like,but not excellent.Multiplayer was good but not excellent.Half Life 2 is the best example of excellence I can think for a single player fps and Battlefield series probably the equal for multiplayer fps experience.The Battlefield games are also a good example of a series that gets better with each sequel they make. Also,and please don't get me wrong for saying this,playing fps in a console is good,but in PC is excellent!
    Edited by 1 at 11/11/10 @ 00:04

  • local_celebrity #195 1 year ago

    I'm only in it for the the multiplayer, and it's really rather good. Despite being an IW fanboy, I remember feeling faintly disappointed with MW2 when it came out. The MP here, by contrast, impressed me immediately. It's so deep and rich. I can feel the addiction gripping me once more. And getting rid of Stopping Power was a masterstroke. In retrospect it was the most redundant perk ever. You had to have it, otherwise you were fucked, but it didn't really serve any purpose beyond that.

    The only thing that concerns me is the speed. As someone else said on here, the MP does feel a bit slower than previous games. Let's hope this is a teething problem rather than some fundamental flaw.
    Edited by 1 at 11/11/10 @ 01:04

  • 747shooter #196 1 year ago

    This outcome of the review makes COD BO the same as the MOH as both scored identical 8 according to the reviewer. This makes the reviewer a joker with credibility down to the pitt. I only play FPS games and to compare COD and MOH or BF (MOH is like BF2 on smaller maps) is a no contest feature wise. COD games are way better by a very looong shot, no wonder COD 4 MW has more players than BF2 in Xbox live.
    Edited by 1 at 11/11/10 @ 03:48

  • DarknRahl #197 1 year ago

    Why has no review mentioned how shit the graphics are with this game? I was pretty surprised when I first fired it up. This looks like a game from 2005. The multiplayer is still fun times but it really makes a game like BC2 look even better in many ways besides graphics.

    Still, I'm sure the developers were pretty hamstrung with how much innovation they were allowed to bring to this franchise.

  • geox30 #198 1 year ago

    CoD has more players in XBL because it is easy.If you try BFBC2 on a PC you can't go back.That is a game of skill and it's a ton of fun !

  • muse88_James #199 1 year ago

    Most of the twats on here criticising the game haven't actually played it, and are basing their opinions on MW2 (which I couldn't stand either by the way).

    Black Ops is bloody fantastic, and no, I'm not a chav or a 12 year old American 'gangsta', I just know a good game when I see one.

  • Denny #200 1 year ago

    Gotta agree with stackmonkey.
    I've only played a little of SP and the zombies so far, but, I'm aghast to discover the most annoying SP feature of WAW (for me) is back in this version, which is on veteran, enemy soldiers waltzing past a line of my electronic teammates to take pot shots at me, It's like the guys on my side don't exist. What's worse is my guys let them walk past too!

  • YourMessageHere #201 1 year ago

    This has a proper server system, and unlike MW2 it has Hardcore FFA, plus having played at a friend's place, I like some of the guns much better, so this is only a matter of when, not if, I buy it. As is usual for CoD, I'll like as not play the single player for the sake of completeness and getting used to the feel of the game, spend a while being disappointed by the cartoonish OTT-ness dressed in the trappings of what purports to be realism, then get on with multiplayer and the actual point of the game.

    I'm also very pleased with the way you just buy what you want with your CoD-credit-play-moneys, rather than having to play how the game says you have to in order to get what you want (shooting 40 people through walls with FMJ, an addon that itself requires 300 kills with that gun IIRC, to unlock extended magazines - that's just stupid). One day CoD will do something really revolutionary, like just letting you spend your XP points on what you want, when you want, totally eliminating grind and boosting in a stroke, rather than letting leveling and challenges and points and accolades and all that fluff overshadow the idea of enjoying playing the game, as in MW2. Heretical? Probably.

    I hate killstreaks, but I do enjoy pissing on the parade for people who use them. That's why I used the cold-blooded perk and took my Stinger and blew people's air support up whenever possible. The deployable SAM turret is a good way to make killstreaks more balanced.

  • captain_euromax #202 1 year ago

    COD B OPS Multiplayer is a joke. After putting in the blueray disc i thought my HD TV got the wrong resolution...but no the visuals are seriously like COD 2 ? Really bad quality. Connection to host problems also. No servers. I didnt touch the single player, so maye its good...for 4 hours ...No COD for me again. Seriiously dissapointed.

  • Lotek #203 1 year ago

    cracking game... glad i purchased....

  • gamefan456 #204 1 year ago

    "Check it out! I found a link to the awesome music the used in the ""Call of Duty: Black Ops"" trailer!

    It's by artist Cliff Lin and it's called ""And Your World Will Burn."" You can download it at this link:

  • Lukinsons #205 1 year ago

    It is worst CoD ever. Very stupid AI, bad animations.

    SP- 4/10, MP- 7/10

  • NewbieZilla #206 1 year ago

    My biggest gripe with the game is shoddy hit detection. That, combined with it being too short.