Background and Release
Call of Duty: Black Ops II, developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, is the second installment in the Black Ops sub-series of the Call of Duty video game franchise. The game was released on November 13, 2012, for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. Set in a fictional near-future, the game follows the story of a fictional special operations unit known as Task Force 141, as they fight against a global conspiracy led by a rogue AI named Raul Menendez.
Storyline and Characters
The campaign of Call of Duty: Black Ops II is divided into two distinct timelines. The first timeline is set in the 1980s, where you play as Alex Mason, a member of Task Force 141. The second timeline is set in the 2025, where you play as his son, David Mason. The game features a star-studded cast of characters, including Alex Mason, David Mason, Raul Menendez, and several other notable characters from the original Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Call of Duty: Black Ops II offers a variety of gameplay modes, including Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies. The campaign is the primary focus of this article, so let’s delve deeper into its gameplay and mechanics.
The game utilizes a third-person perspective, allowing players to control the movement and actions of the characters. The controls are intuitive and easy to learn, making the game accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the Call of Duty series.
One of the standout features of the Black Ops II campaign is its use of a branching narrative. Players’ decisions and actions in the game can have significant consequences, leading to different outcomes and storylines. This adds a layer of depth and replayability to the campaign, as players can explore different paths and see the impact of their choices.
Level Design and Environments
The campaign of Call of Duty: Black Ops II is set in a variety of environments, ranging from urban settings to rural areas and even futuristic landscapes. The level design is impressive, with each level offering unique challenges and obstacles.
For example, the level “Burning Oil Fields” is set in a vast desert landscape, where players must navigate through fiery oil fields and enemy lines. The level “Nacht der Untoten” is a reimagining of the classic Zombies map from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, set in a Nazi-occupied village during World War II.
Weapons and Equipment
The game features a wide range of weapons and equipment, allowing players to customize their loadouts to suit their playstyle. Players can choose from various firearms, such as assault rifles, shotguns, and machine guns, as well as specialized weapons like the crossbow and the rocket launcher.
In addition to weapons, players can also equip gadgets and equipment, such as the claymore mine, the C4, and the remote detonator. These gadgets can be used to create strategic advantages and overcome obstacles in the game.
Multiplayer and Zombies
While the campaign is the main focus of this article, it’s worth mentioning that Call of Duty: Black Ops II also offers a robust multiplayer experience and a unique Zombies mode.
The multiplayer mode features a variety of game modes, including Team Deathmatch, Search and Destroy, and Kill Confirmed. Players can customize their characters with different classes, perks, and equipment, allowing for a high degree of personalization.
The Zombies mode is a fan-favorite, offering a co-op experience where players must survive against waves of the undead. The mode features a variety of maps, storylines, and challenges, making it a must-play for fans of the series.
Reception and Legacy
Call of Duty: Black Ops II received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for its story, gameplay, and multiplayer modes. The game was a commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
The campaign, in particular, was praised for its branching narrative and immersive storytelling. The game’s use of a branching narrative was groundbreaking for the Call of Duty series, and it has influenced many games that followed.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II has left a lasting legacy in the video game industry, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
Year | Sales (Millions) |
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2012 | 25
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