Last November, the Call of Duty (CoD) franchise once again broke entertainment success records when it spawned CoD: Black Ops II. Though I’m not a die-hard CoD fan, even I cannot deny that this game is a powerhouse that is an absolute pleasure to play.
Part 1 of my review focuses on what the CoD franchise is most well-known for: the multiplayer. There are countless games that feature online multiplayer, but few have the unique, incredibly entertaining feel that CoD multiplayer boasts.
All of the classic CoD elements are present in multiplayer, including fluid action, scorestreaks, and Nuketown 2025 (don’t deny it- you know you love that map). But because the game takes place in the future, there are some really cool additions in this CoD installment. At least half of the scorestreaks are awesome high-tech supports- like autonomous death machines and microwave turrets- that have you shouting with glee every time you get to deploy them. In addition, the guns themselves have advanced scopes and bullet-penetration that never fail to deliver those scorestreaks. Unless you’re me and can’t get more than a single kill without dying. Oh, well… baby steps.
The maps are, of course, great labyrinths that have the two opposing teams struggling to control key strategic points. Nuketown 2025 is a beautiful masterpiece that allows players to participate in a CoD version of a glorified neighborhood feud between two 2-story houses complete with bright scenery, destructible cars, and 1950’s manikins, some of which bear a remarkable resemblance to Tom Hanks. Nuketown 2025 is a true work of art. Whoever designed Nuketown 2025 deserves a Pulitzer Prize. And a Nobel Peace Prize.
The other maps are pretty cool, too.
CoD multiplayer is intensely fun and, oddly enough, relaxing, despite the fact that the amount of chaos and explosions in any given match makes even Michael Bay’s eyes water. And Black Ops II ups the ante, providing an experience that’s even more awesome than Viktor Reznov’s facial hair. What else can we possibly ask for?
I’ll give you a hint: the answer starts with the letter “Z”…
