![]() The constant switching of characters and factions from mission to mission, while a hallmark of the series dating back to the first few World War II era titles, has typically made each game seem more like a group of vignettes, lacking in cohesive storytelling. While striving for movie-like, summer blockbuster-style storytelling, Call of Duty has never been known for being particularly strong in terms of narrative. It is the author’s opinion that the version reviewed compares favorably to the final product. While a review copy was later supplied by Activision, due to timing issues only core gameplay and graphics were evaluated for consistency. With a multi-generational plot set primarily in the near future, Black Ops II represents a stronger break from tradition for Treyarch, and the result is both pleasantly refined and invigorating.Īuthor’s note: This review is based on time spent with the game on a debug kit at a review event held by Treyarch and Activision in Carlsbad, CA from October 23-25th. Flexing this newfound freedom, they released Black Ops two years later, historical context intact, but moving the narrative out of the now-tired World War II setting and into the Cold War era. ![]() As Infinity Ward brought the series into the Modern Warfare era, Treyarch continued the standard of the historical settings that Call of Duty was famous for with World at War. As Activision’s go-to studio for backing up their higher-profile franchise makers, Treyarch’s work on the “off” years has steadfastly maintained the level of quality put forth by the series creators. It was clear that this year’s release- Black Ops II- would not be able to get by on name alone.Īs the “second unit” on the Call of Duty series, Treyarch has become as synonymous with the brand as Infinity Ward ever was. Based on sales and critical reception, it would be hard to characterize the series as anything other than a record-breaking juggernaut, but the gamer zeitgeist has shifted subtly, and the lens of time has led to a more critical assessment of the previous two installments in the series- Black Ops and Modern Warfare 3. For eight years in a row the fall release schedule has had a Call of Duty game on it’s roster, widely regarded as *the* dominant console shooter this side of Halo, and certainly the most successful one to tackle the more realistic side of the genre. We expect more and better, demand innovation, and invariably become distracted that much easier by the next bright shiny that comes along. Gamers have a love/hate relationship with AAA franchises that release annual installments On one hand its great to see more of something you love, but as we’ve seen time and time again, fatigue can set in.
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