Call of Duty: Black Ops - Flop or Success?

Probably the most popular FPS title currently on the market, yet another Call of Duty is being released. Activision is highly praised for the success of the title, and continue to release other games relative to it. With decent success from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the second installment of Modern Warfare was able to attract both FPS and non-FPS players alike, and definitely made a significant impact on the future of FPS games. Currently, the next title to be released on Nov. 9 is Call of Duty: Black Ops. Many have already reserved this game, and many more will rush to opening night to make sure they play it asap.

The title of this blog is significant. The reason being is that Black Ops isn't being developed by Infinity Ward, the company that is responsible for creating the popular Modern Warfare titles for the PS3 and Xbox 360. Because of the strife that occurred between Infinity Ward and Activision, the new developer is now Treyarch. Now, don't get me wrong. I honestly don't know too much about Treyarch. They have developed games such as Spiderman 3, Quantum Solace, and a plethora of other Call of Duty games already. But the most popular CoD games were developed by Infinity Ward, so it may end up disappointing a few players. Can't tell yet though.

An interesting aspect which I've noticed is that Black Ops will be released in 3D. That's right ladies and gents. 3D. The awe inspiring, multi-dimensional video effect that some movies refuse to let go is now a part of video gaming. Keep in mind however, that barely any games have been released in a 3D aspect to date. And you ask why might this be an issue. While the graphics may easily surpass those of the other games simply by tacking on this new feature, this presents a significant problem. This is a game. The ability to play this game in 3D may hinder several things. As this is a shooting game, it is essential to have quick reaction, good depth perception, and keen awareness. I believe 3D gaming can easily throw off the depth perception we are so used to from flat-screen gaming. This in effect cripples reaction time. And every player knows that quick reactions are essential in being successful while engaging in a FPS match. Additionally, you may be distracted by the 3D aspect; while you look at the pretty scenery, the enemy comes around the corner and just stabs you. Irritated? Probably.

Also keep in mind you have to wear something on your face while you play. Problem? You wear glasses and cannot put them on your face. No? Then are you sure you want to have that on while you're playing a video game? I sure as hell do not. I'm talking about the ever SO popular 3D glasses. These are definitely the top line of fashion right now.

As said before, Black Ops is being developed by Treyarch. This will be their first Call of Duty title that doesn't revolve around the atmosphere of WWII. As a result, this means the game is somewhat out of their comfort zone. The campaign mode of Modern Warfare 2 was really something else. I'm not much of a person who loves FPS story lines. But this one really got to me. I actually thoroughly enjoyed the short, but entertained hours I put into finishing the campaign mode. No characters from Modern Warfare 2 will be returning to this installment. Co-Op missions will be making another appearance however, so grab that buddy and get rollin'! Co-Op missions will include 4 zombie maps, so expect to expend many hours into this one aspect of the game. Zombie mode (Nazi Zombies) was extremely popular in the World at War title.

And who can leave out the two best parts of playing CoD: Multiplayer systems and weapons! This installment will harness the WiFi multiplayer aspect once again, so you can play with that friend who moved from Florida to Ontario. Or from Jersey to Cali. There are currently eight different maps set for release, which will most likely be followed by a "Stimulus Package" much as Modern Warfare two had. Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, etc. will also be available for play. However, this time around, the bonuses you receive for headshots and multi-kills will be added to the team score. Levels also return, capped at 50 in addition to Prestige Mode. Here are a list of new features in Black Ops:
-CoD Points: a currency system added to the title. You can buy weapons, attachments, and contracts using this currency.
-Contracts: This is somewhat of like an investment program. You buy a contract, finish the objective that is given to you, and get rewarded with more CoD points (more than you used to by the contract in the first place).
-Wager Matches: You can gamble away your CoD points in a match. The top 3 winners ONLY will be awarded points from the pool, and the others will have to play another match in an effort to regain that of which was lost.
-Create A Class: This interface has greatly changed. You can see the alterations you make to your character, and the system has become significantly more detailed. It'll probably feel like you're making a character for an RPG.

Many favorite weapons will make a return. Some of these weapons include the FAL, MP5K, Dragonuv, Model 1887, and RPG-7. Some new weapons that caught my eye were the Tomahawk (the throwing knife seems to have made a return as the Ballistic Knife), Nova Gas (seems like a stun grenade with a damaging factor as well), Crossbow, and yet another Rocket Launcher known as the Grim Reaper. Be prepared to have very overpowered weapons floating around in the game.

So these are what the new Call of Duty: Black Ops game will entail. Are you ready? You may want to brush up on your CoD skills before you play Black Ops!!





Next time: The new Legend of Zelda Title - Skyward Sword.

Welcome, We're Open!

Hello there, and welcome to a world of games of the future. As most, if not all, of us know, gaming has become the biggest source of entertainment. It is available almost anywhere, and can keep you busy for hours upon hours. That painstaking wait for that game which you have been waiting for is drawing closer, and the anticipation is palpable. You know you will rush to the store on opening night to ensure a copy is safely within the security of your hands. And yet, what better way for you to know about the game that you're dying to play than doing the research. And here's the exciting part: I do all of the research for you.And of course, what better way to celebrate the birth of a simpler way of garnering information than to appeal to the most popular game still played: World of Warcraft.

Blizzard, the company responsible for World of Warcraft (by far the most successful MMORPG as of 2010) has crafted yet another spectacle. A lore-rich, ground shattering (literally), and overhauling expansion is being added to the World of Warcraft title. Achieving 12 million subscribers within nearly 6 years, this will be World of Warcraft's third expansion. The first expansion known as the Burning Crusade, TBC for short, explored an entire world different from Azeroth. This place dealt with many characters that were pivotal in the history of the world...of Warcraft. The magical tower of Medivh (Karazhan), the trolls of the Amani tribe, the dubious pawns of Illidan (Lady Vashj, and ever so popular Kael'Thas, as well as Illidan himself), and the Eredar master of the Burning Legion (Kil'Jaeden) were all encounters that were available to the dedicated raiders. However, seldom did casual players ever hope to get through the tower of the magus. As a result, the forums were ablaze with players raging about difficulty.

Fast forward a few years. It should be noted that Blizzard has a tendency to do what most other companies don't: they listen to their customers. In 2008, Blizzard released Wrath of the Lich King, complete with appeal to both casual and committed players. The difficulty level decreased dramatically, and players rushed to be the first 80's in the world, in an effort to become the holder of a new feature: Achievements. Throughout the expansion, Blizzard continued to listen to the players. Too difficult, too easy, too overpowered, too weak? No problem. Blizzard handled that. Numerous popular features were added during the ensuing years: dungeon finder, heirlooms, etc. Even a new class, the Death Knight, was released. And in 2010, one of the well-known villains in gaming became available to overcome. The Lich King, the final boss of Icecrown Citadel, was released.

And then, Cataclysm came to light, officially announced to release in December. Just in time for the holidays! As we draw closer to Cataclysm, the news just keeps piling on top of each other. Here are a few pivotal highlights of the upcoming expansion:
-New races for the Alliance and Horde: Worgen and Goblin, respectively.
-The world is torn apart, and many zones have changed. Quests, terrain, and even previous dungeons have been altered to meet the apocalypse...I mean cataclysm.
-Humans can now be hunters, what the hell? That's right, new class combinations.
-The level cap has been raised by 5 this time around, not by 10. For those of you who can't do math, that caps at 85.
-New zones, new dungeons, new raids. The usual with a new expansion.
-Flight in Azeroth. Prepare to get ganked and take forever to finish questing.
-Talent trees have been entirely revamped. No more BS "Arms Specced Tanks." At least, I hope not.
-Reforging, which allows you to change the useless stats of your gear into something that will actually help you. No more feral druids with 20% extra hit chance, instead of 9% (the "cap" in WotLK)
-Other less important, but still relatively significant changes include: badge conversion to justice points, new profession, guild system, and reclaiming of the Gnome city known as Gnomeregan.


Hmm? What's that? Oh right. I forgot. Get ready for Deathwing! Epic fight against the Dragon Aspect, the catalyst for the crumbling of Azeroth. It should be noted Deathwing's story is one of the most enriched lore currently known. Not even the Lich King can best Neltharion when it comes to lore. And he is gargantuan! The above posted picture is of Deathwing himself, ready to smite the races of Azeroth who are no bigger to him than a tenth of one of his legs. Some of the previously mentioned changes have already been released to the world via patch 4.0.1. Reforging, revamped talent trees, and patch download process changes have become available. With all these changes, I think Cataclysm will manage to keep some of its 12 million subscribers or so busy for a while. Can't forget about the Maelstrom either. Here's a picture of the activities at the Maelstrom, taken in the PTR for Cataclysm.

Oh right. Another thing. This makes the entire expansion worth buying, by the way. Heroic Deadmines. It's about time. I've been requesting that for years! And don't forget about heroic Hogger! Anyone else? No? Aww man....

As a final treat, here's the official cinematic trailer for Cataclysm. As icy cold as the cinematic for WotLK was, this one converges around blazing fires. And isn't he mad? Why you mad?



The next shall deal with another popular title: Call of Duty. FPS lovers, get ready for Black Ops!!