Stuck on the Main Menu

Last year at this time I wrote a rather lengthy blog about the many issues with Modern Warfare 2 (you can see that here ) and due to those I was apprehensive about picking up Black Ops...so much so that I didn't even go to a midnight release. After hearing positive things from Arty and reading some very nice reviews from IGN and G4tv I decided to pick it.

So far I have been impressed...

Treyarch has always been the brunette to the hot blond that was Infinity Ward. Still pretty hot, but never quite as hot. It seems as if Treyarch took this to heart and decided to listen to the many complaints that were made about both World at War and Modern Warfare 2 and make a game that attempts to address these problems.

1. The campaign (though I still haven't finished it) is on par with any of the other Call of Duty Games. Well written, exciting and overall an enjoyable experience. The appearances by John F. Kennedy and Fidel Castro only add to the cool factor.

2. The extras have this game even passing reach for pure awesomeness. Zombies are pure fun and the Dead Ops and a fantastic surprise and a nice "secret" addition that could have easily sold for 5 dollars by itself on the marketplace. Modern Warfare 2 not only gave us a shitty campaign, but also Spec Ops...yeah the two player co-op was fun for about an hour. I have also heard rumors of other secrets that will add to the overall package.

3. The multiplayer seems to be more balanced then Modern Warfare 2 and that should makes me happy. While you can still unlock the noob tubes, there seems to be much less of it...actually I have not seen a single one yet. Outside of Death Match game types...there seems to be less of an emphasis on KD ratio and more of a focus on completing the objectives in those game types...big plus for people like me who like capping flags and planting bombs. Gone are the overpowered secondary weapons, stopping power, knifing classes and other annoyances that were built into the multiplayer of Modern Warfare 2.

They have also eliminated the duel wielding of shotguns, and the stacking of Kill streaks this is where kills from one kill streak will lead to the next. Basically if a person got a Harrier there was no real way of stopping them from getting a chopper gunner. The game lived and dies by the Kill streak rewards. This game still includes big kill streaks, but now one has to earn the kills which I fully support (except when I'm being munched on by a dog).

I also have to give them credit for copying some of what Halo has done...Theater Mode, Credits, and custom symbol. Man I have spent at least a 1/2 hour on my symbol and still want to feel I can do more. I do want to mention Arctics symbol...the camping scene is brilliant!!!

So finally I am happy with a COD game...great job Treyarch...now go fix the damn lobby issue!