I am writing this review after 5 hours of playing time. To that end, please realize that this should not be viewed as a comprehensive review. I will update as I become more familiar with the product, and if you do not find this review helpful, please let me know why in the comments section. I'll be happy to address the issue ASAP.
Original Review begins here:
COD: Black Ops is the third COD game I have played but the first I have owned. I opted for Battlefield Bad Company 2 over MW2 last time around, but I am neither a COD, BF, or MoH fanboy. I am also a professional software tester, and while that doesn't lend more inherent weight to my opinions, I hope it lets you know where I'm coming from in a review. For a game to be enjoyable to me, it has to be bug-free, smooth, and without major play imbalances. Each of these three types of issues have plagued FPS games, so I will begin with this point -- COD:BO does not suffer from any of those issues.
It is the smoothest game, particularly multi-player, that I have ever played. I have read reviews on amazon from other customers who felt exactly the opposite, so I'm tempted to think that's an internet issue. I have the fastest connection possible, and I can tell you without doubt that it is much, much smoother than anything else I've played in the FPS realm for PS3 (or even PC, for that matter).
Graphics: Really, really, really good -- but not perfect. This doesn't bother me, even a little.
Multiplayer:
Good gun balance but a bit of a learning curve. I'm an old-school PC FPS guy, so I still don't have my stick reflexes worked out. Melee attacks seem to have minimal "suck-in" effect (as opposed to, say, Gears of War) but I do wish the melee attack animations were a little more visually appealing. I haven't encountered any overpowered weapons yet, which is a huge plus. This game will *not*, however, work well for folks who like the objective-based squad play of BFBC2. If you want that out of this game, it isn't there -- at least not within five hours of gameplay. Maybe one of the unlocked modes will suffice -- I just simply can't say that yet.
The unlockable system is great. It's vastly superior to anything else out there right now.
Single Player: Beautiful and engaging from the first moments. I haven't played very far into it, so I'll leave it at that for now. Major gaming review sites seemed to think very highly of the story line, though, so I'd recommend checking around for some of those reviews.
Training Mode: Honestly, this is a stroke of genius. Thank you, Treyarch. Thank you. You can actually learn the multiplayer maps before you play them now. This is the most useful tool I've seen included for a gamer because it lessens the learning curve.
Critiques: Spawning in multiplayer can be bad. Sometimes you will spawn in as an enemy runs around the corner and pegs you while you try to figure out which way is up. The upside here is that camping choke-points off of spawn is virtually impossible (for the 'attacker') due to each map's design. The maps are smaller than I expected, but larger maps may have been too much to ask for.
Overall: I highly recommend this game so far, and I also would submit that anyone experiencing "frame rate issues" in multi is instead suffering from a subpar internet connection. If you aren't a diehard of any previous shooter, this one will do very nicely for you. If you love BFBC2 and want something similar, hold off. If you love MW2, you may still prefer it. I'm not sure what to say for MoH because the critic reviews have been so negative about it that I didn't put any eggs in that basket at all.
I'll be updating this review as we go. Good luck, and God bless!
***First Edit*** This game is just crazy fun in multi. I haven't spent any time in single player due to how fun multi is. There are issues -- there's no real reason to play with anything other than an assault rifle (famas or galil, usually) except for novelty. Certain killstreaks are virtually useless against experienced players (planes should be shot down 5 seconds after they're up if you're playing someone who knows what they're doing). Spawns are as good as they can be due to map size and game style. You *will* be spawn killed once in a great while. That being said, it's like crack. You won't be able to stop playing.
Call of Duty: Black Ops - Playstation 3
4.6
| 2,872 ratingsPrice: 37.26
Last update: 12-22-2024
About this item
Wide array of play modes including single player, local multiplayer versus and online co-op and multiplayer
Seventh installment of the Call of Duty series, based on the live fire conflicts of the Cold War era
Diverse variety of play setting ranging from urban air and ground combat in SE Asia, to snow combat in Soviet region and jungle combat
Blending of traditional COD and new first-person character scenarios designed to both retain the essence of the COD gaming experience and ensure constantly flowing and varied action
New arsenal of weapons and vehicles tied to the Cold War era, including the SR-71 Blackbird and sited explosive-tipped crossbows
Seventh installment of the Call of Duty series, based on the live fire conflicts of the Cold War era
Diverse variety of play setting ranging from urban air and ground combat in SE Asia, to snow combat in Soviet region and jungle combat
Blending of traditional COD and new first-person character scenarios designed to both retain the essence of the COD gaming experience and ensure constantly flowing and varied action
New arsenal of weapons and vehicles tied to the Cold War era, including the SR-71 Blackbird and sited explosive-tipped crossbows
Product information
Publication Date | November 9, 2010 |
---|---|
Computer Platform | PlayStation 3 |
UPC | 047875840041 783651520249 |
Compatible Video Game Console Models | Sony PlayStation 3 CECH-4012C |
ASIN | B003JVCA9Q |
Release date | November 9, 2010 |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
2,872
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #14,699 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #70 in PlayStation 3 Games |
Product Dimensions | 1.1 x 6.9 x 0.63 inches; 0.32 ounces |
Type of item | Video Game |
Language | English |
Rated | Mature |
Item model number | 84004 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
Item Weight | 0.32 ounces |
Manufacturer | Activision Publishing |
Date First Available | April 30, 2010 |