When the initial teaser trailer for Black Ops multiplayer surfaced, we mentioned that a full reveal would be on its way shortly. Well today is that day and their is plenty to talk about thanks to a press event held by Treyarch.
First up is combat training, this looks to be a multiplayer training mode using bots and can be played on multiplayer maps. This seems like a great alternative to online play, but the mode still captures the essence of unpredictable online play. Gears of War 2 made similar options available with bot play and horde mode, as their are many gamers who play offline as well. Combat training also uses a different ranking or progression system compared to regular multiplayer.
Treyarch also stresses the new “pillars” that make up Black Ops which are compete, customize, and create. This motto sounds promising in its own, hinting at alot of community involvement.
Call of Duty has always been known for great customizable multiplayer, but Black Ops seems to be making this experience far more fleshed out and personalized.
From gun customization, to character customization, even making custom emblems and being able to paint your clan tag on your gun. Even a cross-hair with a happy face as the red-dot sight was shown. This whole process along with the new use of cod points as money reminds me of what Bungie is creating with the new customizing in reach. This player reward system is a great trend and will be welcomed in the world of COD once again. Along with earning points, their will be “contracts” awarded is certain tasks are completed online in a certain time frame, similar to a daily challenge system.
Kill-streaks were also talked about, many of them will be more interactive similar to what was seen already with the RC-Car. Tapping the d-pad and raining death from above maybe fun and easy, but something more intuitive could be great.
Many new game modes have been introduced as well, the classics will still be present but Treyarch is really looking to add some variety. For example one mode called “Sticks and Stones” equips you with only cross bow and tactical knives. New game modes like this will hopefully freshen things up.
More Black Ops updates to come soon, as a new trailer is due out tomorrow that was shown at the press conference that will show off some of what we have talked about here. For now enjoy the great news and get excited, as it seems Treyarch might be making all the right moved to reinvent a great annual franchise.
Here is a new video that was just released showing many of the new features that are making this game look fantastic!
Above is a look at “Wager” matches and game-mode’s shown from last night. The concept on gambling on your own gameplay performance looks like an interesting way to raise the stakes in online play. Below is a look at some footage from the mode “Gun Game” where after each kill you are automatically armed with a new better weapon. By the time you reach 20 kills you have worked your way through a huge arsenal of classic weapons and have one the match. Enjoy the footage.
