Pre-E3 2010: Call of Duty: Black Ops

Developer: Treyarch | Publisher: Activision
Players: 1+ Player Game | Genre: FPS

Release Date: 11/09/10

Since the introduction of Call of Duty 2, I have looked forward to the next COD title each year. 2010 will be no different as the new Call of Duty Developer, Treyarch, will be taking the reigns from the empty Infinity Ward Studio. Treyarch's first venture out as the primary Developer for COD brings gamers to the height of the Cold War as America struggles against Vietnam.

In an early look at Call of Duty: Black Ops, we were shown a few demos setting the stage for what sure is to be an eagerly anticipated release on November 9, 2010. Our first look showed players entering, in first person, into an Aircraft and doing reconnaissance work. Players see enemies on the radar and they must select how the troops on the ground will proceed. Your actions here will have a direct impact on the action on the ground. As you make your selection, you are thrown into the middle of that choice.

In the next scene, we were treated to the new crossbow weapon. This is a quick and silent sniper device that can be equipped with alternative options like timed explosives to take down an enemy and his nearest companions. I am hoping we see many more new weapons and options when fighting foes during the Activision Press Event at E3 2010.

Another section of the demo, called the Slaughterhouse, put players in the middle of Hue City, Vietnam. Players are repelling out of a helicopter when it gets shot down and everyone crashes into a building below. A huge gun fight erupts and players have to fight off wave after wave of Viet Cong. This portion of the game felt the most like the Modern Warfare 2.

A new addition to the Call of Duty franchise is the addition of a voice for the main character you are controlling. Now you will chime in and give your feelings about the current mission instead of remaining silent. In addition to this, Treyarch is bringing a lot more realism to Black Ops. You will find a lot more real communication going on, between fellow soldiers, making the game feel much more authentic.

Despite the fear and concern over Treyarch becoming the "new Call of Duty Developer," Black Ops should ease those feelings and replace them with anticipation and optimism. We can't wait to see what they have in store for us at the Activision Press Event this week at E3 2010.

By Kaleb Rutherford - 06/13/10

ESRB Details: - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language - This is a first-person shooter in which players control a U.S. soldier who works for the C.I.A. and participates in both well-known and secret events during the Cold War (e.g., skirmishes, stealth espionage, assassinations, and interrogations involving torture). Players use a wide variety of weapons such as pistols, rifles, machine guns, and explosives to injure/kill enemies. Combat can generate pools of blood and dismembered limbs. Players can use enemy bodies as human shields and execute them at close range. In one sequence, broken glass is placed into the mouth of a man while he is repeatedly punched, causing blood to spill from his mouth. Language such as 'f**k,' 'b*tch,' and 'sh*t' can be heard in the dialogue.
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