Call of Duty®: Black Ops II
" Engaging action game with memorable campaign and weapon customization but plagued by cheating "
Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Review
Call of Duty®: Black Ops II stands as a highly regarded entry in the FPS genre, celebrated for its engaging campaign, robust multiplayer, and innovative zombies mode. Players praise its compelling storyline set across past and near-future timelines, along with tight gunplay and diverse mission design. The game maintains a strong nostalgic value and is often cited as one of the best in the franchise.
However, the game faces significant criticism due to security vulnerabilities in its multiplayer servers, exposing players' PCs to hacking risks such as Remote Code Execution and data theft. Additionally, many players express frustration over the game's increased price despite its age and lack of ongoing support. Issues like frequent crashes on modern systems and unaddressed cheating in multiplayer further detract from the experience. Despite these problems, the campaign and zombies modes remain enjoyable for most players.
Highlights
Players especially praise the game's standout campaign with its strong story, memorable characters, and innovative weapon customization. The graphics and sound design are often described as stunning and immersive, holding up well even years after release.
The multiplayer mode, while currently plagued by hackers, was once considered a masterpiece with its maps, modes, and customization options. The zombies mode also receives commendation for its fun cooperative gameplay and expansions.
Overall, the game is fondly remembered for its gameplay mechanics and narrative depth, making it a beloved classic in the Call of Duty series.
Criticisms
Security exploits in multiplayer servers are a major concern, with risks of hacking, data theft, and system compromise reported by players. Activision's neglect to resolve these issues and the decision to increase the game's price have drawn strong negative reactions.
Technical problems such as crashes on modern PCs and frequent bugs reduce enjoyment. The multiplayer experience is marred by rampant cheating and unplayable servers unless using third-party mods.
Some players find the futuristic sci-fi elements and certain characters underwhelming, and the story pacing uneven. The campaign’s squad defense missions and voice acting received mixed feedback.
Pros
- • Engaging and memorable campaign with branching storylines and strong characters.
- • Stunning graphics and immersive sound design that hold up well over time.
- • Innovative weapon customization enhancing gameplay depth in campaign mode.
- • Multiplayer was highly praised for maps, modes, and customization options.
- • Zombies mode offers fun cooperative play and enjoyable expansion content.
- • Nostalgic value as a classic and beloved installment in the series.
- • Tight, satisfying gunplay mechanics across all game modes.
Cons
- • Multiplayer servers suffer from severe security exploits risking player PCs.
- • High price point criticized given the game’s age and lack of support.
- • Frequent crashes and bugs on modern systems reduce playability.
- • Rampant cheating in multiplayer makes online play frustrating or impossible.
- • Some story characters are poorly developed with weak voice acting.
- • Futuristic sci-fi elements not universally liked by the player base.
- • Squad defense missions in campaign considered repetitive and dull.
Rating Criteria
Pushing the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from the record-setting entertainment franchise, Call of Duty®: Black Ops II propels players into a near future Cold War
