Metareview: Call of Duty: Black Ops

by Griffin McElroy on Nov 9th 2010 2:00PM

A new entry in the Call of Duty franchise is like a large cauldron of rich, hearty stew -- everyone's going to find something different to say about it. Whether it's comments on the complex flavor of the broth, the freshness of the vegetables, or the depth of the zombified multiplayer component, no two reviews could possibly be the same. This metaphor went off the rails very, very quickly.

Anyway, now that you've read our review of Call of Duty: Black Ops, why not see what the rest of the peanut gallery has to say?

GamePro (5/5 Stars): "The good news is that the game is absolutely worth the investment, and even if you find yourself disagreeing with some of the changes Treyarch instituted or you run into a bunch of morons who are hell bent on ruining a particular mode for you, you have plenty of other options to keep you engaged for a good long time."
GameTrailers (9.3/10): "Treyarch has closed the gap between its games and the Modern Warfare franchise with boundless customization, a keen sense of what makes the formula a success, and listening to fans."
1UP (A-): "When examining this seventh (and therefore odd-numbered) Treyarch installment beside the studio's history, it's apparent that not only does Black Ops show how much Treyarch has grown as a developer, but that it's easily their best title yet."
IGN (8.5/10): "Call of Duty: Black Ops is a great overall package that has a ton of content to enjoy. The multiplayer modes are largely based on what was established by Modern Warfare, but the twists that Treyarch throws in work well."
Giant Bomb (4/5 Stars): "Do you want to play more Call of Duty? I'm guessing the answer is yes, and by all means, Black Ops is worth playing. But for all its ambitious steps to set itself apart from the previous games, it flounders in a few too many of those areas to be a total success."

Source: Metacritic

Tags: activision, Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops, metareview, microsoft, pc, playstation, ps3, treyarch, xbox

Reader Comments (94)

Meh this game doesn't need reviews, many people will buy it regardless of the reviews.

@Meghterb1985

I think many people would buy it even if all the reviews said it was complete garbage. It's the "Call of Duty" brand that pretty much guarantees sales

@PSN StaticShock

Indeed, see Medal of Honor for Exhibit A of the "big name shooter selling well despite mediocre reviews" theory in action.

@PSN StaticShock
You're right but I think it's because a lot of the people who buy Call of Duty games don't read reviews. I'm sure most people who bought this game dont even know that it wasnt developed by the same people as Modern Warfare 1 and 2 and they dont care.

@blueskyv201

Exactly. Most people don't understand that Activision is nothing more than a publisher, and doesn't actually 'create' the game. Or, they're half informed, and think Infinity Ward makes them all.

@Meghterb1985

Call of Duty: Black Ops GOTY!!!! I haven't been able to put it down, it's that good! :-D

@Meghterb1985

Very very true. Activision, I believe, has stated as much in their interviews and PR about the franchise.

Im curious to see how they price their DLC. It's not so much a question of whether it will be 1200 points or not, but whether it will be more expensive.
IMO, of course.

"Meh this game doesn't need reviews, many people will buy it regardless of the reviews."

This is what General Motors used to say. It takes time for "the masses" to catch on, but by the time they've found you out, you're done. Which is to say, the franchise can't just continue to stand still, regardless of the cynical viewpoint that COD=dollars. Metacritic does play a big role in game sales, accounting for much larger sales with every point over an 85. So, why it matters who buys what why, I'm not sure, but people do catch on as quality erodes. Just ask the old Medal Of Honor team.

Metacritic scores are really high. Only one below 80, and it's some unknown site (at least to me).

@Teancum

Don't worry, it's not just you. I've never heard of Joystiq either...

For the first time, it feels like Treyarch has completely differentiated themselves from IF. And the results are pretty damn good. It's not perfect by any stretch, but at least it's got unique character, something I always felt WaW was lacking. Plus, you shoot a shotgun while riding a motorcyle. WHILE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE!

@Beatz That's win enough for me!!!

*sigh* I wish I could do that on my motorcycle...

Question for people who are playing it, is this game worth it for someone who absolutely loved all the CoDs except MW2? I didn't like the story nor all the big changes in multiplayer. I am itching to play a badass shooter (on and offline).

@Aquaryon

Simply put ... yes. I'm not that big on COD in general. I buy all the games after swearing I won't, beat the campaign and sell it after about 20 hours of multiplayer. Just for the campaign alone this game is worth it. I played it for a few hours last night and really enjoyed myself.

@Aquaryon
The multiplayer feels heavier and slower than MW2. Not a bad thing at all, but just different. The maps are huge too. You may like it!

@Aquaryon

Thanks guys! I will deff check it out, I have a giftcard, I might just pick it up after work. :)

@DrChristopher - Heavier and slower...on the same engine? O_O That is pretty weird. If UPS would ever get here, I could see what you mean.

No classes today...I want to see what brown can do for me (before I fall asleep from boredom).

@Aquaryon

Not sure why I was down voted. Not hating at all. Thus far Black Ops is probably my favorite COD yet.

@Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell

I agree :\

@DrChristopher
Slower than MW2 isn't a bad thing at all. For me the multiplayer in that game was a painful experience - a chaotic twitchfest, at best.

@blueskyv201 - I've just now had a chance to really get into COD:BO. Honestly, I'd rather have the mechanics from COD4 and MW2 back. I feel like I am playing Killzone instead of COD. Maybe I'll feel better when I can finally play a hardcore mode (or Gun Game, or One In the Chamber, or...any of the new modes I was excited for) but for now, I'm not liking the heavier feel. Was COD:WAW like this?

Hype- machine! GO!!!!111

Can anyone tell me his/her multiplayer experience with a PC?

@HaloisthemostOverratedGameEver
The PC Multiplayer version suffers from lag and stuttering, while it doesn't make the game unplayable it is very annoying; take a look at the forums http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=997
I havent test SP yet.

Aquaryon, I think BO's multiplayer is a copy and paste of MW2 with a few add-ons, new maps, and no nukes.

@Sandite5 It's not. I've been playing it for several hours now and it's sooo much better. I guess if you were just looking at a video clip of it, it might look the same, but man PLAYING it is so different. I was one of the people really let down by MW2's MP... thank god these guys fixed all of that. Really good stuff.

@Gaddes

Please describe "so much better".

I think the whole reason I've never really delve into Treyarch was their inability to match the snap and control that IW has been able to maintain. I played it for 2 hours last night (morning), I could start to get the hang of it, but it's still not on IW's level.

As for BO's new maps, well that is a given. You won't get anywhere without new maps.

The add-ons: Nearly all the modes are carried over from MW2. The addons would be the new wager matches, it's point system, and better personal customization.

And no nukes? Need I say more?

@Sandite5 You're MISSING nukes? No offense but nukes were one example of what I hated about MW2... but then it sounds like you're one of those people that actually LIKED MW2, so I'm not going to bother delving further.

@Gaddes

I guess that could misconstrued. I meant no nukes as a good thing.

Right, but then it sounds like you're one of those people that actually HATED MW2, so I'm not going to bother delving further.

@Sandite5 I love people who whine about nukes.

Zomg, the match ended prematurely and I got instantly put into a lobby to form another game in less than a minute.

Game breaking!

@jynxycat

Nukes are what lead to major campfests, boosting (which has basically been abolished from BOs). It cause more issues than it was worth.

@Sandite5 not really copy & paste. a perfect example of copy & paste is BC2 & MoH. i know because i own both

@EDZiLLUH But somehow they messed up the pasting in MoH :P Because, I do believe, BFBC2's multiplayer is frakkin amazing and MoH's?? Not so much. But yes, essentially the same.

@EDZiLLUH

I'm a total weirdo. I absolutely love the medal of honor multiplayer. I have BFBC2 but I was heavily playing MAG when it came out and it couldn't pull me away. I probably haven't put more than a few hours into the game in total.

@EDZiLLUH

WOOOOOW !!! ladies and gentleman here is a proof of a fanboy!

"not really copy & paste. a perfect example of copy & paste is BC2 & MoH. i know because i own both"

how in hell is bfbc2 a "copy & paste" game? its not even the same as bfbc1! =/ and about moh, moh was a side project by dice they tried to make it different and they kind of succeeded! i mean other then the visuals its totally different!

You're statement doesn't make any sense and another proof of a fanboy trying to defend his game by claiming (lying) he has the competing game to convince people the game he defends is the shit!

@EDZiLLUH

It's kinda like you completely disregarded where I put "with a few add-ons, new maps, and no nukes."

Ignorance is bliss, no?

@PegonFighter dude i aint no fanboy. MoH is just like BC2 how can you deny it.? that @aquaryon knows what i'm talking about. yeah BC2 is way better then MoH in my opinion. but to say BO is a copy & paste of MW2 i dnt think so. BO feels more like Call of Duty 4.

INCLUDE GAMESPOT IN METAREVIEWS.

@geniuswithagun

They haven't even posted their review yet. Gamespot is always late.

It's time to remove Giant Bomb from these metareviews.

At least for shooters. Jeff Gerstmann continues to think he should review FPS blockbusters, but all he does is whine and moan about how generic they are, and then he gives them a 4-star rating anyway, because he obviously didn't read his own review to see that he hates shooters.

If you read Jeff's reviews of Halo Reach and now Black Ops, you'll know what I'm talking about. I know everyone thinks Giant Bomb is "the only honest reviewer left in America" but Jeff comes off as a killjoy too often.

Joystiq's reviewers are by no means blind fanboys, they say what they think could have been improved, but at least the Joystiq 4-star review of Black Ops had the requisite enthusiasm that a 4-star review should have.

@i77ogical

How about they just remove them completely? They rip every game they review, regardless of how high they score it. Their conclusions are always about what the developer could have done or should have done, rather than what they developer did do.

Every single thing they write is negative and honestly, I consider that biased, even if what they are saying is true. I didn't think it was possible to comment on a game you like a lot with as much general loathing for it as Giant Bomb does... yet they continue to prove me wrong with every one of their reviews.

@i77ogical

I don't think it's so much that Mr. Gerstmann really dislikes the game; I get the impression that he just feels Black Ops is a well-crafted retread of the CoD franchise. I don't agree with everything he says, but he's generally pretty upfront about his preferences and playstyle (he's not one to savor the environment in a shooter, for instance).

Regardless, as someone who hasn't purchased a CoD game since the PC original, I must say I'm pretty excited for Black Ops (the Cold War setting coupled with Treyarch's desire to prove themselves has sold me).

@Architecture

You are right in that Jeff brazenly admits his personal preferences, and if you've listened to the Bombcast as often as I have, you know that he does not hide his preferences behind a false act of objectivity.

But the fact is that Jeff Gerstmann's preferences go against literally millions and millions of gamers. It was cute at first to see Giant Bomb come out with hard-ass reviews. But the site just doesn't represent console gamers, and blockbuster-loving gamers like FPS, at all, really.

If Joystiq wants a "contrarian's corner" score in its roundup, then fine, but given that the metareview list is so short to begin with, I think Joystiq is giving way too much credit to Giant Bomb by including them in the list.

For real time strategy PC games, or fighting games, or odd-retro games (Giant Bomb loves to be eclectic and retro), you can't do better than Giant Bomb. But for modern gamers who have invested in an HDTV, console, audio system, Xbox Live subscription and the games themselves, Jeff Gerstmann's attitude toward FPS gaming, and modern gaming in general (for me anyway) is bordering on irrelevant.

@i77ogical And if they are actually generic?

@xSFx

The FPS formula is pretty set-up. But to call a multi-million seller "generic" is taking things to another level. It's snobbish, to say the least.

What comes first should be the fun factor, which Gerstmann seems to have lost in his ideology on how gaming should be. It's as if Gerstmann disqualifies an FPS game because he can see a formula at work. It's like he thinks formula equals generic equals meh. Show me these perfect games, then. Street Fighter IV, which he gave 5 stars, was also formulaic.

@i77ogical You seem to miss the part where he was a huge MW2 fan and has said several times if he wasn't playing games for a living he would probably be on MW2 every night. Is it that hard to accept he just didn't think this game did enough to improve over the last game?

Honestly, people complaining over a 4/5 is mind numbing.

@Vorbis

You seem to miss the point that I wasn't complaining that he gave Black Ops a 4/5. It's his endless complaining along the way, which sucks the life out of his reviews.

Video gaming isn't about Jeff Gerstmann, what he really meant, or how he could have been more pleased if the developer had just ... x. His reviews are harsh, even when they're semi-positive. He's not mainstream. IMO, he belongs in a corner, not in Joystiq metareviews.

if i was to buy a FPS i would buy Medal Of Honor

Treyarch does good work, as much as they get shat on. Maybe they'll get better funding now that IW has been gutted

Predictable reviews are predictable.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops

Metareview: Call of Duty: Black Ops

Reader Comments (94)

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:04PM Meghterb1985 said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:08PM PSN StaticShock said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:17PM BigE4284 said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:44PM blueskyv201 said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 4:38PM aroGADGET said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 5:09PM omgwtf said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 5:26PM applefleas said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 5:40PM i77ogical said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:06PM Teancum said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 7:20PM Bumper said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:07PM Beatz said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:35PM religiousjedi said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:09PM Aquaryon said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:32PM Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:32PM DrChristopher said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:56PM Aquaryon said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:58PM BananaBoat said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:20PM Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:40PM Aquaryon said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:47PM blueskyv201 said

Posted: Nov 10th 2010 1:37AM BananaBoat said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:09PM Hyperactiveman said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:09PM HaloisthemostOverratedGameEver said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:02PM Cyberblood said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:11PM Sandite5 said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:27PM Gaddes said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:49PM Sandite5 said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:40PM Gaddes said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:49PM Sandite5 said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:56PM jynxycat said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 7:18PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:18PM EDZiLLUH said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:25PM Aquaryon said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:34PM Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:03PM PegonFighter said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:17PM Sandite5 said

Posted: Nov 10th 2010 12:39PM EDZiLLUH said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:27PM geniuswithagun said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:22PM TheMichaelJackson said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:30PM i77ogical said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:37PM oJMan240o said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:47PM Architecture said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:27PM i77ogical said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 3:33PM xSFx said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 4:18PM i77ogical said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 4:29PM Vorbis said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 5:06PM i77ogical said

Posted: Nov 9th 2010 2:34PM HardBoiled2009 said

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