Live-action trailers are, of course, silly pieces of marketing intended even more than regular trailers to sell a perception and brand rather than an actual game. With that in mind, look, let's watch the new live-action trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, because it is just so weird and awkward and kind of unpleasant. But, on the bright side, you may recognise people in it from movies or YouTube.
Although the game isn't set to come out until next month, Activision has released the "launch trailer" for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. It's undoubtedly the most revealing trailer yet, showcasing much of the future-tech that awaits players in the single-player campaign. You have dudes turning into Iron Men jumping out of planes, another dude turning into Batman with his arm-mounted grappling hook, and another dude remote controlling a robotic spider. Yes, so many dudes doing cool futuristic stuff.
Treyarch has finally unveiled everything Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 multiplayer has to offer. In addition to the significantly expanded Combat Training modes, there are two other sets of modes for players to try out. Wager matches from the original Black Ops are now "Party" games: Gun Game, One in the Chamber, Sharpshooter, and Sticks and Stones are "just for fun" experiences that still reward players with XP for playing.
However, the meat of the game lies in the "Core" modes. Here, you'll be able to play Team Deathmatch, Free for All, Domination, Demolition, Kill Confirmed, Hardpoint, Headquarters, Capture the Flag, and Search & Destroy.
One of the reasons why Call of Duty has been so wildly addictive for its fans is the constant lure of new loot. Weapons and perks can be endlessly customized, and each level-up entices players with new unlockables. Players will be able to not only unlock new weapon and abilities, but special camo, reticules, and emblem designs as well.
Players earn one unlock token per level, granting them access to any single item in Black Ops 2's vast collection of virtual goods. There are 55 levels in the main progression, giving players ample customization options--but to unlock everything, players will have to "Prestige"--resetting their level back down to one.
"For as popular as it is, there are still a lot of people that don't play multiplayer," David Vonderhaar, game design director at Treyarch said about the ubiquitous Call of Duty franchise. "And quite frankly, that bugs the sh*t out of us."
Given its rabid fan base, the competitive aspect of Call of Duty may seem increasingly foreboding with each iteration. Black Ops 2 tries to break the mold, by making the online accessible to "every single type of player."
What we expected: the return of zombies in Treyarch's Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. What we didn't expect: for it to be a massive "open world" of sorts. The developer has finally unveiled its ambitious plans for Black Ops 2 zombies--and it is a game unto itself.
The centerpiece of Treyarch's new zombie offering is a mode called "Tranzit." Like before, this is a co-op story mode meant for 1-4 players. However, it now takes place in an expansive world, one that encourages exploration. "Imagine a world where there isn't just one area, but multiple areas and there's land in between that," studio head Mark Lamia described to us.
To get around the world, you'll probably need a ride. That's where the bus comes in.
Because Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is a Treyarch game, it was bound to have a zombies mode. While Activision is promising a full reveal next week, the publisher has released a brand new teaser trailer showing us a first glimpse at one of Call of Duty's most popular modes.
When Activision announced Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for Wii U at Nintendo's press conference, not many were surprised. Sure, it was long-rumored and leaked just moments prior to the event. But perhaps the biggest reason none of us were taken aback: Wii U's launch library is comprised largely of PS3 and Xbox 360 ports.
Like so many other ports on Wii U, Black Ops 2 is a relatively straightforward experience with a few minor tweaks that take advantage of the Wii U GamePad.
With the Nintendo Wii U presentation in New York starting about now, the first details emerge: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is confirmed for the console. It isn't that much of a surprising revelation, as a QA tester had listed it on his resume back in mid-August.
The PC edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 certainly seems the finest, technologically at least. A range of shiny graphical improvements offered by the DirectX 11-supporting engine on PC were revealed over the weekend, joining the previously confirmed dedicated server support to make it sound pleasing pleasant.
As with many Call of Duty games before it, Black Ops 2 will be getting special editions for the hardest of the hardcore fans. Launching on November 13th are the "Hardened" and "Care Package Prestige" editions of Treyarch's shooter.
The Hardened Edition ($79.99) will include the Nuketown 2025 pre-order bonus and a brand new map, Nuketown Zombies. In addition, the collection will offer limited edition challenge coins, exclusive weapon camo, exclusive player card backgrounds, and the official soundtrack--all housed in a collectible steelbook. The Xbox 360 version will include Avatar props and costumes, while the PS3 version will include two XMB themes.
Could the next Call of Duty be gracing Nintendo's next generation console? Signs point to "yes."
Previous Call of Duty games, including Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops, have graced the original Wii. Given Wii U brings Nintendo in line with the current generation of consoles, it would be a far easier port for Activision to pursue.
Black Ops 2 takes the franchise to the near-future. So, how will the new setting change multiplayer? Treyarch and Activision has released a brand new trailer showing off the game's new online offerings. You'll notice some throwable melee weapons, riot shields, drones, and vehicles.
The game will be out on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 this November. Pre-orders come with a bonus remade Nuketown 2025 multiplayer map.
The latest trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 goes behind the scenes on the game. In the video, writer David Goyer (The Dark Knight Rises) and composer Trent Reznor, talk about their involvement with the upcoming shooter.
"We were approaching it in some ways as a big event movie," said Goyer. "Even though its a first-person shooter, it's got to be sophisticated, It's got to be funny, it's got to be challenging and have twists and turns."
Watch: Goyer and Reznor talk about video games as a medium »
Nine Inch Nails front man and lifelong gamer Trent Reznor, who worked with id Software on the music for Quake and Doom 3, is back into game music, composing the theme for Treyarch's upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.
"these guys just have too much money to spend on their marketing budget."
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