Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a sequel built on the idea that the future of war looks nothing like the past. The game drops players into a setting where drones rule the battlefield and soldiers fight wars from cockpits. It is loud, fast, and mostly forgettable.
Trailer, via Call of Duty.
The Setting
Black Ops II takes place in 2025. The Cold War is over, but the United States and China are locked in a new conflict. The campaign follows a cast of characters chasing a conspiracy tied to the death of a president. It is a plot about drones, oil, and power, and it lands somewhere between a thriller and a cartoon.
Multiplayer
The multiplayer is where the game earns its keep. Gunplay is smooth, and the weapon roster is deep enough to reward hours of grinding. New modes, like the drone control system, add variety to standard matches. The matchmaking holds steady, and the servers rarely collapse under pressure.
Zombies Mode
Zombies mode returns as a separate package. It is a co-op mode set during World War II, where players fight hordes of undead while unlocking new weapons and perks. It is a small addition, but it offers a break from the main campaign.
The Campaign
The campaign is the weakest part of the package. Missions feel rushed, and the story strains to connect its threads about politics and technology. Characters are thin, and the pacing suffers for it.
Performance
On PS3, the game runs well but shows its age in texture and detail. On PS4 and PC, the graphics hold up better, though the frame rate can dip during chaotic moments. The sound design is strong, with gunfire and explosions carrying weight.
Soundtrack
The score leans on electronic beats and military drums, fitting the futuristic setting. It does not stand out, but it never gets in the way.
Numbers
- Developer: Treyarch
- Platforms: PS3, PS4, PC, PS5
- Release date: November 13, 2012
- Critical score: 7.0/10
Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a competent shooter that fails to be memorable. Its multiplayer is solid, its zombies mode is a pleasant side trip, and its campaign is a missed opportunity. It is a game you play to get through, not one you remember fondly.
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