It’s the holiday season, and you know what that means: a new installment in the Call of Duty series. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 was released today worldwide. The gaming juggernaut is here to ruin the week of every other publisher and developer and probably break world records for game sales, total number of players, and total number of injuries sustained by GameStop employees due to overenthusiastic fans.
You do not want to get between a COD gamer and COD. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has got a lot of stuff in it, so it’s time to go to a bulleted list of features.
- Call of Duty Elite services for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 are free.
- Branching storylines, nonlinear missions that lead to different endings, and customization for player load outs.
- “Pick 10 Create-A-Class” where players receive ten points to place in different skill areas.
- Score Streak system allows players to receive points for capturing flags, defending teammates, and more.
- ESports features such as CODcasting (Get it? Because it is like podcasting? Brilliant), Live Streaming, and League Play The biggest Zombie add-on to date, with three modes of play.
- Music from Trent Reznor, Jack Wall, Avenged Sevenfold, and Skrillex.
- Story written by David S. Goyer, a writer for The Dark Knight and Man of Steel.
- Pre-order bonuses including a Season Pass that gives players access to map packs that will be released in 2013, an exclusive in game calling card, and a Nuketown Zombies bonus map.
- A pony! Ponies for everyone!
If that wave of information hasn’t overwhelmed you, then you’re a real trooper. As a reward, here is even more news: “Also releasing today for PlayStation Vita is Call of Duty® Black Ops: Declassified, bringing classic Call of Duty-style gameplay to gamers-on-the-go.
Developed by Nihilistic, this intense Call of Duty handheld title features frenetic 4v4 multiplayer across popular modes and hallmark features, including Care Packages, Create-A-Class, Killstreaks, Perks, Prestiging and more.
The title also delivers an original fiction taking place between Call of Duty®: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Utilizing both touchscreen and “Near” technology, Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified puts the adrenaline-rush combat and action of Call of Duty in the palm of your hands. The title is also included in a limited PlayStation®Vita Call of Duty®: Black Ops Declassified Special Edition Bundle Pack for the ultimate value on the go. Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified is rated 18.”
Ugh. So many words.
