Call of Duty: Black Ops - First Strike Xbox 360
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. GamePro
    Feb 8, 2011
    80
    If you absolutely love the game and plan on playing for a while longer, you'll want to spring for this just to make sure you don't miss out on the experience. But if you are a casual player, you can probably pass on it and just be happy with the maps that came with the game.
  2. Eurogamer
    Feb 2, 2011
    70
    First Strike, then, is a well-balanced collection of different styles of map, its highlights undoubtedly favouring those who tend to play away from Free For All and Team Death Match.
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Feb 10, 2011
    78
    The new maps are definitely good maps, especially the vertically crooked Kowloon, the vast Discovery, and the B-movie style Ascension, but the promised enhanced interaction with the environment is not so deep and complex as previously shown.
  4. VideoGamer
    Feb 3, 2011
    80
    Overall, then, it's a fairly robust package with a steep asking price. Adding novelty additions to the mix might incense the grumpy critics, but these map-specific gimmicks seem to be going down genuinely well on Xbox LIVE - just like the blast doors on Radiation or the space rocket on Launch.
  5. ZTGD
    Feb 16, 2011
    73
    If you are a Black Ops nut, then I'm sure you will get your money's worth. If you are the sort of person who just dips in and out of Black Ops, you might be better served by waiting for the pack to go on sale in a few months time.
  6. 3DJuegos
    Feb 3, 2011
    79
    Black Ops multiplayer users will be pleased with this First Strike DLC despite its high cost.
  7. SpazioGames
    Feb 8, 2011
    80
    Four well designed multiplayer maps and a new Zombie's scenario. Every Call of Duty Black Ops fan will enjoy this pack.
  8. Metro GameCentral
    Feb 4, 2011
    80
    So the question is: how good is the new map pack? And without hesitation the answer is: very good indeed.
  9. Eurogamer Italy
    Feb 11, 2011
    80
    First Strike is a nice map pack with a lot of variety. Treyarch did a great job with the level design, offering different settings with this valuable downloadable content. Anyway, 1200 MP are too much for a single map pack.
  10. MS Xbox World
    Feb 10, 2011
    85
    It appears this is one CoD based DLC that's no rip-off, and thus First Strike is certainly well worth the buy.
  11. Gamer Limit
    Jan 31, 2011
    85
    Overall, Ascension feels like a perfect blend of old and new, making it a must play for zombie fans.
  12. Gamereactor Denmark
    Feb 10, 2011
    70
    First Strike brings four new multiplayer maps and one Zombie map, which is more or less the usual amount of bang for your buck when it comes to Call of Duty DLC. Three of the multiplayer maps are very good, better than most of the maps from the standard game, while the last one is only so-so. The price is a little steep, but if you're a die hard COD-fan you definately need this pack.
  13. Telegraph
    Feb 8, 2011
    80
    First Strike's maps did a terrific job of throwing Call of Duty's strengths into sharp relief.
  14. Impulsegamer
    Feb 9, 2011
    80
    As Call of Duty: Black Ops features great graphics, strong gameplay and almost perfect multiplayer options, this add-on is a must to players who enjoy their world of online multiplayer, not to mention zombies.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.2 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. BillySOS
    9
    The First Strike Map Pack is a must have for any frequent player of Call of Duty Black Ops. Treyarch did a great job of positioning the Domination Points and Demolition Points on the new maps as well. I find Domination to be best on Kowloon and Berlin Wall, Demolition to be best on Kowloon and Discovery. The Stadium Map gives you a little taste of Nuketown and is the place to go if you want to generate a lot of kills. If you are a Zombies player, you surely will not be unhappy with the new map there, and the soundtrack on the higher levels of play is awesome for sure. Is it expensive, maybe, is it worth it, for sure!… Full Review »
  2. THE_COCONUT_MAN
    0
    When I first heard that each map was to have its own unique environmental element, I was thrilled. But when it came to it these maps barely deliver. Kowloon is the most camper friendly map out of all the BO maps, with wide open areas and tonnes of hiding places its blind-siding value is high. Also the zip line is a bullet magnet and is therefore never really used, as well as baring little to no tactical advantage on all game types. Discovery is basically a long corridor which makes game turns game times like domination into a stalemate. The bridge is usually destroyed at the beginning of the round and makes no difference to the map anyhow. Berlin wall is aesthetically average. Game play wise, the middle of the map is a great big dead zone as any attempt to enter it will get you killed, surely if a team could take control of the turrets then there might be some advantage to having them, yet all they stand to do is make over half the map inaccessible. Stadium is in my opinion the most functional map of the pack, which isnt saying much.… Full Review »
  3. AlickJC
    5
    £11 is a big price for DLC. I can't stress this enough, if you play CoD a lot (and I mean, an awful lot) then you may forget about the ridiculous price. If you don't play it as much (like me), then it is a definite pass. You can spend £11 on a lot better stuff than this. As for the maps themselves, they are fun, albeit nothing new. Ascension, the zombies map is pretty fun, but it doesn't do much new to merit that cursed price tag.

    To conclude, if you really, desperately want it, go ahead. But beware, you will probably regret it. Remember back when map packs used to be £7.99? That is how much "First Strike" should be.    … Full Review »
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