Call of Duty: Black Ops Image
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1429 Ratings

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  • Summary: Treyarch is developing the next installment in the Call of Duty franchise, rumored to be set during the Cold War.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops TV Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 58
  2. Negative: 0 out of 58
  1. Dec 10, 2010
    100
    Congrats Treyarch, you passed the test. Black Ops still has some technical flaws (some erratic scripts), but it doesn't lack ambition, variety, nor freshness. Its solo campaign boasts a good scenario, and its multiplayer is as comprehensive and solid as ever, while changing some basic systems for the better and introducing soon-to-be-cult new modes, as well as community features one could only find in the latest Halo iterations before. There may be ways to improve it yet again, but the 2010 CoD delivers on its promise - we can't say anymore that Treyarch's Call of Dutys don't measure up.
  2. Jan 12, 2011
    93
    After years following in Infinity Ward's footsteps, Treyarch has a chance to show its qualities, and it delivers. Black Ops has everything the community is looking for: a compelling, spectacular and interesting story mode and an impressive multiplayer will keep the players busy for a long time. Add a beautiful design and a great direction in the mix, and what you get is simply a masterpiece in the first person shooter genre.
  3. Dec 10, 2010
    90
    Black Ops doesn't quite live up to the hype in all aspects, but that's only because it was so ridiculously overhyped. It certainly lives up to the promise of a greatly improved and enhanced sequel to World at War.
  4. Dec 16, 2010
    90
    Call Of Duty: Black Ops features an exhilarating campaign mode, arguably the best in the whole series with a compelling narrative.
  5. Jan 16, 2011
    90
    There are more highlights in the first two missions of Black Ops, then in Medal of Honor. The requirements of Treyarch seemed to be better, than in the past few years. They made an interesting setting. In addition, there's a nice zombie mode and an overwhelming multiplayer. No doubt, this is Treyarchs best Call of Duty ever!
  6. Jan 4, 2011
    85
    Black Ops is another addition to the Call of Duty franchise but shows the same flaws as its predecessor. The multiplayer has improved, but a franchise of this stature should know how to get rid of the mistakes from the past.
  7. Edge Magazine
    Dec 23, 2010
    70
    It feels more like a yearly update than a sequel, a new campaign with old multiplayer. The game isn't distinct from its predecessors in any important way, and fatigue sets in quicker than before. [Jan 2011, p.94]

See all 58 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Nov 9, 2010
    10
    Awesome game! I don't understand all the haters? The graphics and voice acting is amazing. I loved the story, yes it's a little differentAwesome game! I don't understand all the haters? The graphics and voice acting is amazing. I loved the story, yes it's a little different but entertaining and well done. The multi-player credit system is brilliant and the customization options are incredible. I'm not even talking about the Zombie mode which is super. Wonderful game if you're a COD or shooter fan. Expand
  2. Mar 2, 2015
    10
    good story, good multiplayer, good way zombies kino der toten five dead ops arcade, charismatic charactersmultiplayer maps as good summit,good story, good multiplayer, good way zombies kino der toten five dead ops arcade, charismatic charactersmultiplayer maps as good summit, nuketown, firing range, WMD Expand
  3. Oct 22, 2022
    9
    Quick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing gamesQuick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now I hardly play any. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I find something new that I didn't think I'd like. I play on every platform but prefer PlayStation.

    Treyarch did a good job again with the Call of Duty franchise. The addition of wager mode is a lot of fun. Zombie’s mode is improved from world at war. Graphics took a nose dive though. Might be the best campaign in the Call of Duty franchise. I had fun wasting many hours playing this game with friends. My only issue is how Treyarch can't make a game as good looking as the infinity ward brothers. Graphics seemed drastically worse from the modern warfare series.
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  4. Nov 11, 2010
    7
    So the IW fanboys hate it? Who cares? If you wanna play MW2 again, then this isn't the game. The story is unusual, yet interesting (if a bitSo the IW fanboys hate it? Who cares? If you wanna play MW2 again, then this isn't the game. The story is unusual, yet interesting (if a bit predictable, like all COD games have been), the new multiplayer tweaks make it a lot more fun, and overall it's a pretty decent game. If you're gonna pass it up just because the IW fanboys hated it, then you might miss out on a great game. Try it for yourself first, before you listen to all the haters. I'm not saying this game is a 10, by no means is it so, but overall, it's not the most offensive and terribly put together game in the world like many are saying. The engine still needs to be updated, which it hasn't been for years now, and the graphics could use a little polish. As for clunky controls, I didn't think they were really any worse than any of the other COD games and that meant they worked just fine for me. Maybe I'm too old for all those fast-twitch, trigger-happy kiddos out there. The cash bit and buying your upgrades and goodies for multiplayer works out awesome, and it levels the playing field a lot, no more of the overpowered guys picking on the newbs. If you can build a strategy, then you can succeed in the trenches, which may be another reason the haters are so abundant: they like the system where they got to be king all the time. I loved MW2, I like Black Ops, I think it deserves a solid 7, that's just my opinion, what the heck do I know? Expand
  5. Nov 10, 2010
    6
    It's simple. MW2 scored a 9 for me. In comparison, Black Ops just doesn't measure up. Graphics look less realistic, campaign is weaker,It's simple. MW2 scored a 9 for me. In comparison, Black Ops just doesn't measure up. Graphics look less realistic, campaign is weaker, multiplayer is pretty much the same (definitely not any better). I'm just more excited for the next Infinity Ward edition now.

    For COD fans, this is fun and new, but if you didn't like COD before, this will definitely not get you on the band wagon. In conclusion, this game was worth the $49.99 deal I got, but I'm thankful I didn't pay $59.99 or $64.99 (Gamestop rip off).
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  6. Sep 4, 2011
    5
    The singleplayer story is by far the best in the CoD franchise although the action is mind-numbing, Multiplayer is more balanced than MW2 butThe singleplayer story is by far the best in the CoD franchise although the action is mind-numbing, Multiplayer is more balanced than MW2 but it gets boring after awhile. Graphics have received a downgrade but doesn't bother me much, the sound however is terrible, guns sound like they're made of plastic explosions sound alright though. Zombies is back and it is still as fun as ever. However it is not the best game ever made (same with MW2) as you will hear many fanboys say. Expand
  7. Feb 10, 2011
    0
    How can anyone like such an awful game. Not only is it fully of bugs but you cannot play online without entering a hacked lobby. CheatersHow can anyone like such an awful game. Not only is it fully of bugs but you cannot play online without entering a hacked lobby. Cheaters galore and the company who made this crap doesn't even care. They won't sort out boosters or the dreaded campers.

    The game is far to rushed as they feel the need to release a new game six months after the other which is far from necessary. The story mode is terribly short and you can complete it in only a few hours.
    Expand

See all 442 User Reviews

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