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Call of Duty®: Black Ops

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2010

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Quick resume

The biggest first-person action series of all time and the follow-up to critically acclaimed Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare 2 returns with Call of Duty®: Black Ops.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Action, Shooter

Pros

  • Engaging campaign story
  • Classic and addictive zombies mode
  • Skill-based gunplay
  • Dedicated servers and mod support
  • Strong nostalgic appeal

Cons

  • Overpriced for age
  • Small and declining multiplayer community
  • Some bugs and graphical glitches
  • Multiplayer hacking issues
  • Dlc pricing and availability

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have freedom in gameplay styles, weapon choices, and multiplayer modes, but campaign missions are scripted."

  • Competence
    4

    "Game offers skill-based gunplay, challenging campaign on Veteran difficulty, and mastery in Zombies mode."

  • Competition
    3

    "Multiplayer includes ranked modes and leaderboards; some players engage in competitive matches and leagues."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long playtimes, nostalgia-driven habitual play, and repeated Zombies sessions."

  • Cooperation
    4

    "Zombies mode and some multiplayer modes emphasize teamwork and group accomplishments."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Customization of weapons, reticles, and classes present, but mostly within predefined structures."

  • Domination
    2

    "Some reports of toxic multiplayer behavior and power abuse by admins, but also balanced competitive play."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game for nostalgia, stress relief, and immersive story-driven experience."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal desire and nostalgia, not obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with weapon attachments, strategies, and game modes like Combat Training."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Campaign and Zombies modes encourage discovery of story secrets and Easter eggs."

  • Expression
    2

    "Players customize reticles, camouflages, and character appearances to express individuality."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Cold War espionage, brainwashing, and zombie apocalypse provide strong imaginative fiction elements."

  • Fellowship
    4

    "Community and social interaction through multiplayer, Zombies co-op, and fan groups."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in gunplay, strategy, and Zombies mastery over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Game is a sedentary FPS with no physical activity components."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during gameplay; not suited for casual background play."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Players form friendships and close bonds through cooperative Zombies and multiplayer."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Some players lead teams in multiplayer and Zombies, but many participate collaboratively."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate weapons, attachments, unlocks, and ranks through gameplay."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find flow and catharsis in Zombies and campaign, though multiplayer can be tense."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable audio-visual effects, gun sounds, and atmospheric music enhance sensory experience."

  • Status
    3

    "Leaderboards, ranks, and community recognition motivate some players."

  • Story
    5

    "Highly praised narrative campaign with immersive plot and character development."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Players engage in tactical planning in multiplayer and Zombies, including resource management."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Suspenseful campaign moments and intense Zombies waves provide excitement and tension."

  • Value
    -4

    "Many players feel the game is overpriced given its age and content, especially DLC."

  • Violence
    5

    "Game centers on combat, shooting, and destruction in campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies."

  • Survival
    4

    "Zombies mode and campaign emphasize survival against waves of enemies and threats."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026