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Call of Duty®: Black Ops II

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2012

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Quick resume

Pushing the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from the record-setting entertainment franchise, Call of Duty®: Black Ops II propels players into a near future Cold War

Global score

86/100

Genres

Action, Shooter

Pros

  • Engaging and branching campaign story
  • Addictive multiplayer with customization
  • Best zombies mode in franchise
  • Nostalgic and immersive gameplay
  • Good graphics and sound design for its time

Cons

  • High price for an old game
  • Multiplayer and zombies playerbase diminished
  • Security risks with vanilla multiplayer
  • Some bugs and crashes reported
  • Lack of official support and dlc issues

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant control over loadouts, weapon customization, and campaign choices affecting story outcomes."

  • Competence
    4

    "Gameplay requires skillful aiming, strategic use of perks and scorestreaks, and mastering multiplayer mechanics."

  • Competition
    4

    "Multiplayer modes emphasize player-vs-player competition with leaderboards and prestige systems."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report habitual play and nostalgia-driven long sessions, especially in multiplayer and zombies modes."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Zombies mode and some multiplayer modes encourage teamwork and cooperative play."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Customization of weapons, classes, and playercards allows personal expression and creative loadouts."

  • Domination
    2

    "Competitive multiplayer includes elements of dominance such as killstreaks and power plays, but also balanced interactions."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to escape reality, relive childhood memories, and enjoy immersive story and gameplay."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage from intrinsic interest and nostalgia rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Branching campaign paths and weapon customization encourage experimentation with strategies and story outcomes."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Zombies mode maps and campaign offer some exploration, though multiplayer maps are more familiar and tactical."

  • Expression
    3

    "Playercards, weapon skins, and class setups enable self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Futuristic setting with advanced tech and fictional story elements provide imaginative fiction experience."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Community and social play in multiplayer and zombies foster group identity and shared experiences."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills through multiplayer progression, weapon mastery, and campaign replayability."

  • Health
    -5

    "Game is sedentary with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement, especially in multiplayer and campaign."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some social interaction exists but mostly surface-level in multiplayer and zombies modes."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Some players may lead teams in multiplayer or zombies, but mostly balanced group play."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong emphasis on leveling, unlocking weapons, prestige, and DLC content progression."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Game offers moments of flow but also sustained tension and fast-paced action."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Engaging visuals, sound design, and intense combat provide sensory stimulation and excitement."

  • Status
    3

    "Prestige ranks, unlocks, and multiplayer recognition contribute to social status."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative-driven campaign with branching paths and character development offers strong story immersion."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Campaign choices, multiplayer tactics, and zombies strategies require planning and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Gameplay includes suspense, risk, and relief from challenges, especially in multiplayer and zombies."

  • Value
    -4

    "Players widely criticize the high price for an old game, recommending purchase only on sale."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat, destruction, and shooting are core gameplay elements in all modes."

  • Survival
    3

    "Zombies mode and some campaign elements emphasize survival against waves and threats."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026