The Call of Duty: Black Ops series has been a staple of the first-person shooter genre for over a decade, with its first game released in 2010. Developed by Treyarch, the series has seen numerous iterations, each with its unique storyline, multiplayer mode, and gameplay mechanics. In this article, we will delve into the six mainline Black Ops versions, exploring their key features, gameplay, and impact on the gaming industry.
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
The first game in the series, Call of Duty: Black Ops, was released in 2010 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. Set during the Cold War, the game’s storyline follows CIA operative Alex Mason as he attempts to uncover a Soviet plot to attack the United States. The game’s multiplayer mode introduced a new currency system, allowing players to purchase weapons, perks, and other items. With a strong focus on storytelling and multiplayer, Black Ops received widespread critical acclaim, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
Key Features and Gameplay
Black Ops introduced several key features that would become staples of the series, including the “Zombies” mode, where players must survive against hordes of undead, and the “Combat Training” mode, which allows players to practice their multiplayer skills against AI opponents. The game’s multiplayer mode also featured a variety of playable characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles.
| Game | Release Year | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Black Ops | 2010 | PS3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops II | 2012 | PS3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Wii U |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops III | 2015 | PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 | 2018 | PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | 2020 | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII (Mobile) | 2019 | Android, iOS |
Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
Released in 2012, Call of Duty: Black Ops II was the first game in the series to feature a futuristic setting, with a storyline that takes place in 2025. The game introduced a new “Strike Force” mode, which allows players to control multiple characters and vehicles in a single mission. The game’s multiplayer mode also featured a new “Pick 10” system, allowing players to customize their loadouts with greater flexibility.
Key Features and Gameplay
Black Ops II built upon the foundations established by its predecessor, introducing several new features, including the “Multiplayer League Play” mode, which allows players to compete in ranked matches, and the “Zombies” mode, which features a new storyline and gameplay mechanics.
Key Points
- The Black Ops series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
- The series has consistently received critical acclaim for its engaging narrative and addictive multiplayer mode.
- Black Ops II introduced a new "Strike Force" mode, which allows players to control multiple characters and vehicles in a single mission.
- Black Ops III introduced a new " Specialists" system, which allows players to choose from a variety of playable characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles.
- Black Ops 4 introduced a new "Blackout" mode, which features a large-scale battle royale mode with up to 88 players.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)
Released in 2015, Call of Duty: Black Ops III was the third mainline game in the series. Set in a dystopian future, the game’s storyline follows a team of black ops operatives as they attempt to uncover a conspiracy involving a powerful artificial intelligence. The game introduced a new “Specialists” system, which allows players to choose from a variety of playable characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles.
Key Features and Gameplay
Black Ops III built upon the foundations established by its predecessors, introducing several new features, including the “Multiplayer Arena” mode, which allows players to compete in competitive matches, and the “Zombies” mode, which features a new storyline and gameplay mechanics.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018)
Released in 2018, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 was the fourth mainline game in the series. The game introduced a new “Blackout” mode, which features a large-scale battle royale mode with up to 88 players. The game’s multiplayer mode also featured a new “Heist” mode, which allows players to compete in cooperative matches.
Key Features and Gameplay
Black Ops 4 built upon the foundations established by its predecessors, introducing several new features, including the “Zombies” mode, which features a new storyline and gameplay mechanics, and the “Multiplayer” mode, which allows players to compete in competitive matches.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
Released in 2020, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War was the fifth mainline game in the series. Set during the Cold War, the game’s storyline follows a team of black ops operatives as they attempt to uncover a Soviet plot to attack the United States. The game introduced a new “Campaign” mode, which allows players to play through a single-player storyline with a variety of playable characters.
Key Features and Gameplay
Black Ops Cold War built upon the foundations established by its predecessors, introducing several new features, including the “Multiplayer” mode, which allows players to compete in competitive matches, and the “Zombies” mode, which features a new storyline and gameplay mechanics.
Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII (Mobile) (2019)
Released in 2019, Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII (Mobile) was a mobile-only game in the series. The game introduced a new “Multiplayer” mode, which allows players to compete in competitive matches, and a new “Zombies” mode, which features a new storyline and gameplay mechanics.
Key Features and Gameplay
Black Ops IIII (Mobile) built upon the foundations established by its predecessors, introducing several new features, including the “Battle Royale” mode, which features a large-scale battle royale mode with up to 100 players, and the “Multiplayer” mode, which allows players to compete in competitive matches.
What is the Black Ops series?
+The Black Ops series is a series of first-person shooter games developed by Treyarch. The series has been a staple of the gaming industry, with its first game released in 2010.
What are the main features of the Black Ops series?
+The Black Ops series is known for its engaging narrative, addictive multiplayer mode, and variety of playable characters and gameplay mechanics.
Which game in the series is the most popular?
+Call of Duty: Black Ops II is the most popular game in the series, with over 24 million copies sold worldwide.
What is the latest game in the series?
+Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is the latest game in the series, released in 2020.
Is the Black Ops series available on mobile devices?
+Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII (Mobile) is a mobile-only game in the series, released in 2019.
In conclusion, the Black Ops series has been a staple of the gaming industry, with its engaging narrative, addictive multiplayer mode, and variety of playable characters and gameplay mechanics. With six mainline games and numerous spin-offs, the series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
