View source for Call of Duty: Black Ops

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{{Infobox video game
|title = Call of Duty: Black Ops
|image = CoD Black Ops cover.png
|caption = 
|developer = [[Treyarch]]{{efn|[[Raven Software]] developed downloadable content for the game.}}
|publisher = [[Activision]]{{efn|The game was published by [[Square Enix]] in Japan.}}
|distributor = <!-- Do not add unless different company from the publisher. -->
|director = Dave Anthony
|artist = Colin Whitney
|designer = Corky Lehmukuhl<br />David Vonderhaar<br />Joe Chiang
|writer = Craig Houston<br />Dave Anthony<br />[[David S. Goyer]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/11/qa-screenwriter-david-goyer-on-call-of-duty-black-ops/1|title=Q&A: Screenwriter David Goyer on 'Call of Duty: Black Ops'|last=Snider|first=Mike|date=November 26, 2010|work=USA Today|accessdate=December 3, 2010}}</ref>
|composer = [[Sean Murray (composer)|Sean Murray]]
|series = ''[[Call of Duty]]''
|engine = [[IW engine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/210095/call_of_duty_black_ops_review_roundup.html/|title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review Roundup|date=|accessdate=November 9, 2010|last=Peckham|first=Matt|publisher=PC World}}</ref>
|platforms = [[Xbox 360]]<br />[[PlayStation 3]]<br />[[Microsoft Windows]]<br />[[Wii]]<br />[[Nintendo DS]]<ref name="DS">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/110/1108711p1.html |title=Bringing Black Ops to the Handheld |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=July 27, 2010 |publisher=IGN |accessdate=August 25, 2010}}</ref><br />[[OS X]]<ref name="osx">{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Call-Duty-Black-Ops-Finally-Coming-Mac-44084.html|title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Finally Coming To Mac|last=Haas|first=Pete|date=June 28, 2012|accessdate=June 29, 2012}}</ref>
|released = '''Windows, NDS, PS3, X360, Wii'''{{vgrelease|WW|November 9, 2010}}'''OS X'''{{vgrelease|NA|September 27, 2012}}
|genre = [[First-person shooter]]<ref name="Press" />
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Call of Duty: Black Ops''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] video game,<ref name="Press">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5528033/new-treyarch-developed-call-of-duty-hits-may-14th-with-likely-modern-setting |title=New Treyarch Developed Call of Duty Hits may 24 With Likely Modern Setting |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=April 30, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=April 28, 2010}}</ref> developed by [[Treyarch]] and published by [[Activision]]. Announced on April 30, 2010, it was released worldwide on November 9, 2010 for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]],<ref name="SiteRevealed">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5527932/next-call-of-duty-game-named-and-its-not-vietnam |title=Next Call Of Duty Game Named, And It's Not Vietnam |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=April 30, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=April 28, 2010}}</ref> and [[Wii]] consoles,<ref name="Wii confirmed">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/cod-black-ops-for-wii-confirmed |title=COD: Black Ops for Wii confirmed |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=May 13, 2010 |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> with a separate version for [[Nintendo DS]] developed by [[n-Space]].<ref name="DSpreviewKotaku">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5622482/hands-cramping-on-with-call-of-duty-black-ops-ds |title=Hands Cramping On with Call of Duty: Black Ops DS |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=August 26, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=August 30, 2010}}</ref> It is the seventh title in the ''Call of Duty'' series and the third to be developed by Treyarch. It serves as the sequel to ''[[Call of Duty: World at War]]''.<ref name="ausgam">{{cite web |url=http://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/2906900 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Interview |last=Farrelly |first=Steve |date=May 29, 2010 |publisher=AusGamers.com |accessdate=May 30, 2010}}</ref>

Set in the 1960s during the [[Cold War]], the game's campaign follows [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] operative Alex Mason as he attempts to recall certain memories in combat in order to locate a [[numbers station]], which is due to transmit broadcasts to [[sleeper agent]]s who are bound to use chemical weapons across the United States. Mason and CIA operative Jason Hudson are the game's main playable characters, as well as [[Red Army]] soldier Viktor Reznov in only one mission. Locations featured in the game include Cuba, Russia, Vietnam, and the Arctic Circle. The multiplayer of ''Black Ops'' features multiple objective-based game modes that are playable on 14 different maps included with the game. Improvements to loadout options and killstreak rewards are made. A form of virtual currency, COD Points, allows players to purchase weapons and customization options for their in-game character, as well as attachments and customization options for their weapon.

Development for the game began in 2009. It runs an enhanced version of the [[IW engine|IW 3.0]] engine used in Treyarch's past title, ''World at War''. The improvements made allowed for bigger campaign levels to made as well as enhanced lighting. Treyarch focused specifically on ''Black Ops'' during development. Different teams within the company focused on a certain game mode. Music was composed by [[Sean Murray (composer)|Sean Murray]], with music by [[the Rolling Stones]] and [[Creedence Clearwater Revival]] appearing in the campaign. Marketing of the game began in April 2010. Multiple trailers promoting the game and its modes were released from May until October.

Within 24 hours of going on sale, the game had sold more than 5.6 million copies, 4.2 million in the U.S. and 1.4 million in the UK, breaking the record set by its predecessor ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2|Modern Warfare 2]]'' by some 2.3 million copies.<ref name="joystiq">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/call-of-duty-black-ops-day-one-sales/ |title=Activision: Black Ops tops Modern Warfare 2 day-one sales record, with 5.6M sold in US and UK |last=Gilbert |first=Ben |date=November 11, 2010 |publisher=Joystiq |accessdate=November 11, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/pc-download-charts-call-of-duty-black-ops-fallout-new-vegas-2135057.html |title=PC download charts: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops,' 'Fallout: New Vegas' |date= November 15, 2010|accessdate=November 17, 2010 |location=London |work=The Independent}}</ref> After six weeks on release, Activision reported that ''Black Ops'' had exceeded $1 billion in sales.<ref name="news.cnet.com">{{cite web|last=Reisinger |first=Don |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20026321-17.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops hits $1 billion milestone |publisher=News.cnet.com |date=December 21, 2010 |accessdate=February 2, 2013}}</ref> On August 3, 2011, Activision confirmed that the game had sold over 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the [[List of best-selling video games|best-selling games]] of all time in the US, UK and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/69577/activision-reveals-sales-figures-black-ops-and-modern-warfare-2 |title=Activision reveals sales figures for Black Op |publisher=Shacknews.com |date= |accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Silverman |first=Ben |url=http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/npd-black-ops-best-selling-game-u-history-471.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231135842/http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/npd-black-ops-best-selling-game-u-history-471.html |dead-url=yes |archive-date=December 31, 2012 |title=NPD: Black Ops is the best-selling game in U.S. history |publisher=Games.yahoo.com |date=March 12, 2011 |accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/06/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-best-selling-game-ever-in-uk/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops best selling game ever in UK |publisher=PC Gamer |date= |accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref> A sequel, ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops II]]'', was released on November 13, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last=Woods |first=Eric |title=Call Of Duty Black Ops 2 Outed Before Official Activision Reveal |url=http://www.gameshampoo.com/magazine/articles/130/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-outed-before-official-activision-reveal.html |accessdate=April 29, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Kotaku_GTA4-Lifetime">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5840484/gta-iv-overtakes-san-andreas-in-lifetime-sales|title=GTA IV Overtakes San Andreas in Lifetime Sales &#91;Correction&#93;|last=Good|first=Owen|publisher=Kotaku|date=September 15, 2011|accessdate=November 14, 2014}}</ref>
''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops III]]'' was released on November 6, 2015 as the sequel to ''Black Ops II''.

==Gameplay==
''Black Ops'' is a [[first-person shooter]], retaining the same gameplay mechanics as previous ''[[Call of Duty]]'' titles. The player assumes the role of a [[Infantry|foot soldier]] who can wield various firearms (only two of which can be carried at once), throw [[Hand grenade|grenades]] and other explosives, and use other equipment as weapons. A player close enough to an enemy can kill with one knife blow. A character can take three stances: standing, crouching or prone. Each affects rate of movement, accuracy, and stealth. The player can drop to the prone stance from the standing stance while running (colloquially known as "dolphin diving"), and can momentarily sprint before having to stop. The screen glows red to indicate damage to a player's health, which regenerates over time. When the character is within the [[blast radius]] of a live grenade, an on-screen marker indicates where it is in relation to the player, helping the player to move away or to throw it back. Among the weapons new to the series in ''Black Ops'' are [[crossbow]]s with bolts and explosive ammunition, [[Dragon's Breath]] rounds and [[Ballistic knife|ballistic knives]].

[[File:COD Dragon Breath.jpg|thumb|right|A screenshot of Alex Mason firing a [[SPAS-12]] [[Dragon's Breath]] round.]]

The player assumes the role of various characters during the single-player campaign, changing perspectives throughout the story. The playable characters are special forces operatives conducting [[black operation]]s behind enemy lines. In this way, the player's characters have their own traits such as voices and shadows.<ref name="ausgam"/> Each mission features a series of objectives that are displayed on the [[HUD (video gaming)|heads-up display]], which marks the direction and distance towards and from such objectives as it has been in the earlier versions. The player is accompanied by friendly troops throughout the game. Although primarily a first-person shooter, certain levels feature sequences where the player pilots a [[Mil Mi-24|Hind helicopter]] and guides friendly troops from a [[SR-71 Blackbird]] reconnaissance aircraft.<ref name="firstimpression">{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/05/first-impressions-call-of-duty-black-ops/1 |title=First impressions: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' |last=Molina |first=Brett |date=May 10, 2010 |work=USA Today |accessdate=May 11, 2010}}</ref><ref name="OXM0610">{{cite journal |last1=McCaffrey |first1=Ryan |last2=King |first2=Ryan |lastauthoramp=yes |date=June 2010 |journal=Xbox 360 the Official Xbox Magazine |issue=60 |url= |pmid= |pmc= }}</ref><ref name="G4TV">{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/videos/46129/Pre-E3-2010-Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Developer-Interview/ |title=Pre-E3 2010: Call of Duty: Black Ops Developer Interview |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)G4]] |accessdate=June 8, 2010}}</ref> The campaign features several [[Scripted sequence|scripted]] cinematic moments. One of them is a [[bullet time]] effect during the "Victor Charlie" level, activated when the player fires toward the last enemy of a [[Viet Cong]] squad.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

As a first in the ''Call of Duty'' main series, player characters can now speak during gameplay, whereas in previous installments, primarily those made by [[Infinity Ward]], characters would be silent during gameplay, even if they could speak during cutscenes.

===Multiplayer===
[[File:CoDBOMultiCustomizedWeapon.png|thumb|left|Players can customize their weaponry in the game, as seen with this customized [[FAMAS]].]]

The online multiplayer mode of ''Black Ops'' usually revolves around two teams on a specific mission. For example, in Team Deathmatch the team with the most kills wins, while in Capture the Flag, players take the other team's flags and return it to their own base. Additionally, there is Free For All in which players aren't separated into teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codblackopsblog.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-multiplayer-game-modes-list/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Multiplayer Game Modes List |publisher=Codblackopsblog.com |date=October 20, 2010 |accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref> Not including Downloadable maps, there are 14 different maps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cod7blackops.com/multiplayer-maps/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops - Multiplayer Maps - Black Ops 2 |publisher=Cod7blackops.com |date= |accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref>

''Black Ops'' retains the [[experience point]]s and unlockable reward system that has been kept since ''Call of Duty 4''. The game's multiplayer focuses on socialization and customization.<ref name="ausgam"/> "Create-a-Class 2.0" allows enhanced personalization with appearance items as well as upgradable perks;<ref name="OXM0610"/> weapons are extensively customizable with writing, emblems, attachments and camouflage painting. Even [[reticle]]s can be modified. There are more than one style for an attachment, which allows for a lot more personalized weaponry; for example, the player can choose between a red dot sight or a reflex sight, both of which share many of the same traits, although the red dot fills up less of the screen (something desired by many players). Character models depend on the first tier perk instead of the weapon's type. Furthermore, face paints can be unlocked.<ref name="InsideXbox">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G94SolEtpnc |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Multiplayer Overview |date=September 2, 2010 |publisher=[[Xbox Live]] |accessdate=September 2, 2010}}</ref> New custom killstreak rewards include explosive [[radio-controlled car|R/C car]]s, guided missiles and controllable attack helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/videos/48464/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Character-Customization-Commentary- |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Character Customization Commentary |date=September 2, 2010 |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] |accessdate=September 3, 2010}}</ref>

A currency system has been implemented allowing players to buy weapons, accessories and clothes. Players can gamble with their "COD Points" in a [[Deathmatch (gaming)|free-for-all]] based playlist called "Wager Match", which is composed of four game modes.<ref>{{cite journal|year=2010 |title= |journal=[[ShortList]] |pages=40–41 |url=http://magazine.shortlist.com/1I4c7e2b071e0ba012.cde |pmid= |pmc= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903191643/http://magazine.shortlist.com/1I4c7e2b071e0ba012.cde |archivedate=September 3, 2010 }}</ref> Time limited objectives known as "Contracts" can be purchased to gain more currency and experience points.<ref name="InsideXbox"/> The progression system is not featured in local [[Split screen (computer graphics)|split-screen]] multiplayer. In local split-screen play, all character customization options are already unlocked. Players can no longer define game rules such as win conditions.

Players can play alone or with friends against AI opponents in "Combat Training" with a separate progression system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onpause.org/2010/09/call-of-duty-back-ops-to-have-combat.html |title=Call of Duty Back Ops to have Combat Training Mode |date=September 1, 2010 |publisher=onPause |accessdate=September 2, 2010}}</ref> Online split-screen is re-introduced on Xbox 360 and PS3. The guest account can rank up but is reset after each sign out. Only on Xbox 360, a second Gold Xbox Live account can be used to keep the second player's progression.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.callofduty.com/intel/407 |title=Little-Known Black Ops Facts! |last=Olin |first=Josh |date=October 27, 2010 |publisher=[[Treyarch]] |accessdate=October 28, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403064102/https://www.callofduty.com/intel/407 |archivedate=April 3, 2015 }}</ref> Aside from the Combat Training mode, Xbox users can also have up to four players in split-screen mode play against AI opponents even without having an Xbox Live account. This is done by configuring the Local Split Screen settings and setting the number of enemies to a value greater than zero.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://how.best-free-information.com/2010/12/how-to-play-black-ops-4-player-split-screen-against-bots-xbox-360/ |title=How to Play Black Ops 4-Player vs. Bots }}</ref>

For the first time in the series, clips from online gameplay can be recorded. Some specific features that have been removed from the PC version of [[Infinity Ward]]'s ''Modern Warfare 2'' return, such as lean,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cod7blackops.com/?10-cod7-hands-on-summary/ |title=COD7 Hands-On Summary |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=The Video Game Tester |accessdate=May 14, 2010}}</ref> mod tools, the developer console<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/call-of-duty-treyarch-project/1114514p1.html |title=Treyarch Confirms Mod Tools for Call of Duty: Black Ops |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=August 19, 2010 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |accessdate=August 22, 2010}}</ref> and [[Game server#Dedicated game server|dedicated servers]].<ref name="dedicated servers">{{cite web|url=http://www.thevideogametester.org/73/black-ops-to-have-dedicated-servers |title=Black Ops to have Dedicated Servers |date=May 14, 2010 |publisher=cod7blackops.com/ |accessdate=June 8, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501172525/http://www.thevideogametester.org/73/black-ops-to-have-dedicated-servers |archivedate=May 1, 2011 }}</ref> Dedicated servers are exclusively provided by Game Servers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/111/1119736p1.html |title=Black Ops Dedicated Servers Come With a Catch |date=September 10, 2010 |last=Reilly |first=Jim |publisher=IGN |accessdate=September 12, 2010}}</ref> [[Steam (software)|Steam]] is the exclusive platform for ''Black Ops'' on PC, and the game is protected by [[Valve Anti-Cheat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.cheatcodes.com/2011/02/27/cheating-on-black-ops/ |title=Cheating on Black Ops |date=February 27, 2011 |publisher=CheatCodes.com |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303074656/http://blog.cheatcodes.com/2011/02/27/cheating-on-black-ops/ |archivedate=March 3, 2011 }}</ref>

The Wii version of the game includes in-game voice chat. This is the first ''Call of Duty'' title to include the voice chat feature for the Wii. Nintendo and PDP have partnered to release the first headset to be used with the Wii known as PDP's Headbanger Headset.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/Performance-Designed-Products-bw-399792626.html?x=0|title=Performance Designed Products to Release Limited Edition Headbanger Headset for Call of Duty: Black Ops on Wii|date=October 12, 2010|publisher=[[Business Wire]] |accessdate=October 19, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2013}}</ref>

===Zombies===
A [[zombie (fictional)|zombie]] cooperation mode, titled "Zombies", is included in the game. Originally featured in ''World at War'', it was revamped to be included in ''Black Ops''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=512262 |title=Call of Duty(R): Black Ops Co-Op to Include Zombies |date=September 29, 2010 |publisher=[[Activision]] |accessdate=October 1, 2010}}</ref> It is a four-player online and two-player split screen co-op mode (which can also be unlocked online). Based on the original game, in the map "Five", players take the roles of [[John F. Kennedy]], [[Richard Nixon]], [[Robert McNamara]], and [[Fidel Castro]] as they fight zombies at [[The Pentagon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerzines.com/ps3/news/black-ops-four-player-co-op.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops has four-player online co-op |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=GamerZines |accessdate=May 28, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512202539/http://www.gamerzines.com/ps3/news/black-ops-four-player-co-op.html |archivedate=May 12, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5677841/you-wont-believe-who-is-killing-zombies-in-call-of-duty-black-ops?skyline=true&s=i|title=You Won't Believe Who Is Killing Zombies in Call of Duty: Black Ops|date=October 31, 2010|publisher=Kotaku|accessdate=October 31, 2010}}</ref> Another map, called {{lang|de|''Kino der Toten''}} ("Cinema of the Dead" in German), features the characters from ''World at War'' – Edward Richtofen the German, Tank Dempsey the American, Takeo Masaki the Japanese, and Nikolai Belinski the Russian. Limited editions of the game offer graphically-enhanced versions of the four zombies maps from ''World at War'', featuring the newer weapons from the rest of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerzines.com/xbox-360/news/treyarch-confirm-zombies.html |title=Treyarch confirm return of Zombie maps for Black Ops |date=August 13, 2010 |publisher=GamerZines |accessdate=August 15, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711071659/http://www.gamerzines.com/xbox-360/news/treyarch-confirm-zombies.html |archivedate=July 11, 2011 }}</ref> There is an unlockable top-down, two-stick arcade-shooter version of Zombies known as ''Dead Ops Arcade''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5685349/how-to-unlock-zork-and-call-of-duty-black-ops-other-hidden-games |title=How To Unlock Zork and Call of Duty: Black Ops' Other Hidden Games |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>

==Plot==

===Single-player===

====Characters and setting====
[[File:Cod black ops characters.png|thumb|From left to right: Mason, Hudson, and McNamara.]]

''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' takes place during the 1960s in the [[Cold War]], around 20 years after the events of [[Call of Duty: World at War|World at War]]. It focuses on [[CIA]] clandestine [[black operations]] carried out behind enemy lines. Missions take place in various locations around the globe such as the [[Ural Mountains]], [[Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic|Kazakhstan]], [[Cuba]], [[British Hong Kong|Hong Kong]], [[Kingdom of Laos|Laos]], [[South Vietnam]], the [[Arctic circle]] and [[Siberia]]. The single-player campaign revolves around an experimental [[chemical weapon]] codenamed "Nova-6". This weapon is bound to be used by [[sleeper agent]]s in the United States, who are infused with sequences of numbers, once broadcasts are transmitted from an unknown [[numbers station]].

The main protagonist the player controls is [[Special Activities Division|SAD]]/[[Studies and Observations Group|SOG]] [[special forces]] operative Alex Mason ([[Sam Worthington]]). Occasionally CIA paramilitary operations officer Jason Hudson ([[Ed Harris]]), and some other characters are playable to progress the story. Alex is often joined by fellow operatives Frank Woods (James C. Burns) and Joseph Bowman ([[Ice Cube]]), while Jason teams up with Grigori Weaver ([[Gene Farber]]), a Russian-born field operative. Viktor Reznov ([[Gary Oldman]]), a key character from the Soviet campaign in ''World at War'', returns along with that game's Russian protagonist Dimitri Petrenko ([[Boris Kievsky]]) also making an appearance. ''Black Ops'' also features several historical figures: during the story Mason meets [[John F. Kennedy]], [[Robert McNamara]], and [[Fidel Castro]].

====Story====
On February 25, 1968, [[Special Activities Division|SAD]] operative Alex Mason is strapped to a chair in an interrogation room, bombarded with questions by his unseen captors about the location of a [[numbers station]]. Mason then recalls several events, as an attempt to answer their questions.

In 1961, Mason, Woods, and Bowman take part in [[Operation 40]] to assassinate [[Fidel Castro]] in Cuba during the [[Bay of Pigs Invasion]]. Mason apparently succeeds and stays behind to protect the extraction plane from an oncoming blockade, before being captured by the real Castro, having shot a double. Handed over to General Nikita Dragovich to be held captive at [[Vorkuta Gulag]], Mason befriends inmate and former [[Red Army]] soldier Viktor Reznov. Reznov recounts to Mason the identities of their enemies: Dragovich, his right-hand man Lev Kravchenko, and ex-[[Nazi]] scientist Friedrich Steiner, who defected to the Soviet Union. In October 1945, Reznov and [[Call of Duty: World at War|Dimitri Petrenko]] were sent to extract Steiner from a Nazi base in the [[Arctic]]. However, they were betrayed by Dragovich, who tested Steiner's [[nerve gas]] known as "Nova-6" on Petrenko. Reznov was spared the same fate when [[British Commandos]], also interested in acquiring Nova-6, attacked the Soviets. Reznov destroyed the Nova-6 and escaped, only to be captured by the Soviets and sent to Vorkuta. The Soviets later recreated Nova-6 with the help of a British scientist, Daniel Clarke.

Having spent over a year imprisoned, Mason and Reznov spark an [[Vorkuta uprising|uprising]] to flee the gulag, but only Mason manages to escape. In November 1963, Mason meets with President [[John F. Kennedy]], who authorizes a mission to assassinate Dragovich; Mason briefly envisions aiming a handgun at Kennedy. Mason, Woods, Bowman, and Weaver are dispatched to the [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]] to disrupt the [[Soviet space program]] and eliminate members of "Ascension", a Soviet program giving sanctuary to Nazi scientists in exchange for their knowledge. The team destroys the [[Soyuz (spacecraft)|Soyuz spacecraft]], while Woods apparently kills Dragovich in a car explosion with a commandeered [[BTR-40|BTR]].

In January 1968, Mason's team is sent to [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]]. After [[Battle of Khe Sanh|defending Khe Sanh]], they recover a dossier on Dragovich from a Russian defector in [[Hue City]] during the [[Tet Offensive]]. The defector turns out to be none other than Reznov, who joins them as they [[Operation Lam Son 719|penetrate Laos]] to recover a Nova-6 shipment from a downed Soviet plane. They are captured by [[Viet Cong]] and [[Spetznaz]] infiltrators at the crash site. Bowman is executed, but Woods and Mason hijack an [[Mi-24 Hind]] in the confusion and escape, moving on to rescue Reznov from Kravchenko's base. They confront Kravchenko and Woods stabs him, but Kravchenko pulls the pins off of four grenades strapped to himself, forcing Woods to sacrifice himself by pushing both himself and Kravchenko out of a window. In a huge explosion, Mason presumes the two dead.

Meanwhile, Hudson and Weaver interrogate Clarke in [[Kowloon Walled City|Kowloon City]]. Clarke reveals the location of a hidden facility in [[Mount Yamantau]] before being killed by Dragovich's men. Hudson and Weaver move to destroy the facility and receive a transmission from Steiner requesting to meet at [[Rebirth Island]], as Dragovich has begun killing loose ends. Mason and Reznov head there to assassinate Steiner at the same time, succeeding just as Hudson and Weaver arrive. Mason is adamant that Reznov executed Steiner, but Hudson had witnessed Mason carrying out the act alone.

Hudson and Weaver are revealed to be Mason's interrogators. Dragovich has communist [[sleeper cell]]s placed all over the United States which, when ordered by the numbers broadcast, will release the Nova-6 gas. As a result, the U.S. is preparing a pre-emptive nuclear strike on the Soviet Union, which would result in the inevitable [[Mutual Assured Destruction]] of [[World War III]]. Hudson needed Steiner to abort the gas launch, but after his death, only Mason has any knowledge of the numbers station. Hudson reveals that Dragovich brainwashed Mason to understand the numbers broadcasts and assassinate Kennedy, effectively making him a Soviet [[sleeper agent]]. The real Reznov never escaped, but died during the Vorkuta breakout attempt, and the Soviet defector in Hue was actually killed before Mason reached him. Mason’s visions of Reznov are a result of a [[dissociative disorder]] caused by the traumatic brainwashing program. Prior to the Vorkuta uprising, Reznov had secretly reprogrammed Mason to assassinate Dragovich, Kravchenko, and Steiner instead. Mason finally remembers the location of the broadcast station: a Russian cargo ship called ''Rusalka'' off the coast of Cuba. An assault on the ''Rusalka'' begins, with Mason and Hudson infiltrating the underwater submarine base protecting the ship. Hudson calls in the [[United States Navy]] to destroy the ''Rusalka''. Mason and Hudson finally confront Dragovich in the lower levels of the facility, and Mason strangles and drowns him to death before escaping with Hudson. They regroup with Weaver, who declares victory.

Archive footage of President Kennedy prior to [[Assassination of John F. Kennedy|his assassination]] is shown, revealing Mason was in the crowd of onlookers who watched Kennedy disembark from Air Force One at Love Field, implicitly suggesting that Mason may have carried out his initial programming. A hidden message that can be accessed in the game's main menu reveals that Woods survived the confrontation with Kravchenko and is currently incarcerated in the [[Hanoi Hilton]].

===Zombies===

====Characters and settings====
The Zombies story takes place over various eras of time, mostly during the final year of World War II, and the 1960s. The story mainly follows four soldiers: Corporal "Tank" Dempsey ([[Steven Blum]]) of the [[United States Marine Corps]], Sergeant Nikolai Belinski ([[Fred Tatasciore]]) of the [[Red Army]], Captain Takeo Masaki ([[Tom Kane]]) of the [[Imperial Japanese Army]], and Doctor Edward Richtofen ([[Nolan North]]) of the [[Wehrmacht]]. Other characters include Doctor Ludvig Maxis (Fred Tatasciore) and his daughter Samantha ([[Julie Nathanson]]). The map "Five" features real-life historical figures: John F. Kennedy ([[Jim Meskimen]]), Robert McNamara ([[Robert Picardo]]), Richard Nixon ([[Dave Mallow]]) and Fidel Castro (Marlon Correa). "Call of the Dead" features the appearance of real-life celebrities: [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]], [[Robert Englund]], [[Danny Trejo]], [[Michael Rooker]], and Director [[George A. Romero]] (all of whom are voiced by their real-life counterparts).

====Story====
{{plot|section|date=October 2015}}
During World War II, Doctor Ludvig Maxis formed Group 935, a group of scientists that was intended to improve the human condition. Lacking funds, they soon turned to creating weapons to aid the Nazis. Their discovery of Element 115 from a meteorite in Japan lead to the creation of zombies. Maxis and his assistant, Dr. Edward Richtofen, also work on other projects, leading to the creation of teleportation devices and 115-powered weapons. Attempting to use himself as a test subject, Richtofen accidentally teleports to a catacomb within the moon, where he comes into contact with a mysterious pyramid device that causes him to have [[schizophrenia]], slowly taking away his sanity. He is later teleported to an exotic jungle known as [[Shangri-La]], where he spends three weeks studying the [[Vril]] energy force. Upon returning to Germany, Richtofen secretly forms a plan to kill Maxis, and gathers many members of Group 935 to build a moon base, known as Griffin Station. While maintaining his cover with Maxis and the rest of Group 935, Richtofen manages to capture three soldiers: Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, and Takeo Masaki; he begins to conduct experiments with Element 115, causing memory loss for all three soldiers.

Maxis continues his work on other experiments, attempting to use his daughter's dog, Fluffy, as a test subject for his own teleportation device. However, the experiment fails, and Fluffy is transformed into an undead hellhound. Richtofen takes the opportunity and traps Maxis and his daughter Samantha inside the teleporter with Fluffy, believing that they would die. Richtofen escapes with his three captured soldiers, and arrives at the Rising Sun research facility in Japan, where Element 115 was first discovered. After gathering a sample of 115 at the site, and recovering a weapon known as the Wunderwaffe DG-2, they return to the Der Riese factory in Germany. In an attempt to escape the zombie horde, the group accidentally overloads a teleporter with the DG-2, sending them forward in time. They arrive at an abandoned Nazi theater in the 1960s, where Richtofen discovers several recordings left behind by Dr. Maxis. Samantha, having survived and managing to control the zombies, continues raising the undead in order to hunt down Richtofen.

Some time in 1963, the United States government manages to grab hold of several of Group 935's inventions, keeping them hidden in the Pentagon. Due to the presence of the undead-raising Element 115, Zombies breach the Pentagon. John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Robert McNamara, and Fidel Castro are trapped within the Pentagon, forced to fight their way out. Meanwhile, Richtofen's crew arrive at a Soviet Cosmodrome site, where Richtofen intends to travel to Group 935's moon base, Griffin Station. The crew is contacted by Gersh, a member of the Ascension Group who requests to be freed from Samantha's grip. After freeing Gersh, the four of them are teleported further in time, and arrive at a Siberian lighthouse sometime in 2011, once used by Richtofen as a secret lab. However, they are trapped within a locked room, and forced to rely on four movie actors: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Danny Trejo, Robert Englund, and Michael Rooker, who are filming a zombie movie on-site along with director George A. Romero, who had been infected as well. Richtofen requests the four celebrities to find a golden rod, which is a Vril generator device, which he then uses to fix the teleporter. He transports himself and the other three soldiers back to Shangri-La, leaving the celebrities behind to continue fighting Romero and the horde. At Shangri-La, the group discovers two explorers, Gary and Brock, who died trapped within a time loop while trying to discover the secrets of [[Agartha]]. The group saves the explorers' lives by travelling back and forth in time, altering the environments of the temple in the process. They discover an altar within the temple with Richtofen's name written on it, as well as a piece of a meteorite containing Element 115. However, the explorers remain stuck in the never-ending loop.

With the Vril generator and the meteorite piece, Richtofen now believes he can control the zombies, and returns to Griffin Station. Here, they attempt to activate the MPD, a machine that controls the Aether energy, which opens to reveal Samantha inside; instead of dying by Richtofen's trap, Samantha and her father were teleported to the moon. Samantha accidentally triggered the MPD and was trapped within the device, but this also allowed her to enter the [[Aether (mythology)|Aether]] realm. Maxis apologized to his daughter and committed suicide in front of her, prompting her to assume control of the zombies and seek vengeance on Richtofen. Richtofen fuses the golden rod and the meteorite piece, and using it to switch souls with Samantha, takes over as the new zombie controller. This causes his former allies to feel betrayed, and they ally themselves with Samantha (who now resides in Richtofen's body). Maxis is revealed to have become a sentient artificial intelligence living within the systems of Griffin Station, and he guides his daughter and the three soldiers to launch three missiles at the Earth. This severs Richtofen's link with the undead horde on the planet, but the launch results in the [[Call of Duty: Black Ops II#Story|catastrophic destruction of the Earth]].

==Development==
In May 2009, publisher [[Activision]] was rumored to be looking for licensing regarding [[Vietnam War]]-era music which led to speculation that ''Call of Duty 7'' would be set in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5237870/rumor-call-of-duty-moving-on-to-vietnam |title=Rumor: Call of Duty Moving on to Vietnam? |last=Good |first=Owen |date=May 3, 2009 |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=April 28, 2010}}</ref> In May 2009, Treyarch employee David Kim revealed on his [[LinkedIn]] profile that he would work as a senior animator on ''Call of Duty 7''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/58608 |title=Call of Duty 7 Under Development at Treyarch |last1=O'Connor |first1=Alice |last2=Faylor |first2=Chris |lastauthoramp=yes |date=May 13, 2009 |publisher=[[Shacknews]] |accessdate=May 15, 2010}}</ref> In November 2009, only a few days before ''Modern Warfare 2'''s release, Activision officially announced a new ''Call of Duty'' title for 2010 through their third quarter financial call.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1042724p1.html |title=Activision: New Call of Duty, Guitar Hero in 2010 |last=Reilly |first=Jim |date=November 5, 2009 |publisher=IGN |accessdate=May 15, 2010}}</ref> In February 2010, a casting call for ''Call of Duty 7'' led to speculation that the game would be taking place during the Cold War era with some battles taking place in [[South Vietnam]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5475426/rumor-next-call-of-duty-is-a-cold-war-game |title=Rumor: Next Call Of Duty Is A Cold War Cold Game |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=February 17, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=April 28, 2010}}</ref> On April 30, 2010, ''Black Ops'' was officially announced.<ref name="SiteRevealed"/>

The game runs on an enhanced [[IW engine|''World at War'' engine]] (which itself was improved from ''Call of Duty 4''{{'s}}) at 60 [[Frame rate|frames per second]] across all platforms, excluding the Wii.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-call-of/100688 |title=E3 2010: First Details Interview Part 2 HD |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |accessdate=May 28, 2010}}</ref> It features a streaming texture technology (also seen in ''Modern Warfare 2''), making bigger levels possible such as "Payback" where the player controls a helicopter. Lighting effects have been improved as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/interview-call-of-duty-black-ops-producer-dan-bunting/ |title=Interview: Call of Duty: Black Ops producer Dan Bunting |last=Grant |first=Christopher |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=Joystiq |accessdate=August 24, 2010}}</ref> ''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' supports [[Stereoscopy|3-D imaging]] rendered by the engine itself.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/3d-feature-call-of/705646 |title=3D Feature Interview |date=October 5, 2010 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |accessdate=October 5, 2010}}</ref> This feature is available on the [[Personal computer|PC]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Xbox 360]] versions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.callofduty.com/3d |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 3D FAQ |publisher=[[Activision]] |accessdate=October 6, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104231925/http://www.callofduty.com/3d |archivedate=January 4, 2014 }}</ref>

For ''Black Ops'', Treyarch focused only on this game unlike past practice. However, it had different teams, each working on separate game modes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/kotick_cod_black_ops_will_surprise_fans.html |title=Kotick: CoD Black Ops will 'surprise' fans |last=Orry |first=James |date=May 7, 2010 |publisher=videogame.com |accessdate=May 11, 2010}}</ref> Treyarch used a [[motion capture]] technology similar to the one used in [[James Cameron]]'s film ''[[Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]'', which allows accurate facial expressions, capturing the whole performance of the actor.<ref name="firstlook">{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2010-05-10-callofduty11_N.htm |title=First look: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' swoops into action |last=Snider |first=Mike |date=May 10, 2010 |work=USA Today |accessdate=May 11, 2010}}</ref> The studio also consulted special forces veterans from both belligerents of the Cold War: Major [[John Plaster]] (US Army-Ret.) who served in the MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War, and former Soviet special forces operative Sonny Puzikas.<ref name="USATodayInterview">{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/05/more-on-call-of-duty-black-ops-with-treyarch-studio-head-mark-lamia/1 |title=More on 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' with Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia |last=Snider |first=Mike |date=May 10, 2010 |work=USA Today |accessdate=May 11, 2010}}</ref> The latter taught Treyarch how [[Spetsnaz]] soldiers would react in combat, such as rolling out of the line of fire. Spetsnaz [[AI]]s in the game have been modeled after him, from his tactics and his movements to his face.<ref name="gg">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s2958069.htm |title=Treyarch |date=July 19, 2010 |publisher=[[Good Game]] |accessdate=August 17, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/may/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-preview |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops preview |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=May 28, 2010 |work=The Guardian |accessdate=August 24, 2010 |location=London}}</ref> Although having a historical background, the classified aspect of these Cold War black operations allowed the studio to create its own fictional story.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://videogamesdaily.com/interviews/201006/call-of-duty-black-ops-the-ultimate-interview/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – The Ultimate Interview |author=Kikizo Staff |date=June 2, 2010 |publisher=Video games daily |accessdate=August 19, 2010}}</ref> The game also allows players to turn down the blood and turn off the profanity.<ref name="common-sense-media-2011-01-01">{{cite web | title = Call of Duty: Black Ops Rating and Review for Kids and Families | date = January 1, 2011 | url = http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/call-duty-black-ops | work = [[Common Sense Media]] | accessdate = June 9, 2011}}</ref>

It was announced on November 9, 2015 that ''Black Ops'' would become backwards compatible with the [[Xbox One]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://charlieintel.com/2015/11/09/original-call-of-duty-black-ops-will-be-backwards-compatible-on-xbox-one-next-month/ | title=Original Call of Duty: Black Ops will be backwards compatible on Xbox One next month | publisher=charlieINTEL | date=November 9, 2015 | accessdate=November 9, 2015 | author=Vallejo, Victor}}</ref> It was originally meant to be available for backwards compatibility in December 2015, but the date was later changed to some time in 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://charlieintel.com/2015/12/17/original-call-duty-black-ops-backwards-compatible-xbox-one-delayed-not-available-month/ | title=Original Call of Duty: Black Ops backwards compatibility on Xbox One not available this month | publisher=charlieINTEL | date=December 17, 2015 | accessdate=December 29, 2015 | author=Bhat, Keshav}}</ref> ''Black Ops'' was originally the sixth-most requested Xbox 360 title to become backwards compatible with the Xbox One.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://charlieintel.com/2015/06/25/3-of-the-top-6-fan-requested-xbox-one-backward-compatibility-games-are-call-of-duty/ | title=3 of the top 6 fan requested Xbox One backward compatibility games are Call of Duty | publisher=charlieINTEL | date=June 25, 2015 | accessdate=November 9, 2015 | author=Bhat, Keshav}}</ref> On May 17, 2016, the game was made available through [[Xbox One]]'s backward compatibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-comes-to-xbox-one-backwards/1100-6439874/|title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Comes to Xbox One Backwards Compatibility Program|website=GameSpot|access-date=May 17, 2016}}</ref> Shortly after, it was reported that sales of the Xbox 360 version had increased by 13,000 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/call_of_duty_black_ops/news/call_of_duty_black_ops_sales_jump_13_000_following_xbox_one_backward_compatibility_update.html|title=Call of Duty: Black Ops sales jump 13,000% following Xbox One backward compatibility update - Call of Duty: Black Ops for Xbox 360 News|website=VideoGamer.Com|language=en-US|access-date=May 19, 2016}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Audio===
''Black Ops'' features the voices of [[Sam Worthington]] as Alex Mason,<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101025/ap_on_hi_te/us_games_call_of_duty_3 |title=`Call of Duty: Black Ops' expands protagonist role |date=October 25, 2010 |publisher=Yahoo |last=Lang |first=Derrik J. |accessdate=October 26, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101180131/https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101025/ap_on_hi_te/us_games_call_of_duty_3 |archivedate=November 1, 2010 }}</ref> [[Ed Harris]] as Jason Hudson,<ref name="Oldman">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5631536/gary-oldman-and-ed-harris-in-call-of-duty-black-ops |title=Gary Oldman And Ed Harris in Call of Duty: Black Ops |date=September 7, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=September 7, 2010}}</ref> [[Gary Oldman]] reprises his role as Viktor Reznov from ''World at War'' and also voices Dr. Clarke,<ref name=autogenerated3 /> James C. Burns voices and provides performance capture for Frank Woods<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamescburns.com/Jamescburns/Call_Of_Duty__Black_Ops.html |title=James C. Burns - Call of Duty: Black Ops |accessdate=December 3, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713074749/http://www.jamescburns.com/Jamescburns/Call_Of_Duty__Black_Ops.html |archivedate=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> and [[Ice Cube]] voices Joseph Bowman, who is also the multiplayer announcer for the SOG faction.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/icecube/status/28893570178 |title=Check me out in Call of Duty: Black Ops. I'm Corporal Bowman. Game hits stores Nov 9. Who’s gonna get it? #CODBlackOps |author=[[Ice Cube]] |date=October 27, 2010 |publisher=Twitter |accessdate=October 27, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/DavidVonderhaar/status/28917322184 |title=The #CODBlackOPs MP SOG announcer is voiced by @ICECUBE. He will kick your ass if you don't win. |last=Vonderhaar |first=David |date=October 27, 2010 |publisher=Twitter |accessdate=October 27, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2013}}</ref> [[Gene Farber]] voices Grigori Weaver, [[Emmanuelle Chriqui]] plays a live-action character called Numbers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.actressarchives.com/news.php?id=23618 |title=Emmanuelle Chriqui Confirmed for 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' |date=October 26, 2010 |publisher=ActressArchives.com |accessdate=October 28, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104112003/http://www.actressarchives.com/news.php?id=23618 |archivedate=January 4, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6BvbburAgc |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Emmanuelle Chriqui |date=November 9, 2010 |author=[[AskMen.com]] |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=December 3, 2010}}</ref> Eamon Hunt voices Nikita Dragovich, [[Andrew Divoff]] voices Lev Kravchenko and [[Robert Picardo]] voices Secretary [[Robert McNamara]]. [[Dimitri Diatchenko]], an American born actor and musician voices the [[Spetsnaz]] faction and several other characters due to his strong Russian accent.

''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' features Vietnam War era music including "[[Sympathy for the Devil]]" by [[The Rolling Stones]]<ref name="Germany Censor">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepur.com/news/1953-call-duty-black-ops-censorship-details-revealed.html|title=Call of Duty: Black Ops censorship details revealed|accessdate=October 3, 2010|author=Raiz|publisher=Gamepur|date=October 3, 2010}}</ref> (played during a gameplay sequence, the credits, and as an easter egg in the multiplayer map Nuketown) and [[Creedence Clearwater Revival]]'s "[[Fortunate Son (song)|Fortunate Son]]".<ref name="Burns Performance">{{cite web|url=http://www.jamescburns.com/Jamescburns/Call_Of_Duty__Black_Ops.html |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Demo Clip |last=Burns |first=James C. |accessdate=October 27, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214222454/http://www.jamescburns.com/Jamescburns/Call_Of_Duty__Black_Ops.html |archivedate=December 14, 2010 }}</ref> [[Eminem]]'s "[[Recovery (Eminem album)#Track listing|Won't Back Down]]" (featuring [[Pink (singer)|Pink]]) is used for the credits as well, and additionally appears as an Easter Egg in the Zombie map "Five". In the Call of the Dead zombie map the song "[[Not Ready to Die]]" by American heavy metal band [[Avenged Sevenfold]] is featured as an [[easter egg (media)|easter egg]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ah.roosterteeth.com/archive/?id=3188 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503230815/http://ah.roosterteeth.com:80/archive/?id=3188 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=May 3, 2014 |title=Achievement Hunter – Call of the Dead: Avenged Sevenfold Easter Egg Song |accessdate=April 12, 2012}}</ref> The original music was composed by Sean Murray, who also composed ''Call of Duty: World at War'' while Kevin Sherwood composed music for the Zombies mode. The soundtrack was released on November 9. The use of The Rolling Stones' music in the game has seen a significant increase in the band's music sales since launch. "[[Gimme Shelter]]" sold 2,000 copies in the week before the launch trailer was revealed, 5,000 the week after, and 11,000 the week after the game's release. "Sympathy for the Devil" experienced a similar boost as gamers discovered the band's music.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}

The game's score was composed by [[Sean Murray (composer)|Sean Murray]], and the official soundtrack was released on November 9, 2010.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} In addition, a soundtrack for the popular ''Zombies'' mode was released on January 25, 2011.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}

==Marketing==
''Black Ops'' was first officially unveiled when the website for the game went live on April 30, 2010<ref name="SiteRevealed"/> prior to the release of its debut teaser trailer on GameTrailers TV Episode 310.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/episode-310-gametrailers-tv/65044 |title=GameTrailers TV, Episode 310 Promo |publisher=[[GameTrailers]]|date=April 28, 2010 |accessdate=April 30, 2010}}</ref> In early April 2010, an unmarked envelope was sent to various gaming news publications as well as high-profile ''Call of Duty'' fans via mail. It contained a [[USB flash drive]] with sound and text files. These files were codes to be decrypted, only to find a mysterious teaser site for an unknown game. Other codes were updated periodically.

Similarly to [[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2#Marketing and release|''Modern Warfare 2''&#39;s marketing]], the first full-length trailer of ''Black Ops'' was aired after the 3rd quarter on [[ESPN]] during the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] [[2010 NBA Playoffs|Eastern Conference Finals]] on May 18, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.twitter.com/JD_2020/status/14005380885 |title=Here's the promo ESPN is running in preparation for May 18's full #CODBlackOps Reveal Trailer! <nowiki>http://bit.ly/bTTVXM</nowiki> |last=Olin |first=Josh |date=May 14, 2010 |publisher=Twitter |accessdate=May 15, 2010}}</ref> During [[E3 2010]], studio head Mark Lamia opened the [[Microsoft]] conference by playing ''Black Ops'' on stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-call-of/101274 |title=E3 2010: Microsoft Press Conference Gameplay (Stream) HD |date=June 14, 2010 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |accessdate=June 15, 2010}}</ref> It was also announced that the timed Xbox 360 exclusivity for additional content of ''Call of Duty'' titles, which began with ''Modern Warfare 2'', extends until 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=479305 |title=More on 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' with Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia |date=June 14, 2010 |publisher=[[Activision Blizzard]] |accessdate=June 15, 2010}}</ref> A remixed version of the ESPN trailer with Eminem's "Won't Back Down" was released on June 14,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com//watch?v=_4kvSIIWqEs |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Remix – Eminem "Won't Back Down" |date=June 14, 2010 |author=CALLOFDUTY |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=June 20, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803162951/http://www.youtube.com//watch?v=_4kvSIIWqEs |archivedate=August 3, 2010 }}</ref> prior to the E3 Activision conference for which he also performed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5563723/activisions-night-of-far-too-many-stars |title=Activision's Night Of Far Too Many Stars |date=June 16, 2010 |last=Fahey |first=Mike |publisher=Game Stooge |accessdate=June 20, 2010}}</ref> A multiplayer teaser trailer was released on August 9, 2010 revealing killstreaks, weapons, and other in-game multiplayer features. A full multiplayer reveal took place on September 1, 2010, and revealed many multiplayer features from the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/call-of-duty-black-ops-multiplayer-teaser-trailer-revealed|title=Call of Duty: Multiplayer teaser trailer revealed|last=Green|first=Curtis|date=August 10, 2010|publisher=[[Neowin]]|accessdate=August 17, 2010}}</ref>

[[Chrysler]] produced a limited-edition ''Call of Duty'' [[Jeep]] as the [[Jeep Wrangler|Wrangler]] is featured in ''Black Ops''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/09/15/chrysler-a-preview-of-the-automakers-new-lineup/ |title=Chrysler: A Preview of the Automaker’s New Lineup |last=Bennett |first=Jeff |date=September 15, 2010 |work=The Wall Street Journal |accessdate=September 17, 2010}}</ref> In late September, viral site GKNOVA6 was updated revealing fuzzy footages of zombies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=267000 |title=CoD: Black Ops Zombies – First look |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=September 28, 2010 |publisher=[[Computer and Video Games]] |accessdate=September 28, 2010}}</ref> On October 11, a single player trailer aired on ESPN during the [[New York Jets]] versus [[Minnesota Vikings]] [[NFL]] [[Monday Night Football]] game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHbfFiOw-LA |title=Black Ops Single Player Tune-in |author=CALLOFDUTY |date=October 9, 2010 |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=October 12, 2010}}</ref> The same trailer was aired the next day in the United Kingdom at half time of the [[England national football team|England]] versus [[Montenegro national football team|Montenegro]] [[2012 European Football Championship]] [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group G|qualifying]] game. On October 29, the official launch trailer was released online. The same trailer aired on October 31 during the [[New Orleans Saints]] versus [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] [[NFL]] [[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]] game. The trailer features the song "[[Gimme Shelter]]" by [[The Rolling Stones]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPTOVQFRggI |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Launch Trailer |author=CALLOFDUTY |date=October 29, 2010 |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=November 1, 2010}}</ref>

===Retail versions===
Like ''Modern Warfare 2'', "Hardened" and "Prestige" limited editions are available: the Hardened Edition includes a SteelBook case, a medal with its display case, four exclusive co-op levels and an [[Xbox Live]] or [[PlayStation Home]] avatar outfit. The Prestige Edition offers, in addition to the Hardened Edition's content, a real RC-XD remote-control vehicle modeled after the in-game killstreak reward, which gives video and audio feedback to its controller.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.callofduty.com/intel/355?path=intel/355 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Hardened & Prestige Editions! |date=August 12, 2010 |publisher=[[Activision]] |accessdate=August 14, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708112236/http://www.callofduty.com/intel/355?path=intel/355 |archivedate=July 8, 2011 }}</ref> In Japan, the game is distributed by [[Square Enix]]. Two versions are available: subtitled or dubbed,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2010/09/01/square-enix-giving-call-of-duty-black-ops-sub-and-dub-treatment/|title=Square Enix Giving Call of Duty: Black Ops Sub And Dub Treatment|accessdate=September 23, 2010|author=Ishaan|publisher=Siliocnera|date=September 1, 2010}}</ref> released respectively on November 18, 2010 and December 16, 2010. Both have dismemberment censored.<ref name="JP">{{cite web |url=http://www.sqex-ee.jp/2010/09/20101.html |title=コール オブ デューティ ブラックオプス「海外版との仕様の違いについて」 |date=September 13, 2010 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |accessdate=September 17, 2010}}</ref> Gore is censored as well in Germany in addition to the removal of "Sympathy for the Devil" and Nazi symbols considered "anti-constitutional" in the country.<ref name="Germany Censor"/>

===Downloadable content===
Treyarch released the "First Strike" Map Pack on February 1, 2011 for the [[Xbox 360]]. The [[PlayStation 3]] received the map pack on March 3, 2011 and the [[Personal computer|PC]] version was released on March 25, 2011 through [[Steam (software)|Steam]].<ref>{{cite web | accessdate=February 10, 2011 | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/black-ops-first-strike-ps3-date/ | title=Black Ops 'First Strike' coming to PS3 on March 3, to PC by April | publisher=Joystiq | date=February 9, 2011 }}</ref> The Map Pack includes additional maps that can be played in the Multiplayer. These maps include "Berlin Wall", "Discovery", "Kowloon" and "Stadium" and a map for the Zombies mode titled "Ascension" which takes place in a Soviet launch site.<ref>{{cite web | accessdate=January 22, 2011 | url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/853007-black-ops-first-strike-dlc-trailer-for-new-map-pack-hits-youtube | title=Black Ops First Strike DLC: Trailer for new map pack hits YouTube | work= Voodoo Extreme | date=January 18, 2011 }}</ref>

On April 11, 2011, a second map pack called "Escalation" was announced by Activison and Microsoft. It features 4 new multiplayer maps named "Zoo", "Hotel", "Convoy", "Stockpile" and one new zombies map named 'Call of the Dead'. This map is based on the movies by [[George A. Romero]], the revolutionary epic-zombie-horror director. The trailer for this map shows the four playable characters: [[Danny Trejo]], [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]], [[Robert Englund]] and [[Michael Rooker]]. The name is a reference to the immensely popular [[Dead Series]] created and directed by Romero. The trailer also offers a sneak peek of a zombiefied version of George A. Romero himself, lurking out of water. The map is set on a ship, with instead of Nazi zombies, shipcrew zombies. It was released on May 3, 2011 for the Xbox 360, June 2 on the PC and June 10 for the PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/04/buffy-freddy-kruger-and-george-romero-star-in-grindhouse-style-black-ops-dlc/|title=Buffy, Freddy, and Romero star in grindhouse-style Black Ops DLC|publisher=Ars Technica|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=April 27, 2011|accessdate=April 29, 2011}}</ref>

A third map pack called "Annihilation" was released for the Xbox 360 on June 28, 2011, and on July 28, 2011 for the PlayStation 3 and PC. It contains four new multiplayer maps named "Hangar 18", "Hazard", "Drive-In", "Silo", and a new zombies map named "Shangri La", which takes place in a legendary shrine lost in an exotic jungle.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8579718/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Annihilation-DLC-announced.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | last=Hoggins | first=Tom | title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Annihilation announced | date=June 16, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/jun/16/games-ps3 | location=London |work=The Guardian | last=Stuart | first=Keith | title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Annihilation DLC announced | date=June 16, 2011}}</ref>

The fourth map pack, "Rezurrection" was released on August 23, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and September 22, 2011 on PlayStation 3 and PC. The Rezurrection Map Pack is made up of 5 Zombies mode only maps. It includes the first 4 maps from ''[[Call of Duty: World at War]]'' ("Shi No Numa"/"Swamp", "Nacht Der Untoten"/"Night", "Verruckt"/"Asylum", "Der Riese"/"Factory") and a new map called "Moon". "Moon" allows players to fight zombies in [[zero gravity]] with both the player and the zombies under zero gravity influence.<ref name="joystiq.com">{{cite web|last=McElroy |first=Justin |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/call-of-duty-black-ops-rezurrection-video-takes-you-to-the-labs/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection video takes you to the labs |publisher=Joystiq |date=August 18, 2011 |accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
| title = ''Call of Duty: Black Ops''
| GR = (PS3) 88.36%<ref name="GRPS3">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/960188-call-of-duty-black-ops/index.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for PlayStation 3 – GameRankings |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(X360) 87.56%<ref name="GRX360">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/960189-call-of-duty-black-ops/index.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for Xbox 360 – GameRankings |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(Wii) 81.47%<ref name="GRWII">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/996443-call-of-duty-black-ops/index.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for Wii – GameRankings |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(PC) 78.10%<ref name="GRPC">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/960187-call-of-duty-black-ops/index.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for PC – GameRankings |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(NDS) 73.67%<ref name="GRNDS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/603735-call-of-duty-black-ops/index.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for Nintendo DS – GameRankings |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
| MC = (PS3) 88/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/call-of-duty-black-ops |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for PlayStation 3 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(X360) 87/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/call-of-duty-black-ops |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(PC) 81/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/call-of-duty-black-ops |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for PC Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(Wii) 80/100<ref name="MCWII">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/call-of-duty-black-ops |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for Wii Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(NDS) 74/100<ref name="MCNDS">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/call-of-duty-black-ops |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for Nintendo DS Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| 1UP = A-<ref name="1up-review">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3182286 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130102131824/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3182286 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |title=COD: Black Ops Review for PS3, PC, Wii from | last1 = Nguyen | first1 = Thierry |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
| Destruct = 6/10<ref name="destructoid-sterling review">{{cite web |last=Sterling |first=Jim |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-186908.phtml |title=Review: Call of Duty: Black Ops |date=October 11, 2010 |accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref>
| Edge = 7/10<ref name="ReferenceA">Edge No. 223, January 2011 (Future PLC)</ref>
| Fam = 39/40<ref>{{cite web|last=Gifford |first=Kevin |url=http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-black-ops |title=Japan Review Check: Black Ops, Sonic Colors |publisher=1up.com |date= |accessdate=February 19, 2013}}{{dead link|date=January 2017}}</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Bramwell |first=Tom |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-08-call-of-duty-black-ops-review |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Xbox 360 Review – Page 1 |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="Game Informer">{{cite web |url=http://gameinformer.com/games/call_of_duty_black_ops/b/pc/archive/2010/11/09/review.aspx |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops review from GameInformer|last=Biessener|first=Adam|date=November 9, 2010|publisher=[[Game Informer]]|accessdate=November 12, 2010}}</ref>
| GRadar = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Irvine |first=Nathan |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/call-of-duty-black-ops/review/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-super-review/a-201011089361302031/g-20100430155437473001 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops super review, Call of Duty: Black Ops Review, Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Kim |first=Tae K. |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/217216/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review from |publisher=GamePro |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112223909/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/217216/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/|archivedate=November 12, 2010}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot"/>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="gspy-xbox360">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/call-of-duty-treyarch-project/1133320p1.html|title=GameSpy: Call of Duty: Black Ops Review|last=Tuttle|first=Will|date=November 9, 2010|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|accessdate=June 6, 2011}}</ref>
| GT = 9.3/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-call-of/707272 |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Video Game, Review HD &#124; Video Clip &#124; Game Trailers & Videos |publisher=GameTrailers.com |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
| GB = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/call-of-duty-black-ops/61-26423/reviews/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review – Giant Bomb|publisher=Giantbomb.com |date=November 8, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.5/10<ref name="ign-ps3">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/113/1133112p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review – PlayStation 3 Review at IGN |date=November 9, 2010 |quote=Treyarch's latest is a white-knuckled action romp that doesn't disappoint. |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><ref name="ign-xbox360">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/113/1133005p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review – Xbox 360 Review at IGN |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><ref name="ign-pc">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/113/1133458p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review – PC Review at IGN |date=November 9, 2010 |quote=Treyarch's latest is a white-knuckled action romp that doesn't disappoint. |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref><br />(Wii) 7.5/10<ref name="ign-wii">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/objects/143/14349503.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Wii – IGN |publisher=IGN |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=September 22, 2011}}</ref>
| OXM = 9.5/10<ref name = "oxm-mccaffrey-review" >{{cite web | url = http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/a-f/call-duty-black-ops?page=0%2C4 | title = Call of Duty: Black Ops &#124; OXM ONLINE | last1 = McCaffrey | first1 = Ryan | date = November 9, 2010 | work = [[Future plc|Future Publishing Limited]] | publisher = [[Official Xbox Magazine]] | accessdate = June 6, 2011 }}</ref>
| OXMUK = 9/10<ref name = "oxmuk-review" >{{cite web | url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/23457/reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ | title = Call of Duty: Black Ops review | date = November 17, 2010 | work = [[Future plc|Future Publishing Limited]] | publisher = [[Official Xbox Magazine|Official Xbox Magazine UK]] | accessdate = June 6, 2011 }}</ref>
| PCGUK = 64/100<ref name = "pc-gamer-francis-review" >{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/| title = Call of Duty: Black Ops review| last1 = Francis | first1 = Tom | last2 = | first2 = | date = November 17, 2010 | work = [[Future plc|Future Publishing Limited]] |publisher = [[PC Gamer]] | accessdate = June 6, 2011 }}</ref>
| VG = 6/10<ref name="videogamer.com-gaston review"/>
| XPlay = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Heppe |first=Abbie |url=http://g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/63703/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops/review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review for Xbox 360 – G4tv |publisher=G4tv.com |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
<!-- Custom reviewers -->
| rev1 = ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="The Escapist- 2010-11-12">{{cite news | last = Pitts | first = Russ | title = Review: Call of Duty: Black Ops | date = November 12, 2010 | publisher = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/8317-Review-Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops | work = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | accessdate = September 22, 2011}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''
| rev2Score = 10/10<ref name="telegraph-cowen_review"/>
| rev3 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev3Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="guardian-stuart_review">{{cite news|last=Stuart|first=Keith|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/nov/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-review|title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – review|date=November 9, 2010|quote=Call of Duty: Black Ops ... the action ping-pongs between Cuba, Russia and Vietnam|work=The Guardian|accessdate=April 9, 2011}}</ref>
<!-- Awards -->
| award1Pub =
| award1 =
| award2Pub =
| award2 =
}}

''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' has received generally positive reviews from critics. [[GameSpot]] awarded it 9.0 out of ten and wrote "''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' bears the series' standard superbly, delivering an engrossing campaign and exciting competitive multiplayer."<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web | url = http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/callofduty7workingtitle/review.html?tag=topslot%3Bimg%3B1&page=2 | title = CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS Computer Games (Multi Platform) | accessdate = November 13, 2010 | last = Watters | first = Chris | date = November 10, 2010 | publisher = [[GameSpot]]}}</ref> [[Edge (magazine)|''Edge'' magazine]] was less positive, giving it a 7/10, writing that "As polished and pretty and fun as ''Black Ops'' often is, it feels more like a yearly update than a sequel [which] isn't distinct from its predecessors in any important way".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/call-of-duty-black-ops-review |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Review |publisher=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge magazine]] |date=November 12, 2010 |quote=''That’s clearly enough for millions of fans, but it makes it far from a must-have – you probably own the best bits already. As polished and pretty and fun as Black Ops often is, 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.'' |accessdate=November 13, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125040047/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/call-of-duty-black-ops-review |archivedate=November 25, 2010 }}</ref> Several reviewers also complained that the game felt too much like a [[rail shooter]], with ''[[PC Gamer]]'' branding it "barely interactive".<ref name="gamerant-little review">{{cite web|url=http://gamerant.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-reviews-riley-51902/|title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review|publisher=Game Rant|date=November 11, 2010|quote=''it becomes a little disappointing when you’re forced to sit there and watch scripted walkthroughs of story moments. Going to the Pentagon is something that should be pretty exciting, but it’s essentially a rail-shooter without the shooting.''|accessdate=November 27, 2010}}</ref><ref name="pcgamer1">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/11/17/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops PC review |publisher=[[PC Gamer]] |date=November 17, 2010 |accessdate=November 24, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liberation.fr/medias/06012723-silence-on-joue-isla-dorada-black-ops|title=Silence on joue! Isla Dorada, Black Ops...|work=Libération|date=November 12, 2010|quote=''I found that scripts were sometimes not well done, they were not always triggered at the right moment(...) For the 3 first hours of play, I had the impression I was in a rail shooter. Even Modern Warfare 2 did not go as far regarding linearity''|accessdate=November 27, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charge-shot.com/2010/11/call-of-duty-black-ops-review-seventh.html|title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review: Seventh Verse, Same As The Sixth|publisher=charge-shot.com|date=November 17, 2010|quote=''The only thing really separating the game from rail shooters like Time Crisis is the freedom to swivel your empty, purposeless virtual head(...)This is Call of Duty’s credo: love it or hate it, Activision’s money-maker shows no signs of taking risks, innovating or changing even slightly''|accessdate=November 27, 2010}}</ref>

Reviewers also noted that the PC version of the game was buggy and had "a number of frustrating problems", including a lag in multiplayer modes which for some players rendered the game almost "unplayable".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.destructoid.com/black-ops-pc-port-is-buggy-as-shit-186870.phtml | title=Black Ops PC port is buggy as shit | publisher=[[Destructoid]] | last=Sterling | first=Jim | date=November 10, 2010 | quote=''The biggest issue is lag and skipping, which I can testify to. The multiplayer, at the time of writing, is borderline unplayable, with severe lag and moments where the entire action will freeze for several seconds. I am yet to enter a game where there isn't lag, and the in-game chat isn't complaining about it.'' | accessdate=November 10, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.inquisitr.com/89926/call-of-duty-black-ops-multiplayer-unplayable-on-pc-says-internet/ | title=Call of Duty: Black Ops multiplayer "unplayable" on PC, says Internet | publisher=inquisitr.com | last=Greenhough | first=Chris | date=November 10, 2010 | quote=''According to many gamers, the online multiplayer mode is severely borked, rendered “unplayable” by lag'' | accessdate=November 10, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/tell_treyarch_about_your_black_ops_bugs.html | title=Tell Treyarch about your Black Ops bugs | publisher=[[VideoGamer.com]] | last= Orry | first=James | date=November 9, 2010 | quote=''Call of Duty: Black Ops is out and unsurprisingly players are encountering bugs which slipped through the giant Treyarch net.'' | accessdate=November 10, 2010}}</ref> Players have also reported serious bugs with the [[PlayStation 3]] version, including compatibility issues with [[3D television]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/call-of-duty-black-ops/news/ps3-players-report-serious-call-of-duty-black-ops-bugs-360-players-fine-so-far/a-20101110124235441095/g-20100430155441848063 | title=PS3 players report serious Call of Duty: Black Ops bugs, 360 players fine so far | publisher=[[GamesRadar]] | last=Raby | first=Mark | date=November 10, 2010 | quote=''reyarch's official forums are being lit up with serious complaints from PS3 gamers trying to play Call of Duty: Black Ops. Perhaps the most embarrassing is that the game is apparently freezing for players with 3D TVs, despite both the game and the PS3 being touted as the best 3D products available.'' | accessdate=November 10, 2010}}</ref> [[PC World (magazine)|PC World]] magazine noted that user reviews of the game were much less positive than those of critics.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/210293/call_of_duty_black_ops_pilloried_in_user_reviews.html | title=Call of Duty Black Ops Pilloried in User Reviews | publisher=[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]] | last=Peckham | first=Matt | date=November 10, 2010 | accessdate=November 11, 2010}}</ref> As of November 12, 2010, three days after the release, PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 versions of the game held average user ratings of 3.1, 3.1, and 1.8 stars on [[Amazon.com]], respectively (on a 1 to 5 scale),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/Call-Duty-Black-Ops-Pc/dp/B003JVF728|title=Call of Duty: Block Ops (PC edition) |work=Amazon.com }}</ref> with many PC users complaining about lag, stuttering and bugs.

In January 2011, to a player complaining about the remaining connection problems for the game on [[PlayStation 3]], an [[Activision]] customer service representative threatened that they could shut down the servers for the game for the PlayStation Network at any time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jasonkoblovsky.blogspot.com/2011/01/activision-threatens-to-pull-psn.html |title=Activision Threatens to Pull PSN Support |last=Koblovsky |first=Jason |date=January 16, 2011 |accessdate=January 20, 2011 |quote=''Well I have nothing else to offer and I too follow forums and have many friends who play and enjoy the game for all of its features. As an avid gamer, I would also disagree with any legalities involving a single aspect of a game as online experience may change at any time. The publishers have the right to shut down the servers for their game at any time as well which based on the number of reported posts from users may be a viable solution over the free PSN'' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122055423/http://jasonkoblovsky.blogspot.com/2011/01/activision-threatens-to-pull-psn.html |archivedate=January 22, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nofrag.com/2011/jan/19/36716/| title=Activision, Treyarch et Infinity Ward : malaise sur la PS3 | publisher=[[NoFrag]] | date=January 19, 2011 | accessdate=January 20, 2011| quote=''un joueur mécontent des multiples problèmes de connexion du jeu, qui rendent les parties difficiles, a eu une réponse inattendue d'Activision, qui a rappelé qu'ils pouvaient à tout moment fermer le mode multi sur PS3. Voilà qui n'est pas très encourageant...''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.jvn.com/jeux/articles/cod-black-ops-le-ton-monte-sur-ps3.html| title=CoD Black Ops : le ton monte sur PS3 | publisher=jvn.com | date=January 19, 2011 | accessdate=January 20, 2011}}</ref> After some days and following some game media heat,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/5737297/activision-can-take-its-black-ops-ball-and-go-home-you-know| title=Activision Can Take Its Black Ops And Go Home, You Know | publisher=Kotaku | date=January 18, 2011 | accessdate=January 20, 2011}}</ref> [[Dan Amrich]], Activision Social Media Manager, declared that even if they could kill the servers, they did not plan currently to do it.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107062-Activision-Confirms-it-Could-Kill-PS3-Black-Ops-Servers-But-Says-it-Wont| title=Activision Confirms it Could Kill PS3 Black Ops Servers, But Says it Won't | publisher=[[The Escapist (magazine)]] | date=January 19, 2011 | accessdate=January 20, 2011}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' praised Black Ops as a superb experience of gameplay, "the meaty kick of the guns, the blistering pace of the action and the sterling soundtrack of explosions, gunshots and whistling bullets all serve to quicken the player's pulse and tighten their grip on the controller",<ref name="telegraph-cowen_review">{{cite news|last=Cowen|first=Nick|date=November 9, 2010|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8110970/Call-Of-Duty-Black-Ops-video-game-review.html|title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops video game review|work=The Daily Telegraph|quote=With Call Of Duty: Black Ops, developer Treyarch has finally stepped out from Infinity Ward's shadow by producing one of the best games of this year.|accessdate=April 9, 2011|location=London}}</ref> and mentioned, it is beyond the overwhelming, chaotic action in the game's major gun battles, offers among other things, a stealthy infiltration of a substation in the snow-capped steppes, in which the slow down in action is compensated for by nail-shredding tension and creepy atmosphere.<ref name="telegraph-cowen_review"/>

''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' awarded the Wii version 90% and said "''Black Ops'' on Wii is a fantastic shooter packed with all the features of its HD brothers, with the only exception being split-screen multiplayer."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=21287 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112015534/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk:80/article.php?id=21287 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |title=Review: Call Of Duty Black Ops Wii review |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine |date=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 24, 2010}}</ref> Martin Gaston at [[videogamer.com]] gave the Wii version 6 out of 10, complaining of [[Treyarch]]'s reworking of in-game sequences as movies, poor AI, and gameplay problems from lower-resolution graphics.<ref name="videogamer.com-gaston review">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/wii/call_of_duty_black_ops/review.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review |publisher=videogamer.com |date=August 12, 2010 |accessdate=January 11, 2011}}</ref>

In February 2011, the Xbox 360 version was named the Xbox Live's top title of 2010 by GameSpot.<ref>{{cite web|title=Black Ops is Xbox Live's top game of 2010|url=http://asia.gamespot.com/news/6297430.html|accessdate=February 7, 2011}}</ref>

===Sales===
Within 24 hours of its release, ''Black Ops'' had sold a combined total of 5.6 million units in the U.S. and UK market, surpassing that of ''Modern Warfare 2'' and establishing a new record for largest entertainment launch.<ref>{{cite news|author=The Associated Press |url=http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/11/11/callofduty-video-record.html |title=CBC News – Technology & Science – Call of Duty breaks sales record |publisher=CBC |location=Canada |date=November 11, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref> Compared to the much anticipated opening of ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1]]'', the game earned more than twice as much as the film, earning $360&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Andy|publisher=Computer and Video Games|date=November 22, 2010|accessdate=November 22, 2010|title=Black Ops annihilates record Harry Potter weekend|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=277090}}</ref> Only five days after its release, sales from the game worldwide reached US$650&nbsp;million, surpassing the previous record achieved by ''Modern Warfare 2'' which earned $550&nbsp;million in five days.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|publisher=Social Tech|date=November 18, 2010|accessdate=November 22, 2010|title=Call of Duty Black Ops Sales Hit $650M|url=http://www.socaltech.com/call_of_duty_black_ops_sales_hit_6__m/s-0032376.html}}</ref> By November 22, the game remained the bestselling title in the United Kingdom, despite sales dropping by 85%.<ref>{{cite web|last=Funk|first=John|publisher=The Escapist|date=November 22, 2010|accessdate=November 22, 2010|title=CoD: Black Ops Sales Fall 85% in UK, Still Overwhelming|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/105524-CoD-Black-Ops-Sales-Fall-85-in-UK-Still-Overwhelming}}</ref> Some estimates had placed sales of the game as reaching 18&nbsp;million units sold, earning a revenue of $818&nbsp;million. This would fall about 2&nbsp;million copies and $182&nbsp;million short of ''Modern Warfare 2''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|publisher=Venture Beat|date=November 7, 2010|accessdate=November 22, 2010|title=Robbers steal 100 copies of Call of Duty Black Ops|url=http://venturebeat.com/2010/11/07/in-the-latest-indicator-of-a-popular-launch-robbers-steal-100-copies-of-call-of-duty-black-ops/}}</ref> By December 22, worldwide revenue of ''Black Ops'' exceeded $1&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Raman|first=Manikandan|publisher=[[International Business Times]]|date=December 22, 2010|accessdate=January 3, 2011|title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Sales Top $1 Bln|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/94558/20101222/activision-video-game-shooting-game-call-of-duty-black-ops-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-xbox-360-pl.htm}}</ref><ref name="1up.com-BlackOps-Sales">{{cite news | last = Quillen | first = Dustin | title = Call of Duty: Black Ops Reaches $1 Billion in Sales | date = December 21, 2010 | publisher = [[1up.com]] | url = http://www.1up.com/news/black-ops-reaches-1-billion-in-sales | archive-url = https://archive.is/20130116000201/http://www.1up.com/news/black-ops-reaches-1-billion-in-sales | dead-url = yes | archive-date = January 16, 2013 | work = [[Hearst Corporation]] | accessdate = March 16, 2011 | quote = Activision tells us all about the numbers for the latest Call of Duty.}}</ref> Sales remained strong months after the game's release, remaining at the top-seller list in February 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dudley|first=Brier|work=The Seattle Times|date=March 10, 2011|accessdate=March 20, 2011|title=NPD: Xbox kills it in February, "Black Ops" makes history|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2014459929_npd_xbox_kills_it_in_february.html}}</ref> On March 3, 2011 the news magazine [[The Hollywood Reporter]] also reported on the best selling video games ever. It announced that ''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' was the best-selling game ever in the United States of America.<ref name="the-hollywood-reporter-bond-paul 2011-03-10">{{cite news | last = Bond | first = Paul | title = 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' Is Best-Selling Video Game Ever in U.S. | date = March 10, 2011 | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/call-duty-black-ops-is-166625 | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | accessdate = May 21, 2011}}</ref> ''Black Ops'' was the best-selling game of all time in the UK until ''[[Grand Theft Auto V]]'' overtook it in November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-11-24-grand-theft-auto-5-now-uks-best-selling-game-ever|title=Grand Theft Auto 5 now UK's best-selling game ever|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=November 24, 2014|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|accessdate=November 24, 2014}}</ref> By November 2013, the game had sold 26.2 million copies.<ref name="ign-history">{{cite web|url=http://microsites.ign.com/call-of-duty-a-short-history/|title=Call of Duty: A Short History|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=November 2013|accessdate=February 23, 2014}}</ref>

===Controversy===
[[Cuba]] has condemned the release of the game as it has special forces trying but failing to kill a young [[Fidel Castro]], killing instead a body-double.<ref name="yahoo contro">{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/Cuba-denounces-virtual-Castro-apf-2373678391.html?x=0&.v=4 |title=Cuba denounces 'virtual' Castro plot in new game – Yahoo! Finance |accessdate=November 13, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113200931/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/Cuba-denounces-virtual-Castro-apf-2373678391.html?x=0&.v=4 |archivedate=November 13, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="G4tv.com contro">{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/708562/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Controversy-Cuba-Decries-Castro-Assassination-Scene.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Controversy: Cuba Decries Castro Assassination Scene |accessdate=November 13, 2010}}</ref> The website Cubadebate said the game "encourages sociopathic attitudes of American children and adolescents, the main consumers of these virtual games".<ref name="yahoo contro"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11731120 |title=Cuba says Castro video game tries to legitimise murder |work=BBC News|accessdate=November 13, 2010 |date=November 11, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Cuba Debate">{{cite web|url=http://www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2010/11/09/nueva-operacion-contra-cuba-eeuu-lanza-videojuego-cuyo-objetivo-es-asesinar-a-fidel/ |title=Nueva operación contra Cuba: EEUU lanza videojuego cuyo objetivo es asesinar a Fidel &#124; Cubadebate |publisher=Cubadebate.cu |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}</ref> Adam Biessener questioned events depicted in the single-player campaign stating that they push "the lines of good taste."<ref name="herald"/> Specifically noted was the scene depicting the torture of a restrained prisoner.<ref name="herald">{{cite web|last=Biessener |first=Adam |url=http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/11/10/1714083/game-review-for-call-of-duty-a.html |title=Bellingham Journal Review of Call of Duty: Black Ops |publisher=Bellinghamherald.com |date=November 10, 2010 |accessdate=November 16, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2013}}</ref>

==Mobile phone version==
''Black Ops'' was also released for both mobile phones and [[smartphone]]s.<ref name="intent-media-o'brien-2010-05-24">{{cite news | last = O'Brien | first = Stuart | title = Glu preps Call of Duty: Black Ops mobile game | date = May 24, 2010 | publisher = Mobile Entertainment | url = https://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/glu-preps-call-of-duty-black-ops-mobile-game | work = Intent Media | accessdate = June 9, 2011}}</ref> This version is a [[side-scrolling shooter]]. It features a different [[Plot (narrative)|storyline]], a different set of characters, and is set in the [[Vietnam War]] in 1967. The game was developed by [[Glu Mobile]] and published by [[Activision]].<ref name="intent-media-o'brien-2010-05-24" /><ref name="i4u-news-lugmayr-luigi-2011-01-01">{{cite news | last = Lugmayr | first = Manfred "Luigi" | title = Call of Duty Mobile Game coming from Glu Mobile in Q4 | date = May 20, 2010 | publisher = I4U News | url = http://www.i4u.com/35783/call-duty-mobile-game-coming-glu-mobile-q4 | work = I4U LLC | accessdate = June 9, 2011}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.callofduty.com/blackops/}}
*{{IMDb title|1632479}}

{{Call of Duty series}}
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