Better, but not perfect.
Graphics-89/Sound-90/Controls-88/Blast Force-83/Overall=88
I must say the graphics take a hit in this one but are still quite good, but it's the audio that make it great from a presentation standpoint. Dialogue and weapon effects are quite impressive. I haven't messed with the solo mode so much but Black Ops zombies is so-so with the best already behind it (get your hardened/prestige editions kiddies). W/O those original maps, the mode loses it's appeal really fast! Of course combat training is an amazing addition, and certain offline modes allow you to fiddle around with pro perks right off the bat! Unfortunately, online is riddled with bugs. Not hacks, just terrible host selection/migration, unstable server connections, and other quirks regarding the clan tags and playercards. I don't think the customization was well utilized here, and the pro perks are kind of mundane. In a way, they're harder to aquire, and worse, many aren't worth the trouble, such as Hardened, Flack Jacket, and even Steady Aim Pro, just for the simple fact that they aren't much more powerful than the standard variants. Why would I go through a half-dozen plus runs of Nuketown/Demolition/Search & Destroy just to be able to absorb infinite Flammenwerfer (ha, you can tell what I like!) damage with my pro armor, when I can still resist RC-XD's, Grenades, RPG's, and yes, full immunity to 1 (one) enemy claymore (2'll get ya, though! :p)? I thought so, and the difference is a measly 6000XP, and 3000 point cost for upgrade! I'll tell you I'm 3rd prestige, so I've seen much horror and triumph on the global battlefield, and when the connection is stable this game is very, very balanced! As stated before, there are work-arounds (counters) to almost everything, like the lethal claymore (flack jacket/hacker), the SEMI-AUTOMATIC SPAS WITH SUPPRESSOR, and even dogs can be shot fairly easily (have I even died three times???) Just get your Ghost up because when they GET TO THA CHOPPA!, it could be the only thing to save your hide!Read full review
