Call of Duty: Black Ops was released back in 2010 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. Black Ops 2 was released in 2012. These games were only for these systems but last July, both Black Ops 1 and 2 were ported for the PlayStation 4 and 5. Why is that relevant? That’s because these two ports sold over 11 MILLION COPIES combined in the past two months. That is impressive even for a COD title, especially older titles, so let’s get down to the details.
What’s the difference in the ports?
There really isn’t any difference between the graphics. This isn’t a remaster or a remake, but its just a port. Keep in mind, on the PC, this game is still available on STEAM. The same versions that came out in 2010 and 2012. The reason they probably ported the games is that the PS3 has long been on its deathbed.
So the PS4 and PS5 have to continue where the PS3 left off. That move paid off because, as we already stated, these two games sold a combined amount of over 11 million copies. Whether you like COD or not, its no surprise that the series is still going strong today. There is a fanbase for this, and these games are over a decade old, and the interest is still there.
Was this a good port?
In terms of functionality, it was good. The game works well enough on PS4 and PS5. Most fans think that it’s a cheap cashgrab. Speaking of cheap, the games cost less than a full-price game. Some people think they should have added some graphical updates and new content. Regardless, a vast majority seemed to like it, and the sales are not a lie.
Why are these games so loved and successful?
Multiplayer was a major reason both games were successful. Call of Duty had already established itself as one of the biggest multiplayer shooter franchises, but Black Ops and Black Ops II provided players with a large amount of content to keep them playing. This is more than just a single player FPS campaign, which was also good.
The games offered a wide variety of weapons, maps, killstreaks, perks, challenges, and progression systems. Players could continuously unlock new equipment and improve their rank, giving them reasons to keep returning even after completing the campaign.
Black Ops II also introduced the Pick 10 class system. Instead of simply selecting from a predetermined collection of equipment, players had more freedom to build their own classes. This created more variety and allowed players to develop different strategies. COD is big today because of the easy-to-get-into multiplayer game modes.
Zombies
The Zombies mode was another huge factor in the success of both games. The original Black Ops continued and expanded the Zombies mode that had become popular after its introduction in World at War. Players could cooperate with friends while fighting increasingly difficult waves of zombies. The mode also contained hidden story elements, Easter eggs, unusual weapons, and complicated objectives.
This gave dedicated players something much deeper to explore than simply surviving as many rounds as possible. Black Ops II expanded Zombies considerably with maps and different gameplay experiences. Its Zombies mode became one of the most recognizable parts of the Call of Duty franchise.