Ok, I tried, I really did, to enjoy MW3. I have always been one of those people ready for the next challenge, the latest version. I was getting upset with some of the Youtube commentators for continuing to play BlOps with the new game out, wondering why they weren't playing the latest CoD, Black Ops was fun, but it was time to move on.
At first, MW3 was fun. The maps were fresh, they introduced some interesting new elements like Strike Packages... but the shine has definitely worn off. The same shenanigans that seem to infect all of Infinity Ward's offerings are present once more. I am finding it completely unplayable, and don't even enjoy it when I have matches where I am successful. The Pre-firing, inconsistency, and Lag Compensation has finally mae me give up on it. I play to have fun, and its just not fun anymore.
I have never really left Black Ops, albeit I have played mostly for Combat Training, which is still my favorite feature of the many innovations Treyarch put into this game. But I am back now, and until BlOps 2 comes out I don't see that changing. I may venture back to MW3 if my friends are insistent enough, and to check out whatever garbage maps they come out with next, but I am excited to be back in BlOps multi-player.
The more I think about Black Ops, I think it was by far the most innovative CoD title yet. Think about these innovations, and I am sure I will miss some:
- 3D- I put this first simply because its fresh in my mind. I didn't have a 3D TV at the time BlOps was released, but I got one after moving. I forgot as well that Black Ops had a 3D option until yesterday, when I saw it mentioned in a post. I turned it on last night, and was blown away. BlOps is a beautifully rendered game to begin with, and the 3D enhances that 10 fold. The depth of field is amazing, and the gun animation really makes you feel like you are holding the weapon. I had a little lag, not sure if it was a result of the 3D, but beyond that it was an incredible playing experience. If you get a chance, try it, it will give you a new appreciation for the artistry of the game.
- MAPS- The Black Ops maps are incredibly innovative. For the first time in the CoD series, they made it difficult for a Camper to linger too long in one spot. There are several avenues to explore, several strike points, and multiple routes to objectives. The Maps themselves are beautifully rendered and rife with interactive elements. I loved that the environment mattered in Black Ops. Rockets launching, targets flipping around when getting shot, duffle bags exploding with clothes when assaulted, and I even had a moment last night on Stadium where I noticed a stack of cups on the concession stand counter. Unlike MW3, where objects simply go flying if attacked, one shot to the stack of cups sent the cups flying in different directions, not as one solid stack. It was little details like this that make the experience more enjoyable, at least to this player. There are deadly elements in the maps beyond exploding barrels or cars the mangler in Radiation for example) and even a certain level of destructible environments which I hope they continue to expand upon in future titles.
- Weapons- Love the array and balance of the weapons and the level of customization. The various Camos and the ability to put your clan tag onto the weapons was a stroke of genius. I even enjoyed the Emblem editor in spite of the inevitable penis and swastika drawings from the community, as I was continually impressed by peoples' creativity.
- Game Types- Something for everyone. I play mostly hardcore, but I got into the Wager Matches and Barebones matches as well. The variety kept me from getting tired of playing.
- COMBAT TRAINING- I love love love this feature. It really gave me a chance to learn the maps, weapons, perks, and killstreaks. The bots weren't perfect, but they served the purpose quite well. The plus was that if I got too tired for, or just plain tired of playing in the Live Lobbies I could hop in there and have fun beasting on the dummies. I'd set up challenges for myself, and even game rules. I still do this when I don't feel like joining a lobby or nobody is on, always great fun.
I know there are many more things, and of course it has its faults as well (which I am sure have been explored in depth on these forums, which I am new to), so I won't go over those. But for me, the plus side far outweighs the negatives.
Looking forward to playing in Black Ops again, and am more excited now than ever for news on this years release. I hope they continue to improve on this model and veer away from the IW formula of "more of the same".