Call of Duty “Black Ops”: Treyarch’s Transition

Treyarch the “other” Call of Duty studio hasn’t been given the respect they deserve. Not even close. Sure Infinity Ward is bar none one of the best studios in the world because of what they were able to do with their creation. So how could Treyarch really compete if they are following someone else’s creation? You can’t, not when that team sets standards. But, what most don’t know is that  Treyarch is in fact good a good team of developers. Creating a competitive spirit within Activision on which team could make a better title is something that couldn’t be helped. What stood in Treyarch’s way is some lackluster titles they have made outside of the Call of Duty franchise which  tainted their credibility.  Well with all the hoopla of Infinity Ward being given the corporate shakedown it is now firmly in the hands of Treyarch to take “Call of Duty” Black Ops to the next level. Have they? In a word…Yes.

Remember this term, and know it well because it’s changes everything about performances by actors in games. “Full Performance Capture”. This a method of shooting actors with sensors on their body for 3d, special effects, and green/blue screen filming. The technology was best exemplified in “Avatar” by James Cameron. Bringing his movie to life with acting performance that saved a so-so script from being too cliche. Treyarch went out, and got the tech putting it to use immediately. From the first sequence of our tour guide firing up the game you knew this was a different Call of Duty. Much more vibrant with lighting on the environment, much more distance to the horizon, and scale that topples past titles in the series. Graphically the game is stunning. What we saw clearly was the game running on the Xbox 360.  The game we were shown was well into development, and you can see that Treyarch is in a polishing phase with the game. We were told that the PS3 version will be identical. Opening up on a jungle river, you are treated to a serene but messy starting point. Having to get into a helicopter with a dead pilot to push over. You are thrust head first into the game. The tension in the voices of the actors let’s you know there’s no time to mourn, and figure out what’s going on. You have to get up in the air, and to your destination like now. The helicopter ride is not on rails, so it’s all you in that sandbox following directions shooting down enemies both airborn, and land based. It’s instant gratification. I was fucking jealous not having that damn controller in my hand. It was excruciating watching the game being played with a controller just inches away from me…Grrrrrr

Where Treyarch has turned the corner from a game play perspective is how immersed, and cinematic Call of Duty “Black Ops” is as opposed to what Modern Warfare 2 was.  That later game for many gamers brought on franchise fatigue. For some strange reason that isn’t the case with Call of Duty “Black Ops”.  I’ve tried putting my finger on it, and I believe its the way marketing for the title has rolled out. We know it’s coming, but because it’s Treyarch people are not expecting as much. After seeing the game I now believe that is an absolute great thing for Activision to have for the franchise right now.  Call of Duty “Black Ops” is taking some of the moments from Modern Warfare 2 game by Infinity Ward to a new level.  Not so much in flash, but in concrete game play you can dig your teeth into.  There’s a visceral immediacy to the game play that is much more pronounced, you get it right away from the level design. Making enemy encounters very dramatic. You’ll be fully engaged from the start screen. It tips the balance in Treyarch’s favor to have gamers who are on the fence to feel like they are missing out. It will happen for those who have little to no faith that they have one of the best games in the franchise yet.  With many gamers having viewed the recent multiplayer trailer release a wait, and see attitude has taking over which is rightfully smart. I’ll have more in the upcoming months on Call of Duty “Black Ops”…Stay tuned.