Call of Duty: Black Ops

This annual update to America’s favorite murder simulator presents many enemies to the player: Tropas in Cuba, Vietcongs in Vietnam and Russians in the Arctic. But Treyarch, who previously developed Call of Duty: World at War, remain the greatest enemy of all. After playing through a campaign filled with unreliable team AI, getting stuck due to misdirection and facing endless swarms of Vietnamese troops that don’t stop until you perform a non-indicated action, it will be Treyarch’s name that you curse above all others.

Most of the 5.6 million copies sold on the game’s release date were likely purchased for multiplayer: Treyach’s strength. This entry's new features and maps are welcome additions to one of the best online shooters available. The perks and personalization of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 are faithfully implemented along with a new leveling system that lets players earn points from matches that can be spent on new gear and perks. These points can also be gambled in new game types, including one where players start with only a knife and a pistol with one bullet. Zombie mode from World at War also returns with minor improvements.

The single-player is where the game falls short. It’s the most ambitious campaign yet, packed full of set piece moments every five minutes. Some players will get a thrill out of the rollercoaster pacing and constant interruptions, but I personally found these scenarios – along with sawing through the necks of unaware Vietnamese soldiers while a squad mate cheers, “Never gets old” – to be a trying attempt at creating shock value where a better designed series once stood. The good news is that most of what you like about the series remains. The bad news is that you probably own those parts already.