Summary
While some modernCall of Dutyentries have certainly had their moments, many series fans are always chasing that nostalgic feeling of classicCoD. Activision knows this all too well, which is why the last few entries have included a great deal of fan-service, ranging from the return of some classic modes and weapons to an onslaught of remastered maps. But while this is good in moderation, too much nostalgia often ends up ruining a new game’s sense of identity, andlast year’sCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3was the perfect example of that. The real key might actually be somethingCoDhas already experimented with before.
Back in 2016,Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfarewas remastered, and it received a good deal of praise across the board, albeit with criticism about its greedy release tactics. Exceptionally faithful, thisCall of Duty 4remasterhad all the bells and whistles of a modernCoD, but transposed onto the same 2007 campaign and maps that fans knew and loved. It’s honestly bizarre that Activision hasn’t released any more of these remasters, but if aCall of Duty: Black Opsremaster was to ever come out, it’d have a very niche obstacle to overcome.
A Call of Duty: Black Ops Remaster Would Have to Reinvent COD Points
The First Black Ops Revolved Around CoD Points
Back in 2007,Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfarepioneered the intuitive custom loadout system that’s since become a staple of the multiplayer shooter genre. This system was simple and accessible, but still had just enough complexity to keep it an engaging progression system. WhileWorld at WarandModern Warfare 2added to this custom loadout system,Call of Duty: Black Opstook a slightly more unique approach, not giving players attachments, weapons, and killstreaks in a linear sequence, but instead putting the player in control of what they unlock and when.
Call of Duty: Black Opsintroduced a system called “CoD Points.” A freein-game currency, CoD Pointswere awarded to the player whenever they finished a match, completed a Contract, and leveled up. These CoD Points could then be used by the player to unlock any attachment, killstreak, or perk in any order they saw fit. For instance, if a player wanted to get the Dual Mags attachment, they wouldn’t need to unlock a handful of other attachments before getting to it like in otherCoDgames, they could just purchase it straight away as long as they had enough CoD Points. Comsetics like calling cards were also purchased through this system.
One of the best things to come out ofBlack Ops' addition of CoD Points was the game’s Wager Matches. Functioning exactly how they sound,Call of Duty: Black Ops' Wager Matchessaw players compete in a series of party games in an attempt to win a large sum of CoD Points. These Wager Matches brought about some of the most beloved modes of all time, marking the debut of Sticks and Stones, One in the Chamber, and Gun Game, along with the lesser-known Sharpshooter.
COD Points Don’t Mean What They Used To
ModernCall of Dutyentries still have CoD Points, but now they’re the series' microtransactions, allowing players to use real-world cash to buy in-game cosmetics. This presents a bit of a unique issue if aCall of Duty: Black Ops 1remasterwas ever released. All ofCall of Duty: Black Ops' multiplayer component was based around CoD Points in their original form, and their removal in a remaster would feel like a major misstep to many fans.
But Activision has spent years marketing its modern version of CoD Points, and it wouldn’t want to refrain from putting them in aBlack Opsremaster, or renaming them for the sake of just one game. The only real solution would be to renameBlack Ops' free in-game currency so that COD Points could also be added. Not only is juggling two currencies difficult, but tweaking even the name of COD Points might also disappoint some old school fans.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
WHERE TO PLAY
The biggest first-person action series of all time and the follow-up to last year’s blockbuster Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare 2 returns withCall of Duty®: Black Ops.Call of Duty®: Black Opswill take you behind enemy lines as a member of an elite special forces unit engaging in covert warfare, classified operations, and explosive conflicts across the globe. With access to exclusive weaponry and equipment, your actions will tip the balance during the most dangerous time period mankind has ever known.
