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{{Infobox video game
| title = Call of Duty: Black Ops
| image = CoD Black Ops cover.png
| developer = [[Treyarch]]{{efn|Ported to Nintendo DS by [[n-Space]], and to OS X by [[Aspyr]]<ref name="DSpreviewKotaku">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/hands-cramping-on-with-call-of-duty-black-ops-ds-5622482 |title=Hands Cramping On with Call of Duty: Black Ops DS |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=August 26, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=August 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924164453/http://kotaku.com/5622482/hands-cramping-on-with-call-of-duty-black-ops-ds |archive-date=September 24, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DS">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/110/1108711p1.html |title=Bringing Black Ops to the Handheld |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=July 27, 2010 |publisher=IGN |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730095232/http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/110/1108711p1.html |archive-date=July 30, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="osx">{{cite web |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Call-Duty-Black-Ops-Finally-Coming-Mac-44084.html |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Finally Coming To Mac |last=Haas |first=Pete |date=June 28, 2012|access-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630123622/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Call-Duty-Black-Ops-Finally-Coming-Mac-44084.html|archive-date=June 30, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| publisher = [[Activision]]
| director = {{ubl|Dave Anthony|Corky Lehmkuhl}}
| producer = Pat Dwyer
| designer = {{ubl|[[David Vonderhaar]]|Jimmy Zielinski}}
| artist = Colin Whitney
| writer = {{Unbulleted list|Craig Houston|Dave Anthony|}}<!-- David S. Goyer did not write the story, he was only a story consultant. -->
| composer = [[Sean Murray (composer)|Sean Murray]]
| series = ''[[Call of Duty]]''
| engine = [[IW (game engine)|IW 3.0]] (modified)
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Windows]]|[[Nintendo DS]]||[[Wii]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[OS X]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|November 9, 2010}}|'''PS3''', '''Win''', '''DS''', '''Wii''', '''X360'''|November 9, 2010|'''OS X'''|September 27, 2012}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Call of Duty: Black Ops''''' is a 2010 [[first-person shooter game]] developed by [[Treyarch]] and published by [[Activision]]. It was released worldwide in November 2010 for [[Microsoft Windows]], the [[PlayStation 3]], [[Wii]], and [[Xbox 360]], with a separate version for [[Nintendo DS]] developed by [[n-Space]]. [[Aspyr]] later ported the game to [[OS X]] in September 2012. It is the seventh title in the ''[[Call of Duty]]'' series and a sequel to ''[[Call of Duty: World at War]]''.

Set in the 1960s during the [[Cold War]], the game's single-player campaign follows [[CIA]] operative Alex Mason as he attempts to recall specific memories to locate a [[numbers station]] set to instruct [[Soviet]] [[sleeper agents]] to deploy chemical weapons across the United States. Locations featured in the game include Cuba, the [[Soviet Union]], the United States, [[South Vietnam]], Hong Kong, Canada, and Laos. The multiplayer component of ''Black Ops'' features multiple objective-based game modes that are playable on 14 different maps included with the game. Improvements to loadout options and 
[[wikt:killstreak|killstreak]] rewards are made. A form of virtual currency, COD Points, allows players to purchase weapons and customization options for their in-game character, as well as attachments and customization options for their weapon.

Development for the game began in 2010. Whereas Treyarch worked on both ''World at War'' and the [[007: Quantum of Solace|tie-in video game]] for the [[James Bond]] film ''[[Quantum of Solace]]'' simultaneously, they focused specifically on ''Black Ops'' during this development cycle. Different teams within Treyarch focused on a certain game mode. ''Black Ops'' runs an enhanced version of the [[IW engine|IW 3.0]] engine used in ''World at War''. The improvements made allowed for bigger campaign levels to be made as well as enhanced lighting. Music was composed by [[Sean Murray (composer)|Sean Murray]], with licensed music by [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Creedence Clearwater Revival]], and [[Eminem]] appearing in the game. [[Avenged Sevenfold]] also recorded an [[Not Ready to Die|original song]] for the game as well. The marketing of the game began in April 2010.

The game received positive reviews from critics with praise for its story, voice-acting, darker tone and multiplayer modes, although some criticized it for its linear gameplay and technical issues. It is retrospectively considered one of the series' best games. Among other awards and nominations, ''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' was nominated for [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] by numerous media outlets and award shows, including the [[Interactive Achievement Awards]], [[British Academy Games Awards]], and [[Spike Video Game Awards]]. Within 24 hours of going on sale, the game had sold more than 5.6&nbsp;million copies, breaking the record set by its predecessor ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2|Modern Warfare 2]]'' by some 2.3&nbsp;million copies. The game had sold over 25 million copies worldwide, making it, at the time, the best selling game of all time in the United States,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2011/03/11/call-of-duty-black-ops-now-the-best-selling-video-game-of-all-time/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Now the Best Selling Video Game of All Time in US |first=Paul |last=Tassi |website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-top-us-game-of-all-time-xbox-360-sells-535000-in-feb-npd/1100-6303325/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops top US game of all time, Xbox 360 sells 535,000 in Feb. – NPD}}</ref> and it remains one of the [[List of best-selling video games|best-selling games]] of all time. A sequel, ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops II]]'', was released in 2012. ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War]]'', set between ''Black Ops'' and ''Black Ops II'', was released in 2020.<ref>{{Citation |title=Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War First Preview: Mason Returns in Black Ops 1 Sequel – IGN |date=August 26, 2020 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-cold-war-first-preview-mason-returns-in-black-ops-1-sequel |language=en|access-date=2020-08-26|archive-date=August 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826181120/https://www.ign.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-cold-war-first-preview-mason-returns-in-black-ops-1-sequel|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Onder |first=Cade |date=August 26, 2020 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War trailer reveals return of Woods |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/call-of-duty-black-ops-cold-war-trailer/|access-date=2020-08-26 |website=GameZone |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
''Black Ops'' is a [[first-person shooter]], retaining the same gameplay mechanics as previous ''[[Call of Duty]]'' titles. The player assumes the role of a [[Infantry|foot soldier]] who can wield various firearms (only two of which can be carried at once), throw [[Hand grenade|grenades]] and other explosives, and use other equipment as weapons. A player close enough to an enemy can kill with one knife blow. A character can take three stances: standing, crouching, or prone. Each affects the rate of movement, accuracy, and stealth. The player can drop to the prone stance from the standing stance while running (colloquially known as "dolphin diving"), and can momentarily sprint before stopping.

The screen glows red to indicate damage to a player's health, which regenerates over time. When the character is within the [[blast radius]] of a live grenade, an on-screen marker indicates where it is in relation to the player, helping the player to move away or to throw it back. Among the weapons new to the series in ''Black Ops'' are [[crossbow]]s that shoot typical bolts or explosive ammunition, a  kind of shotgun that fires [[Dragon's breath (ammunition)|Dragon's Breath]] rounds and [[Ballistic knife|ballistic knives]].

[[File:COD Dragon Breath.jpg|thumb|right|A screenshot of Alex Mason firing a [[Dragon's breath (ammunition)|Dragon's Breath]] round from a [[SPAS-12]] shotgun]]

The player assumes the role of various characters during the single-player campaign, changing perspectives throughout the story. The playable characters are covert operatives conducting [[Covert operations#black operation|black operations]] behind enemy lines. Each mission features a series of objectives that are displayed on the [[HUD (video gaming)|heads-up display]], which marks the direction and distance towards and from such objectives as it has been in the earlier versions. The player is accompanied by friendly troops throughout the game. Although the game is primarily a first-person shooter, certain levels feature sequences where the player pilots a [[Mil Mi-24|Hind helicopter]] and guides friendly troops from a [[SR-71 Blackbird]] reconnaissance aircraft.<ref name="firstimpression">{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/05/first-impressions-call-of-duty-black-ops/1 |title=First impressions: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' |last=Molina |first=Brett |date=May 10, 2010 |work=USA Today |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524145702/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/05/first-impressions-call-of-duty-black-ops/1 |archive-date=May 24, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="OXM0610">{{cite magazine |last1=McCaffrey |first1=Ryan |last2=King |first2=Ryan |name-list-style=amp |title=Call Of Duty Black Ops Review |date=June 2010 |magazine=Xbox 360 the Official Xbox Magazine |issue=60}}</ref><ref name="G4TV">{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/videos/46129/Pre-E3-2010-Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Developer-Interview/ |title=Pre-E3 2010: Call of Duty: Black Ops Developer Interview |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]] |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806164347/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/46129/Pre-E3-2010-Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Developer-Interview/ |archive-date=August 6, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition, the campaign features several [[Scripted sequence|scripted]] cinematic moments.

===Multiplayer===
[[File:CoDBOMultiCustomizedWeapon.png|thumb|left|Players can customize their weaponry in the game, as seen with this customized [[FAMAS]].]]

The online multiplayer gameplay of ''Black Ops'' consists of one of several styles of team-based action, depending on the chosen game mode. For example, in Team Deathmatch the team with the most kills wins, while in [[wikt:capture the flag|Capture the flag]], players take the other team's flag and return it to their base. Additionally, there is Free For All in which players are not separated into teams. Not including downloadable maps released after the game´s launch, there are 14 different maps.

''Black Ops'' retains the [[experience point]]s and unlockable reward system that has been kept since ''Call of Duty 4''. The multiplayer focuses on socialization and customization. "Create-a-Class 2.0" allows enhanced personalization with appearance items as well as upgradable perks;<ref name="OXM0610"/> weapons are extensively customizable with writing, emblems, attachments, and camouflage painting. Even [[reticle]]s can be modified.

Weapons can be personalized with a number of attachments, allowing for extensive customization; for example, the player can choose between a red dot sight or a reflex sight, both of which share many of the same traits, although the red dot fills up less of the screen (something desired by many players). Character models depend on the first tier perk instead of the weapon's type. Furthermore, face paints can be unlocked.<ref name="InsideXbox">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G94SolEtpnc |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Multiplayer Overview |date=September 2, 2010 |publisher=[[Xbox Live]] |access-date=September 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907215734/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G94SolEtpnc |archive-date=September 7, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> New custom killstreak rewards include explosive [[radio-controlled car|R/C car]]s, guided missiles, and controllable attack helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/videos/48464/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Character-Customization-Commentary- |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Character Customization Commentary |date=September 2, 2010 |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] |access-date=September 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627225324/http://g4tv.com/videos/48464/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Character-Customization-Commentary- |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A currency system has been implemented allowing players to buy weapons, as well as cosmetics, accessories and clothes. Players can gamble with their "COD Points" in a [[Deathmatch (gaming)|free-for-all]] based playlist called "Wager Match", which is composed of four game modes.<ref>{{cite magazine |year=2010 |title=Call Of Duty Black Ops Review |magazine=ShortList |pages=40–41 |url=http://magazine.shortlist.com/1I4c7e2b071e0ba012.cde|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903191643/http://magazine.shortlist.com/1I4c7e2b071e0ba012.cde|archive-date=September 3, 2010}}</ref> Time-limited objectives known as "Contracts" can be purchased to gain more currency and experience points.<ref name="InsideXbox"/> The progression system is not featured in the local [[Split screen (computer graphics)|split-screen]] multiplayer. In the local split-screen play, all character customization options are already unlocked. Players can no longer define game rules such as win conditions.

Players can play alone or with friends against AI opponents in "Combat Training" with a separate progression system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onpause.org/2010/09/call-of-duty-back-ops-to-have-combat.html |title=Call of Duty Back Ops to have Combat Training Mode |date=September 1, 2010 |publisher=onPause |access-date=September 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905165745/http://www.onpause.org/2010/09/call-of-duty-back-ops-to-have-combat.html |archive-date=September 5, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Online split-screen is re-introduced on Xbox 360 and PS3. The guest account can rank up but is reset after each sign out. Only on Xbox 360, a second Gold Xbox Live account can be used to keep the second player's progression.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.callofduty.com/intel/407 |title=Little-Known Black Ops Facts! |last=Olin |first=Josh |date=October 27, 2010 |publisher=[[Treyarch]] |access-date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403064102/https://www.callofduty.com/intel/407 |archive-date=April 3, 2015}}</ref> Aside from the Combat Training mode, Xbox users can also have up to four players in split-screen mode play against AI opponents even without having an Xbox Live account. This is done by configuring the Local Split Screen settings and setting the number of enemies to a value greater than zero.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://how.best-free-information.com/2010/12/how-to-play-black-ops-4-player-split-screen-against-bots-xbox-360/ |title=How to Play Black Ops 4-Player vs. Bots |access-date=September 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113045104/http://how.best-free-information.com/2010/12/how-to-play-black-ops-4-player-split-screen-against-bots-xbox-360/ |archive-date=November 13, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

For the first time in the series, clips from online gameplay can be recorded. Some specific features that have been removed from the PC version of [[Infinity Ward]]'s ''Modern Warfare 2'' return, such as the ability to lean around corners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cod7blackops.com/?10-cod7-hands-on-summary/ |title=COD7 Hands-On Summary |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=The Video Game Tester |access-date=May 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601114819/http://www.cod7blackops.com/?10-cod7-hands-on-summary%2F |archive-date=June 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> mod tools, the developer console,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/call-of-duty-treyarch-project/1114514p1.html |title=Treyarch Confirms Mod Tools for Call of Duty: Black Ops |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=August 19, 2010 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=August 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821234919/http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/call-of-duty-treyarch-project/1114514p1.html |archive-date=August 21, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Game server#Dedicated game server|dedicated servers]].<ref name="dedicated servers">{{cite web |url=http://www.thevideogametester.org/73/black-ops-to-have-dedicated-servers |title=Black Ops to have Dedicated Servers |date=May 14, 2010 |publisher=cod7blackops.com/ |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501172525/http://www.thevideogametester.org/73/black-ops-to-have-dedicated-servers |archive-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> Dedicated servers are exclusively provided by Game Servers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/111/1119736p1.html |title=Black Ops Dedicated Servers Come With a Catch |date=September 10, 2010 |last=Reilly |first=Jim |publisher=IGN |access-date=September 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913230230/http://pc.ign.com/articles/111/1119736p1.html |archive-date=September 13, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Steam (service)|Steam]] is the exclusive platform for ''Black Ops'' on PC, and the game is protected by [[Valve Anti-Cheat]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.cheatcodes.com/2011/02/27/cheating-on-black-ops/ |title=Cheating on Black Ops |date=February 27, 2011 |publisher=CheatCodes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303074656/http://blog.cheatcodes.com/2011/02/27/cheating-on-black-ops/ |archive-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref>

The Wii version of the game includes in-game voice chat. This is the first ''Call of Duty'' title to include the voice chat feature for the Wii. Nintendo and PDP have partnered to release the first headset to be used with the Wii known as PDP's Headbanger Headset.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/Performance-Designed-Products-bw-399792626.html?x=0 |title=Performance Designed Products to Release Limited Edition Headbanger Headset for Call of Duty: Black Ops on Wii |date=October 12, 2010 |publisher=[[Business Wire]] |access-date=October 19, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2013}}</ref>

===Zombies===
{{Redirect|Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies|the mobile video game|Call of Duty: Black Ops – Zombies}}
{{See also|Zombies (Call of Duty mode)}}

A [[zombie (fictional)|zombie-themed]]  survival co-op mode, titled "Zombies", can be played with four players online or as a two-player split screen co-op mode. Originally featured in ''World at War'', it was revamped to be included in ''Black Ops'' and future titles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=512262 |title=Call of Duty(R): Black Ops Co-Op to Include Zombies |date=September 29, 2010 |publisher=[[Activision]] |access-date=October 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002204611/http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=512262 |archive-date=October 2, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Zombies mode takes place over various eras of time, mainly during the final year of World War II and the 1960s. The story mostly follows a crew of four soldiers: "Tank" Dempsey of the United States Marine Corps, Nikolai Belinski of the Red Army, Takeo Masaki of the Imperial Japanese Army, and Doctor Edward Richtofen of the Wehrmacht.

In this mode, one to four players fight an unlimited number of waves of [[zombie]]s, beginning with an [[M1911 pistol|M1911]] [[Handgun|pistol]] as their only weapon. Players earn points for killing zombies or repairing barricades in boarded-up windows, which are used to expand areas of the map, access stronger weapons, or upgrade existing weapons. Zombies routinely break the windows to enter and attack the players; if a player is attacked enough times, they fall and will need to be "revived" by another player in a certain time, or will respawn in the next round with their weapon progress reverted if they are not revived. The game ends when all players are damaged enough to fall. The base game features three maps, "Five", "Kino Der Toten", and the unlockable "Dead Ops Arcade".

Dead Ops Arcade is an unlockable game mode that the player can unlock by typing "DOA" within the data terminal of the main menu.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Treyarch Staff |title=Dead Ops Arcade is Back! |url=https://www.callofduty.com/blog/page?id=Dead_Ops_Arcade_is_Back&src=treyarch |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=www.callofduty.com |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119184425/https://www.callofduty.com/blog/page?id=Dead_Ops_Arcade_is_Back&src=treyarch |url-status=dead}}</ref> Once unlocked, the player can start a game of a retro, [[wikt:twin-stick|twin-stick shooter]]-styled arcade version of the main Zombies game mode. New elements like extra lives, unique mini maps, and zombie bosses are present within the game mode. Dead Ops Arcade includes co-op playthrough through either [[Xbox network|Xbox Live]] or split screen of up to four players.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jacques |first1=James |title=Zombies Confirmed for 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' |url=https://gamerant.com/zombies-confirmed-black-ops/ |website=Game Rant |access-date=May 18, 2023 |language=English |date=September 29, 2010}}</ref>

==Synopsis==
===Campaign===
[[File:Cod black ops characters.png|thumb|From left to right: Alex Mason, Jason Hudson, and [[Robert McNamara]] ([[Robert Picardo]])]]

In April 1961, [[CIA]] operatives Alex Mason ([[Sam Worthington]]), Frank Woods (James C. Burns), and Joseph Bowman ([[Ice Cube]]) join [[Operation 40]], to assist [[Cuban exiles]] during the [[Bay of Pigs invasion]] and assassinate [[Fidel Castro]]. Mason kills Fidel Castro's body double and is forced to stay behind so Woods and Bowman can escape before being captured by Cuban forces. The real Castro hands Mason over to [[Soviet Army]] Major General Nikita Dragovich (Eamon Hunt). Imprisoned in the brutal gulag [[Vorkuta]], Mason befriends ex-[[Red Army]] soldier Viktor Reznov ([[Gary Oldman]]), who recounts his origin backstory with Dragovich, Colonel Lev Kravchenko ([[Andrew Divoff]]), and ex-[[Nazi]] scientist Friedrich Steiner (Mark Bramhall). In October 1945, Reznov and his comrade Dimitri Petrenko recover Steiner and his chemical weapon "Nova 6" from a Nazi outpost on [[Baffin Island]] under Dragovich and Kravchenko's orders. However, Dragovich betrays them, wishing to see the effects of Nova 6. Reznov watches Dimitri die horrifically, only to escape when [[British Commandos]], interested in acquiring Nova 6, assault their position. Reznov personally destroys the weapon, but is captured and sent to Vorkuta.

In October 1963, Mason and Reznov spark an [[Vorkuta uprising|uprising]], but Reznov stays behind, allowing Mason to escape. In November, Mason returns to the U.S., and is debriefed by his handler, Jason Hudson ([[Ed Harris]]), and attends a meeting at [[the Pentagon]], where U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy]] (Chriss Anglin) orders Mason to assassinate Dragovich; Mason is plagued by anxiety and murderous visions during the meeting. Mason's team is deployed to [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]], where they rescue fellow operative Grigori Weaver ([[Gene Farber]]). Afterward, they destroy the [[Soyuz spacecraft]] and eliminate scientists working for the [[Operation Osoaviakhim|Ascension group]]. Mason seemingly killed Dragovich in a car explosion; however, he doubts his presumed death and spends the next five years tracking him down.

In January 1968, Mason's team is deployed to [[Vietnam]] as part of [[MACV-SOG]]. After defending [[Battle of Khe Sanh|Khe Sanh]] from a [[North Vietnamese Army|North Vietnamese]] assault, the team infiltrates [[Battle of Huế|Hue City]] in February, during the [[Tet Offensive]], to extract a Soviet defector, revealed to be Reznov. After confirming Kravchenko's presence in the Vietnamese jungle, the team infiltrates [[Laos]] to recover a shipment of Nova 6 from a downed Soviet plane, but is captured by [[Viet Cong]] and [[Spetznaz]] forces led by Dragovich at the crash site. Bowman is executed during a forced game of [[Russian roulette]], but Mason and Woods escape and pilot a [[Mi-24 Hind]] to Kravchenko's base, reuniting with Reznov. Woods stabs Kravchenko, but he primes grenades on his belt, forcing Woods to push them both out a window; the two are presumed dead.

Meanwhile, Hudson and Weaver interrogate Daniel Clarke (Gary Oldman), a British scientist who helped the Soviets recreate Nova 6, in [[Kowloon Walled City]]. Clarke reveals the location of Dragovich's facility on [[Mount Yamantau]], before being killed by Dragovich's men. Hudson and Weaver infiltrate and destroy the facility, but not before receiving a transmission from Steiner, requesting them to extract him from [[Rebirth Island]] in the [[Aral Sea]], as he suspects Dragovich will silence him. Mason and Reznov also head to Rebirth Island, assassinating Steiner just as Hudson and Weaver arrive. Although Mason supposedly witnessed Reznov executing Steiner, Hudson and Weaver saw Mason committing the act while calling himself Reznov. With Steiner dead, Mason is the only one who can decode the location of Dragovich's [[numbers station]]. Hudson and Weaver subdue Mason and bring him in for interrogation.

Hudson explains that Dragovich has [[sleeper cells]] who will deploy Nova 6 across America, following a series of numbers broadcast from his station. Dragovich [[Brainwashing|brainwashed]] Mason in Vorkuta to assassinate Kennedy, but Reznov reprogrammed him to kill Dragovich, Kravchenko, and Steiner as revenge. In reality, Reznov died during the breakout, and Mason's visions of him are hallucinations caused by the brainwashing, developing [[multiple personality disorder|his identity]]. Mason remembers that the station's location is a ship called the ''Rusalka'' in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. After Mason, Hudson, and Weaver lead an assault on the ship, the former two infiltrate Dragovich's underwater submarine base directly below on the seabed. Mason shuts down the numbers broadcast and kills Dragovich, before he and Hudson escape back to the surface, with Weaver declaring victory. In the aftermath, footage from [[assassination of John F. Kennedy|Kennedy's assassination]] shows Mason was present at [[Dallas Love Field]], suggesting that Mason may have carried out his initial programming.

===Zombies===
{{Episode table |background = #B60000 |overall = |title =  |airdate = |dontclose = y}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| Title = Kino der Toten
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|11|9}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = Following their battle against the zombie horde in the Der Riese weapons factory,{{efn|As depicted in ''[[Call of Duty: World at War]]'' (2008)}} the crew – Doctor Edward Richtofen ([[Nolan North]]), "Tank" Dempsey ([[Steve Blum]]), Nikolai Belinski ([[Fred Tatasciore]]), and Takeo Masaki ([[Tom Kane]]) — overloads the teleporter and travels forward in time to an abandoned Nazi movie theatre in 1960s [[Berlin]], where the German research organization Group 935 set up a secret facility. The crew continues their battle against the undead while exploring the secrets of the theatre.
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| Title = Five
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|11|9}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = In the aftermath of the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]], President [[John F. Kennedy]] ([[Jim Meskimen]]) holds a meeting in [[the Pentagon]] with [[Robert McNamara]] ([[Robert Picardo]]), [[Fidel Castro]] (Marlon Correa), and [[Richard Nixon]] ([[Dave Mallow]]) to conduct negotiations. A zombie outbreak occurs in the Pentagon, forcing the four political figures to take up arms and defend themselves.
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 3
| Title = Ascension
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|02|01}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = Using a lunar lander, the crew travels to a Soviet Cosmodrome, where a second zombie outbreak occurs simultaneously with the one in the Pentagon. There,  the crew encounters the scientist Doctor Gersh (Nolan North), who is stuck in an ethereal form. Listening to his instructions, the crew helps free Gersh from the grasps of Samantha Maxis ([[Julie Nathanson]]), a young girl who gained powers over the undead horde and is actively hunting Richtofen and his associates.
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 4
| Title = Call of the Dead
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|05|03}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = In the modern day, director [[George A. Romero]] is producing the film ''Call of the Dead'' at a former Group 935 outpost in [[Siberia]], when he is kidnapped by a zombie and turned into an undead himself. The film's main cast members – [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]], [[Michael Rooker]], [[Robert Englund]], and [[Danny Trejo]] – are forced to battle Romero and the undead horde. While exploring the film set, the actors encounter the crew, who were mistakenly teleported and trapped inside an enclosed room, and are instructed by Richtofen to acquire a "Vril device" for him. Afterwards, the crew teleports to another destination, leaving the actors to fend for themselves. 
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| Title = Shangri-La
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|06|28}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = The crew arrives at the mystical city of [[Shangri-La]], where they encounter two explorers named Brock and Gary, who are trapped in a time loop. By altering the environments to facilitate their path, the crew helps Brock and Gary open a hidden temple, revealing Richtofen's next objective, an artifact called the "Focusing Stone". The crew teleports away once more, leaving the explorers trapped in the loop.
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| Title = Moon
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|08|23}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = The crew travels to [[Area 51]], before using the base's teleporter to head to the [[Moon]], where a Group 935 research facility is located. The facility houses the "Moon Pyramid Device" (MPD), which contains Samantha in stasis. It is revealed that through an accident, Samantha was trapped in the MPD, and after witnessing her father Doctor Ludvig Maxis ([[Fred Tatasciore]]) kill himself, Samantha swore vengeance on all Group 935 members, and unleashed the zombies upon them across time and space. Using the Vril device and the Focusing Stone, Richtofen swaps souls with Samantha, allowing him to become the new zombie controller, while leaving Samantha trapped in Richtofen's body. Maxis, whose spirit now resides in the Moon base as a sentient artificial intelligence, contacts the crew and instructs them to sever Richtofen's connection to the "[[Aether (mythology)|Aether]]" dimension by sending several rockets toward Earth, destroying it in the process, but leaving Richtofen in control of the undead.
}}
{{End|html=y|Episode table}}

==Development==
In May 2009, publisher [[Activision]] was rumored to be looking for licensing regarding [[Vietnam War]]-era music which led to speculation that ''Call of Duty 7'' would be set in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/rumor-call-of-duty-moving-on-to-vietnam-5237870 |title=Rumor: Call of Duty Moving on to Vietnam? |last=Good |first=Owen |date=May 3, 2009 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=April 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527102858/http://kotaku.com/5237870/rumor-call-of-duty-moving-on-to-vietnam |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>  In November 2009, only a few days before ''Modern Warfare 2''{{'}}s release, Activision officially announced a new ''Call of Duty'' title for 2010 through their third quarter financial call.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1042724p1.html |title=Activision: New Call of Duty, Guitar Hero in 2010 |last=Reilly |first=Jim |date=November 5, 2009 |publisher=IGN |access-date=May 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109033259/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1042724p1.html |archive-date=November 9, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> On February 2010, a casting call for ''Call of Duty 7'' led to speculation that the game would be taking place during the Cold War era with some battles taking place in [[South Vietnam]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/rumor-next-call-of-duty-is-a-cold-war-game-5475426 |title=Rumor: Next Call Of Duty Is A Cold War Cold Game |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=February 17, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=April 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506083507/http://kotaku.com/5475426/rumor-next-call-of-duty-is-a-cold-war-game |archive-date=May 6, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 30, 2010, ''Black Ops'' was officially announced.<ref name="SiteRevealed">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/next-call-of-duty-game-named-and-its-not-vietnam-5527932 |title=Next Call Of Duty Game Named, And It's Not Vietnam |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=April 30, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=April 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509064627/http://kotaku.com/5527932/next-call-of-duty-game-named-and-its-not-vietnam |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The game runs on an enhanced [[IW engine|''World at War'' engine]] (which itself was improved from ''Call of Duty 4''{{'s}}) at 60 [[Frame rate|frames per second]] across all platforms, excluding the Wii.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-call-of/100688 |title=E3 2010: First Details Interview Part 2 HD |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |access-date=May 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601093859/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-call-of/100688 |archive-date=June 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> It features a streaming texture technology (also seen in ''Modern Warfare 2''), making bigger levels possible such as "Payback" where the player controls a helicopter. Lighting effects have been improved as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/interview-call-of-duty-black-ops-producer-dan-bunting/ |title=Interview: Call of Duty: Black Ops producer Dan Bunting |last=Grant |first=Christopher |date=May 28, 2010 |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303210023/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/interview-call-of-duty-black-ops-producer-dan-bunting/ |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' supports [[Stereoscopy|3-D imaging]] rendered by the engine itself.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/3d-feature-call-of/705646 |title=3D Feature Interview |date=October 5, 2010 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |access-date=October 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008191802/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/3d-feature-call-of/705646 |archive-date=October 8, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> This feature is available on the [[Personal computer|PC]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Xbox 360]] versions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.callofduty.com/3d |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 3D FAQ |publisher=[[Activision]] |access-date=October 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104231925/http://www.callofduty.com/3d |archive-date=January 4, 2014}}</ref>

For ''Black Ops'', Treyarch focused only on this game unlike past practice. However, it had different teams, each working on separate game modes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/kotick_cod_black_ops_will_surprise_fans.html |title=Kotick: CoD Black Ops will 'surprise' fans |last=Orry |first=James |date=May 7, 2010 |publisher=videogame.com |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214124419/https://www.videogamer.com/news/kotick_cod_black_ops_will_surprise_fans.html |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Treyarch used a [[motion capture]] technology similar to the one used in [[James Cameron]]'s film ''[[Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]'', which allows accurate facial expressions, capturing the whole performance of the actor.<ref name="firstlook">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2010-05-10-callofduty11_N.htm |title=First look: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' swoops into action |last=Snider |first=Mike |date=May 10, 2010 |work=USA Today |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125043902/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2010-05-10-callofduty11_N.htm |archive-date=November 25, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The studio also consulted special forces veterans from both belligerents of the Cold War: Major [[John Plaster]] (US Army-Ret.) who served in the MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War, and former Soviet special forces operative Sonny Puzikas.<ref name="USATodayInterview">{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/05/more-on-call-of-duty-black-ops-with-treyarch-studio-head-mark-lamia/1 |title=More on 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' with Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia |last=Snider |first=Mike |date=May 10, 2010 |work=USA Today |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208203111/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/05/more-on-call-of-duty-black-ops-with-treyarch-studio-head-mark-lamia/1 |archive-date=December 8, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The latter taught Treyarch how [[Spetsnaz]] soldiers would react in combat, such as rolling out of the line of fire. Spetsnaz [[AI]]s in the game have been modeled after him, from his tactics and his movements to his face.<ref name="gg">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s2958069.htm |title=Treyarch |date=July 19, 2010 |publisher=[[Good Game (television series)|Good Game]] |access-date=August 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823141722/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s2958069.htm |archive-date=August 23, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/may/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-preview |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops preview |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=May 28, 2010 |work=The Guardian |access-date=August 24, 2010 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406160214/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/may/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-preview |archive-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Although having a historical background, the classified aspect of these Cold War black operations allowed the studio to create its own fictional story.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://videogamesdaily.com/interviews/201006/call-of-duty-black-ops-the-ultimate-interview/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – The Ultimate Interview |author=Kikizo Staff |date=June 2, 2010 |publisher=Video games daily |access-date=August 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613185725/http://videogamesdaily.com/interviews/201006/call-of-duty-black-ops-the-ultimate-interview/ |archive-date=June 13, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The game also allows players to turn down the blood and turn off the profanity.<ref name="common-sense-media-2011-01-01">{{cite web |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Rating and Review for Kids and Families |date=January 1, 2011 |url=http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/call-duty-black-ops |work=[[Common Sense Media]] | access-date = June 9, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110826034323/http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/call-duty-black-ops | archive-date = August 26, 2011 | url-status = live}}</ref>

It was announced on November 9, 2015, that ''Black Ops'' would become backward compatible with the [[Xbox One]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://charlieintel.com/2015/11/09/original-call-of-duty-black-ops-will-be-backwards-compatible-on-xbox-one-next-month/ |title=Original Call of Duty: Black Ops will be backwards compatible on Xbox One next month |publisher=charlieINTEL |date=November 9, 2015 | access-date=November 9, 2015 |author=Vallejo, Victor | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110194304/http://charlieintel.com/2015/11/09/original-call-of-duty-black-ops-will-be-backwards-compatible-on-xbox-one-next-month/ | archive-date=November 10, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref> It was originally meant to be available for backward compatibility in December 2015, but the date was later changed to some time in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://charlieintel.com/2015/12/17/original-call-duty-black-ops-backwards-compatible-xbox-one-delayed-not-available-month/ |title=Original Call of Duty: Black Ops backwards compatibility on Xbox One not available this month |publisher=charlieINTEL |date=December 17, 2015 | access-date=December 29, 2015 |author=Bhat, Keshav | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220105751/http://charlieintel.com/2015/12/17/original-call-duty-black-ops-backwards-compatible-xbox-one-delayed-not-available-month | archive-date=December 20, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref> ''Black Ops'' was originally the sixth-most requested Xbox 360 title to become backward compatible with the Xbox One.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://charlieintel.com/2015/06/25/3-of-the-top-6-fan-requested-xbox-one-backward-compatibility-games-are-call-of-duty/ |title=3 of the top 6 fan requested Xbox One backward compatibility games are Call of Duty |publisher=charlieINTEL |date=June 25, 2015 | access-date=November 9, 2015 |author=Bhat, Keshav | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112165806/http://charlieintel.com/2015/06/25/3-of-the-top-6-fan-requested-xbox-one-backward-compatibility-games-are-call-of-duty | archive-date=November 12, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref> On May 17, 2016, the game was made available through Xbox One's backward compatibility.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-comes-to-xbox-one-backwards/1100-6439874/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Comes to Xbox One Backwards Compatibility Program |website=GameSpot|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519135246/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-comes-to-xbox-one-backwards/1100-6439874/|archive-date=May 19, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after, it was reported that sales of the Xbox 360 version had increased by 13,000 percent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/call_of_duty_black_ops/news/call_of_duty_black_ops_sales_jump_13_000_following_xbox_one_backward_compatibility_update.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops sales jump 13,000% following Xbox One backward compatibility update – Call of Duty: Black Ops for Xbox 360 News |website=VideoGamer.Com |date=May 18, 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=May 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520140656/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/call_of_duty_black_ops/news/call_of_duty_black_ops_sales_jump_13_000_following_xbox_one_backward_compatibility_update.html|archive-date=May 20, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Audio===
''Black Ops'' features the voices of [[Sam Worthington]] as Alex Mason<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/call-of-duty-black-ops-expands-protagonist-role/ |title='Call of Duty: Black Ops' expands protagonist role |date=October 25, 2010 |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |last=Lang |first=Derrik J. |access-date=October 26, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207005324/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/call-of-duty-black-ops-expands-protagonist-role/ |archive-date=February 7, 2023}}</ref> and [[Ed Harris]] as Jason Hudson.<ref name="Oldman">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/gary-oldman-and-ed-harris-in-call-of-duty-black-ops-5631536 |title=Gary Oldman And Ed Harris in Call of Duty: Black Ops |date=September 7, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=September 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909041629/http://kotaku.com/5631536/gary-oldman-and-ed-harris-in-call-of-duty-black-ops |archive-date=September 9, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gary Oldman]] reprises his role as [[Viktor Reznov]] from ''World at War'' and also voices Dr. Clarke.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> James C. Burns voices and provides performance capture for Frank Woods.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jamescburns.com/Jamescburns/Call_Of_Duty__Black_Ops.html |title=James C. Burns – Call of Duty: Black Ops |access-date=December 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713074749/http://www.jamescburns.com/Jamescburns/Call_Of_Duty__Black_Ops.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011}}</ref> [[Ice Cube]] voices Joseph Bowman, and is also the multiplayer announcer for the SOG faction.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/icecube/status/28893570178 |title=Check me out in Call of Duty: Black Ops. I'm Corporal Bowman. Game hits stores Nov 9. Who's gonna get it? #CODBlackOps |author=Ice Cube |date=October 27, 2010 |publisher=Twitter |access-date=October 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612123053/https://twitter.com/icecube/status/28893570178 |archive-date=June 12, 2014 |url-status=live  |author-link=Ice Cube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/DavidVonderhaar/status/28917322184 |title=The #CODBlackOPs MP SOG announcer is voiced by @ICECUBE. He will kick your ass if you don't win. |last=Vonderhaar |first=David |date=October 27, 2010 |publisher=Twitter |access-date=October 27, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2013}}</ref> [[Gene Farber]] voices Grigori Weaver, [[Emmanuelle Chriqui]] plays a live-action character called Numbers,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.actressarchives.com/news.php?id=23618 |title=Emmanuelle Chriqui Confirmed for 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' |date=October 26, 2010 |publisher=ActressArchives.com |access-date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104112003/http://www.actressarchives.com/news.php?id=23618 |archive-date=January 4, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6BvbburAgc |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Emmanuelle Chriqui |date=November 9, 2010 |author=AskMen.com |via=YouTube |access-date=December 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525184956/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6BvbburAgc |archive-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=live  |author-link=AskMen.com}}</ref> Eamon Hunt voices Nikita Dragovich, [[Andrew Divoff]] voices Lev Kravchenko and [[Robert Picardo]] voices Secretary [[Robert McNamara]]. [[Dimitri Diatchenko]], an American born actor and musician voices the [[Spetsnaz]] faction and several other characters due to his strong Russian accent.

''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' features Vietnam War era music including "[[Sympathy for the Devil]]" by [[The Rolling Stones]]<ref name="Germany Censor">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamepur.com/news/1953-call-duty-black-ops-censorship-details-revealed.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops censorship details revealed|access-date=October 3, 2010 |author=Raiz |publisher=Gamepur |date=October 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711071042/http://www.gamepur.com/news/1953-call-duty-black-ops-censorship-details-revealed.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> (played during a gameplay sequence, the credits, and as an easter egg in the multiplayer map Nuketown) and [[Creedence Clearwater Revival]]'s "[[Fortunate Son (song)|Fortunate Son]]".<ref name="Burns Performance">{{cite web |url=http://www.jamescburns.com/Jamescburns/Call_Of_Duty__Black_Ops.html |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Demo Clip |last=Burns |first=James C. |access-date=October 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214222454/http://www.jamescburns.com/Jamescburns/Call_Of_Duty__Black_Ops.html |archive-date=December 14, 2010}}</ref> [[Eminem]]'s "[[Won't Back Down (Eminem song)|Won't Back Down]]" (featuring [[Pink (singer)|Pink]]) is used for the credits as well, and additionally appears as an Easter Egg in the Zombie map "Five". In the Call of the Dead zombie map the song "[[Not Ready to Die]]" by American heavy metal band [[Avenged Sevenfold]] is featured as an [[easter egg (media)|easter egg]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ah.roosterteeth.com/archive/?id=3188 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712001721/http://ah.roosterteeth.com/archive/?id=3188 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |title=Achievement Hunter – Call of the Dead: Avenged Sevenfold Easter Egg Song |access-date=April 12, 2012}}</ref> The original music was composed by Sean Murray, who also composed ''Call of Duty: World at War'' while Kevin Sherwood composed music for the Zombies mode. The soundtrack was released on November 9. The use of The Rolling Stones' music in the game has seen a significant increase in the band's music sales since launch. "[[Gimme Shelter]]" sold 2,000 copies in the week before the launch trailer was revealed, 5,000 the week after, and 11,000 the week after the game's release. "Sympathy for the Devil" experienced a similar boost as gamers discovered the band's music.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/black-ops-boosts-rolling-stones-sales |title=Black Ops boosts Rolling Stones sales |first=Patrick |last=Garratt |date=November 23, 2010 |website=VG247}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/black-ops-causes-surge-in-rolling-stones-sales/ |title=Black Ops causes surge in Rolling Stones sales |date=November 23, 2010}}</ref>

The game's score was composed by [[Sean Murray (composer)|Sean Murray]], and the official soundtrack was released on November 9, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gamingbolt.com/cod-black-ops-soundtrack-to-go-on-sale-from-nov-9 |title=CoD: Black Ops Soundtrack to go on sale from Nov 9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-soundtrack-detailed/1100-6283523/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops soundtrack detailed}}</ref> A second soundtrack, containing music from the games ''Zombies'' mode, was released on January 25, 2011.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cork |first=Jeff |title=Black Ops' Zombies Mode Soundtrack Available Now |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/01/25/black-ops-39-zombies-mode-soundtrack-available-now.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127213307/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/01/25/black-ops-39-zombies-mode-soundtrack-available-now.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=January 27, 2011 |access-date=2024-07-22 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en}}</ref>

==Marketing==
''Black Ops'' was first revealed when the games official website went live on April 30, 2010,<ref name="SiteRevealed"/> with a teaser trailer premiering on GameTrailers TV Episode 310.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/episode-310-gametrailers-tv/65044 |title=GameTrailers TV, Episode 310 Promo |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |date=April 28, 2010 |access-date=April 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404200342/http://www.gametrailers.com/?idmovfail |archive-date=April 4, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> In early April 2010, an unmarked envelope was sent to various gaming news publications as well as high-profile ''Call of Duty'' fans via mail. It contained a [[USB flash drive]] with sound and text files. These files were codes to be decrypted, only to find a mysterious teaser site for an unknown game. Other codes were updated periodically.

Similarly to [[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2#Marketing and release|''Modern Warfare 2''{{'}}s marketing]], the first full-length trailer of ''Black Ops'' was aired after the 3rd quarter on [[ESPN]] during the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] [[2010 NBA Playoffs|Eastern Conference Finals]] on May 18, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.twitter.com/JD_2020/status/14005380885 |title=Here's the promo ESPN is running in preparation for May 18's full #CODBlackOps Reveal Trailer! <nowiki>http://bit.ly/bTTVXM</nowiki> |last=Olin |first=Josh |date=May 14, 2010 |publisher=Twitter |access-date=May 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310094825/https://twitter.com/JD_2020/status/14005380885 |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> During [[E3 2010]], studio head Mark Lamia opened the [[Microsoft]] conference by playing ''Black Ops'' on stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-call-of/101274 |title=E3 2010: Microsoft Press Conference Gameplay (Stream) HD |date=June 14, 2010 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |access-date=June 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217112553/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-call-of/101274 |archive-date=December 17, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was also announced that the timed Xbox 360 exclusivity for additional content of ''Call of Duty'' titles, which began with ''Modern Warfare 2'', extends until 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=479305 |title=More on 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' with Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia |date=June 14, 2010 |publisher=[[Activision Blizzard]] |access-date=June 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707081659/http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=479305 |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> A remixed version of the ESPN trailer with Eminem's "Won't Back Down" was released on June 14,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com//watch?v=_4kvSIIWqEs |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Remix – Eminem "Won't Back Down" |date=June 14, 2010 |author=CALLOFDUTY |via=YouTube |access-date=June 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803162951/http://www.youtube.com//watch?v=_4kvSIIWqEs |archive-date=August 3, 2010}}</ref> prior to the E3 Activision conference for which he also performed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/activisions-night-of-far-too-many-stars-5563723 |title=Activision's Night Of Far Too Many Stars |date=June 16, 2010 |last=Fahey |first=Mike |publisher=Game Stooge |access-date=June 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619085252/http://kotaku.com/5563723/activisions-night-of-far-too-many-stars |archive-date=June 19, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> A multiplayer teaser trailer was released on August 9, 2010, revealing killstreaks, weapons, and other in-game multiplayer features. A full multiplayer reveal took place on September 1, 2010, and revealed many multiplayer features from the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neowin.net/news/call-of-duty-black-ops-multiplayer-teaser-trailer-revealed |title=Call of Duty: Multiplayer teaser trailer revealed |last=Green |first=Curtis |date=August 10, 2010 |publisher=[[Neowin]]|access-date=August 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815060636/http://www.neowin.net/news/call-of-duty-black-ops-multiplayer-teaser-trailer-revealed|archive-date=August 15, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Chrysler]] produced a limited-edition ''Call of Duty'' [[Jeep]] as the [[Jeep Wrangler|Wrangler]] is featured in ''Black Ops''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/09/15/chrysler-a-preview-of-the-automakers-new-lineup/ |title=Chrysler: A Preview of the Automaker's New Lineup |last=Bennett |first=Jeff |date=September 15, 2010 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=September 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917081254/http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/09/15/chrysler-a-preview-of-the-automakers-new-lineup/ |archive-date=September 17, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> In late September, viral site GKNOVA6 was updated revealing fuzzy footages of zombies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=267000 |title=CoD: Black Ops Zombies – First look |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=September 28, 2010 |publisher=[[Computer and Video Games]] |access-date=September 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001091607/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=267000 |archive-date=October 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 11, a single player trailer aired on ESPN during the [[New York Jets]] versus [[Minnesota Vikings]] [[NFL]] [[Monday Night Football]] game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHbfFiOw-LA |title=Black Ops Single Player Tune-in |author=CALLOFDUTY |date=October 9, 2010 |via=YouTube |access-date=October 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709082130/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHbfFiOw-LA |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The same trailer was aired the next day in the United Kingdom at half time of the [[England national football team|England]] versus [[Montenegro national football team|Montenegro]] [[2012 European Football Championship]] [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group G|qualifying]] game. On October 29, the official launch trailer was released online. The same trailer aired on October 31 during the [[New Orleans Saints]] versus [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] [[NFL]] [[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]] game. The trailer features the song "[[Gimme Shelter]]" by [[the Rolling Stones]], and was directed by [[Rupert Sanders]], who later went on to direct ''[[Snow White and the Huntsman]]'' and ''[[Ghost in the Shell (2017 film)|Ghost in the Shell]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPTOVQFRggI |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Launch Trailer |author=CALLOFDUTY |date=October 29, 2010 |via=YouTube |access-date=November 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105024006/http://www.youtube.com//watch?v=OPTOVQFRggI |archive-date=November 5, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Retail versions===
Like ''Modern Warfare 2'', "Hardened" and "Prestige" limited editions are available: the Hardened Edition includes a SteelBook case, a medal with its display case, four exclusive co-op levels and an [[Xbox Live]] or [[PlayStation Home]] avatar outfit. The Prestige Edition offers, in addition to the Hardened Edition's content, a real RC-XD remote-control vehicle modeled after the in-game killstreak reward, which gives video and audio feedback to its controller.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.callofduty.com/intel/355?path=intel/355 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Hardened & Prestige Editions! |date=August 12, 2010 |publisher=[[Activision]] |access-date=August 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708112236/http://www.callofduty.com/intel/355?path=intel%2F355 |archive-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> In Japan, the game is distributed by [[Square Enix]]. Two versions are available: subtitled or dubbed,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2010/09/01/square-enix-giving-call-of-duty-black-ops-sub-and-dub-treatment/ |title=Square Enix Giving Call of Duty: Black Ops Sub And Dub Treatment|access-date=September 23, 2010 |author=Ishaan |publisher=Siliocnera |date=September 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106131356/http://www.siliconera.com/2010/09/01/square-enix-giving-call-of-duty-black-ops-sub-and-dub-treatment/|archive-date=November 6, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> released respectively on November 18, 2010, and December 16, 2010. Both have dismemberment censored.<ref name="JP">{{cite web |url=http://www.sqex-ee.jp/2010/09/20101.html |title=コール オブ デューティ ブラックオプス「海外版との仕様の違いについて」 |date=September 13, 2010 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |access-date=September 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120091452/http://www.sqex-ee.jp/2010/09/20101.html |archive-date=November 20, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Gore is censored as well in Germany in addition to the removal of "Sympathy for the Devil" and Nazi symbols considered "anti-constitutional" in the country.<ref name="Germany Censor"/>

''Black Ops'' was also released for both mobile phones and [[smartphone]]s.<ref name="intent-media-o'brien-2010-05-24">{{cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Stuart |title=Glu preps Call of Duty: Black Ops mobile game |date=May 24, 2010 |publisher=Mobile Entertainment |url=https://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/glu-preps-call-of-duty-black-ops-mobile-game |work=Intent Media | access-date = June 9, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20121217085711/https://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/glu-preps-call-of-duty-black-ops-mobile-game | archive-date = December 17, 2012}}</ref> This version is a [[side-scrolling shooter]]. It features a different [[Plot (narrative)|storyline]], a different set of characters, and is set in the [[Vietnam War]] in 1967. The game was developed by [[Glu Mobile]] and published by [[Activision]].<ref name="intent-media-o'brien-2010-05-24" /><ref name="i4u-news-lugmayr-luigi-2011-01-01">{{cite news |last=Lugmayr |first=Manfred "Luigi" |title=Call of Duty Mobile Game coming from Glu Mobile in Q4 |date=May 20, 2010 |publisher=I4U News |url=http://www.i4u.com/35783/call-duty-mobile-game-coming-glu-mobile-q4 |work=I4U LLC | access-date = June 9, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110807144948/http://www.i4u.com/35783/call-duty-mobile-game-coming-glu-mobile-q4 | archive-date = August 7, 2011 | url-status = dead}}</ref>

===Downloadable content===
Treyarch released the "First Strike" Map Pack on February 1, 2011, for the [[Xbox 360]]. The [[PlayStation 3]] received the map pack on March 3, 2011, and the [[Personal computer|PC]] version was released on March 25, 2011, through [[Steam (service)|Steam]].<ref>{{cite web | access-date=February 10, 2011 |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/black-ops-first-strike-ps3-date/ |title=Black Ops 'First Strike' coming to PS3 on March 3, to PC by April |publisher=Joystiq |date=February 9, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212142720/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/black-ops-first-strike-ps3-date | archive-date=February 12, 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The Map Pack includes additional maps that can be played in the multiplayer mode. These maps include "Berlin Wall", "Discovery", "Kowloon" and "Stadium" and a map for the Zombies mode titled "Ascension" which takes place in a Soviet launch site.<ref>{{cite web | access-date=January 22, 2011 |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/853007-black-ops-first-strike-dlc-trailer-for-new-map-pack-hits-youtube |title=Black Ops First Strike DLC: Trailer for new map pack hits YouTube |work=Voodoo Extreme |date=January 18, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121131824/http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/853007-black-ops-first-strike-dlc-trailer-for-new-map-pack-hits-youtube | archive-date=January 21, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 11, 2011, a second map pack called "Escalation" was announced by Activison and Microsoft. It features 4 new multiplayer maps named "Zoo", "Hotel", "Convoy", "Stockpile" and one new zombies map named 'Call of the Dead'. This map is based on the movies by [[George A. Romero]], the revolutionary epic-zombie-horror director. The trailer for this map shows the four playable characters: [[Danny Trejo]], [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]], [[Robert Englund]] and [[Michael Rooker]]. The name is a reference to the immensely popular [[Dead Series]] created and directed by Romero. The trailer also offers a sneak peek of a zombiefied version of George A. Romero himself, lurking out of water. The map is set on a ship, but with the ship's crew as zombies instead of Nazi zombies. It was released on May 3, 2011, for the Xbox 360, June 2 on the PC and June 10 for the PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/04/buffy-freddy-kruger-and-george-romero-star-in-grindhouse-style-black-ops-dlc/ |title=Buffy, Freddy, and Romero star in grindhouse-style Black Ops DLC |publisher=Ars Technica |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=April 27, 2011|access-date=April 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604002331/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/04/buffy-freddy-kruger-and-george-romero-star-in-grindhouse-style-black-ops-dlc/|archive-date=June 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

A third map pack called "Annihilation" was released for the Xbox 360 on June 28, 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/Horizons/2011/0621/Black-Ops-Annihilation-scheduled-for-June-28-release |title=Black Ops: Annihilation scheduled for June 28 release |first=Matthew |last=Shaer |date=June 21, 2011 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |work=[[Csmonitor.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926140934/http://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/Horizons/2011/0621/Black-Ops-Annihilation-scheduled-for-June-28-release |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> and on July 28, 2011, for the PlayStation 3 and PC.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/black-ops-annihilation-dlc-blows-up-pc-and-ps3-on-july-28/ |title=Black Ops 'Annihilation' DLC blows up PC and PS3 on July 28 |first=Justin |last=McElroy |date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |work=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[Verizon Media]] |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925021854/https://www.engadget.com/2011-07-15-black-ops-annihilation-dlc-blows-up-pc-and-ps3-on-july-28.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It contains four new multiplayer maps named "Hangar 18", "Hazard", "Drive-In", "Silo", and a new zombies map named "Shangri La", which takes place in a legendary shrine lost in an exotic jungle.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8579718/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Annihilation-DLC-announced.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505080254/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8579718/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Annihilation-DLC-announced.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 5, 2013 |location=London |work=The Daily Telegraph |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Annihilation announced |date=June 16, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/jun/16/games-ps3 |location=London |work=The Guardian |last=Stuart |first=Keith |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Annihilation DLC announced |date=June 16, 2011 | access-date=December 14, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629165721/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/jun/16/games-ps3 | archive-date=June 29, 2016 | url-status=live}}</ref>

The fourth map pack, "Rezurrection" was released on August 23, 2011, for the Xbox 360,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-rezurrection-dlc-dropping-august-23/1100-6327022/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection DLC dropping August 23 |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=August 3, 2011 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive Inc.]] |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925021902/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps5-preorders-will-be-available-at-gamestop-stores-and-online-tomorrow/1100-6475811/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and September 22, 2011, on PlayStation 3 and PC.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zombie-epidemic-spreads-call-dutyr-black-ops-rezurrection-debuts |title=Zombie Epidemic Spreads: Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection Debuts on PlayStation 3 and Windows PC September 22nd |date=September 12, 2011 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |work=[[Activision Publishing, Inc.]] |publisher=Acquire Media |agency=[[Blizzard.com]] |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925021918/https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zombie-epidemic-spreads-call-dutyr-black-ops-rezurrection-debuts |url-status=live}}</ref> The Rezurrection Map Pack is made up of 5 Zombies mode only maps. It includes the first 4 maps from ''[[Call of Duty: World at War]]'' ("Nacht Der Untoten"/"Night", "Verruckt"/"Asylum", "Shi No Numa"/"Swamp", "Der Riese"/"Factory") fully remastered. It also includes a new map called "Moon". "Moon" allows players to fight zombies in [[zero gravity]] with both the player and the zombies under zero gravity influence.<ref name="joystiq.com">{{cite web |last=McElroy |first=Justin |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/call-of-duty-black-ops-rezurrection-video-takes-you-to-the-labs/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection video takes you to the labs |publisher=Joystiq |date=August 18, 2011 |access-date=February 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128235137/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/call-of-duty-black-ops-rezurrection-video-takes-you-to-the-labs |archive-date=November 28, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = DS: 74/100<ref name="MCNDS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for DS Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114034521/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/call-of-duty-black-ops |archive-date=November 14, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />PC: 81/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for PC Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113063956/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/call-of-duty-black-ops |archive-date=November 13, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />PS3: 88/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for PlayStation 3 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827011059/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/call-of-duty-black-ops |archive-date=August 27, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />WII: 80/100<ref name="MCWII">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for Wii Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111025516/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/call-of-duty-black-ops |archive-date=November 11, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />X360: 87/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112060337/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/call-of-duty-black-ops |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1UP = A−<ref name="1up-review">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3182286 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102131824/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3182286 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |title=COD: Black Ops Review for PS3, PC, Wii from |last1=Nguyen |first1=Thierry |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010}}</ref>
| Destruct = 6/10<ref name="destructoid-sterling review">{{cite web |last=Sterling |first=Jim |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-186908.phtml |title=Review: Call of Duty: Black Ops |date=October 11, 2010 |access-date=March 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206124021/http://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-186908.phtml |archive-date=December 6, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Edge = 7/10<ref name="ReferenceA">Edge No. 223, January 2011 (Future PLC)</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-08-call-of-duty-black-ops-review |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Xbox 360 Review – Page 1 |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112013946/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-08-call-of-duty-black-ops-review |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam = 39/40<ref>{{cite web |last=Gifford |first=Kevin |url=http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-black-ops |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020034554/http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-black-ops |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |title=Japan Review Check: Black Ops, Sonic Colors |publisher=1up.com |access-date=February 19, 2013}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="Game Informer">{{cite web |url=http://gameinformer.com/games/call_of_duty_black_ops/b/pc/archive/2010/11/09/review.aspx |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops review from GameInformer |last=Biessener |first=Adam |date=November 9, 2010 |publisher=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=November 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619185428/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/call_of_duty_black_ops/b/pc/archive/2010/11/09/review.aspx|archive-date=June 19, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GamePro = 5/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Tae K. |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/217216/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review from |publisher=GamePro |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112223909/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/217216/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/|archive-date=November 12, 2010}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot"/>
| GSpy = 4/5<ref name="gspy-xbox360">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/call-of-duty-treyarch-project/1133320p1.html |title=GameSpy: Call of Duty: Black Ops Review |last=Tuttle |first=Will |date=November 9, 2010 |publisher=[[GameSpy]]|access-date=June 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426020637/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/call-of-duty-treyarch-project/1133320p1.html|archive-date=April 26, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GRadar = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Irvine |first=Nathan |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/call-of-duty-black-ops/review/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-super-review/a-201011089361302031/g-20100430155437473001 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops super review, Call of Duty: Black Ops Review, Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226175054/http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/call-of-duty-black-ops/review/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-super-review/a-201011089361302031/g-20100430155437473001 |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GT = 9.3/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-call-of/707272 |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Video Game, Review HD {{pipe}} Video Clip {{pipe}} Game Trailers & Videos |publisher=GameTrailers.com |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113051339/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-call-of/707272 |archive-date=November 13, 2010 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
| GB = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/call-of-duty-black-ops/61-26423/reviews/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review – Giant Bomb |publisher=Giantbomb.com |date=November 8, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117190639/http://www.giantbomb.com/call-of-duty-black-ops/61-26423/reviews/ |archive-date=November 17, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.5/10<ref name="ign-ps3">{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/113/1133112p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review – PlayStation 3 Review at IGN |date=November 9, 2010 |quote=Treyarch's latest is a white-knuckled action romp that doesn't disappoint. |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112215500/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/113/1133112p1.html |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ign-xbox360">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/113/1133005p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review – Xbox 360 Review at IGN |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112215525/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/113/1133005p1.html |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ign-pc">{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/113/1133458p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review – PC Review at IGN |date=November 9, 2010 |quote=Treyarch's latest is a white-knuckled action romp that doesn't disappoint. |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115002003/http://pc.ign.com/articles/113/1133458p1.html |archive-date=November 15, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />WII: 7.5/10<ref name="ign-wii">{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/objects/143/14349503.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – Wii – IGN |publisher=IGN |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=September 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926204712/http://wii.ign.com/objects/143/14349503.html |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| OXMUK = 9/10<ref name = "oxmuk-review" >{{cite magazine |url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/23457/reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops review |date=November 17, 2010 |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine|Official Xbox Magazine UK]] | access-date = June 6, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110602052109/http://www.oxm.co.uk/23457/reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ | archive-date = June 2, 2011 | url-status = dead}}</ref>
| OXM = 9.5/10<ref name = "oxm-mccaffrey-review" >{{cite magazine |url=http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/a-f/call-duty-black-ops?page=0%2C4 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130104143541/http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/a-f/call-duty-black-ops?page=0,4 | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 4, 2013 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops {{pipe}} OXM ONLINE | last1 = McCaffrey | first1 = Ryan | date = November 9, 2010 | magazine = [[Official Xbox Magazine]] | access-date = June 6, 2011 }}</ref>
| PCGUK = 64/100<ref name = "pc-gamer-francis-review" >{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops review |last1=Francis |first1=Tom |date=November 17, 2010 |work=[[Future plc|Future Publishing Limited]] |publisher=[[PC Gamer]] | access-date = June 6, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150401160527/http://www.pcgamer.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ | archive-date = April 1, 2015 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| TG = 5/5<ref name="guardian-stuart_review">{{cite news |last=Stuart |first=Keith |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/nov/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-review |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops – review |date=November 9, 2010 |quote=Call of Duty: Black Ops ... the action ping-pongs between Cuba, Russia and Vietnam |work=The Guardian|access-date=April 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219035506/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/nov/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-review|archive-date=February 19, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
| VG = 6/10<ref name="videogamer.com-gaston review"/>
| XPlay = 5/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Heppe |first=Abbie |url=http://g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/63703/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops/review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review for Xbox 360 – G4tv |publisher=G4tv.com |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127133516/http://g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/63703/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops/review/ |archive-date=January 27, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''
| rev1Score = 3/5<ref name="The Escapist- 2010-11-12">{{cite news |last=Pitts |first=Russ |title=Review: Call of Duty: Black Ops |date=November 12, 2010 |publisher=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/8317-Review-Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | access-date = September 22, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101114135922/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/8317-Review-Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops | archive-date = November 14, 2010 | url-status = dead}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''
| rev2Score = 10/10<ref name="telegraph-cowen_review"/>
}}

''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' received "generally positive" reviews, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]], except for the DS, where it received "mixed or average" reviews.<ref name="MCNDS"/><ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCPS3"/><ref name="MCWII"/><ref name="MCX360"/> ''[[GameSpot]]'' awarded it 9.0 out of ten and wrote "''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' bears the series' standard superbly, delivering an engrossing campaign and exciting competitive multiplayer."<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/callofduty7workingtitle/review.html?tag=topslot%3Bimg%3B1&page=2 |title=CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS Computer Games (Multi Platform) | access-date = November 13, 2010 |last=Watters |first=Chris |date=November 10, 2010 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130123182212/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/callofduty7workingtitle/review.html?tag=topslot;img;1&page=2 | archive-date = January 23, 2013}}</ref> [[Edge (magazine)|''Edge'']] was less positive, giving it a 7/10, writing that "As polished and pretty and fun as ''Black Ops'' often is, it feels more like a yearly update than a sequel [which] isn't distinct from its predecessors in any important way".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/call-of-duty-black-ops-review |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops Review |publisher=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge magazine]] |date=November 12, 2010 |quote=That's clearly enough for millions of fans, but it makes it far from a must-have – you probably own the best bits already. As polished and pretty and fun as Black Ops often is, it feels more like a yearly update than a sequel, a new campaign with old multiplayer. The game isn't distinct from its predecessors in any important way, and fatigue sets in quicker than before. |access-date=November 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125040047/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/call-of-duty-black-ops-review |archive-date=November 25, 2010}}</ref> Several reviewers also complained that the game felt too much like a [[rail shooter]], with ''[[PC Gamer]]'' branding it "barely interactive".<ref name="gamerant-little review">{{cite web |url=http://gamerant.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-reviews-riley-51902/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review |publisher=Game Rant |date=November 11, 2010 |quote=it becomes a little disappointing when you're forced to sit there and watch scripted walkthroughs of story moments. Going to the Pentagon is something that should be pretty exciting, but it's essentially a rail-shooter without the shooting.|access-date=November 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112181148/http://gamerant.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-reviews-riley-51902/|archive-date=November 12, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="pcgamer1">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/11/17/call-of-duty-black-ops-review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops PC review |publisher=[[PC Gamer]] |date=November 17, 2010 |access-date=November 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120015625/http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/11/17/call-of-duty-black-ops-review |archive-date=November 20, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liberation.fr/medias/06012723-silence-on-joue-isla-dorada-black-ops |title=Silence on joue! Isla Dorada, Black Ops... |work=Libération |date=November 12, 2010 |quote=I found that scripts were sometimes not well done, they were not always triggered at the right moment(...) For the 3 first hours of play, I had the impression I was in a rail shooter. Even Modern Warfare 2 did not go as far regarding linearity|access-date=November 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128053613/http://www.liberation.fr/medias/06012723-silence-on-joue-isla-dorada-black-ops|archive-date=November 28, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.charge-shot.com/2010/11/call-of-duty-black-ops-review-seventh.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review: Seventh Verse, Same As The Sixth |publisher=charge-shot.com |date=November 17, 2010 |quote=The only thing really separating the game from rail shooters like Time Crisis is the freedom to swivel your empty, purposeless virtual head(...)This is Call of Duty's credo: love it or hate it, Activision's money-maker shows no signs of taking risks, innovating or changing even slightly|access-date=November 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229110445/http://www.charge-shot.com/2010/11/call-of-duty-black-ops-review-seventh.html|archive-date=December 29, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Reviewers also noted that the PC version of the game was buggy and had "a number of frustrating problems", including a lag in multiplayer modes which for some players rendered the game almost "unplayable".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/black-ops-pc-port-is-buggy-as-shit-186870.phtml |title=Black Ops PC port is buggy as shit |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |last=Sterling |first=Jim |date=November 10, 2010 |quote=''The biggest issue is lag and skipping, which I can testify to. The multiplayer, at the time of writing, is borderline unplayable, with severe lag and moments where the entire action will freeze for several seconds. I am yet to enter a game where there isn't lag, and the in-game chat isn't complaining about it.'' | access-date=November 10, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110160547/http://www.destructoid.com/black-ops-pc-port-is-buggy-as-shit-186870.phtml | archive-date=November 10, 2010 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inquisitr.com/89926/call-of-duty-black-ops-multiplayer-unplayable-on-pc-says-internet/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops multiplayer "unplayable" on PC, says Internet |publisher=inquisitr.com |last=Greenhough |first=Chris |date=November 10, 2010 |quote=According to many gamers, the online multiplayer mode is severely borked, rendered "unplayable" by lag | access-date=November 10, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114013530/http://www.inquisitr.com/89926/call-of-duty-black-ops-multiplayer-unplayable-on-pc-says-internet/ | archive-date=November 14, 2010 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/tell_treyarch_about_your_black_ops_bugs.html |title=Tell Treyarch about your Black Ops bugs |work=VideoGamer.com |last=Orry |first=James |date=November 9, 2010 |quote=Call of Duty: Black Ops is out and unsurprisingly players are encountering bugs which slipped through the giant Treyarch net. | access-date=November 10, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214123719/https://www.videogamer.com/news/tell_treyarch_about_your_black_ops_bugs.html | archive-date=December 14, 2018 | url-status=live}}</ref> Players have also reported serious bugs with the [[PlayStation 3]] version, including compatibility issues with [[3D television]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/call-of-duty-black-ops/news/ps3-players-report-serious-call-of-duty-black-ops-bugs-360-players-fine-so-far/a-20101110124235441095/g-20100430155441848063 |title=PS3 players report serious Call of Duty: Black Ops bugs, 360 players fine so far |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |last=Raby |first=Mark |date=November 10, 2010 |quote=''reyarch's official forums are being lit up with serious complaints from PS3 gamers trying to play Call of Duty: Black Ops. Perhaps the most embarrassing is that the game is apparently freezing for players with 3D TVs, despite both the game and the PS3 being touted as the best 3D products available.'' | access-date=November 10, 2010 | archive-date=September 25, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925021902/https://www.gamesradar.com/ps3-players-report-serious-call-of-duty-black-ops-bugs-360-players-fine-so-far/ | url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]]'' magazine noted that user reviews of the game were much less positive than those of critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/210293/call_of_duty_black_ops_pilloried_in_user_reviews.html |title=Call of Duty Black Ops Pilloried in User Reviews |publisher=[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]] |last=Peckham |first=Matt |date=November 10, 2010 | access-date=November 11, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112175831/http://www.pcworld.com/article/210293/call_of_duty_black_ops_pilloried_in_user_reviews.html | archive-date=November 12, 2010 | url-status=live}}</ref> As of November 12, 2010, three days after the release, PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 versions of the game held average user ratings of 3.1, 3.1, and 1.8 stars on [[Amazon.com]], respectively (on a 1 to 5 scale),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Call-Duty-Black-Ops-Pc/dp/B003JVF728 |title=Call of Duty: Block Ops (PC edition) |work=Amazon.com |access-date=August 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826120347/https://www.amazon.com/Call-Duty-Black-Ops-PC/dp/B003JVF728 |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> with many PC users complaining about lag, stuttering and bugs.

In January 2011, to a player complaining about the remaining connection problems for the game on PlayStation 3, an [[Activision]] customer service representative threatened that they could shut down the servers for the game for the PlayStation Network at any time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jasonkoblovsky.blogspot.com/2011/01/activision-threatens-to-pull-psn.html |title=Activision Threatens to Pull PSN Support |last=Koblovsky |first=Jason |date=January 16, 2011 |access-date=January 20, 2011 |quote=Well I have nothing else to offer and I too follow forums and have many friends who play and enjoy the game for all of its features. As an avid gamer, I would also disagree with any legalities involving a single aspect of a game as online experience may change at any time. The publishers have the right to shut down the servers for their game at any time as well which based on the number of reported posts from users may be a viable solution over the free PSN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122055423/http://jasonkoblovsky.blogspot.com/2011/01/activision-threatens-to-pull-psn.html |archive-date=January 22, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nofrag.com/2011/jan/19/36716/ |title=Activision, Treyarch et Infinity Ward : malaise sur la PS3 |publisher=NoFrag |date=January 19, 2011| access-date=January 20, 2011 |quote=''un joueur mécontent des multiples problèmes de connexion du jeu, qui rendent les parties difficiles, a eu une réponse inattendue d'Activision, qui a rappelé qu'ils pouvaient à tout moment fermer le mode multi sur PS3. Voilà qui n'est pas très encourageant...''| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123141905/http://nofrag.com/2011/jan/19/36716/| archive-date=January 23, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jvn.com/jeux/articles/cod-black-ops-le-ton-monte-sur-ps3.html |title=CoD Black Ops : le ton monte sur PS3 |publisher=jvn.com |date=January 19, 2011 | access-date=January 20, 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122141529/http://www.jvn.com/jeux/articles/cod-black-ops-le-ton-monte-sur-ps3.html | archive-date=January 22, 2011}}</ref> After some days and following some game media heat,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/activision-can-take-its-black-ops-and-go-home-you-know-5737297 |title=Activision Can Take Its Black Ops And Go Home, You Know |publisher=Kotaku |date=January 18, 2011 | access-date=January 20, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122104531/http://kotaku.com/5737297/activision-can-take-its-black-ops-ball-and-go-home-you-know | archive-date=January 22, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref> [[Dan Amrich]], Activision Social Media Manager, declared that even if they could kill the servers, they did not plan currently to do it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107062-Activision-Confirms-it-Could-Kill-PS3-Black-Ops-Servers-But-Says-it-Wont |title=Activision Confirms it Could Kill PS3 Black Ops Servers, But Says it Won't |publisher=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |date=January 19, 2011 | access-date=January 20, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123012044/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107062-Activision-Confirms-it-Could-Kill-PS3-Black-Ops-Servers-But-Says-it-Wont | archive-date=January 23, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' praised ''Black Ops'' as its "meaty kick of the guns, the blistering pace of the action and the sterling soundtrack of explosions, gunshots and whistling bullets all serve to quicken the player's pulse and tighten their grip on the controller", and how the game is "compensated for by [the] nail-shredding tension and creepy atmosphere".<ref name="telegraph-cowen_review">{{cite news |last=Cowen |first=Nick |date=November 9, 2010 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8110970/Call-Of-Duty-Black-Ops-video-game-review.html |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops video game review |work=The Daily Telegraph |quote=With Call Of Duty: Black Ops, developer Treyarch has finally stepped out from Infinity Ward's shadow by producing one of the best games of this year.|access-date=April 9, 2011 |location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403064041/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8110970/Call-Of-Duty-Black-Ops-video-game-review.html|archive-date=April 3, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' awarded the Wii version 90% and said "''Black Ops'' on Wii is a fantastic shooter packed with all the features of its HD brothers, with the only exception being split-screen multiplayer."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=21287 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112015534/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=21287 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |title=Review: Call Of Duty Black Ops Wii review |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 24, 2010}}</ref> Martin Gaston at ''VideoGamer.com'' gave the Wii version 6 out of 10, complaining of [[Treyarch]]'s reworking of in-game sequences as movies, poor AI, and gameplay problems from lower-resolution graphics.<ref name="videogamer.com-gaston review">{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/wii/call_of_duty_black_ops/review.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Review |work=VideoGamer.com |date=August 12, 2010 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713072336/http://www.videogamer.com/wii/call_of_duty_black_ops/review.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In February 2011, the Xbox 360 version was named the Xbox Live's top title of 2010, by ''[[GameSpot]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Black Ops is Xbox Live's top game of 2010 |url=http://asia.gamespot.com/news/6297430.html|access-date=February 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711071721/http://asia.gamespot.com/news/6297430.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011}}</ref>

At the [[14th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]] (now known as the [[D.I.C.E. Awards]]), ''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' was nominated for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Game of the Year|Game of the Year]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|Action Game of the Year]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animation|Outstanding Achievement in Animation]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Online Game of the Year|Outstanding Achievement in Online Gameplay]]", and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2011&idGame=1113 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops |author=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321235048/http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2011&idGame=1113 |archive-date=March 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sales===
Within 24 hours of its release, ''Black Ops'' had sold 4.2&nbsp;million copies in the U.S. and 1.4&nbsp;million copies in the UK, surpassing that of ''Modern Warfare 2'' and establishing a new record for largest entertainment launch.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/call-of-duty-breaks-sales-record-1.949952 |title=CBC News – Technology & Science – Call of Duty breaks sales record |publisher=CBC |location=Canada |date=November 11, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114033702/http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/11/11/callofduty-video-record.html |archive-date=November 14, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Compared to the much anticipated opening of ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1]]'', the game earned more than twice as much as the film, earning $360&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |publisher=Computer and Video Games |date=November 22, 2010|access-date=November 22, 2010 |title=Black Ops annihilates record Harry Potter weekend |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=277090|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124024147/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=277090|archive-date=November 24, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Only five days after its release, sales from the game worldwide reached US$650&nbsp;million, surpassing the previous record achieved by ''Modern Warfare 2'' which earned $550&nbsp;million in five days.<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff Writer |publisher=Social Tech |date=November 18, 2010|access-date=November 22, 2010 |title=Call of Duty Black Ops Sales Hit $650M |url=http://www.socaltech.com/call_of_duty_black_ops_sales_hit_6__m/s-0032376.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121040644/http://www.socaltech.com/call_of_duty_black_ops_sales_hit_6__m/s-0032376.html|archive-date=November 21, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> By November 22, the game remained the bestselling title in the United Kingdom, despite sales dropping by 85%.<ref>{{cite web |last=Funk |first=John |publisher=The Escapist |date=November 22, 2010|access-date=November 22, 2010 |title=CoD: Black Ops Sales Fall 85% in UK, Still Overwhelming |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/105524-CoD-Black-Ops-Sales-Fall-85-in-UK-Still-Overwhelming|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209145807/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/105524-CoD-Black-Ops-Sales-Fall-85-in-UK-Still-Overwhelming|archive-date=December 9, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Some estimates had placed sales of the game as reaching 18&nbsp;million units sold, earning a revenue of $818&nbsp;million. This would fall about 2&nbsp;million copies and $182&nbsp;million short of ''Modern Warfare 2''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |publisher=Venture Beat |date=November 7, 2010|access-date=November 22, 2010 |title=Robbers steal 100 copies of Call of Duty Black Ops |url=https://venturebeat.com/2010/11/07/in-the-latest-indicator-of-a-popular-launch-robbers-steal-100-copies-of-call-of-duty-black-ops/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126221129/http://venturebeat.com/2010/11/07/in-the-latest-indicator-of-a-popular-launch-robbers-steal-100-copies-of-call-of-duty-black-ops/|archive-date=November 26, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> By December 22, worldwide revenue of ''Black Ops'' exceeded $1&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Raman |first=Manikandan |work=[[International Business Times]] |date=December 22, 2010|access-date=January 3, 2011 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Sales Top $1 Bln |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/94558/20101222/activision-video-game-shooting-game-call-of-duty-black-ops-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-xbox-360-pl.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103191703/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/94558/20101222/activision-video-game-shooting-game-call-of-duty-black-ops-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-xbox-360-pl.htm|archive-date=January 3, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1up.com-BlackOps-Sales">{{cite news |last=Quillen |first=Dustin |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Reaches $1 Billion in Sales |date=December 21, 2010 |publisher=[[1up.com]] |url=http://www.1up.com/news/black-ops-reaches-1-billion-in-sales | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130116000201/http://www.1up.com/news/black-ops-reaches-1-billion-in-sales | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 16, 2013 |work=[[Hearst Corporation]] | access-date = March 16, 2011 |quote=Activision tells us all about the numbers for the latest Call of Duty.}}</ref> Sales remained strong months after the game's release, remaining at the top-seller list in February 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dudley |first=Brier |work=The Seattle Times |date=March 10, 2011|access-date=March 20, 2011 |title=NPD: Xbox kills it in February, "Black Ops" makes history |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2014459929_npd_xbox_kills_it_in_february.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314011019/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2014459929_npd_xbox_kills_it_in_february.html|archive-date=March 14, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 3, 2011, the news magazine ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' also reported on the best selling video games ever. It announced that ''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' was the best-selling game ever in the United States of America.<ref name="the-hollywood-reporter-bond-paul 2011-03-10">{{cite news |last=Bond |first=Paul |title='Call of Duty: Black Ops' Is Best-Selling Video Game Ever in U.S. |date=March 10, 2011 |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/call-duty-black-ops-is-166625 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | access-date = May 21, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110522131734/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/call-duty-black-ops-is-166625 | archive-date = May 22, 2011 | url-status = live}}</ref> ''Black Ops'' was the best-selling game of all time in the UK until ''[[Grand Theft Auto V]]'' overtook it in November 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-11-24-grand-theft-auto-5-now-uks-best-selling-game-ever |title=Grand Theft Auto 5 now UK's best-selling game ever |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=November 24, 2014 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=November 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125020715/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-11-24-grand-theft-auto-5-now-uks-best-selling-game-ever|archive-date=November 25, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2011, Activision announced that the game had sold more than 25 million copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/69577/activision-reveals-sales-figures-black-ops-and-modern-warfare-2 |title=Activision reveals sales figures for Black Op |date=August 3, 2011 |publisher=Shacknews.com |access-date=February 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126042153/http://www.shacknews.com/article/69577/activision-reveals-sales-figures-black-ops-and-modern-warfare-2 |archive-date=November 26, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> By November 2013, the game had sold 26.2&nbsp;million copies.<ref name="ign-history">{{cite web |url=http://microsites.ign.com/call-of-duty-a-short-history/ |title=Call of Duty: A Short History |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 2013|access-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228082533/http://microsites.ign.com/call-of-duty-a-short-history/|archive-date=February 28, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Controversy===
Cuba has condemned the game for its depiction of American special forces trying but failing to kill a young [[Fidel Castro]], killing instead a body-double.<ref name="AP contro">{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40113748 |title=Cuba denounces 'virtual' Castro plot in new game |last=Haven |first=Paul |date=November 10, 2010 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |access-date=November 13, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620100718/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40113748 |archive-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref><ref name="G4tv.com contro">{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/708562/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Controversy-Cuba-Decries-Castro-Assassination-Scene.html |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Controversy: Cuba Decries Castro Assassination Scene |access-date=November 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627221800/http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/708562/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-Controversy-Cuba-Decries-Castro-Assassination-Scene.html |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Cuba-based pro-Fidel Castro website ''Cubadebate'' said the game "encourages sociopathic attitudes of American children and adolescents, the main consumers of these virtual games."<ref name="AP contro"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11731120 |title=Cuba says Castro video game tries to legitimise murder |work=BBC News |access-date=November 13, 2010 |date=November 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113054034/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11731120 |archive-date=November 13, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Cuba Debate">{{cite web |url=http://www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2010/11/09/nueva-operacion-contra-cuba-eeuu-lanza-videojuego-cuyo-objetivo-es-asesinar-a-fidel/ |title=Nueva operación contra Cuba: EEUU lanza videojuego cuyo objetivo es asesinar a Fidel |date=November 9, 2010 |publisher=Cubadebate.cu |access-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114022819/http://www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2010/11/09/nueva-operacion-contra-cuba-eeuu-lanza-videojuego-cuyo-objetivo-es-asesinar-a-fidel/ |archive-date=November 14, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Retrospective reviews ===
Retrospective assessments rank ''Call of Duty: Black Ops'' among the series' best installments,<ref name="IGN2024" /><ref name="Complex2024">{{cite web |last=Wenerowicz |first=Dan |title=Every Main 'Call of Duty' Game, Ranked From Worst to Best |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/dan-wenerowicz/every-call-of-duty-game-ranked-worst-to-best |website=[[Complex Networks]] |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=November 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208190547/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/dan-wenerowicz/every-call-of-duty-game-ranked-worst-to-best |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DigitalTrends2024">{{cite web |last1=Yaden |first1=Joseph |last2=Hill |first2=Sam |last3=Givens |first3=Billy |title=The best Call of Duty games, ranked |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/best-call-of-duty-games/ |website=Digital Trends |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=October 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203074156/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/best-call-of-duty-games/ |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NME2024">{{cite web |author1=Staff |title=Every 'Call of Duty' game ranked from worst to best |url=https://www.nme.com/features/call-of-duty-games-ranked-from-worst-to-best-3344922 |website=[[NME]] |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804021004/https://www.nme.com/features/call-of-duty-games-ranked-from-worst-to-best-3344922 |archive-date=August 4, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> and it remains one of the series' most popular titles and a fan-favorite.<ref name="GameSpot2024" /><ref name="SI2024">{{cite web |last=Aubrey |first=Dave |title=Every mainline Call of Duty game ranked from worst to best |url=https://www.si.com/videogames/features/call-of-duty-games-ranked |website=[[Sports Illustrated]] |access-date=December 7, 2024 |date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208191734/https://www.si.com/videogames/features/call-of-duty-games-ranked |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Many called the game an improvement over ''World at War'' and believed Treyarch established itself as a premier ''Call of Duty'' studio with the title, stepping out of Infinity Ward's shadow.<ref name="Complex2024" /><ref name="DigitalTrends2024" /><ref name="DenofGeek2023" /><ref name="TheGamer2024">{{cite web |last1=Parmer |first1=Seth |title=Ranking Every Call Of Duty Game From Worst to Best |url=https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-every-call-of-duty-game-from-worst-to-best/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=December 7, 2024 |date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208191136/https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-every-call-of-duty-game-from-worst-to-best/ |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Reviewers have praised the campaign as one of the series' best,<ref name="IGN2024" /> highlighting its Cold War setting and cast of characters.<ref name="GameSpot2024">{{cite web |author=Staff |title=Best Call Of Duty Games, Ranked |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-call-of-duty-games-ranked/2900-3802/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=November 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123170022/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-call-of-duty-games-ranked/2900-3802/ |archive-date=November 23, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN2024">{{cite web |author=Staff |title=10 Best Call of Duty Games of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-call-of-duty-games |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=August 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118212304/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-call-of-duty-games |archive-date=November 18, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DenofGeek2023">{{cite web |last1=Freiberg |first1=Chris |title=Every Call of Duty Game Ranked Worst to Best |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/every-call-of-duty-game-ranked-worst-to-best/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=November 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523122951/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/every-call-of-duty-game-ranked-worst-to-best/ |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NME2024" /><ref name="SI2024" /> Writers of ''[[Digital Trends]]'' particularly highlighted the vocal performances from [[Sam Worthington]] and [[Gary Oldman]].<ref name="DigitalTrends2024" /> Sam Loveridge of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' called it Treyarch's best game in the series.<ref name="GamesRadar2024">{{cite web |last1=Loveridge |first1=Sam |title=The 10 best Call of Duty games of all-time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-call-of-duty-games/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126020448/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-call-of-duty-games/ |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The game's multiplayer mode introduced features that became mainstays in the series, including more customization and cosmetic options, CoD Points, dolphin diving, wager matches, and modes such as One in the Chamber and Gun Game.<ref name="Complex2024" /><ref name="GameSpot2024" /><ref name="IGN2024" /><ref name="TheGamer2024" /><ref name="GamesRadar2024" /><ref name="ComicBook.com2024">{{cite web |last=Onder |first=Cade |title=Every Call of Duty Game Ranked |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/every-call-of-duty-game-ranked/ |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |access-date=December 7, 2024 |date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828200738/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/every-call-of-duty-game-ranked/ |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[NME]]''{{'s}} staff wrote that the "exceptional" multiplayer "[took] what made ''[[Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare|Modern Warfare]]'' work and lacquer[ed] it with Cold War-era cool".<ref name="NME2024" /> The game also saw the introduction of fan-favorite maps such as Firing Range and Nuketown,<ref name="IGN2024" /><ref name="Complex2024" /> the latter being re-released in every subsequent Treyarch game in the series.<ref name="DigitalTrends2024" /> The Zombies mode also received praise for being innovative,<ref name="GameSpot2024" /> introducing larger maps, Easter Eggs, additional gameplay opportunities, and a retro arcade version of the mode.<ref name="ComicBook.com2024" /><ref name="IGN2024" /> Despite its praise, some reviewers believed ''Black Ops'' did not reinvent the ''Call of Duty'' formula as significantly as previous entries.<ref name="DenofGeek2023" /><ref name="DigitalTrends2024" />

{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.callofduty.com/blackops/}}
*{{IMDb title|1632479}}

{{Call of Duty series}}
{{Treyarch}}


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{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Call of Duty: Black Ops|access_date=2026-02-28}}