View source for Call of Duty: Black Ops II




{{Infobox video game
| title = Call of Duty: Black Ops II
| image = Call of Duty Black Ops II box artwork.png
| developer = [[Treyarch]]
| publisher = [[Activision]]{{efn|Japanese localization published by [[Square Enix|Square Enix]]}}
| director = Dave Anthony
| producer = Pat Dwyer
| designer = {{ubl|[[David Vonderhaar]]|Jimmy Zielinski}}
| artist = Colin Whitney
| writer = {{ubl|Dave Anthony|[[David S. Goyer]]|Craig Houston}}
| composer = {{ubl|[[Jack Wall (composer)|Jack Wall]]|[[Trent Reznor]]}}
| series = ''[[Call of Duty]]''
| platforms = {{ubl|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Wii U]]}}
| released = '''PS3''', '''Windows''', '''Xbox 360'''{{Video game release|WW|November 13, 2012}}'''Wii U'''{{Video game release|NA|November 18, 2012|PAL|November 30, 2012}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Call of Duty: Black Ops II''''' is a 2012 [[first-person shooter]] game developed by [[Treyarch]] and published by [[Activision]]. It was released for [[Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Xbox 360]] on November 13, 2012, and for the [[Wii U]] on November 18 in North America and November 30 in PAL regions.<ref name=now>{{cite web |url=http://wiiudaily.com/2012/06/wii-u-can-preferred-platform-core-games-says-nintendo/ |title=Wii U can be the preferred platform for core games, says Nintendo |publisher=Wiiudaily.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713060624/http://wiiudaily.com/2012/06/wii-u-can-preferred-platform-core-games-says-nintendo/ |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Kelly>{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=Neon |title=Black Ops 2 officially confirmed by Activision |url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/call_of_duty_black_ops_2/news/black_ops_2_officially_confirmed_by_activision.html |publisher=Videogamer.com|access-date=May 1, 2012 |date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510150039/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/call_of_duty_black_ops_2/news/black_ops_2_officially_confirmed_by_activision.html|archive-date=May 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Ivan>{{cite web |last=Ivan |first=Tom |title=Black Ops 2 site goes live, confirms release date, '21st Century Cold War' setting |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/345943/black-ops-2-site-goes-live-confirms-release-date-21st-century-cold-war-setting/ |publisher=Computerandvideogames.com|access-date=May 1, 2012 |date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503034341/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/345943/black-ops-2-site-goes-live-confirms-release-date-21st-century-cold-war-setting/|archive-date=May 3, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Verge>{{cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 releases on Nov. 13, will include future LA battle |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/5/1/2990939/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-confirmed-by-activision |website=The Verge|access-date=May 1, 2012 |date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503174925/http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/5/1/2990939/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-confirmed-by-activision|archive-date=May 3, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=onm>{{cite magazine |year=2012 |title=Select – Our pick of all the latest Nintendo News |magazine=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |issue=48 |pages=6–7 |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |issn=1836-4276}}</ref> ''Black Ops II'' is the ninth game in the ''[[Call of Duty]]'' franchise of video games, a sequel to the 2010 game ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]'' and the first ''Call of Duty'' game for the Wii U. A corresponding game for the [[PlayStation Vita]], ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops: Declassified]]'', was developed by [[nStigate Games]] and also released on November 13.

In the 1980s, the player switches control between Alex Mason and Frank Woods, the former being one of the protagonists from ''Black Ops'', while in 2025, the player assumes control of Mason's son, David ([[Code name|codenamed]] "Section"). Both time periods involve the characters pursuing Raul Menendez, a Nicaraguan arms dealer and later [[terrorist]], who is responsible for kidnapping David in the 80s and later sparking a [[Second Cold War]] in 2025. The campaign features [[non-linear gameplay]] and has [[types of fiction with multiple endings|multiple endings]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/61-38039/reviews/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II Reviews |date=November 13, 2012 |publisher=Giant Bomb |access-date=November 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124233219/http://www.giantbomb.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/61-38039/reviews/ |archive-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Locations featured in the game include [[Angola]], [[Myanmar]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Pakistan]], the [[Cayman Islands]], [[Panama]], [[Yemen]], the [[United States]], and [[Haiti]].

Development for the game began soon after the release of ''Black Ops'', with Activision promising that the follow-up would bring "meaningful innovation" to the ''Call of Duty'' franchise. ''Black Ops II'' is the first game in the series to feature futuristic warfare technology and the first to present branching storylines driven by player choice as well as selecting weapons before starting story mode missions. It also offers a [[Stereo display|3D display]] option. The game was officially revealed on May 1, 2012, following a set of leaked information released during the previous months.

''Black Ops II'' received mostly positive reviews from critics, with praise for its gameplay variety, story, multiplayer, Zombies mode, and villain, while its Strike Force missions received criticism. Retrospective reviewers consider it one of the best games in the series. The game was a commercial success; within 24 hours of its release, it grossed over $500 million. It had remained the largest entertainment launch of all time until the release of ''[[Grand Theft Auto V]]'' (2013). By November 2013, the game had sold over 24 million copies, making it one of the series' best-selling entries. 

Sequels to the game continued or expanded the storyline: ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops III]]'' (2015) acts as a direct sequel;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/9/8377143/call-of-duty-black-ops-3-teaser-trailer-video |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 teaser trailer pairs Snapchat and The Matrix |website=[[The Verge]] |date=April 9, 2015|access-date=April 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411234158/http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/9/8377143/call-of-duty-black-ops-3-teaser-trailer-video|archive-date=April 11, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War]]'' (2020) is set between the events of ''Black Ops'' and ''Black Ops II'';<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-cold-war-first-preview-mason-returns-in-black-ops-1-sequel |title=Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War First Preview: Mason Returns in Black Ops 1 Sequel |date=August 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/call-of-duty-black-ops-cold-war-trailer/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War trailer reveals return of Woods |date=August 26, 2020}}</ref> ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops 6]]'' (2024) is set after ''Black Ops II''<nowiki/>'s flashback missions;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-15 |title=Black Ops 6 timeline explained |url=https://siege.gg/news/black-ops-6-timeline-explained |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=SiegeGG |language=he}}</ref> and ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops 7]]'' (2025) is set after the events of ''Black Ops II''.

==Gameplay==

===Campaign===
[[File:Call of Duty Black Ops II screenshot.jpg|thumb|Tactical view in a Strike Force mission|alt=|left]]

''Black Ops II'' is the first ''Call of Duty'' video game to feature branching storylines, in which the player's choice affects both the current mission and in turn, the overall course of the story. Known as "Strike Force missions", these branching storylines appear during the 2025 storyline and feature [[permadeath]]. The success or failure of these missions can have ramifications for the wider campaign storyline. Choosing one of the missions locks out the others unless the player begins a fresh campaign.<ref name=48things>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/48-things-that-you-should-know-about-call-of-duty-blac-5906808 |title=48 Things That You Should Know About Call of Duty: Black Ops II |date=May 1, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=May 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706021333/http://kotaku.com/5906808/48-things-that-you-should-know-about-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii |archive-date=July 6, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Strike Force missions allow the player to control a number of different war assets, such as [[unmanned aerial vehicles]], jet fighters and robots. If the player dies in a Strike Force mission, the campaign continues recording that loss, as opposed to letting the player load a previously saved checkpoint. The player's progress in the Strike Force missions may go on to change even the plans of the story's antagonist, Raul Menendez.<ref name=48things /> By the end of the game, the player may have changed the results of the new Cold War.

Similarly, in the main story missions, there are certain points where the player is given different choices and paths to progress, which could have an effect on the gameplay, as well as the story. ''Black Ops II'' is also the first game in the series to allow the player to customize their loadout before beginning a mission, creating freedom in choosing how to approach a mission.

===Multiplayer===
One of the biggest changes added to multiplayer mode in ''Black Ops II'' is the introduction of Pick 10, a new system within the Create-a-Class menu. Pick 10 gives the player a total of 10 allocation slots in a class, which are used for guns, perks, and grenades. The player can customize the slot allocation, to either have more attachments for a gun, or more perks.

Killstreaks from previous ''Call of Duty'' games are renamed as Scorestreaks, which are now earned by gaining points, rather than kills. This allows the player to focus on objective modes, which also earn points towards Scorestreaks.

Unlike past games, weapons in ''Black Ops II'' have a progression system, which is used to unlock weapon attachments. After maxing out a weapon's level, the player can choose to "prestige" the gun, similar to how they can prestige the player level, and reset their attachment progress. In exchange, the player can customize their weapons with custom clan tags and emblems.

''Black Ops II'' is also the first ''Call of Duty'' game to include a competitive mode. Known as League Play, the mode allows players of similar skill level to be matched together, and play according to the rules of [[Major League Gaming]].

===Zombies===
{{See also|Zombies (Call of Duty mode)}}

Treyarch confirmed that the Zombies mode would return for ''Black Ops II'' with new game modes. This is the third ''Call of Duty'' game to feature a Zombies mode, following ''[[Call of Duty: World at War]]'' and ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]'', and the first to have game modes other than the traditional Survival mode. Treyarch also confirmed that Zombies would run on the game's multiplayer engine, allowing for a deeper community experience, along with new features. A new, 8 player co-op game called "Grief" is also supported, featuring 2 teams of 4 players competing to survive, unlike the previous games which only supported 4 player online co-op. As with the previous installments, each Zombies map contains "Easter eggs" side quests, which is used to progress the story. Another new mode, "Turned", is introduced with several downloadable content maps, in which one player attempts to survive three player-controlled zombies who must turn the other player into a zombie.

==Synopsis==
===Campaign===
In July 1986, retired CIA operative Alex Mason ([[Sam Worthington]]) lives an obscure life in [[Alaska]] with his son David. One day, his former handler Jason Hudson ([[Michael Keaton]]) shows up with an assignment: Mason's friend and fellow operative Frank Woods{{efn|Previously presumed dead in ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]'' (2010), Woods survived and was shuffled between a series of North Vietnamese prisons, before escaping and being rescued in 1972.}} (James C. Burns) disappeared in [[Angolan Civil War|Angola]] investigating an arms smuggling ring. After aiding [[Jonas Savimbi]]'s ([[Robert Wisdom]]) [[UNITA]] rebels against the [[MPLA]], Mason and Hudson rescue Woods from a barge on the [[Cubango River]], subsequently encountering [[Nicaraguan]] arms dealer Raul Menendez ([[Kamar de los Reyes]]). After a firefight, the trio are rescued by Savimbi, and Menendez is revealed to be Woods' captor. In September 1986, the CIA authorizes a strike against Menendez, now profiteering from the [[Soviet–Afghan War]]. The trio travels to [[Afghanistan]], meets Chinese intelligence operative Tian Zhao ([[Byron Mann]]), and allies with the [[Afghan mujahideen]] against the Soviets. After capturing Colonel Lev Kravchenko{{efn|Also survived his apparent death in ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]'' (2010).}} ([[Andrew Divoff]]), Menendez's partner, Mason's brainwashing resurfaces. If Mason resists during Kravchenko's interrogation, the latter reveals Menendez has moles in the CIA before Woods executes him. Regardless, the mujahideen betray the Americans and Zhao, leaving them to die in the desert until their rescue by two travelers; Mason hallucinates that one of them is Viktor Reznov ([[Gary Oldman]]).

Menendez's [[anti-American sentiment]] is revealed to have started after his sister Josefina ([[Eden Riegel]]) was disfigured in a fire linked to an American businessman's [[insurance fraud]]. When an [[1972 Nicaragua earthquake|earthquake]] in 1972 left his family destitute, Menendez and his father began running drugs, leading the CIA to assassinate his father. After Afghanistan, Mason, Woods, Hudson, and [[Panama Defense Forces|Panamanian forces]] led by [[Manuel Noriega]] ([[Benito Martinez (actor)|Benito Martinez]]) raid Menendez's compound in Nicaragua. Woods, seeking revenge, attempts to kill Menendez despite orders to take him alive. However, Woods accidentally kills Josefina, with Menendez also presumably killed; Menendez conspires with Noriega to fake his demise. In December 1989, during the [[United States invasion of Panama|American invasion of Panama]], Mason and Woods capture Noriega for a prisoner swap, but Woods is tricked into shooting Mason. Menendez then reveals himself and shoots Woods in the kneecaps, crippling him; Menendez had previously kidnapped David, coercing Hudson into luring Mason and Woods into a trap. Menendez murders Hudson, before promising to complete his revenge against Woods in the future. In the aftermath, a handicapped Woods raises David in Mason's place, while hiding the true circumstances of his father's death.

In 2014, Menendez forms a populist movement, Cordis Die. In 2018, the organization stages a [[cyberattack]] that cripples the [[Chinese stock exchanges (disambiguation)|Chinese stock exchanges]], sparking a Second Cold War between [[NATO]] and the Chinese-led Strategic Defense Coalition headed by Zhao. By 2025, Cordis Die boasts an estimated two billion followers while David (Rich McDonald), now a [[DEVGRU]] Lieutenant Commander codenamed Section, leads [[JSOC]] and his squadmates Mike Harper ([[Michael Rooker]]) and Javier Salazar (Celestino Cornielle) to neutralize Menendez. Section and Harper visit "The Vault," a CIA retirement home where an elderly Woods resides. Woods tells them that Menendez recently visited him and gave him a heart-shaped pendant belonging to Josefina. Section and Harper listen to Woods recount his past encounters with Menendez.

After raiding a Cordis Die compound in [[Myanmar]], Section's team learns Menendez is planning a second cyberattack using 'celerium', a [[rare-earth element]] that could create a powerful [[computer virus]]. Spying on Menendez in [[Lahore]], they discover he's after "Karma", a hacker named Chloe Lynch ([[Erin Cahill]]). The team infiltrates Colossus, an exotic, floating city in the [[Cayman Islands]], aiming to rescue Lynch and kill Menendez's lieutenant, DeFalco ([[Julian Sands]]). Troubled by flashbacks of Panama, Section visits Woods again and learns the truth behind his father's death. On June 19, JSOC captures Menendez in [[Socotra]], [[Yemen]], with help from CIA agent Farid ([[Omid Abtahi]]). Menendez is escorted aboard the ''USS Barack Obama'', commanded by Admiral Tommy Briggs ([[Tony Todd]]). During interrogation, Menendez escapes with help from Salazar, his mole inside JSOC. Menendez then uploads his celerium virus, hijacking all American drones, and sending them towards American and Chinese cities. Section responds to an attack on [[Los Angeles]] during the [[G20]], where he escorts the U.S. President to safety with help from [[United States Secret Service|Secret Service]] agent Eric Samuels (John Eric Bentley). Menendez is tracked to [[Haiti]], where Section leads JSOC to raid the Cordis Die facility. Section intercepts Menendez trying to flee and subdues him, with the decision to execute or reapprehend him.
====Endings====
The ending achieved is determined by the fates of Menendez, Lynch, and Alex Mason, as well as whether the Strike Force missions were completed.
* If Section executes Menendez, a pre-recorded video is uploaded to [[YouTube]] in which Menendez posthumously commands Cordis Die to revolt. Cordis Die supporters launch a massive global insurrection, resulting in the burning of the White House and widespread anarchy. This ending is canon and sets the stage for ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops 7|Black Ops 7]]'' and ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops III|Black Ops III]].''
* If Section reapprehends Menendez and Lynch survives, she will prevent Menendez's cyberattack and he will remain imprisoned, watching Lynch being interviewed on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live]]'', where she insults Menendez as he rages in his cell.
* If Section reapprehends Menendez and Lynch was killed or not rescued, Menendez's cyberattack will succeed, and he will break out of prison. He infiltrates the Vault and murders Woods with the heart-shaped pendant, then travels to Josefina's grave, digs up her corpse, and [[self-immolation|lights himself on fire]].
* If all the Strike Force missions were completed, resulting in Zhao's assassination, China and the United States will ally, ending the Second Cold War. This is also considered canon for ''Black Ops III.''
Additionally, if Mason survives being shot by Woods, he will reunite with him and Section at the Vault in 2025. If he does not, Section retires from the military after visiting his father's grave. The latter ending is canon, with Mason's death setting the stage for ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops 6|Black Ops 6]]''.

A non-canon [[post-credits scene]] depicts Woods and Menendez performing the [[Avenged Sevenfold]] single "[[Carry On (Avenged Sevenfold song)|Carry On]]" with the band in front of a concert with the rest of the cast.

===Zombies===
{{Episode table |background = #B60000 |overall = |title =  |airdate = |dontclose = y}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| Title = Nuketown Zombies
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2012|11|13}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = In 2025, a squad of [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] and [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|CDC]] operatives investigate a nuclear testing site in [[Nevada]] known as "Nuketown", where they are attacked by [[zombies]]. At the same time, Dr. Edward Richtofen ([[Nolan North]]) seizes control of the zombies by entering the [[Aether (classical element)|Aether]] from Griffin Station on the [[Moon]]. After some time, three missiles loaded with Element 115, the element responsible for the reanimation of dead cells, are launched from the Moon towards [[Earth]], completely destroying its atmosphere.{{efn|As depicted in ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]'' (2010)}} One missile completely destroys Nuketown and all present, except for one individual, Marlton Johnson ([[Scott Menville]]), who escapes after hiding out in the site's bunker.
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| Title = TranZit
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2012|11|13}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = As a result of the catastrophe, Earth has been reduced to a crumbling, hellish wasteland [[zombie apocalypse|overrun by zombies]]. In this new world, four survivors — Samuel Stuhlinger ([[David Boat]]), Abigail "Misty" Briarton ([[Stephanie Lemelin]]), Marlton, and Russman ([[Keith Szarabajka]]) — have banded together to survive in [[Hanford Site|Hanford]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]] with the help of a bus driven by a robotic driver. The four are contacted by Dr. Ludvig Maxis ([[Fred Tatasciore]]), Richtofen's rival, asking for their help against Richtofen; Stuhlinger is contacted separately by Richtofen himself, asking for the same against Maxis. Both former scientists request the four to assist them in powering up a tower within the area to work in their favor.
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 3
| Title = Die Rise
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|01|29}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = Once done, regardless of the path they choose, the survivors are teleported by Richtofen to a crumbling skyline in the ruins of [[Shanghai]]. The four learn of The Flesh, a cannibalistic cult that chooses to eat zombie meat, as well as the beginnings of a new airborne [[pandemic]] of Element 115. Stuhlinger is threatened by Richtofen, who knows of his past as a member of The Flesh, which allows only him to hear Richtofen and not the others. At the site, Maxis and Richtofen once again instruct the four to power up a second tower.
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 4
| Title = Mob of the Dead
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|04|16}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = During the Great Depression, four mobsters — Salvatore "Sal" DeLuca ([[Chazz Palminteri]]), Billy Handsome ([[Ray Liotta]]), Michael "Finn" O'Leary ([[Michael Madsen]]), and Albert "Weasel" Arlington ([[Joe Pantoliano]]) — are incarcerated at [[Alcatraz Island]]. On New Year's Eve 1933, the four attempt to escape the prison, using Weasel's plan to build a makeshift airplane called Icarus. However, the prison becomes infested with zombies, and they are forced to fight their way out. They succeed in building the airplane, but crash-land at the [[Golden Gate Bridge]], before being teleported back to the prison, with no memories of their previous attempt (except Weasel, who keeps a journal of the ongoing events). After many failed attempts, they discover they are actually stuck in [[Purgatory]], constantly repeating a cycle as punishment for their past sins. In reality, the escape plan never came to fruition, and Weasel was killed by the other three on New Year's Eve, while the rest were given the death penalty weeks later. Having remembered the truth, Sal, Billy and Finn set out to kill Weasel once again. Two possible endings can occur: if Weasel is killed, the cycle will repeat{{efn|As hinted in ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops III]]'' (2015).}}; if Weasel lives and the other three are killed, the cycle is broken, and he is freed of his punishment.{{efn|As depicted in ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops 4]]'' (2018).}}
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| Title = Buried
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|07|02}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = Following their battles in Shanghai, Russman leads the survivors across the continents to a large hole in the ground known as The Rift in Africa, hoping to find answers about the unseen forces commanding them. Richtofen once again commands Stuhlinger to convince the others to help him power the third tower in his favor. The four travel underground to find a Western town warped from its original place by temporal displacement. Here, they enlist the help of a mute giant, Arthur, to further their progress. Based on the survivors' choice in Washington and Shanghai, two possible endings can occur:

*In the canonical ending, the survivors aid Maxis, allowing him to use the power from the towers to enter the Aether and assume ultimate control, trapping Richtofen in a zombie's body. However, the Earth begins shaking, and Maxis explains to the four that he is beginning the process of the destruction of the Earth and humanity to reach [[Agartha]], where he believes his daughter Samantha ([[Julie Nathanson]]) is.
*In the non-canon ending, the survivors aid Richtofen, letting him gain unlimited power over the Aether and the Earth, allowing him to kill Maxis and condemn Samantha's soul to eternal damnation. Richtofen also uses Stuhlinger as his human vessel, but finds himself unable to escape afterwards.
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| Title = Origins
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|08|27}}
| LineColor = #B60000
| ShortSummary = Following the canonical ending, Maxis plucks Samantha's soul from Richtofen's body and brings her to Agartha. Realizing her father’s corruption by the Aether, Samantha contacts an alternate version of Maxis, drawing her to Northern France during [[World War I]]. Here, Group 935, which was founded much earlier, develops massive mechanical robots and elemental staffs to aid [[German Empire|Germany]]’s war effort. In 1918, Group 935 stumbles upon an ancient tomb believed to be of [[Vril]] origin, unleashing the first known zombie outbreak in history. The United States, Russia, and Japan send their agents: "Tank" Dempsey ([[Steve Blum]]), Nikolai Belinski (Fred Tatasciore), and Takeo Masaki ([[Tom Kane]]), respectively, to capture Richtofen, the mastermind behind the advanced technology. While most of Group 935 is wiped out by the zombies, Richtofen [[lobotomy|lobotomizes]] Maxis to prevent him from turning undead. The group is contacted by Samantha, who begs them to free her from Agartha. Richtofen puts Maxis' brain in a flying drone, and he joins the fight against the zombies and to free Samantha. The group succeeds, and while Maxis meets his daughter, they enter Agartha to be rewarded. A final cutscene shows Samantha with a boy named Eddie inside a house playing with toys of the characters who have appeared in the Zombies game mode throughout [[Call of Duty: World at War|all]] [[Call of Duty: Black Ops|three]] games. [[World War II|Air raid sirens are heard]] and the two children retreat to the basement with Maxis, with Samantha noting her father has [[Call of Duty: Black Ops III|a plan to make the heroes of their games real]].
}}
{{End|html=y|Episode table}}

==Development==
[[Activision Blizzard]] CEO [[Bobby Kotick]] stated on November 8, 2011, that a new ''Call of Duty'' game was in development for a 2012 release and would be the newest installment in the franchise.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.warpzoned.com/?p=15517 |title=Activision announces Call of Duty: 9, multiple Blizzard titles for 2012 |publisher=Warp Zoned|access-date=November 9, 2011 |date=November 9, 2011 |first=John |last=Scalzo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115052452/http://www.warpzoned.com/?p=15517|archive-date=January 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was officially confirmed by Activision during its fourth-quarter earnings call on February 9, 2012, who promised that it would feature "meaningful innovation" for the series.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Goldfarb |url=http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/121/1218375p1.html |title=Activision Confirms New Call of Duty Game in 2012 |website=IGN |date=February 9, 2012|access-date=February 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212091030/http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/121/1218375p1.html|archive-date=February 12, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Marlon |last=Votta |url=http://www.inentertainment.co.uk/20120210/official-confirmation-on-cod-9-title-a-mystery/ |title=Official confirmation on COD:BO2, title a mystery |date=February 10, 2012|access-date=February 11, 2012 |publisher=inentertainment.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625211740/http://www.inentertainment.co.uk/20120210/official-confirmation-on-cod-9-title-a-mystery/|archive-date=June 25, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Oliver North]], who was involved in the [[Iran–Contra affair]] was a consultant on the 1980s portion and helped promote the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/call-of-duty-creators-say-oliver-north-helped-make-thei-5913092 |title=Call of Duty Creators Say Oliver North Helped Make Their Game More Authentic |date=May 24, 2012 |access-date=December 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117100611/http://kotaku.com/5913092/call-of-duty-makers-say-controversial-oliver-north-helped-make-their-game-more-authentic|archive-date=November 17, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The author and defense expert [[Peter W. Singer]] served as a consultant on the 2025 storyline of the game.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/05/interview-black-ops-ii-consultant-peter-singer/1#.UZwjryuc7yc |work=USA Today |title=Interview: 'Black Ops II' consultant Peter Singer |date=May 2, 2012 | access-date=May 22, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625130417/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/05/interview-black-ops-ii-consultant-peter-singer/1#.UZwjryuc7yc | archive-date=June 25, 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref>

===Gameplay revisions===
[[File:E3 Expo 2012 - black ops soldiers (7640965222).jpg|thumb|upright|Promotion at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012|E3 2012]]]]

In developing ''Black Ops II'', Treyarch introduced several revisions to the gameplay mechanics for online multiplayer that have been a hallmark of the ''Call of Duty'' franchise. These include the introduction of "multi-team" games that allow matches to host three or more teams of players, in contrast to the traditional two factions, and revisions to the "Create-A-Class" function that allows users to select which guns, attachments, weapon camouflage and perks (additional bonuses that alter aspects of gameplay) to use in multiplayer matches.<ref name="wager out">{{cite news |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 – multiplayer hands-on preview |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/aug/14/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-multiplayer-preview?newsfeed=true |first=Nick |last=Cowen |work=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group|Guardian News and Media]] |date=August 14, 2012|access-date=August 20, 2012 |location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306085757/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/aug/14/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-multiplayer-preview?newsfeed=true|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The "Kill Streak" function, which gives players in-game rewards for killing other players, was revised and is now known as "Score Streaks".

Whereas players still receive in-game rewards, these are unlocked by performing certain actions&nbsp;– such as killing other players, successfully capturing territory, and so on – rather than simply killing other players.<ref name="score streaks">{{cite news |title=Treyarch hopes Black Ops 2 multiplayer changes will make Call of Duty a team game again |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-21-treyarch-hopes-black-ops-2-multiplayer-changes-will-make-call-of-duty-a-team-game-again |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |work=[[Eurogamer]] |date=August 21, 2012|access-date=August 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823191122/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-21-treyarch-hopes-black-ops-2-multiplayer-changes-will-make-call-of-duty-a-team-game-again|archive-date=August 23, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Treyarch Looking To Enhance 'Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2' Multiplayer Experience |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/375820/20120821/treyarch-call-duty-black-ops-2-multiplayer.htm |first=Robert |last=Ottone |work=[[International Business Times]] |date=August 21, 2012|access-date=August 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823095800/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/375820/20120821/treyarch-call-duty-black-ops-2-multiplayer.htm|archive-date=August 23, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, the "wager matches" feature included in ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]'' was removed.<ref name="wager out"/> These changes were introduced to shift the emphasis towards objective-based gameplay, to reward players who work in teams and to make the game more accessible to new players.<ref name="score streaks"/>

There is also 3D support if players are playing with an HDMI cable on a 3D TV. Before entering multiplayer mode, there is a 3D setting in the "options" menu.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.warpzoned.com/2012/10/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-will-be-coming-at-you-in-3d-this-november/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II will be coming at you in 3D this November |date=October 12, 2012 |publisher=Warp Zoned |access-date=October 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014034423/http://www.warpzoned.com/2012/10/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-will-be-coming-at-you-in-3d-this-november/ |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Soundtrack===
{{Infobox album
| name       = ''Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Original Soundtrack)''
| type       = Soundtrack
| artist     = [[Jack Wall (composer)|Jack Wall]]<ref name="Gilbert"/>
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released   = November 13, 2012
| recorded   =
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Video game music|Video game soundtrack]]
| length     = 2:28:49
| label      =
| producer   =
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}

The game's soundtrack was composed by [[Jack Wall (composer)|Jack Wall]],<ref name="Gilbert">{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Ben |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/black-ops-2-soundtrack-bolstered-by-trent-reznor-mass-effect-co/ |title=Black Ops 2 soundtrack bolstered by Trent Reznor, Mass Effect composer Jack Wall |work=[[Joystiq]] |date=July 10, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715060132/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/black-ops-2-soundtrack-bolstered-by-trent-reznor-mass-effect-co/ |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> with the main theme composed by [[Nine Inch Nails]] frontman and film score composer [[Trent Reznor]].<ref name="Kotaku.com">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/whoa-nine-inch-nails-trent-reznor-is-doing-the-theme-5924730 |title=Whoa, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor Is Doing the Theme Music for Black Ops 2 |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=July 10, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814124811/http://kotaku.com/5924730/whoa-nine-inch-nails-trent-reznor-is-doing-the-theme-music-for-black-ops-2 |archive-date=August 14, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The soundtrack was released as a part of the ''Hardened Edition'' and ''Care Package'' releases, as well as on iTunes and Amazon, with two supplemental tracks by Brian Tuey, as well as "[[Symphony No. 40 (Mozart)|Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K550 (Allegro Molto)]]" by [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]]. Also, a version of the song "[[Try It Out (Skrillex and Alvin Risk song)|Try It Out]]" by [[Skrillex]] and [[Alvin Risk]] is used in the game, but it is not present in the soundtrack album. When the Campaign is completed, after the end credits, Woods and Menendez perform a concert with heavy metal band [[Avenged Sevenfold]] on their song "[[Carry On (Avenged Sevenfold song)|Carry On]]", with Woods on drums and Menendez on rhythm guitar. The band chose to use Woods as the drummer in the game due to the loss of their original drummer [[The Rev]], who died of a drug overdose on December 28, 2009. The band's song "Shepherd of Fire" is featured on the Zombie map "Origins". Additional artists include [[Sean Murray (composer)|Sean Murray]], Jimmy Hinson, Sergio Jimenez Lacima, Kamar de los Reyes, Azam Ali, & Rudy Cardenas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/34910 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II Soundtrack|access-date=November 13, 2012 |publisher=VGMdb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615222755/http://vgmdb.net/album/34910|archive-date=June 15, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> A war track pack containing a selection of ''Black Ops II'' songs is featured in ''Black Ops Cold War''<nowiki/>'s season two battle pass.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breaking Down the Season Two Battle Pass and Initial Bundles for Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone™ |url=https://www.callofduty.com/blog/2021/02/Breaking-Down-the-Season-Two-Battle-Pass|access-date=2021-02-23 |website=www.callofduty.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Release==
===Internal leaks===
In February 2012, a product page for ''Call of Duty: Black Ops 2'' appeared on [[Amazon.com|Amazon France]] and was quickly taken down. No information had yet been released by Activision, but Gameblog claimed that Activision demanded the removal of its original report too.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dutton |first=Fred |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-17-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-listed-on-amazon-france-report |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 listed on Amazon France – report • News • |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219182303/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-17-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-listed-on-amazon-france-report |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> When it refused to do so, the publisher reportedly cut off Gameblog from ad support, review game mailings, and future Activision events for refusing to comply.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Mike |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/336428/black-ops-2-listed-on-amazon/ |title=News: 'Black Ops 2' listed on Amazon |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219230619/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/336428/black-ops-2-listed-on-amazon/ |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Activision denied Gameblog's claims that it had been cut off.<ref>{{cite web |last=Conditt |first=Jessica |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/activision-doesnt-blacklist-journalists-working-on-resolutio/ |title='Activision doesn't blacklist journalists,' working on resolution with Gameblog |work=[[Joystiq]] |date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620224359/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/activision-doesnt-blacklist-journalists-working-on-resolutio/ |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Around the same time, computer game artist Hugo Beyer also listed "Black Ops 2" as his current project in his LinkedIn CV, then removed his LinkedIn page.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Ben |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/treyarch-contract-art-studio-employee-lists-black-ops-2-among/ |title=Treyarch contract art studio employee lists 'Black Ops 2' among current projects [update: pulled!] |work=[[Joystiq]] |date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621043709/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/treyarch-contract-art-studio-employee-lists-black-ops-2-among/ |archive-date=June 21, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Beyer is an artist working for Nerve Software, "a Dallas-based independent developer" which has "helped" with previous Activision games including ''Black Ops'' in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Mike |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/336440/black-ops-2-appears-on-developer-cv/ |title=News: Black Ops 2 appears on developer CV |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220024653/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/336440/black-ops-2-appears-on-developer-cv/ |archive-date=February 20, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> A "Black Ops 2" trademark by Activision was spotted January 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/report-activision-scoops-up-blackops2-com/2 |title=Report: Activision scoops up blackops2.com |work=[[Joystiq]] |date=January 9, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120082201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/report-activision-scoops-up-blackops2-com/2 |archive-date=January 20, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Further, ''Black Ops 2'' was listed by the France international entertainment retail chain [[Fnac]] in March 2012, which touted a predictable November release date.<ref>{{cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-01-major-spanish-portuguese-shop-lists-call-of-duty-black-ops-2 |title=Major Spanish/Portuguese shop lists Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=March 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303160437/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-01-major-spanish-portuguese-shop-lists-call-of-duty-black-ops-2 |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 9, 2012, an image was leaked on the official Call of Duty website, which leaked the ''Call of Duty: Black Ops 2'' logo, as well as a revealing date of April 28, 2012. The URL was later removed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Winfrey |first=Lorenzo |title=Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 Logo Leaked, Reveal Trailer Release Date Outed {{!}} ZoKnowsGaming|url=http://zoknowsgaming.com/2012/04/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-logo-leaked-debut-trailer-release-date-outed/|publisher=ZoKnowsGaming.com|date=April 9, 2012|access-date=April 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411154956/http://zoknowsgaming.com/2012/04/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-logo-leaked-debut-trailer-release-date-outed/|archive-date=April 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 18, 2012, Kotaku received an image from "a retail source", which showed a teaser poster that lacked a game title but had clear clues to ''Black Ops'' and a May 2 date that seemingly points to an unveiling.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/is-this-an-official-poster-for-call-of-duty-black-ops-5903137 |title=Is This an Official Poster for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2? |date=April 18, 2012 |first=Evan |last=Narcisse|access-date=April 27, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428165131/http://kotaku.com/5903137/is-this-an-official-poster-for-call-of-duty-black-ops-2|archive-date=April 28, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 27, 2012, an image containing two [[Target Corporation|Target]] pre-order cards sent by ''IGN'' reader Richard confirmed the game's title and release date. The cards clearly display the ''Call of Duty: Black Ops II'' logo, and the release date November 13, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/122/1223929p1.html |title=Black Ops 2 Title, Release Date Confirmed|access-date=April 27, 2012 |date=April 27, 2012 |first=Andrew |last=Goldfarb |website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430071350/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/122/1223929p1.html|archive-date=April 30, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slashgear.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-confirmed-by-target-coming-november-13-27225117/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 confirmed by Target, coming November 13 |first=Cory |last=Gunther |date=April 27, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2012 |publisher=Slashgear.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428021107/http://www.slashgear.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-confirmed-by-target-coming-november-13-27225117/|archive-date=April 28, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Reveal===
[[File:Gamescom 2012.jpg|thumb|''Call of Duty: Black Ops II'' advertisements at [[Gamescom]] 2012]]

On April 23, 2012, Activision redesigned CallofDuty.com to announce that the game would be revealed on May 1, 2012, during the [[NBA]] [[NBA Playoffs|playoffs]] on [[TNT (U.S. TV network)|TNT]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/04/23/next-call-of-duty-to-premiere-may-1/ |title=May 1 Call of Duty premiere points to Black Ops 2 |date=April 24, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2012 |author=Staff |publisher=videogaming247|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426181342/http://www.vg247.com/2012/04/23/next-call-of-duty-to-premiere-may-1/|archive-date=April 26, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The art featured on the site matched up perfectly with the supposed retailer leak received by Kotaku.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/344718/black-ops-2-details-arrive-may-1-official/ |title=Official: New Call of Duty to premiere May 1 |first=Andy |last=Robinson |date=April 23, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2012 |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426081742/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/344718/black-ops-2-details-arrive-may-1-official/|archive-date=April 26, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> However, parts of the official website went live hours prior to the announcement, which revealed the title, confirmed the release date for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and the "21st Century Cold War" setting.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ivan |first=Tom |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/345943/black-ops-2-site-goes-live-confirms-release-date-21st-century-cold-war-setting/ |title=News: Black Ops 2 site goes live, confirms release date, '21st Century Cold War' setting |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=May 1, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503034341/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/345943/black-ops-2-site-goes-live-confirms-release-date-21st-century-cold-war-setting/ |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Activision had hinted that the game may eventually become available for Nintendo's own consoles, although had no official announcements for the time being.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pressfire.no/spesialer/Intervjuer/5038/-Vi-lytter-til-fansen |title=Vi lytter til fansen |first=Erik |last=Fossum |language=no |date=May 2, 2012|access-date=May 4, 2012 |publisher=pressfire.no|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503220829/http://www.pressfire.no/spesialer/Intervjuer/5038/-Vi-lytter-til-fansen|archive-date=May 3, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> As promised by Activision, the preview for the game was revealed in the form of a YouTube trailer that detailed the futuristic setting, the characters carried over from the previous games, and the conflict.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/user/CALLOFDUTY/featured?v=x3tedlWs1XY |title=Callofduty |publisher=YouTube |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505143908/http://www.youtube.com/user/CALLOFDUTY/featured?v=x3tedlWs1XY |archive-date=May 5, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

After the game was revealed, the preorder rates on the game set records three times higher than for the preorders of the first ''Black Ops''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Wilson |first=Jeffrey L. |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403978,00.asp |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Blows Away Amazon Pre-Order Records &#124; News & Opinion |magazine=PCMag.com |date=May 4, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814232408/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403978,00.asp |archive-date=August 14, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Critics have noted the trailer's similarities to that of ''[[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Dave |title=Black Ops 2 Trailer Secrets – 29 Things You Missed |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1350676/black_ops_2_trailer_secrets_29_things_you_missed.html |publisher=NowGamer|access-date=May 7, 2012|author-link=Dave Cook |date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511035956/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1350676/black_ops_2_trailer_secrets_29_things_you_missed.html|archive-date=May 11, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Plant |first=Michael |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 announcement trailer released |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-announcement-trailer-released-7711012.html|access-date=May 7, 2012 |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=May 3, 2012 |location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505213135/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-announcement-trailer-released-7711012.html|archive-date=May 5, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |title=Is Black Ops 2 America's Metal Gear Solid? |url=http://www.1up.com/previews/black-ops-2-americas-metal-gear |website=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=May 7, 2012 |date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512032624/http://www.1up.com/previews/black-ops-2-americas-metal-gear|archive-date=May 12, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 19, 2012, a second trailer was released by [[Treyarch]], offering insight into the game's narrative. The storyline was described by writer [[David S. Goyer]] as "better than a Hollywood movie".<ref name="Goyer">{{cite web |last=Douglas |first=Ana |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/the-story-line-of-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-better-than-a-hollywood-movie-2012-7 |title=The Story Line Of 'Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2' Better Than A Hollywood Movie |website=Business Insider |date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |quote="I would argue that with Black Ops, the story is better than most movies being made." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722230748/http://www.businessinsider.com/the-story-line-of-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-better-than-a-hollywood-movie-2012-7 |archive-date=July 22, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Japanese releases===
[[Square Enix]] released the game for the Japanese market on November 22, 2012, as a subbed version. A Japanese voice-dubbed version was released separately on December 20, 2012. The script for this version was translated by Zenigame Nakamoto. The translated version was criticized for its translation errors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/how-square-enix-screwed-up-black-ops-ii-for-japan-5962753 |title=How Square Enix Screwed Up Black Ops II for Japan |first=Brian |last=Ashcraft |publisher=Gawker Media |work=Kotaku |date=November 22, 2012 |access-date=January 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428045453/http://kotaku.com/5962753/how-square-enix-screwed-up-black-ops-ii-for-japan|archive-date=April 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The Japanese release of the Wii U port is only the dubbed version since the console was not available in Japan in November.<ref name="SEconfirmsWiiU">{{cite web |url=http://www.sqex-ee.jp/2012/10/-iiwii-u.html |title=コール オブ デューティ ブラックオプスII[吹き替え版]発売日決定！Wii U版も同日発売！ |language=ja |publisher=[[Square-Enix]] Co., Ltd.|access-date=November 9, 2012 |date=October 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031204445/http://www.sqex-ee.jp/2012/10/-iiwii-u.html|archive-date=October 31, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===''The Replacers''===

To promote the release of ''Black Ops II''{{'}}s DLC packs, Activision released a series of [[live-action]] shorts starring [[Peter Stormare]] as ''The Replacer'', an undercover agent sent to take the place of clients in their daily lives, while said clients can stay at home and play ''Black Ops II''{{'}}s new content. After explaining his duties, Stormare is then shown in multiple situations where he has taken over random people's jobs, such as masquerading as a pregnant lady's husband, working at an office, and enduring a grandmother's endless talking, among other such scenarios.

For ''Black Ops II''{{'}}s second DLC, entitled "Uprising", comedian [[J.B. Smoove]] joined Stormare in the second production of ''The Replacers'', in which the two maintain a haphazard relationship. Stormare normally acts as a mentor to the new replacer Smoove by pointing out his various quirks while doing his job, such as his poor performance defending his client while he replaces a lawyer, admitting that he might be guilty.

===Downloadable content===
Treyarch released the ''Black Ops II'' Season Pass alongside the game. On December 12, 2012, all Xbox 360 Season Pass holders received access to the ''Nuketown Zombies'' map, with PC holders following on January 17, and PlayStation 3 holders on January 19, having been delayed two days due to [[PlayStation Network|PSN]] technical issues.<ref name="joystiq dlc">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/xbox-black-ops-2-season-pass-holders-get-nuketown-zombies-today/ |title=Xbox Black Ops 2 season pass holders get Nuketown Zombies today [update: Trailer] |last1=Mitchell |first1=Richard |date=December 12, 2012 |work=[[Joystiq]] |access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212020618/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/xbox-black-ops-2-season-pass-holders-get-nuketown-zombies-today/ |archive-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="charlie dlc">{{cite web |url=http://www.charlieintel.com/2013/01/19/psa-nuketown-zombies-available-now-for-ps3pc-season-pass-owners/ |title=PSA: Nuketown Zombies available now for PS3/PC Season Pass owners – Charlie INTEL Blog: Call of Duty Black Ops 2, Modern Warfare 3 |last1=keshav |date=January 19, 2013 |work=Charlie Intel |access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407010709/http://www.charlieintel.com/2013/01/19/psa-nuketown-zombies-available-now-for-ps3pc-season-pass-owners/ |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was later released as an individual download for PC on April 13, 2013.<ref name="steam nuketown">{{cite web |url=http://store.steampowered.com/app/219092/ |title=Call of Duty®: Black Ops II – Nuketown Zombies Map |date=April 13, 2013 |work=Steam |publisher=Valve |access-date=April 18, 2013}}</ref>

The first major DLC pack is called ''Revolution''. It was announced on January 8, 2013, and released for Xbox 360 on January 29 and PC and PS3 on February 28<ref name="IGN Revolution">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/black-ops-2-revolution-dlc-hits-ps3-and-pc/ |title=Black Ops 2 'Revolution' DLC hits PS3 and PC |last1=Hinkle |first1=David |date=March 1, 2013 |work=[[Joystiq]] |access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515122709/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/black-ops-2-revolution-dlc-hits-ps3-and-pc/ |archive-date=May 15, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The pack contained four new multiplayer maps: "Downhill", "Hydro", "Mirage" and "Grind"; and two new Zombies content: the mode Turned and the map "Die Rise". Also included was the first DLC weapon, the Peacekeeper. Turned occurs in the Diner segment of the "TranZit" map from the original release, and allows up to four players to fight each other in two teams – one human against three zombies. The "Die Rise" map is a larger zombies survival map taking place in two semi-destroyed skyscrapers in Shanghai, where one to four players use elevators to travel between floors.<ref name="IGN zombies">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/08/black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-confirmed |title=Black Ops II Revolution DLC Confirmed |last1=Goldfarb |first1=Andrew |date=January 8, 2013 |work=IGN |access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324212725/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/08/black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-confirmed |archive-date=March 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Personalization pack microtransactions for the game were released for Xbox 360 on March 12, 2013, and PC and PS3 on April 12. These allow the player to make small aesthetic changes to the multiplayer functionality of the game, such as adding their country's flag to the kill notification box, adding new weapon skins, and creating more Create-a-Class slots for players.<ref name="Polygon Xbox">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/27/4152046/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-microtransactions-coming-to-ps3-and-pc-on |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 gets microtransactions for 'little luxuries' in game |last1=Pitcher |first1=Jenna |date=March 12, 2013 |work=Polygon |access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503213157/http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/27/4152046/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-microtransactions-coming-to-ps3-and-pc-on |archive-date=May 3, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Polygon PC PS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/27/4152046/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-microtransactions-coming-to-ps3-and-pc-on |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 microtransactions coming to PS3 and PC on April 12 |last1=Pitcher |first1=Jenna |date=March 27, 2013 |work=Polygon |access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503213157/http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/27/4152046/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-microtransactions-coming-to-ps3-and-pc-on |archive-date=May 3, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Anchor|Mob of the Dead}}The second major DLC pack is known as "Uprising". It was released for Xbox 360 on April 16, 2013, and came out for PC and PS3 players on May 16.<ref name="PC Uprising">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/26/black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-hits-ps3pc-next-month |title=Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC Hits PS3/PC Next Month – IGN |last1=Reilly |first1=Luke |date=April 25, 2013 |work=IGN |access-date=May 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430022102/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/26/black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-hits-ps3pc-next-month |archive-date=April 30, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> It includes the new zombies map "Mob of the Dead" as well as new multiplayer maps "Magma", "Vertigo", "Encore", and a re-imagining of the fan-favorite ''Black Ops'' map "Firing Range", known as Studio.<ref name="Joystiq Uprising">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/psa-black-ops-2-dishonored-forza-horizon-dlc-out-today/ |title=PSA: Black Ops 2, Dishonored, Forza Horizon DLC out today |last1=Fletcher |first1=J.C. |date=April 16, 2013 |work=[[Joystiq]] |access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419064717/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/psa-black-ops-2-dishonored-forza-horizon-dlc-out-today |archive-date=April 19, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The third major DLC pack is called "Vengeance". It was released for Xbox 360 on July 2, 2013, and for PC and PS3 on August 1. It includes new zombies map "Buried" as well as new multiplayer maps "Cove", "Detour", "Rush" and a remake of the popular map "Summit" from ''Black Ops'': "Uplink".<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-2-Vengeance-Replacers-gameplay-trailer/tabid/892/articleID/302857/Default.aspx |title=Black Ops 2 Vengeance DLC out today new maps, Zombies, Wonder Weapon |last1=Cundy |first1=Matt |date=July 2, 2013 |website=DL Central|access-date = July 3, 2013}}</ref>

The fourth and final major DLC pack is called "Apocalypse". It was released for Xbox 360 on August 27, 2013, and PC and PS3 on September 26. It includes new zombies map "Origins" back to the old characters (Takeo, Nikolai, Richtofen and Dempsey), as well as new multiplayer maps "Pod", "Frost" and two remakes of popular maps "Courtyard" and "Stadium" from ''[[Call of Duty: World at War]]'' and ''Black Ops'': "First Strike" DLC.<ref name="DLC Apocalypse">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/08/call-of-duty-black-ops-2s-final-dlc-revealed-apocalypse |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's Final DLC Revealed: Apocalypse |last1=Chris Pereira |first1=Mitch Dyer |date=August 8, 2013 |work=IGN |access-date=August 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811060348/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/08/call-of-duty-black-ops-2s-final-dlc-revealed-apocalypse |archive-date=August 11, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 7, 2014, Activision released "Nuketown 2025" for the Wii U Version.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-08 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II Nuketown 2025 map finally lands on Wii U |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-nuketown-2025-map-finally-lands-on-wii-u/|access-date=2020-08-29 |website=Nintendo Everything |language=en}}</ref> None of the DLC packs released for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC were released for Wii U.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = (PC) 74/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127184237/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii |archive-date=November 27, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />(PS3) 83/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127174242/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii |archive-date=November 27, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />(WiiU) 81/100<ref name="MCWIIU">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II for Wii U Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108071044/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />(X360) 83/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=November 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127174332/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii |archive-date=November 27, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1UP = B+<ref name=1UP>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/call-duty-black-ops-ii |title=Call of Duty Black Ops II Review: The Power of Choice |first=Marty |last=Sliva |date=November 12, 2012 |publisher=[[1Up.com]] |access-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117205007/http://www.1up.com/reviews/call-duty-black-ops-ii |archive-date=17 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| G4 = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="AC3 G4">{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=Kevin |url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/65987/call-of-duty-black-ops-2/review |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Review – Xbox 360 |publisher=G4tv |access-date=November 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120183334/http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/65987/call-of-duty-black-ops-2/review |archive-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 8.5/10<ref name="GI review">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/call_of_duty_black_ops_ii/b/ps3/archive/2012/11/13/black-ops-ii-review.aspx |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II review from GameInformer |last=Ryckert |first=Dan |date=November 13, 2012 |magazine=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116044015/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/call_of_duty_black_ops_ii/b/ps3/archive/2012/11/13/black-ops-ii-review.aspx|archive-date=November 16, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.0/10<ref name="GameSpot review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-review-6399924 |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II Review |last=Watters |first=Chris |date=November 13, 2012 |publisher=[[GameStop]] |access-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120024455/http://www.gamespot.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-review-6399924/ |archive-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GT = 9.4/10<ref name="GT Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/rg4wek/call-of-duty--black-ops-ii-review |title=REVIEW – Call of Duty: Black Ops II|access-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114214059/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/rg4wek/call-of-duty--black-ops-ii-review|archive-date=November 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.3/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web |last=Gallegos |first=Anthony |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/13/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-review |title=This is not the Shooter you expected |website=IGN |date=November 13, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115235846/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/13/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-review |archive-date=November 15, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN_BO2-WiiU-Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/21/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-wii-u-review |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Wii U Review |last=Gallegos |first=Anthony |website=[[IGN]] |date=November 21, 2012|access-date=November 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109151818/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/21/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-wii-u-review|archive-date=November 9, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
| OPMUK = 8/10<ref name="AC3 OXM">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/black-ops-2-ps3-review/ |title=Black Ops 2 PS3 review – Ditching modern warfare for future shooter thrills |publisher=Official UK PlayStation Magazine|access-date=November 13, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115042602/http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/black-ops-2-ps3-review/|archive-date=November 15, 2012}}</ref>
| OXM = 8.5/10<ref name = "oxm-mccaffrey-review" >{{cite magazine |url=http://www.oxmonline.com/call-duty-black-ops-ii-review |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops II review |date=November 13, 2012 |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] | access-date = November 13, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121116000332/http://www.oxmonline.com/call-duty-black-ops-ii-review | archive-date = November 16, 2012 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| OXMUK = 8/10<ref name = "oxmuk-review" >{{cite magazine |url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/47451/reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-review/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Review |date=November 13, 2012 |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine|Official Xbox Magazine UK]] | access-date = November 13, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121115235811/http://www.oxm.co.uk/47451/reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-review/ | archive-date = November 15, 2012 | url-status = live}}</ref>
}}

===Critical reception===
''Call of Duty: Black Ops II'' received "generally positive" reviews for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U versions, but "mixed or average" reviews for the PC version, according to review aggregator [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCPS3"/><ref name="MCWIIU"/><ref name="MCX360"/> ''[[IGN]]'' editor Anthony Gallegos describes the game as "a good example of how to evolve an annualized franchise".<ref name="IGN review" /> Gallegos praised the game for telling a story was genuinely interesting and creating a villain that he empathised with to the point of questioning his own actions over the course of the story. Gallegos directed criticisms at the [[Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]] of allies in Strike Force mode and at the ending of the campaign, which he felt was disappointing even though he was aware that the outcome was directly influenced by the choices he made.

Marty Sliva of ''[[1Up.com|1UP]]'' gave the game a B+ while praising its freedom of choice in game modes and gameplay variety: "I was surprised with the risks that Treyarch took in the name of delivering a unique and creative experience. Not all of them paid off, but knowing that the team was willing to eschew the safe route helped ward off any stagnation that may have begun to creep into the series as of late."<ref name=1UP/>

Dan Ryckert of ''[[Game Informer]]'' was also critical of the artificial intelligence of Strike Force mode, and was unimpressed by the "Pick Ten" system introduced to multiplayer modes, noting that it was "interesting, but ultimately less exciting" than the system used in previous ''Call of Duty'' titles.<ref name="GI review"/> Like Gallegos, Ryckert praised the narrative and structure of the single-player campaign, introducing changes that he felt were overdue and noting that the branching storylines "had me talking to others about their experiences in a way I had never done before with this [''Call of Duty''] series".

[[Steven O'Donnell (Australian actor)|Steven O'Donnell]] and [[Stephanie Bendixsen]], of Australian video game talk show ''[[Good Game (TV program)|Good Game]]'', both gave the game an 8.5 out of 10, praising the gameplay multiplayer and zombies mode, but were critical of the campaign's confusing narrative and Strike Force missions.<ref name="good-game-review">{{cite episode |series=[[Good Game (TV program)|Good Game]] |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 |credits=Bendixsen, O'Donnell |network=[[ABC Television (Australian TV network)|ABC Television]] |airdate=November 20, 2012 |season=5 |number=42|transcript-url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3637087.htm |transcript=November 20, 2012  Call of Duty: Black Ops 2}}</ref> In particular to the narrative, ''Good Game'' was critical of the opening battle where the player guns down fleeing Angolan soldiers, feeling that it was added purely for shock value and commenting that:

{{blockquote|The landscape of shooters is changing somewhat. The fact is that everyone loves playing military shooters, but we're also realising that we don't want to glorify aimless killings. A lot of games are trying to make you feel that conflict and even make you feel bad about what you're doing. But I don't think it's been handled very well here.<ref name="good-game-review" />}}

Frederick Charles Fripp of ''[[IT News Africa]]'' gave it a final score of 9.2/10 and wrote that "BO2 is a non-stop action-packed shooter that will keep gamers on their toes and on the edge of their seats. It has everything a player could want in a game: great graphics, a good story, easy controls and superb acting."<ref name="IT_News_Africa-Review-BO2">{{cite web |url=http://www.itnewsafrica.com/2012/12/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-2/ |title=Review: Call Of Duty Black Ops 2 |last=Fripp |first=Charlie |publisher=[[IT News Africa]] |date=December 12, 2012|access-date=November 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319181359/http://www.itnewsafrica.com/2012/12/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-2/|archive-date=March 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Black Ops II'' for outstanding achievement in "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Online Game of the Year|Connectivity]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Online Game of the Year|Online Gameplay]]" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Visual Engineering]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2013&idGame=1246 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Call of Duty: Black Ops II |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=22 November 2023}}</ref>

===Sales and revenue===
Activision reported ''Black Ops II'' grossed over $500 million in its first 24 hours, making it the biggest entertainment launch of all time until the record was surpassed by ''[[Grand Theft Auto V]]'' in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/gta-v-makes-a-record-800m-in-24-hours/0121279 |title=GTA V makes a record $800m in 24-hours |website=MCV |date=September 18, 2013|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920125639/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/gta-v-makes-a-record-800m-in-24-hours/0121279|archive-date=September 20, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the fourth year in a row that the ''Call of Duty'' series has broken the same record. 2011's ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3]]'' grossed $400 million on one full day; 2010's ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]'' grossed $360 million on day one; in 2009, ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2]]'' brought in $310 million.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9683341/Call-of-duty-Black-Ops-II-sales-hit-500-million-in-first-24-hours.html |location=London |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Matt |last=Warman |title=Call of duty: Black Ops II sales hit $500 million in first 24 hours |date=November 16, 2012 | access-date=April 5, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227055657/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9683341/Call-of-duty-Black-Ops-II-sales-hit-500-million-in-first-24-hours.html | archive-date=February 27, 2018 | url-status=live}}</ref> By November 24, 2012, it had sold more than 7.5 million copies in the United States.<ref name="vg247.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/07/black-ops-moved-7-5-million-copies-in-11-days-according-to-november-npd-data/ |title=Black Ops sold 7.5 million copies in November – NPD |date=December 7, 2012|access-date=December 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210041511/http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/07/black-ops-moved-7-5-million-copies-in-11-days-according-to-november-npd-data/|archive-date=December 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Black Ops II'' went on to gross $1 billion in the first 15 days of availability, beating ''Modern Warfare 3''{{'}}s record of the first 16 days.<ref name="Call of Duty: Black Ops II Grosses $1 Billion In 15 Days">{{cite press release |title=Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Grosses $1 Billion In 15 Days |date=December 5, 2012 |publisher=Activision |location=Santa Monica, California |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=725026 | access-date=June 1, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611020011/http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=725026 | archive-date=June 11, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref> On November 5, 2013, ''IGN'' confirmed that the game sold 24.2 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=November 14, 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> making it the third highest-selling game in the series, behind 2010's ''Black Ops'', and 2011's ''Modern Warfare 3''.

===Lawsuits===
In July 2014, [[Manuel Noriega]] sued Activision for lost profits from the use of his likeness in the game. He also claims that his inclusion translated to higher sales of ''Black Ops II''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-noriega-activision-lawsuit-20140715-story.html |title=Ex-dictator Manuel Noriega sues Activision over 'Call of Duty' game |first=Parish |last=Dave |date=July 15, 2014 | access-date = July 15, 2014 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140716113745/http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-noriega-activision-lawsuit-20140715-story.html | archive-date = July 16, 2014 | url-status = live}}</ref> Noriega makes an appearance in the Cold War portions of the game and aids the primary antagonist. The suit sought compensation for lost profits and damages for his depiction as a "kidnapper, murderer, and enemy of the state" in the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/16/noreiga-sues-activisioncallofduty.html |title=Manuel Noriega sues over 'Call of Duty' videogame |first=Dexter |last=Mullins |date=July 16, 2014 | access-date = July 16, 2014 |work=Aljazeera America | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141009175514/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/16/noreiga-sues-activisioncallofduty.html | archive-date = October 9, 2014 | url-status = live}}</ref> On October 28, the Los Angeles court dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that Noriega's inclusion was protected under free speech laws.

The publisher, Activision, was also sued in a French court by family members of [[Jonas Savimbi]], who thought his portrayal in the game was inaccurate, saying he was portrayed as a "barbarian". Three of his children wanted 1 million euros for damages.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jan/14/call-of-duty-publisher-sued-by-family-of-angolan-rebel |title=Call of Duty publisher sued by family of Angolan rebel |newspaper=The Guardian |date=January 14, 2016 |via=www.theguardian.com |last1=Stuart |first1=Keith}}</ref> The French court dismissed the case in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35894116 |title=Rebel's family lose Call of Duty case |work=BBC News |date=March 24, 2016}}</ref> Savimbi appears early on in the game, leading UNITA rebels during a fictitious engagement of [[Operation Alpha Centauri]].<ref name="COD1">{{cite news |title=Activision Blizzard is being sued by the family of an Angolan rebel fighter |last=Hussey |first=Matthew |url=https://thenextweb.com/news/activision-blizzard-is-being-sued-by-the-family-of-an-angolan-rebel-fighter |work=[[TNW (website)|The Next Web]] |location=Amsterdam |date=14 January 2016 |access-date=6 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605023918/https://thenextweb.com/news/activision-blizzard-is-being-sued-by-the-family-of-an-angolan-rebel-fighter |archive-date=5 June 2023}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Retrospective assessments rank ''Call of Duty: Black Ops II'' among the series' best installments,<ref name="IGN2024" /><ref name="Complex2024" /><ref name="NME2024" /><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=January 28, 2026 |date=February 24, 2025 |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><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> with some considering it a "standout",<ref name="IGN2024" /> the best ''Call of Duty'' title ever,<ref name="DenofGeek2023" /><ref name="ComicBook.com2024" /> and Treyarch's best game in the series.<ref name="Complex2024" /><ref name="TheGamer2024" /> The campaign has been praised for its futuristic setting,<ref name="SI2024" /> mission variety, and multiple endings.<ref name="ComicBook.com2024" /><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="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 staff of ''[[IGN]]'' picked Raul Menendez as one of the series' best villains.<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> Chris Freiberg of ''[[Den of Geek]]'' highlighted the campaign for its freedom and replayability, further praising the addition of customizable loadouts and the player's choices directly impacting the narrative.<ref name="DenofGeek2023" /> 

The game's multiplayer has been called "iconic".<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> It introduced the pick 10 system in create-a-class, which offered greater player freedom and customization, and scorestreaks (replacing killstreaks); these features would remain in subsequent games.<ref name="IGN2024" /><ref name="DenofGeek2023" /><ref name="ComicBook.com2024" /><ref name="GamesRadar2024" /> Its maps have been called some of the series' finest, while the addition of ranked play allowed for competitive gameplay styles that previous entries lacked.<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> ''[[Complex Networks|Complex]]''{{'s}} Dan Wenerowicz described the mode as "the best balance of competitive play we’ve seen in the series".<ref name="Complex2024" /> Critics have also praised the Zombies mode for its maps,<ref name="ComicBook.com2024" /> particularly "Mob of the Dead".<ref name="Complex2024" /><ref name="DenofGeek2023" /> Cade Onder of ''[[ComicBook.com]]'' calls ''Black Ops II'' "one of the best shooters of its time" and believes "there is a reason" fans have requested a remaster in the years following its release.<ref name="ComicBook.com2024" /> ''[[NME]]''{{'s}} staff called ''Black Ops II'' the last "phenomenal" ''Call of Duty'' game before ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019 video game)|Modern Warfare]]'' in 2019.<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>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website|https://callofduty.com/blackops2}}
*{{IMDb title|2387409}}

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


[[Category:2012 video games]]
[[Category:Video games set in 2025]]
[[Category:Activision games]]
[[Category:Call of Duty games|Black Ops II]]
[[Category:Cold War video games]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Video game interquels]]
[[Category:Fiction about martyrdom]]
[[Category:Military science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Network games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:Fiction about purgatory]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Square Enix games]]
[[Category:Treyarch games]]
[[Category:Video games set in 1986]]
[[Category:Video games set in 1989]]
[[Category:Alternate history video games]]
[[Category:Video games about terrorism]]
[[Category:Video games set in Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Angola]]
[[Category:Video games set in the Cayman Islands]]
[[Category:Video games set in China]]
[[Category:Video games set in Haiti]]
[[Category:Video games set in France]]
[[Category:Video games set in India]]
[[Category:Video games set in Kyrgyzstan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Video games set in Nevada]]
[[Category:Video games set in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Video games set in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Video games set in New York City]]
[[Category:Video games set in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Video games set in Nicaragua]]
[[Category:Video games set in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Panama]]
[[Category:Video games set in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Singapore]]
[[Category:Video games set in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Video games set in Yemen]]
[[Category:Video games set in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games set in England]]
[[Category:Video games set in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Video games set in Taiwan]]
[[Category:War video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Jack Wall]]
[[Category:Angolan Civil War video games]]
[[Category:South African Border War in popular culture]]
[[Category:Soviet–Afghan War video games]]
[[Category:Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fiction]]
[[Category:Wii U games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Works by David S. Goyer]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Video games about zombies]]
[[Category:Video games using Havok]]
[[Category:Fiction about drones]]
[[Category:Video games about the United States Navy SEALs]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games with multiple endings]]

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