How Black Ops 2 Sets the Stage for Black Ops 3: A Deep Dive
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is unequivocally a direct sequel to Black Ops 2, inheriting its narrative universe and building upon the events, characters, and political landscape established in the prior game. The connection isn’t just superficial; it’s deeply embedded in the lore and serves as the foundation for the 2065 setting. Specifically, the canon ending of Black Ops 2, where Raul Menendez’s Cordis Die launches a global insurrection after his execution, is the crucial bridge. This cataclysmic event, triggered by Menendez’s final act of revenge and anarchy, fundamentally reshapes the world, leading to the fractured global powers and technological advancements that dominate Black Ops 3. The direct repercussions of this ending – the climate of chaos, widespread societal distrust, and the rise of powerful, automated technologies – are all pivotal in shaping the narrative and the player experience in Black Ops 3. It’s not just a shared universe; it’s a direct continuation of a timeline heavily impacted by the choices and events within Black Ops 2.
The Legacy of Black Ops 2: Building the World of 2065
The Canon Ending and Its Impact
The canon ending of Black Ops 2, where Section executes Menendez, is the catalyst for the world in Black Ops 3. Following Menendez’s death, a pre-recorded video message is released, instructing Cordis Die to unleash a massive global revolt. This orchestrated chaos engulfs the world, with major cities falling into disarray. The burning of the White House symbolizes the extent of the insurrection and highlights the instability of the established world order. The global conflict between the Winslow Accord and the Common Defense Pact in Black Ops 3 is a direct consequence of the widespread anarchy and mistrust sown by the Menendez uprising.
Thematic Connections
Beyond direct plot points, Black Ops 3 builds upon thematic ideas introduced in Black Ops 2. The exploration of technological advancements, especially concerning cybernetics and robotics, is a continued focus. Black Ops 2 hints at the increasing integration of technology with military and everyday life, while Black Ops 3 showcases its full manifestation. The ethical considerations and dangers of these advancements are explored further, making the underlying anxieties and questions about technology resonate throughout both games.
References and Echoes
While the connections are not always explicitly stated, Black Ops 3 includes subtle references to Black Ops 2. The mention of Raul Menendez and his actions is a clear acknowledgment of the past. Although overt appearances from past characters are rare, the lingering effects of their actions cast a shadow over the events in Black Ops 3. These references serve to establish a sense of historical continuity and remind players of the origins of the world they are now operating in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to play Black Ops 2 before Black Ops 3 to understand the story?
While playing Black Ops 2 isn’t strictly required to understand the main plot of Black Ops 3, it greatly enriches the experience. Knowing the context of the world’s state after the Menendez uprising adds a layer of depth and appreciation to the narrative. You’ll grasp the origins of the conflict and recognize the thematic echoes if you’ve played through Black Ops 2.
2. Is the story of Black Ops 3 directly dependent on Black Ops 2?
Yes, the story of Black Ops 3 is directly dependent on the canon ending of Black Ops 2. The world’s political instability, technological advancements, and the overall climate of fear and conflict are all a direct result of the events that transpired in Black Ops 2.
3. Is Black Ops 3 in the same universe as Black Ops 1 and 2?
Yes, the World at War, Black Ops, Black Ops 2, and Black Ops 3 are all set within the same shared universe, building upon each other’s lore and history, although Black Ops 3 is more of a standalone story in this universe.
4. What is the significance of Raul Menendez in the connection between the two games?
Raul Menendez is the key link. His orchestrated Cordis Die insurrection, resulting from his canon death in Black Ops 2, is the pivotal event that shapes the world of Black Ops 3. The aftermath of his actions is a central theme throughout Black Ops 3.
5. How does the technology in Black Ops 3 relate to that of Black Ops 2?
Black Ops 3 expands on the technological themes explored in Black Ops 2. While Black Ops 2 hinted at the increasing integration of technology in warfare and life, Black Ops 3 features widespread cybernetic enhancements, advanced robotics, and a highly digitized world, showing the next phase of technological development.
6. Do any characters from Black Ops 2 appear in Black Ops 3?
While some characters are mentioned, there are no major appearances of characters from Black Ops 2 in Black Ops 3. The focus is primarily on a new cast of specialists and a new storyline, though the effects of characters and events from the previous game are omnipresent.
7. Why is the world so different in Black Ops 3 compared to Black Ops 2?
The world is significantly different in Black Ops 3 due to the global insurrection caused by Cordis Die, following Menendez’s death. This event shattered the existing world order and led to the rise of new powers, new conflicts, and the increased reliance on technology.
8. Is the multiplayer mode in Black Ops 3 connected to the story?
Yes, the multiplayer mode of Black Ops 3 has a shared narrative with the campaign. Players battle in virtual simulations, with the characters they control being the avatars of elite soldiers known as “Specialists”. The virtual battlefield setting of multiplayer highlights the themes of technological advancement explored in the campaign.
9. Which Black Ops 2 ending is considered canon for Black Ops 3?
The canon ending of Black Ops 2, where Section executes Menendez, leading to the massive global revolt, is the specific ending that directly sets up the world and story of Black Ops 3.
10. Is Black Ops 4 connected to Black Ops 3 in the same way Black Ops 2 is?
Black Ops 4 is a direct sequel to Black Ops 3 but its connection is not as deep as between 2 and 3 in terms of direct plot continuity. However, the world established in Black Ops 3 carries over. Black Ops 4 notably lacks a traditional single-player campaign.
11. Why does Black Ops 3 sometimes feel detached from the other Black Ops games?
While Black Ops 3 is within the same universe and is directly connected to the canon ending of Black Ops 2, it often feels more self-contained due to its focus on new characters, new gameplay mechanics, and its heavy emphasis on technological advancement that takes the timeline further into the future.
12. What is the primary conflict in Black Ops 3?
The primary conflict in Black Ops 3 is the struggle for global power between the Winslow Accord and the Common Defense Pact, a conflict born from the chaos and instability of the Menendez uprising in Black Ops 2. It also touches on the dangers and ethical dilemmas of advanced military technology.
13. Does Black Ops 3 resolve any plot threads from Black Ops 2?
While it doesn’t directly resolve specific plot threads from Black Ops 2, it acts as a consequence and evolution of the world established by those plot threads. It moves the overall narrative forward by building upon the repercussions of the previous game’s ending and themes.
14. How does the storyline of Black Ops 3 compare to the other games in the Black Ops series?
Black Ops 3 is notably more science-fiction oriented compared to earlier games in the series, with a heavy emphasis on cybernetics, robotics, and virtual simulations. It still carries the signature Black Ops themes, but with a more futuristic spin.
15. Does knowing about the multiple endings of Black Ops 2 affect my enjoyment of Black Ops 3?
Knowing about the multiple endings of Black Ops 2 might provide additional appreciation for the canon timeline established in Black Ops 3. However, as the game operates on the singular, canon ending, this additional context isn’t necessary for full enjoyment but it certainly enriches the experience.