Does Black Ops III Continue Black Ops II? A Deep Dive into the Narrative Connection
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops III directly continues the narrative thread established in Call of Duty: Black Ops II, though not in the way many might expect. While it is not a direct sequel in the traditional sense where the same characters and storylines are immediately continued, Black Ops III takes place in the same universe and directly builds upon the aftermath of one of Black Ops II’s canonical endings. The narrative connection lies primarily in the world-building and the consequences of events in the previous game, rather than a direct character-driven continuation.
Understanding the Time Gap
The critical factor in understanding the connection is the 40-year time gap between the two games. Black Ops II largely unfolds in the late 1980s and then jumps to 2025. Black Ops III is set in 2065, placing it firmly in a future shaped by the repercussions of Black Ops II. This jump allows for a thematic continuation, with the societal and political landscape having drastically changed due to the chaos seeded in the earlier game.
The Canonical Ending’s Impact
The most significant connection stems from the canonical ending of Black Ops II. This ending, which sees Section execute Raul Menendez, results in the release of a video where Menendez commands his Cordis Die followers to launch a global insurrection. This triggers widespread anarchy, the burning of the White House, and fundamentally destabilizes the world. This widespread chaos and the rise of new geopolitical tensions form the backdrop for Black Ops III. In essence, the world in Black Ops III is a consequence of the choices made in Black Ops II, even though the main characters are different.
Setting the Stage for a New Conflict
The world presented in Black Ops III is characterized by a new Cold War, now between the Winslow Accord and the Common Defense Pact. This new global conflict is rooted in the instability that arose from the events of Black Ops II, coupled with the impacts of climate change and rapid technological advancement. Thus, while the specific characters are different, the overarching narrative arc carries forward the themes and consequences established in the previous installment.
Thematic Continuity
Beyond the direct narrative linkage, there is a clear thematic connection. Both games explore the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and its impact on warfare, ethics, and human nature. The themes of control, betrayal, and the consequences of our actions echo throughout both titles, creating a cohesive narrative experience, despite the time difference and character changes. The events of Black Ops II, specifically the actions of Raul Menendez and the rise of Cordis Die, act as a catalyst, shaping the dystopian future that players encounter in Black Ops III. This is an important note to make. It is less about direct character relations and more about the world’s state because of Black Ops II’s canonical ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the connection between Black Ops II and Black Ops III, and related topics within the series:
1. Is Black Ops 2 a direct sequel to Black Ops?
Yes, Black Ops 2 is a direct sequel to Call of Duty: Black Ops. It continues the story of characters like Alex Mason and Frank Woods, though a significant portion of the story follows David Mason, Alex’s son.
2. Do you need to play Black Ops 2 before 3?
While not strictly necessary, playing Black Ops 2 enhances the understanding of the world-building and the political climate that Black Ops 3 is set in. Without that context, players might miss nuances related to the previous game’s impact on the world of Black Ops 3. You don’t need to, but you should.
3. Does Black Ops 2 take place in 2025?
Yes, Black Ops 2’s campaign is set partially in 2025, with a significant portion taking place in the late 1980s. The 2025 portion sees the player control David “Section” Mason, the son of Alex Mason.
4. Why was BO2 set in 2025?
The game’s 2025 setting was partially a prediction. The developers believed it was a pivotal year for the Call of Duty series. They thought that by then, either the series would be incredibly popular or effectively dead. It was a dramatic statement made when the game was released in 2012.
5. Which Black Ops 2 ending is canon?
The canon ending of Black Ops 2 is the one where Section executes Raul Menendez. This leads to the release of Menendez’s pre-recorded message urging Cordis Die to revolt, leading to the widespread chaos that sets the stage for Black Ops III.
6. Are Black Ops 2 and 3 connected?
Yes, they are connected through the world state. Black Ops III takes place 40 years after Black Ops II, in a world radically changed by the events of the earlier game’s canon ending. They are connected in this specific way.
7. Is Black Ops 4 a continuation of Black Ops 3?
Yes, Black Ops 4 is a sequel to Black Ops III, continuing the sub-series and the broader Call of Duty timeline. However, Black Ops 4 is the first Call of Duty title without a traditional single-player campaign mode.
8. Why is Black Ops 3 considered a good Call of Duty?
Many find Black Ops 3 to be a better Call of Duty than Black Ops 2 due to its smoother gameplay, more technical combat mechanics, and the new movement system which allowed for more advanced gameplay. The game was viewed as technically more advanced.
9. Are all Black Ops games connected?
Yes, World at War, Black Ops, Black Ops 2, Black Ops 3, and Black Ops 4 are all part of the same universe, although they don’t all feature the same main characters, and the stories progress significantly across them.
10. Which CoD did not have a campaign?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the first mainline Call of Duty title without a traditional single-player campaign. It instead focuses on a multiplayer and zombies experience.
11. What war is Black Ops 2 based on?
The campaign of Black Ops 2 is based on two main conflicts: the final years of the First Cold War (1986-1989) and a Second Cold War (2025) that involves a rare earth trade dispute between the U.S. and China.
12. How many endings does Black Ops 2 have?
Black Ops 2 features multiple endings, the results of which depend on the player’s choices throughout the campaign. Some sources mention up to 8 different endings.
13. How old is David Mason in bo2?
David Mason is approximately 45 years old in the 2025 sections of Black Ops 2’s campaign.
14. Is Black Ops 3 or 4 better?
While opinions vary, many players view Black Ops 3 as a more complete package than Black Ops 4 due to the absence of a campaign mode in the latter and what some perceive as less innovative gameplay.
15. Can I play Black Ops 3 without playing 1 and 2?
Yes, you can play Black Ops 3 without playing Black Ops or Black Ops 2. While there are links to previous games, it’s not essential to play the previous games to enjoy Black Ops 3, it is just recommended for a fuller experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Black Ops III undeniably builds upon the foundation laid by Black Ops II, despite the significant time jump. The game is not a direct continuation of the characters’ stories, but rather a thematic continuation in the same universe and world established by Black Ops II, specifically in the aftermath of the game’s canonical ending. The narrative shift highlights the impact of the previous game’s events and explores the consequences of the characters’ actions in a broader political context. This makes the two games interconnected yet distinct experiences, with Black Ops III standing as a direct continuation of the world of Black Ops II.