Protecting Harper: A Guide to Avoiding Facial Burns in Call of Duty: Black Ops II

The most direct way to prevent Harper from getting a disfiguring facial burn in Call of Duty: Black Ops II during the mission “Fallen Angel” is simple: choose the right path. At the end of the mission, when Mason is driving the jeep through the burning cityscape, stick to the right side of the road. Driving on the right side will protect Harper from the explosion and ensuing flames, ensuring his handsome features remain intact for the remainder of the game. It’s a quick decision with significant consequences, so stay vigilant behind the wheel.

FAQs: Harper, Choices, and Consequences in Black Ops II

Understanding the nuances of character choices and their ripple effects is crucial to fully appreciating the narrative complexity of Black Ops II. Here are 15 frequently asked questions that delve into the intertwined fates of Harper, Farid, Karma, Menendez, and more.

Harper’s Fate

1. How do I prevent Harper from getting burnt?

   As mentioned earlier, during the “Fallen Angel” mission, when driving the jeep at the end, stay to the right side of the road to avoid the explosion and prevent Harper from receiving a facial burn.

2. Can Harper survive the game?

   Yes, Harper can survive. His survival depends on the choices you make throughout the game, including saving him in “Fallen Angel” and potentially choosing to save him over Farid in a later mission.

3. What happens if Harper dies?

   If Harper is killed, certain narrative branches are closed off, and other characters’ fates may be altered. For example, if Harper is killed in “Achilles’ Veil,” Salazar will be taken into custody and never seen again, assuming all Strike Force missions are completed.

Farid’s Sacrifice

4. Should I save Harper or Farid?

   This is a crucial choice. Saving Harper means Farid will die, and vice versa. This decision impacts the presence of either character on the USS Obama during Menendez’s attack. Consider the potential consequences for each character and the broader story.

5. What happens if Farid dies?

   If Farid dies, he won’t be present on the USS Obama during Menendez’s assault. This absence can affect the events that unfold during that mission.

6. Did Harper want Farid to shoot him?

   During a critical moment in the game, Menendez orders Farid to prove his loyalty by killing Harper. Harper, realizing the situation, might scream at Farid to kill him. This moment tests Farid’s allegiances and the player’s ability to make a difficult choice.

Karma’s Survival

7. Can you save Karma in Black Ops 2?

   Yes, you can save Karma. To ensure her survival, save her in the “Second Chance” mission. This prevents Defalco from knocking her out and the defector from shooting her during the confrontation at the ship.

Menendez and the Endings

8. Is it better to shoot Harper or Menendez?

   The question is confusing because you don’t directly shoot Harper or Menendez, but the first can refer to the “Harper vs. Farid” choice. That being said, the consequences of sparing or killing Menendez drastically impact the ending of the game. Capturing Menendez typically leads to a more favorable outcome.

9. Which Black Ops 2 ending is canon?

   The ending where Section executes Menendez, leading to a global insurrection orchestrated by Cordis Die, is considered the canon ending. This sets the stage for the events of Call of Duty: Black Ops III.

10. How do you get the best ending in BO2?

    To achieve a more positive ending, capture Menendez alive during the “Judgement Day” mission. This prevents the immediate global insurrection and sets the stage for a potentially better future.

11. Is Killing Menendez canon?

    Yes, killing Menendez is canon, resulting in a global insurrection.

12. Did Menendez know Farid was a traitor?

    Yes, Menendez knew Farid was a mole. He may have deduced it or learned it from Salazar.

Other Characters and Choices

13. Can you capture DeFalco?

    Yes, you can capture DeFalco. You will always catch him at the exit to the hangar in “Colossus” if you reach it in time.

14. Why did Salazar betray?

    Salazar betrayed his team because he came to believe in Menendez’s goals and joined Cordis Die.

15. What happens if you shoot Mason in the leg?

    If you shoot Mason in the leg during a specific mission, he will survive and potentially appear in the game’s ending.

Consequences of Choices: A Deeper Dive

The beauty of Black Ops II lies in its branching narrative, where player choices directly influence the story’s trajectory. From the seemingly small decision of which side of the road to drive on in “Fallen Angel” to the larger choice of saving Harper or Farid, each action has consequences that ripple throughout the game. Understanding these consequences is vital for players seeking to shape the narrative and achieve their desired outcome. The complex relationship between player agency and narrative design highlights the power of interactive storytelling.

Consider the impact of saving Karma. By securing her survival in “Second Chance,” you alter the events on the ship and influence the overall outcome of the game. Similarly, the choice between Harper and Farid dictates who will be present during the attack on the USS Obama, which can have cascading effects on the mission’s success and the fate of other characters.

The game subtly encourages critical thinking and emphasizes the moral ambiguities inherent in warfare. There’s no clear “right” or “wrong” answer in many situations, and players must weigh the potential consequences of their decisions based on their understanding of the characters and the overarching narrative. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) studies these kinds of complex decision-making processes and narratives in games.

Black Ops II is not merely a first-person shooter; it’s an interactive drama where player choices determine the fate of nations and the lives of its characters. Mastering the mechanics of the game is essential, but understanding the nuances of the narrative and the far-reaching consequences of your decisions is what truly elevates the experience. The burning question of Harper’s face, therefore, serves as a potent reminder that even seemingly minor choices can have significant consequences in the world of Black Ops II.