What is the Story of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 presents a sprawling narrative that spans two distinct time periods, weaving together personal vendettas, global conflicts, and the rise of cyber warfare. The story primarily revolves around the struggle against Raul Menendez, a charismatic but brutal Nicaraguan narco-terrorist, and his organization, Cordis Die. The game alternates between the late 1980s, focusing on the past exploits of Alex Mason and Frank Woods, and 2025, where Mason’s son, David “Section” Mason, takes center stage.
In the 1980s, the narrative explores the origins of Menendez’s rage, detailing events that led to his obsession with revenge against the United States. Key moments during this timeline involve missions in Nicaragua, Panama, and other hotspots, showcasing the clandestine operations of CIA operatives. The player witnesses the formative experiences that shaped both Menendez and the older characters, providing crucial context for the conflict that unfolds in the future. This part of the story also features iconic Black Ops characters like Alex Mason and Frank Woods, and explores the complex relationships that they forge.
The main portion of the game is set in 2025. Here, a new Cold War is brewing between the United States and China due to China halting the export of rare earth elements. Amidst this geopolitical tension, Menendez resurfaces, wielding a powerful cyber weapon capable of seizing control of the U.S. military’s unmanned drone fleet. This poses a significant global threat, with Menendez using the drones to launch attacks on major cities, creating chaos and fear. As David “Section” Mason, the player leads a team of elite operatives in a global chase to stop Menendez and dismantle Cordis Die. The 2025 timeline emphasizes the use of advanced technologies such as robotic warfare, cyber warfare, and futuristic weaponry.
The narrative is deeply intertwined with player choices, with decisions made throughout the campaign impacting the characters and the ending. These choices determine the fate of key individuals, the success or failure of critical missions, and ultimately, the ending that the player experiences. Black Ops 2 is lauded for its branching storyline, which provides a degree of replayability, and allows players to experience several different conclusions to the saga. The overall themes include the dangers of unrestricted technological advancement, the corrosive nature of revenge, and the impact of global power struggles on individuals and nations.
The narrative of Black Ops 2 is a compelling tale of global intrigue, personal tragedy, and the struggle against both technological and human adversaries. The use of two time periods and branching storylines makes it a complex and memorable entry in the Call of Duty franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main conflict in Black Ops 2?
The primary conflict in Black Ops 2 revolves around Raul Menendez, a Nicaraguan narco-terrorist, who uses cyber warfare to seize control of the US military’s drone fleet and launches attacks on major cities. The game deals with a new Cold War brewing between the US and China.
Who is the main antagonist in Black Ops 2?
The main antagonist is Raul Menendez, a charismatic but ruthless figure who is driven by revenge against the United States for perceived wrongs in his past.
Who is the protagonist in Black Ops 2?
The game features two primary protagonists: Alex Mason and Frank Woods in the 1980s sections and David “Section” Mason in the 2025 segments.
What is Cordis Die?
Cordis Die is Raul Menendez’s organization, a worldwide populist movement that aims to destabilize global powers through chaos and violence.
What year does Black Ops 2 take place?
The game is set primarily in two periods: the late 1980s and the year 2025.
How long is the campaign in Black Ops 2?
The campaign for Black Ops 2 is approximately seven hours long, though the branching storyline encourages replayability.
Does Black Ops 2 have multiple endings?
Yes, Black Ops 2 features multiple endings, influenced by decisions made by the player during the course of the game. Some of the game endings are known as the Best, Bad, and Worst endings. The survival of the characters like Menendez, Harper, and Woods can greatly impact the outcome.
Is Black Ops 2 a sequel to Black Ops 1?
Yes, Black Ops 2 is a direct sequel to Call of Duty: Black Ops, continuing the overarching storyline within the same universe.
What advanced technology is featured in Black Ops 2?
The game features futuristic technologies such as unmanned drones, robotic warfare, cyber warfare, and other advanced weaponry.
Is there a connection between Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 3?
Black Ops 3 takes place 40 years after the events of Black Ops 2, in 2065. There are narrative links as Black Ops 3 builds on the world’s state in the wake of the events in Black Ops 2 and its world view.
What is the “Cold War” in the 2025 timeline?
In the year 2025, a new Cold War has emerged between the United States and China, precipitated by China’s halt on exporting rare earth elements.
How does player choice impact the story in Black Ops 2?
Player choices significantly impact the narrative. Decisions made throughout the campaign affect the fate of characters and the ending of the game. The player can choose whether to spare or kill important characters such as Harper and Menendez.
Why is Black Ops 2 considered a good Call of Duty game?
Black Ops 2 is highly regarded for its unique branching single-player campaign, well-balanced multiplayer, and addictive zombie mode. The branching narrative, excellent characters, and Menendez as a villain have all led to the game being considered one of the best in the franchise.
Why is Black Ops 2 still so expensive?
The game’s high price is likely attributed to a combination of factors, including Actvision’s slow reduction of prices on its titles, and the persistent popularity and demand for the game. The developers are known to do huge discounts that make the customers think they are getting an excellent deal when they are not.
Does Black Ops 2 have any DLC?
Yes, Black Ops 2 received DLC map packs including “Uprising”, which featured four multiplayer maps.