Where is Alex Mason in Black Ops 2?
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Alex Mason’s presence in Call of Duty: Black Ops II (BO2) is complex and deeply intertwined with the game’s narrative. He’s not simply a protagonist; he becomes a central plot point that hinges on player choices and actions. Ultimately, Alex Mason appears as the “Nexus Target” in the mission “Suffer With Me,” where he’s found on a rooftop, seemingly working with Raul Menendez. However, this isn’t the full picture. The core of Mason’s situation revolves around a tragic deception orchestrated by Menendez, which could lead to his death or, potentially, his survival.
The Deception of “Suffer With Me”
The player, as David Mason (Alex’s son), is tasked with eliminating the “Nexus Target,” identified as Raul Menendez by Hudson. However, as the game unfolds, the chilling truth is revealed: the target is actually Alex Mason. Menendez, in a cruel act of revenge, manipulates events to force his old enemy, Frank Woods, to kill Mason. This sequence is a major emotional and narrative turning point of the game.
Mason’s Fate: The Player’s Choice
Whether Alex Mason survives this encounter is entirely dependent on the player’s actions. The game presents a unique scenario where you must actively try not to kill him. If the player shoots Mason in the leg instead of making a fatal headshot, he will survive the encounter. A successful leg shot will leave blood splatter on Mason’s face, but crucially, not the lethal damage that would result from a headshot. If the player fails to do this and shoots him dead, then the character disappears from the story, leading to a far more somber outcome to the story.
Post-Mission Presence and Canonical Ending
If Mason survives, he reappears in the game’s ending. His survival isn’t merely a plot detail; it is crucial to achieving the “best” or preferred ending of the game. Furthermore, his presence in the ending cements his survival as being the intended outcome. However, even if he survives, Mason’s story is far from happy. In the ending, Woods blames himself and regrets not seeing through Menendez’s deception. Mason himself is left with yet another trauma as he now knows he was shot by his long-time friend, Woods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Alex Mason’s role and situation in Black Ops II, providing further detail about his character:
1. What branch of the military was Alex Mason in?
Alex Mason served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His sharpshooting skills made him a standout recruit, a trait honed from his early years in the Alaskan wilderness.
2. What happened to Mason between Black Ops Cold War and Black Ops II?
Before 1985, Mason left the CIA and military, primarily due to the trauma he suffered throughout the series. During that time, he married, had a son (David), and lived in Alaska. His wife, unfortunately, passed away prior to the events of Black Ops II, and he became somewhat cold and distant towards his son, similar to his relationship with his own father.
3. Why did Mason leave the CIA?
Mason left the CIA and military, largely driven by a combination of delusion and trauma stemming from his earlier brainwashing experiences, along with the desire to raise his son after his wife’s death.
4. How does Hudson find Mason in Black Ops II?
Hudson finds Mason in Alaska, where he is living quietly. Hudson seeks his help to rescue Woods, who has been captured by Menendez. This marks Mason’s return to the CIA fold and re-engagement with international affairs.
5. Is Reznov still alive in Black Ops II?
No, Viktor Reznov is not alive in Black Ops II. He was reported to be killed during the prison break in Vorkuta, although his death was never explicitly shown. However, Reznov makes a cameo as a hallucination to Mason when he is wounded, speaking of completing his legacy, thus solidifying the view of him as Mason’s “guardian angel”.
6. Why is Reznov missing a finger?
Reznov is missing his left index finger because he lost it in Call of Duty: World at War (2008). This missing finger is a distinguishing feature that identifies him throughout the series and is referenced in Black Ops.
7. What are “The Numbers” associated with Mason?
“The Numbers” are a series of codes and images that are used to trigger Mason, turning him into a sleeper agent who then executes the orders he received during his brainwashing. This is a key element of the first Black Ops storyline. The numbers are visually shown as Nixie tubes, a neon digital display technology from the 1960s.
8. Why did Woods shoot Mason?
Woods shot Mason because he was tricked by Menendez. As revenge for Josefina’s death, Menendez disguised Mason as his own double and goaded Woods into shooting him. Menendez then used this to further inflict pain on Woods by killing Hudson and crippling him.
9. Is there a way to save Alex Mason in Black Ops II?
Yes. You can save Alex Mason by shooting him in the leg during the “Suffer With Me” mission instead of making a fatal headshot. This ensures his survival and allows him to appear in the ending cutscene.
10. How does Mason being alive affect the ending?
Mason’s survival is a key part of the better endings to Black Ops II. It is critical in achieving the most positive outcomes in the game’s complex narrative.
11. What is the canonical ending of Black Ops II?
The canonical ending of Black Ops II is the one where Cordis Die supporters launch a global insurrection, resulting in the burning of the White House, setting the stage for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
12. Who brainwashed Alex Mason?
Alex Mason was initially brainwashed by Nikita Dragovich, using “The Numbers.” However, Viktor Reznov counter-brainwashed Mason in order to lead him to seek vengeance on the ones who betrayed him.
13. Why did Reznov brainwash Mason?
Reznov brainwashed Mason in order to use him as a weapon for vengeance against those responsible for his own suffering. He wanted Mason to kill Dragovich, Kravchenko, and Steiner, who were all responsible for the death of Dimitri Petrenko, a soldier he looked up to.
14. Is Alex Mason a playable character in Black Ops II Zombies mode?
No, Alex Mason is not a playable character in the main Zombies mode of Black Ops II. His son, Lieutenant Commander David Mason (codenamed Section), is a playable character in the zombies mode for the side game, Black Ops II Mercenaries.
15. What year is Black Ops II set in?
Black Ops II features two main timelines: one set from 1986 to 1989 during the final years of the First Cold War, and the other set in 2025 during a Second Cold War between the United States and China.
In conclusion, Alex Mason’s presence in Black Ops II is not merely that of a supporting character. He’s a pivotal figure whose fate is determined by the player. His journey from a cold and distant recluse to the unwitting victim of Menendez’s machinations, and the player’s ability to ensure his survival, underscores the narrative’s complexity and emotional depth. By understanding his nuanced role, players can fully appreciate the impact of their choices on the overall story arc.