Activision Delights Call of Duty Fans with Black Ops 2 Port, but with a Catch

Amongst the chaos of Microsoft’s recent announcements, Activision has managed to slip in a delightful surprise for Call of Duty fans. The company has released updated ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Black Ops 2 (2012), bringing these classic games to modern consoles with a few caveats.

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For $40 each, these ports offer nearly complete updates of the original games, upscaled to 1080p with few exceptions. The only major change to the ports is the omission of some modes, with Wager matches removed from Black Ops 1. This decision was likely made by developer Iron Galaxy, who handled the ports. Unfortunately, these updated games are PlayStation-only, leaving millions of fans who originally played them on PC out of the loop.

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Emblem Editor Sparks Controversy

The updated Black Ops 2 port has also preserved the iconic emblem editor, a feature that was a staple of Treyarch’s early games. This tool allows players to create custom emblems using a variety of shapes, symbols, colors, and layers. While this feature was a beloved part of the Call of Duty community, it also raises concerns about player expression and moderation.

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Influencer JakeSucky recently shared a tweet showcasing the emblem editor’s capabilities, highlighting the creation of swastikas, depictions of 9/11, and other disturbing content. This raises questions about the responsibility of game developers to police player expression, especially when it comes to potentially sensitive topics.

As one player pointed out, the lack of an option to turn off custom emblems entirely is a missed opportunity. This would have allowed players to avoid seeing potentially disturbing content in their game. Instead, the game relies on player moderation to keep the community safe.

Despite these concerns, the emblem editor remains a powerful tool that allows players to express themselves in creative ways. As the Call of Duty community is known for its dedication and creativity, it’s no surprise that players are making the most of this feature.

A Look at the Ports

The updated ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 are nearly complete updates of the original games. With few exceptions, these games have been upscaled to 1080p, offering a fresh new look for fans of the series. However, the omission of some modes and the lack of modern features like FOV sliders and high refresh rates may leave some players feeling disappointed.

Overall, the updated ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 are a welcome surprise for fans of the series. While they come with a few caveats, these games are a great way for new players to experience the Call of Duty universe and for veterans to relive classic moments.

However, the controversy surrounding the emblem editor raises important questions about player expression and moderation in the gaming community.

Conclusion

The updated ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 are a great addition to the series, but they also raise important questions about player expression and moderation. As the gaming community continues to evolve, it’s essential to address these concerns and find a balance between creative freedom and community safety.