"Revolutionary" is too strong a word to describe the first chunk of Black Ops II add-on content, but we would call its diverse multiplayer additions essential for hardened players.
Four excellent multiplayer maps make up the bulk of the set. "Grind" is the eye-catcher — its X-Games–inspired skate park brims with colorful quarter-pipes — though the flooding tunnels of dam station "Hydro" add another new twist. "Downhill" brings snow to Black Ops II, along with dangerous ski lifts and long lines of sight, while the sand-drenched hotel setting of "Mirage" proves particularly great in Domination mode. In a first for Call of Duty, the DLC also includes a new weapon: the Peacekeeper SMG, which stands out both for its white sheen and its tremendous long-range accuracy.
Once you catch your human prey in Turned mode, you become him, thus sending the other zombies in search of your head.On the other side of Revolution is fresh Zombies content — namely "Die Rise," a scenario set on two crumbling Shanghai skyscrapers. Agile, teleporting Minion creatures make for a tough test early, but this map’s unique setting and new kinds of buildable tools and weapons (like the Sliquifier, which spurts purple goo that detonates or trips zombies) give it that familiar co-op hook. The new Turned mode, meanwhile, lets you play as one of three zombies in search of the lone human; though fun at first, it loses its appeal after a few quick, repetitive rounds in just one area.
Still, Revolution definitely punches up the Black Ops II multiplayer experience with fantastic maps and an SMG, while the exciting new "Die Rise" sweetens the deal.
The Peacekeeper SMG lacks up-close pop, but it’s surprisingly accurate at long range.PUBLISHER: Activision • DEVELOPER: Treyarch • ESRB: Mature • MULTIPLAYER: 18 on Xbox Live (regular); 4 on Xbox Live or split-screen (Zombies) • ACHIEVEMENTS: Zombies-only • COST: 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15) • RELEASE DATE: January 29, 2013
+ Includes four great new, diverse multiplayer maps.
+ "Die Rise" is an intriguing and challenging Zombies scenario.
– The new Zombies mode (Turned) won't keep your attention for long.
? After "Grind," what surprise location is next?
