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Call of Duty: Black Ops II limited editions unveiled, $180 'Care Package' includes aerial drone
Activision never disappoints when it comes to limited edition Call of Duty release bundles, and for the upcoming Black Ops II, it actually may have outdone itself. Besting the RC-XD from its predecessor, $180 will let you snag the Care Package edition for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. This massive bundle is actually boxed as an in-gamed care package (aerial drop-off not included) that's loaded with a remote controlled MQ-27 Dragonfire quadrocopter drone (!) -- we really wish we'd picked up those Modern Warfare 2 night vision goggles now (not at all for full-fledged, after hours recon of our Aol office-mates...). Naturally, it also comes loaded with the requisite DLC goodies; namely, two extra maps (Nuketown Zombies and Nuketown 2025), exclusive weapon camo, a pair of Player Card backgrounds and copy of the soundtrack. Furthermore, PS3 owners will get a pair of dynamic themes, while those with 360s will receive an XBL Zombie avatar and Claw prop. Lastly, you'll also receive a couple more tangible items in the way of an art book and a duo of "Challenge" coins. Not looking to terrorize your local airspace? Shave off the $100 premium for the drone and case (not too shabby if the AR.Drone is expensive for your budget) and you'll be able to grab the Hardened edition packed with everything else. Last, and seemingly least in this case, Activision is putting out a Digital Deluxe for PC users -- similar to the Hardened variant, but with a download code for the aging World at War in place of the physical goodies and PSN / XBL content. Wallet already prepared for the future of secret warfare? You'll find details to place your own pre-order ahead of the November 13th launch at the source links below and trailer courtesy of Joystiq after the break. %Gallery-163580%
Black Ops 2 shipping in 'Hardened' and 'Care Package' editions [update: trailer!]
You guys aren't going to believe this, but Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 will have two separate special editions, one of which includes an expensive spy-tech style toy.The "Hardened" edition, with a steelbook case, soundtrack, "challenge coins" and extra DLC, and the "Care Package," with all that plus a remote-control quadcopter (!) and a toolbox, will be out alongside the regular edition on November 13, according to MP1st.MP1st appears to have gotten hold of a press release for the items that we have yet to see, so their veracity is unconfirmed for now. However, the official Call of Duty Twitter account posted an image of the toolbox case, exactly as seen in the Care Package picture.%Gallery-163547%Update: Activision has officially announced the bundles, including a PC-exclusive "Digital Deluxe Edition" for $80. The Hardened Edition for Xbox 360 and PS3 also runs for $79.99, and the Care Package version, what with its actual flying machine, will retail for $179.99. Find full details of each bundle after the break.
No Prestige Edition for Modern Warfare 3
Modern Warfare 3 will not come in a Prestige Edition, Infinity Ward creative strategist Robert Bowling tweeted. The Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition is priced at $99.99, $20 more than previous Hardened Editions, and includes a one-year membership to Call of Duty Elite as its major selling point. Perhaps without the distraction of making augmented-reality scuba goggles or one-size-fits-all MW3-branded combat boots, Infinity Ward and Activision were able to focus on making the actual game as great as it can be. Perhaps.
Call of Duty XP Event: Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition priced at $99.99
Activision has confirmed the suggested retail price for the Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition: $99.99, which is $20 more than previous Hardened Editions. The Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition comes with a one-year membership to Call of Duty Elite, bonus in-game content, a Juggernaut XBL avatar skin, a 100-page field journal and new disc art, all in a fancy steel case. So far, Gamestop and Amazon have the Hardened Edition listed at $99.99, while EB Games Australia is charging $158 for the same package. Modern Warfare 3's jump in price may be attributed to the one-year Elite access alone, which is valued at $50 and bumps users up to "Founder status," which includes an in-game emblem, player card, camouflage and an XP boost. Or, it may all go to pay the air-conditioning bill at the Call of Duty XP Event -- we hear it's awfully temperate in that hangar.
Modern Warfare 3 'Hardened' Edition contents solidified
In case this week's report regarding the contents of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's "Hardened" Edition weren't proof enough for you, Infinity Ward creative strategist Robert Bowling confirmed them during this afternoon's Call of Duty XP opening keynote in Los Angeles. As previously noted, the bundle will contain a one-year CoD Elite membership ($50 value), various in-game content bonuses, and it comes in a fancy metal case. Its cost, however, is still unknown, but previous CoD "Hardened" versions have launched at $79.99. We'll keep an eye on retailer sites for the edition, which is said to be popping up for pre-order any minute.
Call of Duty XP attendees get free 'Hardened' edition of MW3, teaming with We Can Pretend
Beyond chomping (hopefully) real burgers at the faux fast-food establishment, Burgertown, Call of Duty XP attendees get a "special redemption code" for Modern Warfare 3's Hardened Edition, for use "when it becomes available worldwide on November 8." Included in the price of admission is also the chance to run through "a life-size replica" of MW2's "Scrapyard" level, so bring an extra extra pair of running shoes (one of the extra pairs will already have been used after heading through "The Pit"). And tucked away in a variety of details about a new comedy series for Call of Duty Elite members (being put together by Jason Bateman and Will Arnett's production company "dumbdumb" and Ben Silverman's Electus Studio, no less) was news that Activision is collaborating with We Can Pretend on a "Modern Warfare-inspired live-action short." We Can Pretend are the folks who put together the "Find Makarov" campaign back in March, misleading many game news outlets to believe that it was a Modern Warfare 3-based ARG due to its high production value. If the aforementioned amenities weren't enough, Activision is upping the physicality of things with "Juggernaut Sumo" (just what it sounds like) and "a military-style zip-line plunge across the Call of Duty XP compound." Say it with us now: "HOO-AH!"
Report: retailer lists 'Hardened,' 'Prestige' editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops
Last year's "Hardened" and "Prestige" editions of Modern Warfare 2 set a precedent -- a precedent apparently being reinforced by similar "limited editions" for Call of Duty: Black Ops, as spotted by IGN. The listing was seen over on Buy.com (it has since been pulled) for "Hardened" and "Prestige" editions of the forthcoming CoD sequel for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, though unfortunately no details are given in the listings. For its part, Activison told Joystiq "We haven't made any announcements to date," but we would be downright shocked if the two editions don't pop up in a press release in the coming weeks; we're only a few months out from the game's release, after all. As for what we can expect to be packed in with the two versions -- listed at $80 and $150 (just like last year) -- we're not so sure. Perhaps an actual, working ghillie suit to combine with those night vision goggles? We can only dream.
Call of Duty: Classic coming to Xbox Live and PSN 'eventually'
It's common knowledge that those who pick up Modern Warfare 2's Hardened Edition or Prestige Edition will receive Call of Duty: Classic, the game that started it all. Then there's the option of making your own, but what if you're one of the 14 people who just want Call of Duty: Classic? Well, according to Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling (via IGN), you may have to wait a while."Prestige and Hardened Edition buyers will be getting access to Call of Duty: Classic first. It'll eventually be coming out for both Xbox Live Arcade and PSN as a stand-alone arcade game," he said. Bowling also confirmed that this is the full edition of the original game, including multiplayer. Activision has made no mention of what the classic will be priced at, though considering the $80 price of admission for the Hardened Edition, we're assuming the game will run you around $20. Will it be more as a standalone?
PC players spared Modern Warfare 2 bundles, difficult decision
You folks planning to pick up Modern Warfare 2 for PC are lucky because you won't have to struggle with the tough choice between practical and pointless. Console owners will have to decide whether their love for Infinity Ward's FPS franchise translates to acceptance -- desire, even -- of a giant box of junk including, but not limited to, a plastic head. Making decisions like that could lead to learning things about yourself ... that you didn't want to know.It's a relief, then, for PC gamers that neither the Hardened Edition nor the all-out Prestige Edition will be available for PC. You're forced to buy just the game, like a normal person. If you're really into Prestige, though, you can always roll your own version of it.[Via Big Download]
