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Call of Duty: Black Ops gets major patch, PS3 gamers suffer connection issues

Griffin McElroy
Updated ·3 min read

Treyarch recently gave its blockbuster shooter Call of Duty: Black Ops its biggest booster shot to date on Xbox 360 and PS3, adding some neat new functionality while initiating some oft-requested server stability fixes and various gameplay tweaks. The biggest changes include: the addition of over 400 new Contracts (perfect for folks who are still on that paper chase); the new option to play offline with AI practice dummies; split-screen multiplayer; and a new "Dolly Cam" for the game's Theater mode, giving machinma-makers a bit more cinematographic flexibility.

Unfortunately, not every player seems to be a fan of the update so far -- a growing thread on the game's official forums is filled with complaints from PS3 owners who say the patch has worsened freezing, crashing and other connectivity issues that have plagued their console's version of the game since launch. Treyarch has stated that it's constantly working on fixes for the game, so if you're suffering from the PS3 networking blues, you might want to add your voice to the pile. For now, check out the full, super esoteric list of changes from the new patch posted after the break.



New Features

  • Over 400 brand new Contracts

  • Practice Dummies (aka, AI bots) in offline Local Split Screen

  • A new camera editing mode in Theater called "Dolly Cam"

  • "Load Multiplayer by Default" option for the PS3

Issues Addressed

  • Resolved several issues with parties getting disbanded unexpectedly.

  • Additional measures to prevent the "Transmission error" and other disconnects. This was most likely to occur with large parties where party members had mixed NAT types.

  • Updated handling for UPnP-enabled routers to improve matchmaking conditions where users had strict or moderate NAT types. Also added in-game communications so that all players are aware of their NAT type in the Player Match party lobby.

  • Addressed an issue with VOIP icons not appearing when USB headsets were plugged in prior to game launch.

  • Prevention of exploit that allowed players to keep custom classes and killstreaks after prestige.

  • Addressed an issue where Flak Jacket Pro would not always protect against ground fires left by Napalm Strikes.

  • Prevention of users losing their killstreak reward when switching classes at the start of a new round in round-based game modes.

  • Addressed an issue where the incorrect perks would appear when spectating another player under certain circumstances.

  • Added round start explosive delay to China Lake grenade launcher to give it the same round start limitations as other explosives.

  • Contracts will now reset when the player Prestiges.

  • Prevention of Valkyrie rocket exploding upon release under rare conditions.

  • Prevention of Gunship and Chopper Gunner failing to give player full control under rare conditions.

  • Prevention of an issue where a player will get teleported outside the map boundaries under very specific circumstances.

  • Additional security measures to enhance detection and banning capabilities.

Gameplay Tuning

  • Limit the ability to re-roll supply drops using Hardline Pro to Care Packages only, no other killstreak drops.

  • Added a negative influencer to all spawn points to decrease the chances of spawning near an enemy. This will further improve spawning protection on top of previous updates.

  • Additional sound mix tuning for Ninja Pro users – increased ranges and volume of enemy footsteps, and removed player footstep sounds on concrete material types.

  • Increased headshot multipliers for sniper rifles. Sniper rifles with suppressors equipped will now always be ensured one-shot kill headshots.

  • Subtle increase in sniper rifle accuracy when scoping in.

  • Added a render delay to the red diamond player indicators that appear when controlling the Gunship, Valkyrie Rocket and Chopper Gunner. When a player first spawns, this will not appear for a period of time.

  • Additional minor reductions in knife lunge.