Breaking down the Black Ops 2 reveal trailer
Now that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is officially out there, we can examine the game's reveal trailer and offer some further insight beyond the bombast.
We've compiled a handful of screen grabs from the trailer after the break, with notes about the game's locale, features, and more. For even more, make sure to read our detailed campaign preview and details on the game's new, story-altering 'Strike Force' missions.
Sgt. Frank Woods returns, surviving what was believed to be a fatal explosion in Black Ops. Woods will be seen in both the 1980s time period, and the year 2025, as pictured above.
In 2025, players take on the role of David Mason, son of Alex Mason from Black Ops. Pictured above is David's right-hand man, Harper. (Side note: He looks a lot like Woods. Just saying!)
In the 1980s, which includes this mission set in Afghanistan, players will continue the career of Alex Mason. During the reveal event for press, Treyarch showcased how they captured realistic horse animation: by mocapping an actual horse.
The full-body scan technology seen here is also centralized inside of a powerful scope, featured in a sniper rifle used during the game. It allows players to see through walls and, with an electronic charge feature, fire through objects.
Swarms of aerial drones are one of the perks and horrors of fighting in the near future. Players can deploy and face off against this quick-moving menace.
Controlling drones in 'Strike Force' missions -- and possibly during campaign and multiplayer -- is presented in a first-person view.
This armband tactical overlay was shown during a cutscene – it's unclear if it has any place in regular gameplay.
These roving bots, shown here during a 'Strike Force' mission, are one of the many robotics available for players to deploy (and control) during gameplay.
The dog-like tank, affectionately referred to as C.L.A.W. (cognitive land assault weapon) can be both friend and foe when deployed. In 'Strike Force' you can also control it from a first-person perspective; it's unclear how it will function in single- and multiplayer modes.
The only single-player mission shown at the event takes place in Los Angeles in 2025, where David Mason and Harper are tasked with escorting the President of the United States out of the city. Soon, the city is attacked by drones directed by the game's antagonist.
This may be the major antagonist in Black Ops 2, Raul Menendez, whom players will see in both eras. According to Treyarch, players will see plenty of him as they learn of his gestating motivations for war.
During the Los Angeles level, players battle on foot, push through the crumbling city in a vehicle, and take to the sky in jets. Varied gameplay means varied destruction.
Flying thorough the city in a jet looked impressive. Black Ops 2 uses an updated version of the same engine that has powered the series throughout this generation.
In the Los Angeles attack, Mason uses a lock-on weapon fixed to the back of a truck to send a swarm of missiles at attacking drones.
A closer look at the C.L.A.W. and a better comparison of the mechanical beast's size.
The air recon and attack drones send out a terrifying buzz; a sound that may become as terrible that signaling a swarm of dogs in previous Call of Duty titles.
This lovely exploding ship is your target in one of the game's 'Strike Force' missions.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is set to launch on November 13, for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.
