Black Ops Introduces Offline Multiplayer — i.e. "Combat Training"

Offline multiplayer matches against AI opponents will be a feature of Call of Duty: Black Ops, a mode the game's studio built to include gamers who are disinclined to spend much time in the game's notoriously challenging online multiplayer culture.

Saying there is a large segment of the Call of Duty community that never takes the game online, offline multiplayer is meant to acclimate new players to the maps and match structure of online play, while still serving as a useful practice for mid-level or veteran players.

Combat Training will be a "complete standalone experience," said Mark Lamia, CEO of Treyarch, the studio designing the game. It will have its own progression system.

New Call of Duty: Black Ops Multiplayer Modes, Details
Treyarch unveils new modes tonight in L.A.
September 1, 2010
by Jim Reilly

Treyarch online director Dan Bunting and multiplayer design director David Vonderhaar took the stage during a special event in Los Angeles tonight to announce new multiplayer modes for Call of Duty: Black Ops.

For the first time ever, Call of Duty is getting its own offline multiplayer Bot mode called Combat Training. This mode uses a completely independent rank progression, which you can play alone or with friends. Consider this a new opportunity to train before you test your skills online.

Tier 1 perks also now impact how your character looks in the game. Flak Jacket, for example, makes you look like the dude from Hurt Locker.

Two new Killstreak special weapon care packages were shown; a chain gun called the Death Machine and a missile launcher called the Grim Reaper. Other kill streaks include napalm strike, rc-xd (remote controlled car), gunship, mortars, and a SAM turret to shoot down gunships.

A new form of in-game currency is now being added called "CP" or CoD Points. Players will earn money as they play that they can then use to unlock weapons. CoD Points can not be purchased with real money.



Call of Duty: Black Ops Xbox 360 Trailer - Wager Match Trailer
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Players can also take time limited challenges called Contracts to earn some dough. The three contract categories are Mercenary, Operations, and Specialist. Mercenary rewards players for kills and kill streaks, Operations are for team players, and Specialists are for unique play styles.

Gambling has arrived in the form of a new mode called Wager Match where players can bet CoD points. The top three players split the winnings. This mode includes four new game types:

One in the Chamber -- Players will start with pistols only, one bullet, and three lives. If you kill someone you get a bullet.

Sticks and Stones -- Players start with a crossbow and a ballistic knife, and a tomahawk. If a player is killed with a tomahawk they go bankrupted.

Gun Game -- All players start with pistol, and every kill gives you a better weapon. First one to progress through the weapons wins. If you get knifed you get reset a level.

Sharp Shooter -- All players start with the same randomly selected weapon. Weapons cycle, but everyone has the same weapon.
Treyarch also went in-depth with an all-new weapon customization system.

Players will now be able to attach custom made emblems and decals onto their weapons, and attach custom targeting reticules (such as a red smiley face dot). Players will be able to edit, rotate, and scale images to place on all of the weapons they've unlocked.

Lastly, Theater Mode was shown, allowing players to record clips and create screenshots to tag and share with friends online. The camera can be switched between first and third person perspectives as well as free roam.