Is It time For A Single Mode...? Yes, Sir, It Is.

With the 2013 COD Championships taking place this weekend and the looming launch of next-gen console gaming later this year, it's made me wonder... how can COD take it's gameplay to the next level?

• It has to be fundamental.
• It has to keep it's veterans.
• It has to broaden the appeal.
• It has to work for MLG.

Yep... it's time for a Core/Hardcore hybrid.

Before you think I've lost it and fallen off the deep end... hear me out and come at this with an open mind.

It's Time For A Single Game Mode

In order for COD to truly grow, there needs to be one game mode that takes elements of existing Core and Hardcore modes. Both groups are passionate about their preferred modes... and that's great. That passion, however, can be blinding and divisive. By taking what is good about both modes, losing the dead weight, and making a single mode for all, the community can then focus on what makes the game better than issues plaguing their smaller group.

But how to combine them? Simple.

• No always on mini-map.
• 60% health of current COD.
• Health regen.
• Friendly fire.
• On screen reticle only for throwing weapons (excluding all 'nades).

It's Fundamental

First Person Shooters (FPS) are no longer a gaming novelty. They dominate sales and playtime. Yet the basic gameplay still treats players as though they are new and need a lot of help. I don't think that's the case anymore. So, take out some of the always on crutches because players frankly don't need them. And let's face it... they've begun to cause more problems than they solve.

It's time to expect more from players. We can take it.

It Keeps the Veterans

When you're making a single mode, it requires compromise... and no one group will get everything they want. But this solution would keep elements of Core and Hardcore that are central to both and make a new single mode for all to play. It keeps health regen but with a lower max-health. It cleans up the HUD but keeps a reticle for those that like thrown weapons.

But why friendly fire? Because it's a touch silly you can fire through a teammate and not harm them and...

... we're expecting more out of players now, right?

It Broadens Appeal

Having a single mode keeps the community from fragmenting into small groups. This brings the focus onto how the game is playing, what needs to be changed, and gives a real picture about the state of the game. Not to mention making it easier for new players as well because there is only one mode for them to learn.

In this case... less is more.

It Works For MLG

Major League Gaming... the pros, right? They shouldn't need (or want) all of the in game aids. The best thing this does... allows recreational players to watch advanced players play the same game, with the same equipment and weapons they play. It would not only enhance the appeal but highlight the real skill some of these players have. ESports would grow, COD sales would grow, and enthusiasm for all involved ratchet up a notch.

How is that not win-win?

Moving Forward

A single mode would bring the community together, of this I'm convinced. It might alienate some... I play HC... but would keep most and bring in more players.

I'm excited for next-gen...

... I hope COD doesn't stay in 2007.

Hardcore is a small community? My ass it is.

So... four months after Black Ops 2 launch and hardcore has lost a mode and gained a mode.

That's it.

Yet the "small community"--

• Has 41% of the players Core has.
• Has 56% more people playing KC.

Yeah... small my ass.

Where's the #MOARhardcore?

The Night Before Christmas -- Black Ops 2 Style

It's nearly Christmas (wow the year flew by) and it's time for another Call of Duty spin on the classic Clement Moore poem, The Night Before Christmas.

Enjoy and have a safe and merry Christmas.

Cheers,
RAN

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the net

The COD vets were smiling from the kills they would get

Headsets were charged with a battery to spare

Knowing new greenies soon would be there

The kiddies were dreaming of streaks in their heads

When they should have been filled with thoughts of dread

Support streaks were easy, a total breeze

Of course they’ll still come with absolute ease

With nary a word, he bounds down the stair

Knowing for certain his copy was there

He tears it wide open, his eyes all a light

So ready to dominate his first firefight

His console whirred, the screen popped to life

Maybe he’ll run with just a gun and a knife

That’s all he keeps seeing from vids on YouTube

So, it must be that simple, for he is no noob

Who needs combat training, I played the first one

I’ll show those old vets this time how it’s done

He made his first pick ten but stopped it at nine

So certain his skill would make it all fine

“On semtex! On flashbang! On old hand grenade!”

With so many choices, he had it made

And he couldn’t believe it, like a gift from heaven

They let him start out with a freaking MP7

He whips out his pistol and flies off in a dash

Getting ready to throw out that very first flash

When over the building and out of the sky

A ‘nade hit his chest, he was the first die

No worries he thinks as he changes his class

I’ll just equip Ghost and camp off my ass

Sit in this corner and aim at this door

And wait for the bodies to litter the floor

“Enemy UAV is up!” The announcer would say

Yet flat on his belly he continued to lay

Right up until he was shot through the wall

So certain that he would slaughter them all

So sick of being killed by some guy who’s named Tom

He switches from Deathmatch and loads up some Dom

“I’ll show you what’s up, I’m gonna sprint straight to B

No way you vets will get the better of me!”

He rounds the brick wall with B just in sight

When suddenly time slows, he’s not moving quite right

The concussion wave strikes him and holds him in place               

As the vet calmly shoots him, two times in the face

The same thing keeps happening, over and over

Until finally he dies by a puppy named Rover

The game finally ends, his jaw drops to the floor

Only 300 points was his pitiful score

The vet he leans back and cracks open a beer

His morning complete and full of good cheer

5600 points for the game was not bad

And boy was that greenie sure as hell mad

The Christmas Noob simply doesn’t get how it’s done

For playing Call of Duty is meant to be fun

Laughing out loud and knowing he’s right

“Merry Christmas to all, and to vets a good night!”

Streaks are back in BO2

As any avid player knows, BO2 will introduce the Quad Rotor and CLAW into the Call of Duty universe.

We now know they will be streaks in MP.

Unlocked how? Dunno
User controlled? Dunno
Sound fun? You bet.

And what is the one in the middle? A 2025 airstrike perhaps?

The more we learn... the more we speculate.

#WheresVahn

Selective ROF is in BO2

This makes me happy.

No idea how many selections you get but just having it is awesome.

Yet more proof TA listens to their players.

Looks like akimbo will be in Black Ops 2... just sayin'.

Or at least in the campaign... check out the guy going John Woo style behind Mason.

Mixed feelings personally...

... but I really don't want to see it in MP.

Just sayin'

Sports and Call of Duty... It's Not What You Think.

As I watched the 2012 NFL Draft yesterday, a thought solidified in my head. I'm one of those people that love the off season in sports. I almost love it more than the regular season... and definitely more than the playoffs. You see, the off season is about reflection... anticipation... a time when something new meets something old and leaves you with a sense of hope the next year can be better.

Well... the Call of Duty off season officially begins May 1st.

On that day, Black Ops II will make it's world reveal and the speculation of its contents will begin in earnest. What needs to be added... what needs to be dropped... what fans hope to see... all will be bantered about the internet. Sounds a lot like sports fans, huh? How you hope the changes your team makes in the off season will lead to a championship... or at least a better team to watch.

Call of Duty's draft day is 11/13/12 and Black Ops II is the first pick. Players get the game in their hands and like a first round pick in the NFL, you hope it will be good. That it will live up to the hype and give your franchise that shot in the arm it needs. Let's face it, MW3 was the lockout shortened NBA season of Call of Duty. It was nice to have, felt awkward, and ultimately missed the mark. Never before has an off season been so welcomed. In the case of my Portland Trailblazers, a wasted season has a chance to quickly turn around on Draft Day 2012.

The same is true of Call of Duty.

How successful the 2012 Call of Duty season is with the launch of Black Ops II remains to be seen but the off season leading up to it should be fun. It will have hype and hope, success and failure, and if we're lucky, a spark of magic.

And you didn't think COD was like sports, huh?