Twas the Night Before Christmas -- COD Ghosts Style

I've done this the past several years.... and I have a lot of fun with it. So, I give you this year's version of the classic poem, COD style.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land

The COD vets were smiling, it was going to be grand.

Controllers at full charge and headsets just so

The vets settled in, just itching to go.

While the Greenie he dreamed of racking up kills

By knife or by gun, he had all the skills.

This year was different, he was no longer a noob

It might just be time for a montage on YouTube.

The next morning he bolted, so anxious to see

That Hardened Edition right under the tree.

He tore into the paper and littered the room

Smiling so broadly over his impending doom.

New disc in hand he moved in a blur

His console spun up and started to whir.

A ghostly visage filled up the screen

Looking moody and tough and just a little mean.

He selected a soldier and gave him a name

It was kinda stupid and utterly lame.

The map finished loading, Honeybadger in hand

He took off in a sprint, without a single plan.

"Now noobtube, now pistol, now hand grenade

On Stalker, on Quickdraw, on pointstreak parade!

To the top of the building, to the bottom of the hill

I'll shoot them, I'll stab them, I'll kill them at will!"

Dashing to his left then darting to his right

He heaved a grenade with all of his might.

But rounding the corner, he dropped over dead

From a single bullet passing right through his head.

How did this happen, he thought with a fright.

I just started playing, this couldn't be right.

Spawning in once again, he decided to go slow

Still not having a clue on just where he should go.

Crouching as he moved, so sure where they'd be

He totally missed the blinking red I.E.D.

As he flew twenty feet onto the hood of a car

He couldn't believe he'd been blasted so far.

Now Armed with a sniper, he dropped completely prone

He'd show these noobs the skills he had honed.

So he lay there with patience to the left of the track

Then was quietly killed with a knife in the back.

"How the hell am I dying!" at the TV he screamed

This isn't how he pictured it or how he had dreamed.

Screw this, he thought with a twinkle in his eye

I'll switch to a tube, that's how they'll die

Into the game he spawned and pushed left on the pad

Yet nothing happened, could his controller be bad?

Scant seconds later, it would no longer matter

He'd been turned, yet again, into a red messy splatter.

He spawned and died no matter what he did

Even when he sat in a dark corner and hid.

The game finally over, he sat there all numb.

Going 0-20 was pathetic and dumb.

The vet's score was staggering, exceedingly high

Still laughing at the ways he'd seen that kid die.

He rose from his chair and shut off the light

Merry Christmas you noob and to all a good fight!

COD Glossary when playing Ghosts - Part Uno

Like any vibrant (sometimes overly enthusiastic) community, COD has evolved it's own nomenclature... ya know... way of speaking. With each new title, COD loses some vets (who secretly play anyway) and also gains new players -- n00bs (I prefer greenie).

So... why not make a little glossary to help them out and give vets a chuckle?

n00b -- a term used to describe a new or inexperienced player.
Heard in the lobby: "You are such a n00b!"
What he thinks he said: I'm god-like compared to that guy.
What it really means: 1. The "n00b" keeps killing him. 2. The guy really is a n00b. (it's most often number 1).

The "n00b" is rarely a n00b. He's often killing the guy calling him a n00b and that guy is pissed. The n00b card gets thrown around when the "vet" can't believe he's getting killed by "that guy". Truth is, that "vet" is often the real n00b.

Greenie-- a term used to describe a new or inexperienced player.
Heard in the game: "Greenie keeps flipping the spawns!"
What he thinks he said: It's a shame the guy won't work with the team.
What it really means: Pretty much it's a shame the guy won't work with the team.

The greenie really is a new guy or at least plays like it. He rarely has a mic. Doesn't get how to work with a team to control a map and generally is a hindrance more than an asset. Sometimes... the guy will plug a mic in, be gracious about the win he was just handed, and move past the greenie stage.


Tryhard-- a player whose only focus is winning the match.
Heard in the game: "What a bunch of tryhards!"
What he thinks he said: These guys aren't playing the game right.
What it really means: They're not playing the game how he wants... and they're winning.

The. Dumbest. Term. Ever. The "tryhard" will use any weapon, any perk, any tactic that wins the game. In other words, he's smart. And the "vet" can't take it. The tryhard card gets thrown around when you just got your butt thumped like Miley Cyrus and want to act above it all.


Pubs-- slang for a public match.
Heard in the game: "You're just a pub player"
What he thinks he said: I'm MLG, yo.
What it really means: He wants to be in eSports and thinks this will help him feel it.

As this is how everybody outside of LAN tournaments (hi, MLG) plays the game, it's primary use to elevate the speaker and denigrate the rest. Just one reason a lot of the COD community holds eSports in ill repute.


More to come in part deux. Hope to see you in pubs... errr... in some games.

Cheers,
RAN

Emblems Are Back In Ghosts

So... emblems will make a return to COD in Ghosts but it looks like it may be the clan emblem.

Mikey, likes.

And another...

1,296,000 seconds to COD Ghosts MP reveal... give or take a few seconds

So... it's been revealed the reveal will be #soon.

In other news... the Earth will rotate 15 times...
... in 360 hours...
... or 21,600 minutes...
... or 1,296,000 seconds.

Give or take.

I give you the info you really need. Yeah, baby.

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?

Just Sayin' -- is this an Elite glitch?

Some guy has got colored names for his classes...

Hacker or glitcher?

Just sayin'.

Just Sayin' -- New Maps in January

I'm hearing rumbles of new maps in January... but...

... is this really one of the map names?

"Morningwood"

Wow. Partly shake my head stupid, partly funny.

If it's true... who knows.

Just Sayin'.

A COD White Paper -- Taking it to the next level

I love Treyarch and how they "unofficially" seek feedback. Since they are seeking it for COD 2012, why not give them my whole enchilada? I took a stab over a year ago but my thoughts about a number of things on that post have evolved.

This is what I want from a COD game.

In General

This will be expanded on but at its core:

• It should be fluid and fast -- fast engagements not run all over the place. 
• Focus on gun encounters versus explosives and tubes. 
• No perk should be infinite -- sprint, fall damage. 
• Situational awareness is the emphasis versus reliance on the mini-map. 
• Perks need counters and balance within themselves. 
• Tailor risk reward to the playlist (differ it between TDM, SnD, etc.). 
• Make all playlists available as Hardcore. 
• Fundamentally change weapon unlock system and what it means to prestige.
• Streamline point streaks.
• Make a true weapon enhancement system.
• Personal customization is a must.
• Selective Rate of Fire (ROF).

Weapons

There should a wide variety of weapons in each class of SMG, AR, LMG, Sniper, Shotgun, Pistol. Selective ROF should be available for SMGs and ARs as they would be with their real life counterparts.

Unlocks

Weapons will no longer be unlocked at certain ranks. Instead, a weapon unlock will be available at certain ranks to be used on any weapon a player chooses.

Attachments

Similar to weapons, all attachments should be available to be chosen when an unlock is available. Multiple attachments are always available but limited to a sight and one other attachment. Also, you cannot suppress a weapon with an undermounted attachment. The options below are examples and may not be available to all weapons:

• Grenade Launcher
• Smoke Launcher
• Master Key
• RDS
• Holographic
• ACOG
• Variable Scope
• Hybrid Scope
• Suppresor
• Grip

Balance

Weapons should be balanced within themselves and not against other weapons. One with a high ROF may have lower damage or significant kick. A weapon with great range accuracy might have wide bullet spread when hip fired.

Customization

Enable user created camos for the weapon. Layers and patterns would be available as players prestige. You must prestige at least once to enable this option.

Enhancements

Allow players to improve the weapon through how it is used. This is not through an attachment or proficiency rather a incremental increase in performance in specific aspects over time. It is specific to a given weapon.

• CQC encounters might reduce bullet spread
• Kills at range might improve distance accuracy or decrease weapon sway.
• Enhancements should take prestiges to make significant changes.
• It does not reset upon prestige.

Perks

All perks are available right away. They are not unlocked. Break up the perks into three areas of focus -- weapon, person, awareness. Perks should have an opposite perk to counter it. Example, you can stay off the radar but someone might hear you move/reload. No perk should be infinite

The following are examples but they show how to structure perks with counters for a true risk/reward system.

Weapon

1. FMJ -- Increased bullet penetration.
• PRO: Tracer rounds.
2. Gunner -- 2x fire rate.
• PRO: Increased magazine capacity (does not increase number of rounds).
3. Fast Swap -- quick reload.
• PRO: quicker weapon swap.
4. Scavenger -- Replenish primary ammo from any weapon.
• PRO: Replenish equipment ammo.
5. Technician -- quick equipment plants and throws
• PRO: Recover faster from equipment plants and throws.

Person

1. Extreme Conditioning -- extended sprint.
• PRO: quicker recovery from sprint and injury (red screen only, does not increase health).
2. Ranger -- faster movement while ADS.
• PRO: Quicker ADS.
3. Camouflage -- hidden from the "radar" and support (except briefly when firing a non-silenced weapon).
• PRO: No red name visible to enemy.
4. Climber -- climb obstacles faster.
• PRO: Get in/out of prone faster.
5. Deep Breath-- Able to hold breath longer while ADS.
• PRO: Recover from holding breath faster.

Awareness

1. Ninja -- silent footfalls.
• PRO: cross chatter discipline, hidden from rabbit ears.
2. Saboteur -- identify enemy explosives and rewire to friendly.
• PRO: booby trap dropped weapons to explode when picked up by an enemy.
3. Rabbit Ears -- all enemy movement is louder.
• PRO: enemies briefly appear as red dots on map when close if they make sounds (fire, reload, move, etc.).
4. Sherpa -- able to track recent enemy movement.
• PRO: able to hide your movement.

Point Streaks

Streak rewards are based on points earned and not just kills. Points are earned from kills, assists, objectives, and enemy equipment/streak destruction.

• Streaks are tailored to different playlists.
• What it takes to get 3 point streak in TDM may be 5 points in Domination.
• Kills by streaks do not count as team kills in Hardcore modes.
• They are stackable and selectable.
• They do not chain.
• Do not carry over between rounds in round based modes.
• Take multiple hits from a launcher to be destroyed

Types

They are broken out into two distinct types and are not tied to classes. Once a match starts, they are what they are and cannot be changed.

• Support
• Does not reset on death.
• Can achieve final streak once per life.
• Team support streaks only (they cannot generate kills).
• Assault
• Reset on death.
• Can be cycled through multiple times per life.
• Only generate kills (does not include a UAV) and includes streaks that can take out other streaks.

Class Loadouts

Focus needs to be on gunplay with the ability to take down streaks when the enemy calls them in. Sidearms are limited to pistols (no more machine pistols). Also, the more a player focuses on explosives, the more they have to sacrifice. As such, each class will have:

• Primary Weapon
• AR
• SMG
• LMG
• Sniper
• Shotgun
• Sidearm
• Pistol
• Launcher
• Single round, streak lock-on only
• Equipment
• Explosive
• Grenade Launcher (if attached)
• Grenades (variety to choose from)
• Placed explosives (variety to choose from)
• RPG
• Tactical
• Smoke
• Flash
• Stun
• Tear

Prestige

Currently, it is a disincentive to prestige in COD. By changing how weapons and perks are accessible as you progress through ranks, it makes it less of grind or risk to do it. However, an incentive is still needed. While still not an indication of skill in game, it is something for dedicated players to show to others.

• Enable custom camo creation only after first prestige.
• Add layers some prestige ranks.
• Add color options at certain prestige ranks.
• Do not reset weapon totals or enhancements.
• Offer different stylized attachments at higher prestiges.
• Allow different character skins at higher prestiges.

This would make prestige about cosmetic things versus bragging rights. It might even be time to call it something else like "Veteran". Prestige has developed too nasty a reputation. 

Hardcore

All playlists need to be in hardcore. There is no reason for them not to be. Also, how teamkillers are punished both in game and and post game needs to be addressed.

In game punishment

• Multiple TK's in the first 30 seconds of a game results in an instant kick of the offender and the match to be restarted.
• Three friendly fire kills gives you a 30 second time out.
• 5 friendly fire kills gives you a 2 minute time out.

Post game punishment

• Automatic 24 hour ban for offenders who are kicked out of three games in a one hour period.
• Automatic 72 hour ban for offenders who receive three 24 hour bans.
• Possible permanent ban for offenders who receive three 72 hour bans.

This is it... how much we'll see is an open question.

The Night Before Christmas - A MW3 Joint

This is my second time taking the classic Clement Moore poem, The Night Before Christmas, and putting a Modern Warfare slant to it.

It's an homage to a poem that always makes me smile with true joy at the innocence of spirit Christmas brings to my life once a year.

Enjoy.

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the net

All the gamers were resting, especially the vet.

But come the next morning that would surely change

With a myriad of close kills and some at long range.

The kiddies they slept with multi-kill dreams

Not knowing how easily they soon would be creamed.

While the vets laid down peacefully, with nary a fit

Just hoping the greenies all wouldn't rage quit.

The morning came quickly with anticipation and hope

And the greenies felt certain it was going to be dope.

For Santa had nestled, just under the tree

A brand new copy of  Modern Warfare 3.

He ripped off the wrapping and rushed to the tray

His fingers all twitching, so anxious to play.

What was IW thinking, I'm not a noob,

They gave me a  default class with a toob.

Stuffed from Doritos with double XP galore

He was certain in an hour he'd be rank 44.

And be armed to the teeth with so many guns

Killing all the "vets" was going to be fun.

"Now UMP! now, Semtex! now, SMAW and Scar!

Just watch out punks when I get my ACR!

From that rooftop window or the top of the hill!

I'll mow you all down with my elite freaking skill!"

As the game finished loading, he jumped in a room

A team with 4 rooks and a girl named Boom-boom.

All itching to play the new Team Defender

While plotting the kill he was going to render.

Once in the game he sprints up a street.

To be greeted as quickly by a grenade at his feet.

His body now flying 20 feet in the sky

Annoyed to have been the first one to die.

Two seconds later with toob ready to fire

Unaware how thing's are suddenly dire.

A vet snuck behind him and with only a knife

One slice takes away his short second life.

"It's just not fair, I can't even move!

Just give me a second and I'll get into a groove!"

But everywhere he goes, he dies in a flash

Oh and thirteen later, he decides to dash.

Back at the menu, he simply shakes his head

Frustrated as hell to have always been dead.

"Screw Team Defender, I'll rock some KC

At the top of the board, that's where I'll be."

Yet game after game and map after map

The vets beat him down with slap after slap.

By gun or by air, it just doesn't matter

They all end his life in a bloody splatter.

Alone in his chair and too stunned think

Appalled at how low his KD can sink.

He came to realize one thing is true

He'd picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.

Now laughing aloud, he decides to have fun.

Then launches the game and chooses his gun.

And quickly discovers a brand new thrill

There's more to the game than getting a kill.

Support streaks start flying, and tags disappear

And he finally experiences some holiday cheer.

When the game is finished he can't believe what he gets

A kind, simple message from one of the vets.

A twinkle in his eye, to the vet it felt good

Finding a greenie who plays like you should.

And he thought to himself as he turned out the light

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

1 For the Home

If you are like me, the release of a new Call of Duty is like an early Christmas present. Once you have it, you'll play for hours at a time and ignore pretty much everything else. With the imminent Midnight launch of Modern Warfare 3, that time is here again but I ask you...

... what was the one thing you did to make your gaming time yours?

"Huh?" you ask. Well... the one thing you did for the person who really controls your time -- your wife, your girlfriend, or maybe even your Mom (sorry Dads, that ain't you and we both know it). That thing that will give them pause when they want to get on your case for spending too much time with MW3. That one thing you did without them really knowing why you did it but makes them think you've earned game time. I know I did...

... I put in a wood floor.

[PICS Forthcoming]

That's right, RAN's set.

Now, you don't have time to put in floors but it's not too late to do at least one thing for the home. Make a special dinner for your wife. Send flowers to your girlfriend's job (score points and make the other women's men look like chumps). Clean your room, kid (let's face it, if you have to worry about Mom, that's the best your gonna do at this point).

You've got options. But you need to do it or suffer the inevitable, "Get off the game and do !" Over... and over... and over.

I did my 1 for the home... did you?





Next, the conclusion: 0

2 cents about Black Ops

I'll admit it... I was geeked up for Black Ops... really geeked up. Was it perfect....? No.

But it is the second best Call of Duty to date.

I'll miss playing it. Granted, I'm not selling it... I just tend to move forward rather than linger on the past. It introduced a number of things I really liked. Things that aren't in Modern Warfare 3 that could have been... and one that will be around COD again (I hope).

1. Buying any attachment I want.
• This was awesome. Some people think unlocking things shows "accomplishment". People who play a lot know it's a grind.
2. David Vonderhaar
• The best, most interactive dev in the business. Period. I made a somewhat snarky post (but sincere) over a year ago... he just calmly explained how it was. Since then, I came to know a man who had real passion for COD and a commitment to the community... a straight up cool guy. Some folks have called me a Vahn "fan boy" (that's some funny crap) but I just respect him. I've gotten a chance to game with him. 402 needs to speak to him and learn.

Not what everyone else will miss about Black Ops. Just what I will. One of the two could have been in MW3. Vahn will be there for COD 2012... I hope.

My 2 cents.

Next... 1 for the home.

3 is the pits

I've been an avid Call of Duty player since 2007 and COD4 but unlike 80% of the players, I prefer to play Hardcore. However, since COD4, the playlist rift between Core and Hardcore continues to grow.

MW3 may take the cake.

For some reason, COD development teams have this preconceived and ill-conceived notion that Hardcore is a "niche" as @fourzerotwo referred to it. Sorry, but 15-25% of your players aren't a "niche". Let's take a look at some numbers from Black Ops yesterday:

• Totals Players in MP: 703,062
• Total in Core: 565,954
• Total in HC: 111, 392 (16%)

In Core, 38% of the players play TDM (30% of all players), 36% play HQ, SnD, and Dom combined. The point? 75% of all Core players play 4 game types yet they are afforded more than 16 options. For HC, players spread out over 4 main options, TDM, SnD, CTF, and HQ. Two of which weren't even in the game at launch.

Two of which aren't in MW3.

Black Ops added new wager match modes but not in Hardcore, of course. Lots of new options for the Core player in MW3, too. Kill Confirmed and Team Defender. Sounds cool... oh, wait...

Hardcore doesn't get Team Defender.
... or Headquarters.
... or CTF.

Treyarch got the hint to a certain extent... too bad IW didn't get the hint form the start.

Instead, we're stuck with the 3 pits at launch.





Next... 2 misses.

For those getting MW3 truly legit...

... your wait just increased by an hour.

Happy daylight savings time.


Just sayin'

4 is the Pinnacle

I had planned to write something profound for t-4 days but then... what hasn't been said about this title already?

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
It's the pinnacle.

'Nuff said.




Next... 3 is the pits.