After the critical and commercial success of the first DLC, Activision strives to continue this inclination with ‘Uprising’. The second of four major DLC packs for Black Ops 2, Uprising sets out to deliver the most foreboding and chilling entry in zombies yet. Along with four more new multiplayer maps to gad about in, can this entry spawn more sales?
Encore, an almost circuit like map is set in London. Taking the theme of an open air concert venue, Encore is the epitome of flanking manoeuvres. A long arced strip forms the outskirts of the map; with both teams spawning on opposite ends, this can lead to a frenzied rush at the start.
Vying for control of the stage is also popular, opposite the cambered corridor of destruction, the platform overlooks most of the map’s centre. A boon for snipers, however a prime target for explosives and an exposed rear flank leaves them high priority fodder if alone. No matter where you sit on this map, someone’s probably close to shooting you in the back!
Magma is probably the weakest of the bunch, a town ravaged and debilitated by a major volcanic eruption is all that’s left. An interesting layout, multiple tiers can make navigation an issue in the centre, with some routes leading nowhere; others just being an incredibly long winded flank. A kinked, crashed train rests on the peripheries, a vulnerable position to be sure, but effective nonetheless. Players flock to it, making it a guaranteed place to get into the action should you not be able to find any on your own travels.
Indeed, this map also ‘enjoys’ another gimmick, unsurprisingly being pools of lava strewn about the map. Some don’t hurt, some sting a little; inevitably some insta-kill you. Why these are on the map is infuriating, lava is probably the primary stem of annoyance from Tranzit; now they bring it here too…
Vertigo is set atop a skyscraper; in all probability the best map here. Whether it be long range battles outside, or the furiously contested inner quarters, whichever form of battle you prefer, it’s catered for. The manifold of entries into the heart of the map forces your head to be on a swivel; the last thing you want is a sniper completing a montage shot off the precarious ladder outside!
Making for some truly intense objective games, a good party can destroy the opposition for only so long. Just one entry unguarded can mean the end of your map control!
Studio, the major draw to this DLC! A fan favourite map reimagined, much like Nuketown only less irritating! Firing Range as it was known on the first Black Ops is back with a fancy new suit. With it’s new look, Studio slips into the roster uncontested; feeling like a fresh map, it still outshines some of the originals on offer.
Not much has changed since it’s previous incarnation, some of the lines of sight seem to have been adjusted slightly; spawn trapping appears marginally less frequent, although a full party will still devastate as per usual!
Here Comes The Horde!
Mob Of The Dead is the all new zombie map, new weapons, characters, secrets and a perk hopefully make for an all new experience! Set in the iconic Alcatraz prison, voice talent by the likes of Ray Liotta and others form up your mobster squad. A new feature, the Afterlife, let’s you enjoy an out of body experience, helping you not only when downed, but is also necessary to open up doors, power up machines and complete the all important easter eggs!
New guns, super-weapons and a possibility to ‘complete’ zombies should get fans salivating too. A new boss roams decadently in seemingly random waves, not just a mere threat to survival, this fellow relishes on making your day a whole lot worse! Smashing up perk machines and the mystery box, he can defiantly make it an expensive round; yes you do need to pay to repair the perk machines!
Time And Money?
As per usual, multiplayer DLC is always worth how much the player puts in. At around £11 to £12, it’s not the cheapest on offer but any Black Ops 2 fan will unquestionably get their moneys worth. The zombies alone will net you hours of flailing fun, never mind the four maps being added to the now fairly comprehensive roster.
Magma isn’t the packs strongest point; the lack of another gun to play with smarts a little too, but the other maps combined with yet more zombies is continually entertaining. To be honest, being able to play Firing Range once more is almost worth it alone!
Reviewed on PS3, also available on Xbox 360 and PC.
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