Review – Call of Duty: Black Ops – Annihilation Map Pack DLC
The new Call of Duty: Black Ops Annihilation DLC is now available on the Xbox – LIVE marketplace. I have spent some time playing on the maps and have to say that out of all the DLC so far for Black Ops, this pack is my favorite. While I have not played the new Zombie map included in the pack, I have spent some time on the Multiplayer maps, and have included some gameplay videos below from the last couple days.
Map: Hangar 18
This map is based around an aircraft Hangar that houses a Blackbird Stealth Jet. There are plenty of routes around and through the hangar itself, and also a couple of decent Sniping spots. If you do plan to snipe on this map, just be aware that the sniper spots on this map are very obvious as there is basically one at each corner of the map usually in two story buildings or in one case, on a radar dish platform. The map is very easy to find your way around and after a game or two, you should have no issues finding the enemy. A favorite spot of mine, is on the set of crates that are directly in front of the Blackbird. Once you are on top of the crates, you have good visibility to the approaches, as well as decent cover.
Map: Silo
This Map is based around a set of Missile Silos. It may remind you a bit of the Launch map as it has a similar feel at times. It also reminds me of the Quarry map in MW2 as it has some similar structures and layout. This map has plenty of close combat and a large number of routes through the battlefield. One thing to keep lookout for on this map is structures that you can use to climb over fences and walls. There many of them and they provide great shortcuts when trying to move around the map to flank or cut off an enemy escape.
Map: Drive In
Drive In is a fun map to play on. There are some wide open areas in the middle with the expected Sniping areas to either end of it. On one end there is a large Movie Screen with a whole in the center. There is a platform behind it to allow you to snipe from this spot. On the other end is a two story building with windows overlooking the central area as well. There are plenty of paths around the sides for flanking and close quarters combat as well. Overall this is a very solid map. Similar to Hangar 18, you may want to be careful when sniping as the sniping areas are pretty obvious and you tend to catch a lot of fire when trying to use them.
Map: Hazard
For those who have been complaining that Black Ops is not a friendly game for Snipers, you finally have a map that gives you enough room and open space to really practice those headshot skills. Hazard is a map that surrounds a golf course. The lawn of the course itself is long and has good site lines. At the beginning of the match, each team starts at one end of the course. Right away quick snipers can pop a couple shots and get their team an early score. There are also plenty of places to take cover as well and not just in buildings, there are sand traps and hills on the course that can be used for effective sniper cover. Be careful though, there are plenty of side paths on the map to provide flanking opportunities for those who do not prefer playing as a sniper. One of the things I love about this map is that it allows you to snipe all you want, while not forcing you to play as a sniper. You can play this map any way you want and still have fun. While Sniping is a viable option in this map, it is not overpowered or forced, so those not playing as snipers will not feel that they are at a disadvantage.
Overall I have to say this is my favorite DLC for Black Ops. The maps themselves felt familiar and new at the same time. After just a few games I felt more comfortable on these maps than I do on any of the preview DLC packs for this game. The maps are very polished and provide you the freedom to play to your own style. I have to say that the team at Treyarch have done an amazing job on this DLC. If you are only going to buy one map pack, or were disappointed with the past DLC for Black Ops, this is the Map Pack to buy in my opinion. Head and shoulders above the other maps that have been released for this game.
Catch you on the battlefield…
SideWinder 24x7
Tainen
