Secrets of the Call of Duty: Black Ops campaign teaser revealed

The Russian dude from Modern Warfare

Could this be Imran Zakhaev - the temporarily two-armed Russian Ultranationalist from Modern Warfare? The Black Ops dude is definitely Russian. The standard issue leather jacket and Soviet Hind in the background pretty much leave zero doubt about that. And, like Zakhaev, he has an ugly bald head, combat trousers and boots.

There are only two possible explanations as to why this man looks like Imran Zakhaev: 1) It is Imran Zakhaev or, 2) developer Treyarch isn't very good at making characters that don't look like characters from other games. If the latter of those explanations turns out to be true, then we suspect the man is one of Black Ops' known bad types, General Kravtchenko. But he does look the absolute spitting image of Zakhaev.

The guys that don't stay dead

Russians have a reputation for being strong like bear. This is proof. Witness the two Soviet soldiers get absolutely skull blitzed by the butt of an AK-47. See them fall to the ground. Then look closely. Look close enough and - just before it cuts to a Huey blowing up - you'll see both battered men getting up like they've been enjoying a pleasant lie down.

The most loved/hated shotgun from Modern Warfare 2

The Model 1887 is a shotgun with a fancy flippity-doo reload action. A patch reduced the range of dual-wielded Model 1887s, but prior to that they had a reputation as the most ass-kicking shotgun in Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer. Because of their killing power - and the fact they weren't unlocked until level 67 - some people loved them, others hated them.

If the thought of the 1887s making a comeback to multiplayer has made you heave up piles of irrational hate vomit, calm yourself with the knowledge that Treyarch has confirmed the Model 1887 as a single player weapon only. Furthermore, we'll only get to shoot them during the Terminator 2 inspired motorbike sequence. So no need to have, like, a cow or something.

The Russian roulette bit that looks just like The Deer Hunter

Anyone that gives a shit about movies that actually count for something will have instantly spotted the reference to The Deer Hunter. If you're familiar with the film, you'll know it’s not the sort of scene that's easily forgotten.

Have a look at just how closely Black Ops resembles Deer Hunter:

Above: The revolver on the table (if you're interested, the Black Ops gun is the Python Snub Nose)

Above: The prisoner gets a slap

Above: Hello mad face

If, as it appears, Black Ops stays true to the movie inspiration for the Russian roulette sequence, then it figures that Frank Woods - the captive seen in the trailer - will be playing against another US POW. Just like how it happens in Deer Hunter, see:

The perspective in the image below could easily be that of the 'player' sitting opposite Woods. This possible scenario would certainly be interesting. And pretty f*cked up.

Above: Will we be playing as Frank Woods' army buddy, Alex Mason?

Seen something that we've missed? Do these observations excite you in any way? Spill yourself and your mind in the comments...

October 15, 2010