6. The Characters
While we're on the subject of Raul Menendez, now's a good time to mention that the characters in this game are more fulfilling than in any other Call of Duty entry before it. Specifically in the case of Menendez, we have a villain with an emotional center. It isn't power or greed that's fuelling his blood lust, it's revenge for losing someone he loves. This baddie plays a long con, his trail of power spanning from the 1980's to 2025, where he's poised to unleash his horrific endgame. Luckily, the villain isn't the only great character in the game, as you have your squad-mate Harper (voiced by the always awesome Michael Rooker) to provide smart-alec levity and Admiral Briggs (voiced by the legendary Tony Todd) as the hard case of a warrior that helps lead your Strike Team missions in the side campaign. Even characters like Alex Mason (still voiced by Sam Worthington) and Jason Hudson (re-cast with Michael Keaton) are better enriched by the game's plotline, as they are expanded and better rounded. Being as Alex's son, David, is our protagonist, the story of father and son being torn apart by the mission (as well as the son following in the footsteps of the father) is central to Black Ops II's surprisingly emotional plot. It's a story about dealing with loss, the passage of time, and ultimately the love of family versus the love of country. Though rest assured, there's still plenty of the explosions, military intrigue, and wise cracks that make the Call of Duty series what it is. This time, it balances a heavier emotional counterweight.