You know what would make the Call of Duty series even better? Gambling.
That's the rationale behind Treyarch's upcoming introduction to the series, "Wager Matches," which will appear for the first time in Call of Duty: Black Ops. We got to check out the brand-spankin' new feature in a gameplay trailer released Sept. 1st:
So here's what you're looking at: Wager Matches introduce four new game modes, each of which requires players to bet their "COD Points" on the outcome. Experienced Call of Duty fans should note that COD Points are distinct from XP, or Experience Points--the new currency will be used instead to purchase new equipment and props for player characters. When you lay down your money in a Wager Match, you're betting that you'll come in the top three when all's said and done. If you do, congrats--you're "in the money," and you'll receive a points payout. Otherwise, you lose your stake--better luck next time.
The game modes themselves (all free-for-all throwdowns) seem pretty cool even without the wager attached. "One in the Chamber" starts you off with a pistol and a single bullet. Kill another player, and his or her bullet's yours--miss the shot, and you're stuck with close combat weapons for the rest of the round. "Sticks and Stones" sends you out with a crossbow, a knife, and a money-sucking tomahawk. "Gun Game" gives each player a pistol to start, but rewards them for kills by allowing access to better and better weapons. Those who aren't on a streak can get revenge by knifing their enemies, which sends them back one weapon tier. Finally, "Sharp Shooter" gives everyone the same random weapon, then switches this weapon at certain game intervals.
Wager Matches should combine the fun of play-pretend war with the sheer joy of taking somebody else's stuff. D&D players have known the feeling for a long time now. Trust us...it'll be a blast.
