Although the Multiplayer is fun, along with some additions, the Campaign and graphics suffer tremendously.
I'm going to break down this review to three main categories: Story/Campaign, Graphics, and Multiplayer and assume the average rating from all of them.
STORY/CAMPAIGN-
The campaign in Black Ops is nothing too special, nothing we haven't seen before. Basic levels, shoot badies, then move on. (With some 'stealth' levels inbetween) The only problem is; it's not very fun. For one, the campaign itself has horrible checkpoints. You go in to a room, you kill every one, took you about 10 minutes, then you go to the next area and you get shot. Boom! You're dead, and guess what? You have to go ALL the way back. Deffinetly a downgrade for checkpoints in previous CODs. The Story? It's got a twist at the end, but nothing that you will remember, and that's dissapointing enough for me. I still remember the end of both Modern Warfares clearly. You'll find yourself strolling along this campaign just wishing it was over. The AI is dumber than ever! Yep, so goodluck on Veteran, you're alone. There are some 'thrills' and 'new' additions to the game but it doesn't save the campaign from being really boring. (7.5/10)
GRAPHICS-
Bad, bad, bad. A complete mess, aside form character faces. The structures in both campaign and multiplayer are just an aweful, ugly, undetailed mess. (6/10)
MULTIPLAYER-
The reason for buying COD: Black Ops. The customization is insane. You will find yourself changing weapons, classes, perks, and all the small things on guns including, camos, reticules, and scopes for hours. The Multiplayer is well balanced and all around you die less than in previous COD games. There are no longer cheaters than use explosives constantly or knifers running around which helps me to enjoy the game much more. The new WAGER MATCHS are a great addition to the game as well. You can bet small or large and play adrenaline pumping games to be 'in the money'. It's actually really fun. Shotguns are now primary, so no more running around a corner and being shot then being shot by the same guy with an assault rifle miles away. EVERYTHING is now money based, which kind of stinks but you get money quick enough just by playing. Multiplayer is fun. (8.0/10)
DO NOT BUYING THIS GAME WITHOUT XBOXLIVE!