A technological step backward....
The multiplayer system has been slightly changed, not really for better or worse, just different. But it's nothing earth shattering. If you enjoyed previous COD games MP you will likely have some fun with this. The one thing that they did change, which ruined the multiplayer for me, was the amount of bullets it takes to kill other players. Most guns you need about 6 - 8 direct hits at medium range to kill a guy, which I find annoying in a military shooter. If I want to put a whole clip into a guy, I'll play Halo. Military shooters should be 1 - 3 bullets max, it kills the realism.
Lastly, the campaign is decent. There are a few noteworthy set piece battles, but one character I found extremely annoying. The Russian who appears throughout the story has the most irritating accent and he seems to be a little TOO keen on the main character, if you know what I mean..... And the fact that the main character speaks while you are playing him? That just shouldn't happen in a COD game. It's sacrilegious.
Overall, Black Ops is a very average game and does not justify the hype. Compared to other COD games I would classify it as a 3.5/10. Not only does it fail in breaking any real new ground and pushing the envelope from a technical stand point, but it manages to fall back a few steps in several departments. Why bother playing this when there are several other COD games available for a third of the price which deliver far better looking, and better playing, experiences?