Is Black Ops 2 a Direct Sequel?
In the Call of Duty (CoD) franchise, Black Ops 2 is considered one of the most significant titles, being the seventh installment in the series and the first developed by Treyarch. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of "direct sequel" and answer the question, "Is Black Ops 2 a direct sequel?" Let’s dive into the details!
Understanding a Direct Sequel
Before we analyze Black Ops 2’s position within the franchise, let’s clarify what we mean by "direct sequel." In gaming terminology, a direct sequel refers to a game that is directly related to its predecessors, carrying on the narrative, game mechanics, and universe established by earlier titles in the series.
Direct Connection with Previous Titles
Black Ops 2 can be arguably classified as a direct sequel, as it:
• Builds upon the narrative and events of Call of Duty: Black Ops, its direct predecessor, taking place about 4-6 weeks after the conclusion of Black Ops’ campaign.
• Continues to use a similar multi-mission setup, consisting of 13 missions spread across various stages of history (from 1985 to 2025).
However, what sets Black Ops 2 apart is the inclusion of new plot threads, additional characters, and significant improvements in multiplayer, resulting in a unique yet cohesive entry in the CoD universe.
Canonical Implications
With this framework, let’s consider what happens within the Canon, as revealed by interviews with game developers, promotional materials, and other references within the Call of Duty community.
Black Ops 2 is still considered part of the official Black Ops (1986-2025) and Modern Warfare franchises. It may not fit directly into every story within these eras, but serves as an expansion of both, influencing subsequent games while expanding its own universe.
Chronological Context: Timeline Clarification
It’s important to clarify Black Ops 2’s positioning within the broader Call of Duty chronology:
- Black Ops takes place (1986)
- Cold War takes place between 1940 and 1964, covering WWII, World War III, and events in Russia (this part of the series doesn’t have an impact on the main canon, being somewhat isolated.)
- Black Ops 2 and Cold War stories share crossover events
Given the intertwined narrative fate with its sequel and fellow franchise member Modern Warfare series, we can safely establish Black Ops 2 as part of the Direct Sequel series, following in the footsteps of earlier Call of Duty games.