Okay, so Black Ops multiplayer information has been released to the press worldwide. What now? Well, to decipher it (everybody already did that) here. There are a couple new additions to Black Ops multiplayer, but it's largely the same.

1) The addition of CP, or Call of Duty Points. Basically, on top of earning EXP, you earn CP. CP can be used in the new Wager modes (more on that later). But, another feature is the ability to purchase attachments, visual upgrades, and weapons long before they become available through the standard EXP system. What does this mean? If you like a certain gun but can't wait to unlock it, then you can simply buy it. However, the prices will most likely be sky high, so you'll need to do a little gambling on your part in order to win all.

2) Wager modes. 'Nuff said. Basically, there's a certain playlist chock full of these new Wager modes. You can put your money on the line as to who's better. If you bet that you're going to be first, why not throw down $5000 (since that's what everybody's going to call it anyways)? There are four Wager modes as of now, but more may be added later. Gun Gamehas everyone start out with a knife. Each kill rewards you with a better weapon, and you need to be the first to 20 kills. Thing is, each new weapon is COMPLETELY randomized, so you don't know what your getting next. Plus, a knife death detracts you one tier. Sharpshooterhas everyone start out with the same random weapon, and every 45 seconds it changes to another random weapon with a random attachment. One in the Chamber has everyone with a single pistol with a single bullet and three lives. That bullet kills instantly, but if you miss, you are forced to resort to melee attacks until your next kill. Sticks and Stoneshas everybody armed with the explosive tip crossbow, ballistic knife, and tomahawks. It's just an excuse for a gorefest. If you place in the top three, you win what you bet as well as a little extra.

3) There were challenges in old Call of Duty multiplayer (ever since 4). But now, Black Ops introduces contracts. Basically, if you find a contract you like (say, 25 SMG headshots), you sign up, but you must pay some CP. After you sign onto a contract, a time limit begins (since they're all timed). So, you might have to get those 25 SMG headshots within 24 hours. If you manage to pull it off, you can get a hefty boost in EXP, CP, or both. This should add a little incentive to actually completing all of them.

4) Finally, Create-a-Class 2.0. Not only do you get to outfit your gun with attachments and camos, you get to change your player model (similar to Vegas 2, but for however many classes you have), create an emblem for your gun (similar to Halo's emblem editor), and change the reticules of your laser/holographic based attachments. If you want your red dot sight/ACOG sight to feature a smiley face, go for it. Basically, it's kind of reminiscent of what Halo: Reach is trying to accomplish, but more attached to the gun than the character itself. Oh, and you can add clan tags etched onto the back of your gun.

Those are just about the gamebreaking changes implemented. Next week, I'll talk about the killstreaks in the game, as well as the different weapons, perks, and attachments.