Call of Duty Black Ops II

As of today, Black Ops 2 is no longer set in the future, an incredibly fascinating shift when you think about it. I’ve definitely spent more time with other Call of Duty titles, but objectively speaking, Black Ops 2 remains the best COD ever made. And when you look at the newer installments, it’s clear this game holds up in ways that still feel unmatched.

What stands out most is the sheer amount of love and passion poured into it. The level of innovation and risk-taking involved in pulling off something this ambitious is unparalleled in the franchise. The writing is sharp, the designs are fresh, and each campaign mission offers something uniquely engaging. The music fits perfectly, and the characters are some of the most unforgettable in the franchise, brought to life with remarkable attention to detail.

Menendez might just be my favorite villain of all time. He’s charismatic and, despite his monstrous actions, somehow evokes sympathy. The depth of his character, along with the other memorable faces throughout the story, has stayed with me ever since. I will never forget the impact left on me after playing the "Suffer With Me" mission for the first time.