CoD: Black Ops introduces Wager Match, Combat Training modes

Call of Duty has successfully earned "mainstream" status, because many non-gamers actually know what it is.  Then we've got the CoD community, who spend a good chunk of their online time either bashing or gushing over the next Call of Duty game.

Regardless, the series maintains consistent wow factor, and this time around, Treyarch's working hard to live up to the precedence Modern Warfare set.  Tonight at the Black Ops multiplayer premiere event, we learned that the latest Call of Duty will have two new modes. 

As it turns out, a good 30 to 40 percent of the MW2 crowd avoid online multiplayer, and Treyarch took a hint.  The new Combat Training mode essentially pits gamers against bots with human-like play styles and behavior.  It's an effective training method, but if you're still terrified of multiplayer, Combat Training does support co-op and multiplayer elements (i.e. Perks).

Wager Match is something born almost directly from community feedback.  Here, you've got four different modes, and progression is separate from "normal" multiplayer.  Before each match, you'll be betting in-game currency called "CoD Points," which you may earn back by placing in the top three.  And how exactly does one make it to the top?  Depends on the mode.  Once you've accumulated enough, CP can be used for purchasing weapons and other good stuff.

One in the Chamber - Your only weapon is a pistol with one bullet, meaning if you miss someone, you'll be stuck with a knife.  Acquire more bullets by killing other players, whether by shooting or knifing, and try not to use up all three of your lives.

Gun Game - Earn better weapons with each kill.  Being killed will set you back a tier to your previous weapon.

Sticks & Stones - A crossbow and ballistic knife are all you have/need.

Sharpshooter - All players start with the same weapons, which change after a period of time.  You'll continue cycling through these weapons at random.

Dropping out due to crappy Internet or poor sportsmanship is the same as losing the match, meaning you'll lose Points.  These matches will, however, be split by difficulty so the less daring can bet less and avoid major risks.  Boosting is possible, but it's also too inefficient.

More multiplayer details to come -- don't ask about beta right now.