Black Ops 1 & 2 Hit PS5: The Price of Nostalgia Revealed

The wait is over for PlayStation players eager to revisit the iconic Call of Duty: Black Ops campaigns and multiplayer. Both Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2 have officially launched as native PS5 ports, bringing Treyarch's celebrated entries to modern hardware. This release allows players to experience the gripping narratives and intense multiplayer action that defined a generation of Call of Duty, now with improved performance and visuals tailored for the PS5.

However, the return to these beloved titles is not without its significant cost. Both games are priced at $40 each digitally, meaning a combined total of $80 just for the base games. For players looking to recapture the complete experience, the original season passes, packed with additional multiplayer maps and Zombies content, are available separately for $29.99 each. This brings the total cost for both games and all their DLC to a staggering $140. This pricing strategy has understandably raised eyebrows among fans who have been anticipating these ports, especially given the age of the original titles.

A Familiar Fan Frustration

The high cost is a point of contention, but it's not the only detail that has emerged. While the core campaigns, multiplayer, and Zombies modes remain intact – including the infamous emblem editor – some features have been omitted. Wager matches and theater mode have been removed from these new ports. This decision, alongside the absence of crossplay, might be a blessing in disguise for some. The original PC servers were notoriously plagued by hackers, making a fresh, dedicated server environment for the PS5 versions a welcome change for many who feared a repeat of that experience.

"There are no new features with these ports and there's no crossplay, which may actually be a good thing."

A PlayStation Plus Lifeline

Fortunately, there's a significant saving grace for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Until August 6, PS Plus members can purchase both games for $20 each, and their respective season passes for $9 each. This brings the total cost for the complete experience down to approximately $60, a much more palatable figure for many fans. Additionally, a free pack for Black Ops 2 is available, offering access to customization packs previously sold separately. These ports represent a chance to dive back into classic Call of Duty multiplayer and Zombies, albeit with a clear emphasis on the value proposition for existing subscribers.

What's Next

With the games now available, the focus shifts to player reception and server stability. The PlayStation Plus discount provides a clear window for interested players to jump in. It remains to be seen if Activision will offer further bundles or discounts for the full experience in the future.