Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is likely to be a must-have game when it is released later in 2012. Previous Call of Duty games all felt very similar, and the franchise slowly lost its luster, but Treyarch took a bold step with the new multiplayer gameplay features announced at Gamescom 2012. Check out the top 5 new multiplayer features in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.

1. Create a Class

Customizing a class in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is much simpler than before and allows players more freedom. Class creation is based on a 10 point system; players use these points to add weapons, equipment, and abilities. A new wild card system adds an extra slot in the player's inventory.

2. Scorestreaks

The new Call of Duty no longer incorporates Killstreaks, replacing them with a new Scorestreak system. Killing an enemy is no longer the only way to unlock rewards such as care packages or a sentry gun turret. The new system encourages players to take part in every aspect of the game for high points.

3. Weapon Performance

Perks no longer affect how a weapon performs. Players who want to change how a weapon behaves will be required to add an attachment. Perks only affect the player, not the weapon.

4. Shoutcast

Multiplayer matches can now be streamed to anyone who wants to watch. Although some might not see the value of this feature, it could turn Call of Duty into a sport which is as much fun to watch as to play, especially if the players themselves are skilled. Shoutcast even offers the option to act as a commentator while watching a match.

5. New Rewards

Scorestreaks is the new Killstreaks, and Black Ops 2 offers new rewards to complement the change. Rewards include the new predator missile, which scatters bombs to create a wider blast on the ground; the Guardian, a heat-based weapon which incapacitates enemies and kills them if they fail to move out of the way quickly enough; or a mech, which players can control themselves or automatically deploy to hunt down enemies.

Wrapping things up

Treyarch introduced other changes to Call of Duty: Blacks Ops 2, such as an all new matchmaking system and new game modes. The developer is clearly on a mission to bring new life to Call of Duty.