According to research from Nielsen, Halo 4 is 2012's most anticipated title with Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 taking second place in the Xbox 360 charts and first place in the PlayStation 3 charts. The title, developed by Treyarch, finally looks to be reinventing with Black Ops 2 the formula after Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is almost identical to previous instalments.

Here's a low down on the top 5 reasons why Black Ops 2 is a must for all avid gamers. The "it-factor" that makes it the most anticipated game title.

Future Warfare

Black Ops 2 takes place in 2025, moving away from the present day setting of the Modern Warfare titles and to the 1960s in Black Ops 2 (though the title will occasionally switch back to the latter era). As a result new weapons and vehicles will appear, so there's going to be an element of surprise for fans tired of the Modern Warfare setting.

Improved Audio Design

Treyarch head Mark Lamia, speaking to Elite TV, revealed that the improved audio design is a goal in Black Ops 2. Previous titles, compared to EA's and DICE's Battlefield series, have sounded lackluster. In Halo 4, Sotaro Tojima, who worked on Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of Patriots, is revamping the audio design.

"We know it's really important, not only for people at home, but for people who compete," Lamia said to Call of Duty Elite TV.

Improved Engine

Call of Duty boasts a 60 frames-per-second gameplay, but the graphical engine has been lacking compared to Battlefield 3's Frostbite 2. Black Ops 2 is revamping the engine, with an improved engine looking noticeable better during the E3 2012 demo. While not quite Battlefield 3 or Halo 4, it's a welcome move.

Moral Choice

Traditionally, Call of Duty titles have been known for being a linear all-guns-blazing experience where shooting anything blows up. The literally explosive experience will probably be a key aspect of the Black Ops 2 campaign, as much as pacing and time to breath would be welcome; however, Treyarch is introducing an ending choice into Black Ops 2.

There will be multiple endings, with a mini-RTS game allowing players to control a squad of soldiers. This mission can be failed and has an impact on the campaign; therefore, charging through could harm the player's experience.

Zombies

Between Activision and Treyarch there is a battle between Spec Ops and Zombies, cooperative experiences based around fighting waves of enemies. Despite warm receptions towards both, Zombies - introduced in Call of Duty: World at War, developed by Treyarch - is perhaps more popular. With Treyarch developing Black Ops 2, the mode will likely return.

Treyarch is quickly becoming the A-team over Activision, with Call of Duty: Black Ops seen by some as offering a balanced multiplayer suite and a more memorable campaign than the Modern Warfare series. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 releases November 13 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC. It has also been leaked for Wii U, but confirmed by developers Treyarch.