Basic BLACK

There's no doubt that BLACK™ offers constant balls-to-the-wall action at a pace rivaled by few, if any games, but that doesn't mean that it's one-dimensional or lacking in strategy. In fact, constant running and gunning can't be advised, especially in the later levels.

The need for situational awareness is at an all-time high in BLACK, and these tips should put you well on your way to being prepared for the mayhem to come.

All real-time physics controlled destruction. Sweet.

Reticule Coloring
BLACK employs not only gameplay that requires lightning quick reflexes, but even the tactical information is provided in a way that demands instant awareness. The most noticeable and crucial example is the color changes in the targeting reticule (the little dot that shows where you're aiming). Here's what you need to know.

• White: This is the default color, and while normally it doesn't relay any information, it's important to note whether the dot remains white when directly over an enemy. If it does, this means that precision kills (such as a head shot) are not possible, or that the enemy may be obscured by cover.
• Red: As always, red means dead, or in this case, soon to be dead as the reticule changes to this color when targeting an enemy within range. Once you see the red dot … well, I don't need to tell you what to do.
• Blue: Keep a close eye out for blue, as any time the reticule changes to this color, it's highlighting an object specific to a mission objective. For example, you may have cleared out a building and are heading out when you notice the reticule changes to blue when moving over the safe in the corner. This means the safe is likely a secondary mission objective. Blow it up to complete the objective.
• Black: If red means dead, black means annihilated. Anytime you see your reticule go black, you know the object its targeting can not only be destroyed, but blown to smithereens.  Large red gas containers commonly found attached to buildings, cargo trucks and other vehicles, certain barrels or boxes—these will all change the reticule black, and notify you that an explosion is in order. As a rule, try to wait until a large amount of enemies are near before shooting the target—explosions can take out whole groups at a time.
• Green: Opposite of red, green denotes a friendly target. In the rare quiet moments, this usually isn't critical information, but with the near-constant frantic combat, this color coding can save you from accidentally offing an ally.

The good work of a handy red barrel.

Weapon Upgrades
At first, this is usually a silencer for one of your weapons, and while it's a no-brainer to make use of these upgrades, finding them is challenging. Check side buildings that may not seem important, or small caves off the beaten path. A bit of exploration can go a long way to improving your arsenal.

Shotgun Doors
Closed doors in BLACK can provide an impassable obstacle … unless you're sporting the shotgun, that is. If you find a building you can't enter (many have secondary objectives or extra ammo and health packs inside), get a shotgun and blow the door down. Pistols, submachine guns, and rifles won't do the trick. If you can't find a shotgun, locate an exploding object nearby. These often blow a hole in the side of the building for you to enter.

Rate of Fire
Tapping up on the directional pad will change the rate of fire on your gun (if possible). While full-auto carries with it sometimes irresistible charm, it's not always the best choice. Getting pinned down is a common occurrence—in such cases, ammo conservation can be at a premium. Switching to burst fire is recommended. Switching to single-shot isn't normally the prudent course, but when you've got a silencer and a headshot lined up, single-shot can ensure that you won't attract unwanted attention.

Shades of the Matrix.

Stealth Tactics
You might not think it when in the midst of an ear-shattering war zone, but sneaking about can save you a world of trouble. In fact, enemies essentially can't hear you at all if you're not shooting. As long as an enemy has their back to you and you don't get spotted by anyone else, run up from behind and smack them. A single melee attack from behind an enemy is an instant kill.

Pay Attention to Com
There are no maps to speak of in BLACK and no compass lighting your path. Typically, finding your way isn't much of a problem, but knowing just where you need to go can be tricky if you don't pay attention. Pay close attention to the occasional radio chatter from your character and his allies. New objectives and tips (for instance, being notified of a sniper at your ten o'clock in the second story window) are given over the radio. Make sure you're on point.

While the game is set up for frantic run-and-gun action, the basic strategies outlined above can increase your chances of survival. Don't forget to keep your head down!

Article by Alex McLain