*-_-* Black Ops is a
first-person shooter. The player assumes the role of a foot soldier who
can wield various firearms, of which two at a time can be carried;
throw grenades and other explosives; and use other equipment as
weapons. A player close enough to an enemy can kill with one knife
blow. A character can take three stances: standing, crouching, or
prone; each affects rate of movement, accuracy, and stealth. The player
can dive prone from a standing position when running. The player can
momentarily sprint but will then grow tired. The screen glows red to
indicate damage to a player's health, which goes away over time. When
the character is within the blast radius of a live grenade, a marker
indicates the direction of the grenade, helping the player to flee or
throw it back. Among the game's weapons are crossbows with bolts and
explosive ammunition, Dragon's Breath rounds and ballistic knives.