Such mechanics as the
branching storyline in Black Ops II and the EXO suits seen here demonstrate that Activision and co are willing to put a
few toes outside of their comfort zone, but refuse to take the entire step needed to truly advance the franchise.
They all work as vendors for specific classes, each with a personal
storyline that can play out in several ways based on their relationships with other NPCs in the shrine and a
few branching decision points.