When the First Strike map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops was first announced, it got fans around the world — and there are a ton of them — extremely excited. Then, unfortunately, when it was announced that those four new multiplayer maps and one new zombie map were Xbox exclusives, a great many of those fans became considerably less excited. Thankfully, that sadness won't last much longer.

Activision has announced today that the First Strike map pack will be hitting the PS3 on March 3rd, only one month after the release of the maps on the Xbox 360. Unfortunately, PC gamers will have to wait a bit longer as Activision did not announce a date for that platform.

Boasting four multiplayer maps each with their own unique mechanic, the First Strike map pack is a must buy for any Black Ops fan who has grown tired of the title’s original maps. Still, at the not so easy to swallow price of $15, these maps aren’t going to be for everyone.

Gamers who have been avoiding information regarding First Strike out of spite might want to take a look at Game Rant's favorable review. Each of the maps bring with them a familiar feel and a well balanced set-up — something we have come to expect from the Call of Duty franchise. Like the game's retail maps, each First Strike map has its own strengths and weaknesses, but every COD player is sure to find a contender for their new favorite.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEB0H90lt_M&feature=player_embedded

With a much more tolerable gap between the release dates of the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of First Strike, perhaps gamers will see a concurrent release of the next downloadable content from Treyarch’s record breaking title. It has certainly been a tough pill to swallow for PS3 and PC gamers, knowing that Xbox 360 owners have been taking to the zip-lines of Kowloon or riding the space pods of the new zombie map Ascension.

It still is unfortunate that PC gamers might have to wait a bit longer, but stay tuned to Game Rant for any news as it develops.

How many PS3 gamers out there have been dying for this announcement after First Strike was revealed to be Xbox exclusive?

The Call of Duty: Black Ops -- First Strike map pack releases March 3, 2011, for the PS3 and is out now for the Xbox 360.