Which Black Ops Has Call of the Dead?
The Call of the Dead zombie map is featured in the “Escalation” map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010). It’s important to note that this is the original Black Ops, not any of its sequels. This unique zombie experience is a significant part of the game’s history and is beloved by many fans of the series. The map stands out for its distinct setting, its challenging gameplay, and its inclusion of celebrity actors as both survivors and a zombie.
A Deep Dive Into Call of the Dead
Unique Setting and Gameplay
Call of the Dead is set on a mysterious, desolate Siberian island. This location provides a starkly different atmosphere compared to other maps in the series. Players find themselves in a snowy, isolated environment, surrounded by a decrepit lighthouse, a frozen ship, and other eerie structures. This setting contributes significantly to the map’s tense and claustrophobic feel.
The gameplay itself is notoriously challenging, often cited as one of the harder zombie maps in the franchise. One of the factors contributing to this is that the spawn rate of zombies is high. Additionally, the map’s tight corridors and limited maneuverability make it difficult to avoid being overwhelmed by the horde. This high difficulty, however, is part of what makes Call of the Dead so engaging for many players.
The Celebrity Cast
One of the most memorable aspects of Call of the Dead is its cast of celebrity actors playing the survivors. Robert Englund, known for his role as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, plays a character in the game, along with Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Danny Trejo (Machete). This star-studded lineup added an extra layer of depth and excitement to the gameplay. Adding to the novelty is the fact that the legendary horror director George A. Romero appears as a special, formidable zombie boss, adding a unique and terrifying element to the map.
The Lighthouse and Pack-A-Punch
The lighthouse is a central element of the map, not just aesthetically but also functionally. It activates the Pack-A-Punch machine, a crucial device for upgrading weapons and increasing their power. At random intervals, the lighthouse’s light will shine on one of three rocks around the map, making the machine available. Players must be quick to use the machine, as it disappears once the light moves. The Pack-A-Punch machine is essential to surviving the high rounds on this map, as the enhanced firepower of upgraded weapons will become necessary. Furthermore, specific weaponry, especially Pack-A-Punch’ed weapons and explosives like the Scavenger, are crucial for dealing with the transformed zombie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is the “Escalation” map pack?
The “Escalation” map pack is a downloadable content (DLC) package for the original Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010). It includes several multiplayer maps and the Call of the Dead zombie map.
How do I play Call of the Dead on Black Ops?
After purchasing and downloading the “Escalation” DLC, the Call of the Dead map will be available under the “Zombies” mode menu. Select it to start the game.
Is Call of the Dead available on other Black Ops games?
No, Call of the Dead is exclusive to the original Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010). It was not included in any sequels like Black Ops 2 or Black Ops 3 as a standard map.
Can I play Call of the Dead on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5?
While Call of Duty: Black Ops III did receive a Zombies remastered collection, Call of the Dead was not included in this collection. It remains exclusive to the original game.
Who voices the characters in Call of the Dead?
The playable characters are voiced by Robert Englund, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michael Rooker, and Danny Trejo. George A. Romero provides the vocalizations for his zombie character.
What is the significance of the lighthouse in Call of the Dead?
The lighthouse is pivotal as it activates the Pack-A-Punch machine, allowing players to upgrade their weapons. The lighthouse also acts as a focal point for George Romero’s zombie, as he will run to the bottom of it when a zombie is transformed into him.
What are the best weapons to use in Call of the Dead?
Pack-a-Punch’ed weapons are essential. Explosives, such as those from the Scavenger, are also very effective against the hordes and George Romero.
Why is Call of the Dead considered a difficult map?
The map is considered challenging due to the high zombie spawn rate, the numerous tight corridors, and the sheer number of zombies encountered at once. These factors make it hard to escape when you’re overwhelmed.
Is Call of the Dead the only zombie map in the Escalation DLC?
Yes, the Escalation DLC only features Call of the Dead as its sole zombie map. The rest of the DLC is composed of multiplayer maps.
How many zombie maps are in Call of Duty: Black Ops 1?
There are 35 zombie maps, including 7 sub-maps, in Call of Duty: Black Ops 1. This total includes maps like Nacht Der Untoten, Verrückt, Shi No Numa, Der Riese, Kino Der Toten, “Five,” Ascension, Call of the Dead, Shangri-La, and Moon, among others.
What is the Pack-A-Punch machine?
The Pack-A-Punch machine allows players to upgrade their weapons, greatly increasing their damage, clip size, and sometimes other characteristics. It’s essential for surviving high rounds in zombie maps.
What is the role of George A. Romero in Call of the Dead?
George A. Romero appears as a special zombie boss, adding another layer of challenge to the game. Killing him requires a strategy and powerful weapons. Players can transform zombies into George when they are too close to the lighthouse.
Why is the price of older Call of Duty games still high?
Older Call of Duty titles often retain higher prices due to a combination of sustained demand, digital distribution policies, and the publisher’s pricing strategies. The publisher, Activision, is known to keep prices high.
Which other Black Ops games have a zombie mode?
All Black Ops titles from Treyarch have included a Zombies mode. This includes the original Black Ops (2010), Black Ops II, Black Ops III, and Black Ops Cold War.
Is Call of the Dead considered one of the best zombie maps?
Call of the Dead is a popular and well-regarded zombie map within the community, known for its challenging gameplay, unique setting, celebrity cast, and overall unique experience. While opinions may vary, it is often included in lists of favorite and best zombie maps in the series.
By understanding these key aspects and answering these common questions, you’ll be well-prepared to delve into the challenging and exciting world of Call of the Dead in the original Call of Duty: Black Ops.