What is Origins in Black Ops 2 Zombies? A Deep Dive into the Fan-Favorite Map
Origins is the fourth and final downloadable content (DLC) map for Call of Duty: Black Ops II’s Zombies mode, and it stands as a pivotal chapter in the overarching narrative. Released as part of the Apocalypse DLC Pack, Origins takes players back to the very beginning, exploring the origins of the zombies storyline itself. It’s a sprawling, intricate map set in a desolate World War I battlefield in northern France, complete with trenches, bunkers, and a foreboding dig site. Here, the four original protagonists – Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen – first meet, not as the hardened versions we know but as their younger, more innocent selves. This map is not just a thrilling survival challenge; it’s a key to understanding the intricate, multi-layered story that has captivated fans of the Zombies mode for years. Origins introduces groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, new enemies, unique weaponry, and a deeply emotional narrative, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved and significant zombies maps in Call of Duty history. It is far more than just another map, it’s a full fledged, immersive experience that blends history, science-fiction, and the supernatural in a way no other map in the Call of Duty Zombies universe has achieved.
Origins Map Setting and Story
A Return to the Beginning
The map is set in Dig Site 64, Northern France, during World War I. This is before the events of the other Zombies maps when our four heroes were mere soldiers in their respective militaries. The setting is a war-torn landscape, featuring muddy trenches, dark bunkers, and the mysterious excavation site at its center, which is where much of the map’s primary gameplay loop stems from. This area was actually an excavation site before being turned into a military base, which is where the four playable characters meet. They are tasked with recovering a variety of powerful relics that were left behind from an ancient civilisation, all of which tie into the overarching narrative. This is all set amidst the backdrop of war where powerful entities are at play.
Key Narrative Elements
Origins delves into the backstories of the four main characters, showing us their original personalities before they are thrown into the zombie outbreak, and their prior interactions with one another. The map also reveals the origins of many essential elements of the zombie storyline, such as the Element 115 and the ancient staff weapons. It uncovers how our heroes became involved in the events leading to the zombie outbreak. It serves as a bridge connecting the various loose threads of the convoluted narrative. The overall story on Origins is much more layered, and intricate that many of the zombie maps that came before it.
Key Gameplay Features
Origins is famed for several key elements:
- Buildable Elemental Staffs: Players can construct four powerful elemental staffs, each with its own upgrade path, providing a new form of weaponry and a unique gameplay dynamic. These are the Fire Staff, Ice Staff, Lightning Staff, and Wind Staff.
- The Panzer Soldat: This heavily armored, flamethrower-wielding enemy presents a new and formidable threat to players. The Panzer Soldat is a unique enemy type that must be eliminated through coordinated efforts.
- Giant Robots: Colossal mechanical robots patrol the map, and players can even ride inside their heads for an advantage. Players must be careful as the robots are capable of stomping them, and can only be entered if they do not have an enemy inside them.
- New Power-Ups: Origins introduces new power-ups and a new Perk-a-Cola machine called Tombstone, adding a fresh layer of strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Origins located in the Black Ops 2 storyline?
Origins is positioned as a prequel within the Call of Duty Zombies storyline, detailing how the original four characters first meet and become involved with the supernatural events that trigger the zombie apocalypse.
2. What are the four main characters in Origins?
The four original protagonists are Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen. In this map, they are depicted as their younger, pre-zombie outbreak selves.
3. What are the elemental staffs in Origins?
The elemental staffs are powerful Wonder Weapons that can be built by the players. They include the Fire Staff, Ice Staff, Lightning Staff, and Wind Staff, each offering unique combat abilities.
4. What is the Panzer Soldat in Origins?
The Panzer Soldat is a formidable heavy enemy equipped with armor and a flamethrower. They are among the most difficult enemies in Origins, requiring focused fire to defeat.
5. What are the Giant Robots in Origins?
The Giant Robots are colossal mechanical entities that patrol the map. They can be used to travel across areas and can even be entered. They are also dangerous, requiring players to always be on guard.
6. What is the Tombstone Perk-a-Cola in Origins?
The Tombstone Perk-a-Cola allows players to leave a tombstone where they die, allowing them to potentially come back for their weapons and perks in the next round.
7. How do you build the staffs in Origins?
The elemental staffs are built in a multi-step process that involves gathering parts scattered throughout the map and completing specific objectives near the dig site.
8. Is Origins part of the base Black Ops 2 game?
No, Origins is a DLC map included in the Apocalypse Map Pack, which means it is an additional purchase on top of the base game.
9. How does Origins contribute to the overall zombie storyline?
Origins reveals key aspects of the zombies narrative, including the origins of Element 115, the characters’ first encounter, and the development of the technology that plays a central role in the events of the series.
10. Why is Origins considered a fan-favorite map?
Origins is praised for its complex gameplay mechanics, deep lore, challenging but rewarding gameplay, unique weaponry, memorable enemies, and emotional storytelling. The map was also widely praised for it’s grand scale, which was unlike other Zombies maps of the time.
11. What is the significance of the “Dig Site 64” location?
Dig Site 64 is the main location in Origins, where the excavation work was being carried out that eventually leads to the zombie outbreak.
12. Does Origins feature the same version of the characters as other maps?
No, the characters in Origins are their younger versions, before the events that turn them into the hardened soldiers and scientists we see in other Zombie maps.
13. Are there any hidden Easter eggs in Origins?
Yes, Origins is well-known for its complex main Easter egg, involving many steps and secrets to complete for the main story.
14. Can you play Origins solo or only in co-op?
Origins can be played solo or in co-op with up to four players online or local splitscreen.
15. What are some tips for playing Origins effectively?
- Learn the map layout thoroughly.
- Prioritize the building of the elemental staffs.
- Master the mechanics of the Panzer Soldat.
- Coordinate team strategies in co-op for maximum efficiency.
Conclusion
Origins is not just a map, it is a landmark achievement in the world of Call of Duty Zombies. It is renowned for its intricate design, rich lore, and challenging gameplay. Its historical setting, unique features, and its critical role in revealing the story of the Zombies universe, place it amongst the best maps of the entire franchise. If you are a Call of Duty Zombies fan, Origins is a must-play experience. It’s where the story truly comes full circle, providing both new and returning players with a deeply engaging, challenging and rewarding experience.