Is Primis Older Than Ultimis? Unraveling the Call of Duty Zombies Timeline
The question of whether Primis is older than Ultimis is a common point of confusion for fans of the Call of Duty Zombies storyline. The short, direct answer is: no, Primis is not older than Ultimis. Primis is, in fact, the younger version of the Ultimis crew, existing in a different dimension within the intricate Zombies multiverse.
The core of the confusion stems from the complex nature of time and dimensional travel in the Zombies narrative. While both groups are comprised of the same four individuals – Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen – their ages and experiences differ significantly due to their placement in different timelines. Ultimis is the original crew, the first iteration of these characters that players encountered, while Primis is a younger version from the “A Better Tomorrow” (ABT) Timeline.
Understanding the Timeline
To understand the age difference, it’s crucial to consider the timelines. Ultimis are rooted in the original, “classic” Zombies story, beginning during World War II. Their experiences, such as being subjected to experiments with Element 115 and the chaotic events of Shi No Numa and Kino der Toten, forged their personalities and relationships.
Primis, however, comes from a different dimension where the Group 935 research started earlier. This earlier timeline positions them as the younger iterations of the Ultimis crew. They embark on their journey through the Aether and its various dimensions at a point that is relatively earlier in the overall continuum than their Ultimis counterparts. The purpose of Primis was to break the endless cycle and prevent the universe from being dominated by the Dark Aether and corrupted beings like Dr. Monty.
The Key Difference: Experience and Timeline
The key difference between the two groups isn’t just age. It’s also about their experiences. The events that shape their personalities are varied due to the divergence of timelines. Primis Richtofen, for example, is less chaotic and seemingly more in control compared to his Ultimis counterpart who is often portrayed as maniacal. Primis Nikolai, as another example, serves as the leader of the group whereas in Ultimis he is simply a loyal member of the crew.
Ultimis are battle-hardened veterans of countless zombie hordes and mind-bending temporal anomalies. Primis are in the process of learning and experiencing these challenges for the first time. Primis was guided by other entities to set them on the path of ending the cycle.
Primis’s Role and Impact
The emergence of Primis was a narrative device to explore the consequences of the actions of Ultimis. It also allowed for further exploration of the Zombies mythos. The characters’ younger selves were designed with slightly different traits and their path was directed by external forces to end the events that led to the corruption of the universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further context and clarify any confusion surrounding Primis and Ultimis.
1. What does Ultimis mean?
Ultimus is a Latin term meaning “the last,” often used to signify the older or original version. In the context of the Zombies storyline, it refers to the first version of the characters players encountered.
2. What is the “ABT Timeline”?
The “A Better Tomorrow” (ABT) Timeline is the alternate dimension from which Primis originates. In this timeline, Group 935’s research began earlier, creating younger versions of the characters.
3. Why is Primis younger than Ultimis?
Primis is younger because the events of their timeline begin earlier, and they are therefore not exposed to the same level of experiences that Ultimis had. Their journey starts earlier in a different dimension.
4. What are the main differences between Primis and Ultimis Richtofen?
Ultimis Richtofen is often portrayed as a mad scientist, driven by an obsession with power. Primis Richtofen, although intelligent, is generally less chaotic and more strategic. He shows more restraint and is less prone to the wild outbursts of his older counterpart.
5. Who is the leader of the Primis crew?
In the Primis timeline, Nikolai is the leader, a role that contrasts with the Ultimis timeline where Richtofen generally takes the initiative.
6. Who killed Richtofen (The Red Baron)?
The real-life Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, was likely killed by ground fire from an anti-aircraft machine gunner, not by another pilot as was initially believed.
7. Why did Primis Nikolai poison everyone?
In the final cutscene of the Aether storyline, Nikolai poisons the rest of the Primis crew as a desperate act to break the cycle that was causing untold suffering. He saw their existence as the problem.
8. Who are the members of Victis?
The Victis crew consists of Misty, Marlton, Stuhlinger, and Russman, characters that were featured in Black Ops II Zombies.
9. What is the oldest Zombies map in Call of Duty?
Nacht der Untoten is the oldest and simplest Zombies map, first appearing in Call of Duty: World at War.
10. Why did Ultimis go to Shi no Numa?
According to the Zombies storyline, Ultimis went to Shi no Numa to retrieve Richtofen’s diary which contained crucial information.
11. Why is Dr. Monty evil?
Dr. Monty becomes corrupted by the Dark Aether and develops a god complex, betraying Primis and seeking control over the multiverse.
12. Why does Nikolai hate Richtofen in the Origins map?
In the “Origins” map, Nikolai hates Richtofen because he believes that Richtofen was the one who unleashed the zombies and is the reason for all the misery.
13. How did Richtofen become insane?
Richtofen’s madness is a gradual process, accelerated by his exposure to the Dark Aether and obsession with Agartha.
14. Is Ultimis Richtofen dead?
Ultimis Richtofen’s physical body is alive but brain-dead after the events on the moon. He is being kept in a special facility, making him incapacitated but not technically deceased.
15. Is Primis Richtofen Dead?
The specific version of Primis Richtofen dies as part of his sacrifice to break the cycle. However, due to the nature of the multiverse, other versions of him may exist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Primis is younger than Ultimis, a result of their origins in a different, earlier timeline. The two groups are not just different versions of the same characters but are also shaped by their varying experiences and timelines within the rich and complex Call of Duty Zombies universe. Understanding their distinct origins is crucial for appreciating the grand narrative of this iconic game mode.