Is Richtofen the Main Character of Call of Duty Zombies? A Deep Dive
Yes, Doctor Edward Richtofen can be definitively considered the main character of the Aether storyline in Call of Duty Zombies, particularly up until Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. While the Zombies mode is an ensemble experience, with a core group of four characters, Richtofen is the driving force behind the plot, the architect of events (for better or worse), and the character whose actions most directly influence the fate of the universe.
Why Richtofen Reigns Supreme
Richtofen’s prominence isn’t simply a matter of screen time. He embodies the core themes of the Zombies narrative: the morally grey pursuit of scientific progress, the corrupting influence of power, and the desperate struggle against overwhelming odds. Several factors cement his position as the central figure:
- Plot Driver: From the initial experiments at Group 935 to the manipulation of timelines and dimensions, Richtofen is consistently the one setting the agenda. The other characters, while crucial and beloved, often react to his plans or try to mitigate the fallout from his actions. Even when his plans go awry, they shape the course of the story.
- Moral Ambiguity: Richtofen is a deeply flawed character, teetering between genius scientist and unhinged madman. This moral complexity makes him endlessly fascinating. He’s not a straightforward hero, but his motivations (however twisted) drive the narrative forward. The question of whether he’s ultimately good or evil fuels much of the player engagement.
- Knowledge and Control: Richtofen possesses an understanding of the Aether and its power that surpasses the other characters. He’s the one who understands the underlying mechanics of the universe, giving him a unique ability to manipulate events and guide the storyline.
- Perspective and Agency: We, as players, often experience the story through Richtofen’s perspective, even when not playing as him. His monologues, his reactions, and his interactions with the other characters provide crucial insights into the plot’s unfolding. He acts with a degree of agency that sets him apart.
Counterarguments and Nuances
While Richtofen’s central role is undeniable, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of the other characters and the overall ensemble nature of the narrative.
- The Ensemble Cast: Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo are not simply sidekicks. They provide crucial support, offer contrasting perspectives, and have their own arcs that contribute to the story’s richness. The dynamic between the four characters is a key element of what makes the Zombies experience so compelling.
- Black Ops 4 Departure: The Aether storyline’s conclusion in Black Ops 4 shifts the focus away from Richtofen to some extent, giving other characters more agency and narrative weight. However, even in these later installments, his influence and past actions continue to shape the events.
- Player Agency: The Zombies mode, at its core, is about player agency. Players collectively determine the fate of the characters through their actions and choices within the game.
Ultimately, Richtofen is the linchpin of the Aether story. His complex character, his central role in the plot, and his overarching influence make him the closest thing to a main character in the sprawling and intricate world of Call of Duty Zombies. To learn more about the educational benefits of games and their narratives, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Richtofen and the Zombies Story
Who are the main 4 characters in zombies?
The original four main characters in Call of Duty Zombies (referred to as Primis and Ultimis across different timelines) are:
- Tank Dempsey: The stereotypical American Marine.
- Nikolai Belinski: The hard-drinking Russian soldier.
- Takeo Masaki: The honorable Japanese samurai.
- Edward Richtofen: The deranged German scientist.
Is Richtofen a good or bad guy?
Richtofen is a morally ambiguous character. While he often claims to be working towards the greater good, his methods are often ruthless and unethical. Whether he is ultimately a “good” or “bad” guy is a matter of perspective and depends on which iteration of Richtofen we are talking about.
Why is Richtofen insane?
Richtofen’s insanity stems from a combination of factors, including exposure to the MPD (Moon Pyramid Device), manipulation by the Apothicons in the Dark Aether, and his own inherently sociopathic tendencies. The Dark Aether has also significantly driven his insane behavior.
Who killed Richtofen?
This depends on the context! In World War I, Manfred von Richthofen (the “Red Baron” upon whom the character’s name is based) was likely killed by ground fire, though the exact shooter remains a point of debate. In the Zombies storyline, various versions of Richtofen meet different fates throughout the narrative, often at the hands of his allies or alternate versions of himself.
What is the hardest Call of Duty Zombies map?
Many players consider Nacht Der Untoten, Shangri-La, and Verruckt to be among the hardest Zombies maps due to their limited space, challenging enemy spawns, and lack of sophisticated weaponry early on.
What is the easiest Call of Duty Zombies map?
Kino Der Toten, Buried, and IX are generally considered easier Zombies maps due to their open layouts, powerful Wonder Weapons, and forgiving gameplay mechanics.
What rank was Richtofen in the German military?
In the real world, Manfred von Richthofen reached the rank of Captain in the German military. However, the Zombies version of Richtofen seems to hold no military rank at all. The game has Richthofen promoted to Generalmajor on 1 November 1938.
Who is the bad guy in Black Ops Zombies?
The main antagonists in the Black Ops Zombies storyline vary, but prominent examples include the Shadowman (in Shadows of Evil and Revelations), Dr. Monty (towards the end of the Aether storyline), and the Apothicons themselves.
Why does Nikolai hate Richtofen?
Nikolai’s animosity towards Richtofen stems from Richtofen’s manipulation and deception. Richtofen often uses Nikolai and the other characters as pawns in his plans, betraying their trust and putting them in danger.
How powerful is Richtofen?
Richtofen’s power varies depending on the point in the story. At his peak, he wields the Summoning Key and other artifacts, granting him the ability to manipulate souls, travel between dimensions, and control elements of the Aether.
Is Ultimis Richtofen evil?
Ultimis Richtofen is generally considered more overtly evil than his Primis counterpart. He is a sociopath who prioritizes his own goals above all else, with little regard for the well-being of others.
What is the strongest gun in Call of Duty Zombies?
The Ray Gun, Wunderwaffe DG-2, and packed versions of various shotguns and assault rifles are consistently ranked among the most powerful weapons in Call of Duty Zombies.
Why did Richtofen sacrifice himself in Blood of the Dead?
In Blood of the Dead, Richtofen sacrifices himself to break the cycle of endless timelines and prevent Dr. Monty from controlling the fate of the universe.
How did Richtofen lose his soul?
Richtofen’s soul was extracted by Dr. Maxis on the Moon as part of Maxis’s plan to enter the Aether and gain control of the Zombies.
Who is the father of Richtofen?
Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen was born into an aristocratic Prussian family in Breslau in 1892. Son of Major Albrecht Philipp Karl Julius Freiherr von Richthofen, his education was in a succession of military schools and academies.