Is Zombie Army Canon? Unraveling the Undead Connection
The short answer is: No, the Zombie Army series is not considered canon to the main Sniper Elite series. It exists as a spin-off, a separate and fantastical reimagining of the World War II setting, unbound by the historical accuracy and grounded realism that typically define the Sniper Elite games. Think of it as an exciting “what if?” scenario gone completely wild.
Canon Explained: What Does It Really Mean?
In the world of franchises and sprawling narratives, “canon” refers to the officially recognized events, characters, and lore that make up the authentic and continuous storyline. Canon provides a framework for all future stories and ensures consistency within the fictional universe. Non-canon works, like Zombie Army, explore alternate timelines, hypothetical scenarios, or completely different interpretations of the established world without impacting the core narrative. This creative freedom allows developers to experiment and offer players unique experiences without compromising the integrity of the main story.
Zombie Army: A Brazen Departure From Reality
Zombie Army Trilogy and Zombie Army 4: Dead War take the familiar World War II setting of Sniper Elite and inject it with a heavy dose of supernatural horror. Instead of battling historically accurate Axis forces, players face legions of undead Nazi soldiers, resurrected by a desperate Hitler’s invocation of the occult. The tone shifts dramatically from tactical stealth action to over-the-top, gory combat against hordes of the undead. This stark contrast in themes and gameplay firmly establishes Zombie Army as a distinct entity, existing outside the canonical boundaries of Sniper Elite. While there are shared mechanics and some characters are present in both universes, they can be easily defined as parallel worlds with very little connectivity.
Why the Spin-Off Works
The divergence from canon allows Zombie Army to embrace a pulpy, B-movie aesthetic that is not present in Sniper Elite. This allows Rebellion to get away with a much less serious setting. Instead, the emphasis lies on relentless action, grotesque enemy designs, and a campy, self-aware narrative. This playful approach has resonated with players who enjoy a more arcade-like experience, free from the constraints of historical accuracy. The game is also very fun to play in a co-operative mode, making it a popular alternative for those wanting to play online with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zombie Army and Its Connection to Sniper Elite
1. What exactly is the Zombie Army Trilogy?
Zombie Army Trilogy is a third-person tactical shooter video game developed and published by Rebellion Developments. It compiles the first three Zombie Army games, originally released as standalone expansions to Sniper Elite V2.
2. Is Zombie Army 4: Dead War a sequel?
Yes, Zombie Army 4: Dead War is a direct sequel to Zombie Army Trilogy. It continues the storyline of fighting undead Nazis across Europe.
3. Why is it called Zombie Army Trilogy if there are more than three games?
The name Zombie Army Trilogy reflects the game’s initial release, which bundled the first three episodes of the Zombie Army saga. The name remains even though the fourth entry has been developed.
4. What is the story in Zombie Army?
The story revolves around a desperate Hitler activating “Plan Z,” a last-ditch effort to win World War II by raising a zombie army. Players take on the role of survivors tasked with stopping the undead hordes and eliminating Hitler himself. The use of the Necronomicon is also a factor.
5. What are the main differences between Zombie Army and Sniper Elite?
The most significant difference is the supernatural element. Sniper Elite focuses on realistic World War II scenarios, while Zombie Army introduces zombies, occult rituals, and fantastical weaponry.
6. Does Zombie Army Trilogy have a co-op mode?
Yes, Zombie Army Trilogy and Zombie Army 4: Dead War are designed with cooperative gameplay in mind, allowing up to four players to fight together against the zombie hordes.
7. Is Zombie Army 4 scary?
While not strictly a horror game, Zombie Army 4: Dead War features intense combat, grotesque imagery, and jump scares that can create a terrifying experience for some players.
8. What is the setting of Zombie Army 4: Dead War?
Zombie Army 4: Dead War takes place in 1946 Europe, following the events of Zombie Army Trilogy. The game features various locations, including Italy, Croatia, and even the bowels of hell.
9. What types of enemies are in the Zombie Army games?
The Zombie Army games feature a wide array of undead enemies, including basic zombies, elite Nazi zombies, zombie snipers, chainsaw-wielding zombies, and even heavily armored zombie tanks.
10. What weapons are available in Zombie Army 4: Dead War?
Players have access to a variety of weapons, including sniper rifles, assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, pistols, and explosives. Weapons can also be upgraded and customized.
11. Is Strange Brigade connected to Zombie Army?
While both Strange Brigade and Zombie Army are developed by Rebellion Developments, they are not directly connected. Strange Brigade features a different setting (1930s) and focuses on battling mythological creatures and exploring ancient ruins.
12. What is the storage size of Zombie Army Trilogy?
Zombie Army Trilogy requires approximately 15 GB of storage space.
13. Is Sniper Elite repetitive?
Some players find Sniper Elite to be repetitive due to its focus on long-range sniping and similar mission objectives. However, the games also offer varied environments and strategic gameplay opportunities.
14. Are Sniper Elite 4 and 5 connected?
Yes, Sniper Elite 5 is a direct sequel to Sniper Elite 4, continuing the story of Karl Fairburne’s exploits during World War II.
15. Where can I learn more about games and learning?
To find more information on the educational aspects of gaming, you can explore resources like the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization provides valuable insights into how video games can be used for learning and development.
Conclusion: Appreciate Both Worlds
While Zombie Army exists as a thrilling and gory detour from the core Sniper Elite experience, its non-canon status allows it to thrive as a unique and entertaining spin-off. It offers players a chance to engage with the World War II setting in a wildly different way, embracing the absurdity and excitement of battling hordes of undead Nazis. So, appreciate both worlds for what they are: Sniper Elite for its tactical realism and Zombie Army for its over-the-top undead mayhem. They are both fun to play, but they are at their core, very different games.