Delving into the Undead: Unraveling the Complex Lore of Call of Duty Zombies
The lore of Call of Duty Zombies is a sprawling, intricate, and often mind-bending saga that has captivated players for over a decade. It’s a story encompassing alternate timelines, cosmic entities, mad scientists, ancient artifacts, and, of course, hordes of the undead. At its core, the narrative revolves around the accidental creation of zombies through the misuse of a powerful element – Element 115 – and the subsequent efforts of various characters to contain, control, and ultimately transcend the apocalyptic events they’ve unleashed. The initial narrative, primarily explored in the Treyarch-developed Call of Duty titles (World at War, Black Ops series), centers around the consequences of Nazi experimentation during World War II, spiraling into a complex web of dimensional travel and the struggle against a seemingly inevitable fate. This evolved into different universes like the Dark Aether saga in the later games. It’s a fascinating blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and supernatural horror that continues to evolve with each new installment.
The Genesis of the Undead: World at War and the Early Years
The undead nightmare began in Call of Duty: World at War with the map Nacht der Untoten. This map, devoid of any explicit narrative, served as the foundation for what would become a rich and complex mythology. It introduced the concept of Nazi Zombies, reanimated SS soldiers brought back to life through unknown means, later attributed to the influence of Element 115.
Subsequent maps in World at War, such as Verrückt, Shi No Numa, and Der Riese, expanded upon this initial premise, introducing characters like Dr. Edward Richtofen, Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, and Takeo Masaki. These characters, initially portrayed as caricatures, would become central figures in the unfolding narrative, their lives irrevocably altered by the zombie outbreak. Der Riese is particularly significant as it introduced the Pack-a-Punch machine, a critical gameplay element, and hinted at the underlying experiments that led to the zombie plague.
Black Ops and the Unveiling of a Deeper Story
The Black Ops series took the Zombies storyline to new heights, introducing the Aether storyline. Black Ops 1 further fleshed out the characters’ backstories, revealing Richtofen’s descent into madness and his obsession with Element 115. Maps like Kino der Toten, Ascension, Call of the Dead, Shangri-La, and Moon revealed fragments of a larger narrative involving the Vril-Ya, ancient artifacts, and the manipulation of time and space.
Moon in Black Ops 1 marks a pivotal point where the Original 4 (Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, Takeo) reached for more power and ultimately caused the destruction of Earth, setting the stage for the complicated events of Black Ops 2.
Black Ops 2: Branching Timelines and the Multiverse
Black Ops 2 introduced the concept of alternate timelines and the multiverse to the Zombies lore. This allowed the story to explore different versions of the original characters and introduce new factions vying for control of Element 115. The maps Tranzit, Die Rise, Buried, and Origins offered different perspectives on the zombie outbreak, focusing on new characters and their struggle for survival. Origins in particular is significant, as it retcons aspects of the earlier storyline and introduces the concept of Primis Richtofen and the other original characters destined to rewrite history.
Black Ops 3: The Apothicons and the Cycle
Black Ops 3 delved deeper into the cosmic horror aspects of the Zombies universe, introducing the Apothicons, ancient beings seeking to corrupt and destroy all of reality. The game focused on the Primis crew’s journey through different dimensions to collect artifacts and break the cycle of eternal conflict. Maps like Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, Zetsubou No Shima, Gorod Krovi, and Revelations expanded the scope of the narrative, culminating in a final confrontation with the Apothicons. This game really solidified the high stakes of the story and the convoluted but gripping narrative.
Black Ops 4: A Departure and a Reset
Black Ops 4 attempted to reboot the Zombies storyline with two distinct narratives: the Chaos Story and the Aether Story. The Chaos Story, featuring new characters and a completely separate mythology, was a significant departure from the established lore. While it offered a fresh perspective, it was ultimately less well-received by fans. The Aether Story continued the Primis crew’s journey, culminating in a definitive ending to their saga in the map Tag der Toten.
Cold War and the Dark Aether
Black Ops Cold War introduced the Dark Aether storyline, a new chapter in the Zombies saga. This narrative focused on the outbreak of zombies caused by experiments in the Dark Aether, a parallel dimension containing powerful and dangerous entities. Maps like Die Maschine, Firebase Z, Mauer der Toten, Forsaken, and the remasters of classic maps added new layers to the mythology and introduced new characters battling to contain the undead threat. The gameplay also shifted back towards a more linear and accessible experience, helping bring new players to the mode and keep the story strong.
Modern Warfare III and the Continuing Undead Saga
The Zombies saga has continued into recent Call of Duty titles, including Modern Warfare III. While the exact details vary from game to game, the core themes of scientific experimentation gone wrong, the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds, and the exploration of dark and mysterious forces remain central to the experience.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the Zombie Apocalypse
What is Element 115?
Element 115, also known as Unpentium, is a fictional element in the Call of Duty Zombies universe. It is responsible for the reanimation of dead cells and the creation of zombies. It’s use has led to dimensional rifts and the emergence of supernatural entities.
Who are the main characters in the Aether storyline?
The main characters in the Aether storyline are Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Dr. Edward Richtofen. These characters, in various incarnations (Original 4, Ultimis, Primis), are central to the events that unfold throughout the storyline.
What are the Apothicons?
The Apothicons are ancient, malevolent beings from another dimension who seek to corrupt and destroy all of reality in the Zombies universe. They are the primary antagonists in the Black Ops 3 storyline.
What is the Dark Aether?
The Dark Aether is a parallel dimension introduced in Black Ops Cold War. It is a source of immense power and danger, and its influence is responsible for the latest outbreak of zombies.
What is the significance of the Pack-a-Punch machine?
The Pack-a-Punch machine is a device that allows players to upgrade their weapons, increasing their damage output and adding special abilities. It is an essential tool for surviving the later rounds of a Zombies match.
What is the Mystery Box?
The Mystery Box is a random weapon dispenser that allows players to obtain powerful weapons for a set price. It’s a gamble, but it can often provide the firepower needed to survive.
What is the Ray Gun?
The Ray Gun is an iconic weapon in the Zombies mode, known for its high damage output and unique design. It is a highly sought-after weapon that can make a significant difference in gameplay.
What is the story of Shadows of Evil?
Shadows of Evil, a map in Black Ops 3, features a new set of characters trapped in a purgatorial city controlled by a mysterious entity known as the Shadowman. They must complete a series of rituals to escape their fate.
What is the Chaos storyline?
The Chaos storyline is a separate narrative introduced in Black Ops 4, featuring new characters and a different mythology centered around ancient artifacts and mythical creatures.
Is the Zombies storyline canon with the main Call of Duty storyline?
The Zombies storyline is generally considered to be non-canon with the main Call of Duty storyline. It exists within its own separate universe, allowing for greater creative freedom and more outlandish events. However, hints of crossover are not unheard of.
What is the significance of Dr. Monty?
Dr. Monty plays an important role in the Black Ops 3 Zombies storyline, creating the Perk-a-Colas and having a hand in the characters’ fates. He is revealed to be a complex and potentially manipulative figure.
What are Perk-a-Colas?
Perk-a-Colas are special drinks that grant players various abilities, such as increased health, faster reload speed, and the ability to revive teammates more quickly. They are essential for surviving the later rounds of a Zombies match.
What is the ending of the Aether storyline?
The Aether storyline concludes in Black Ops 4 with the map Tag der Toten. In this ending, the Primis crew sacrifices themselves to ensure the destruction of the Aether dimension and prevent the cycle of conflict from continuing.
What is the Dark Aether Entity?
The Dark Aether Entity is a mysterious and powerful entity that resides within the Dark Aether dimension in Black Ops Cold War. Its motives and goals are not fully understood, but it is clearly a major threat to humanity.
Where can I learn more about game-based learning?
Interested in how games can be used for educational purposes? You can learn more at the Games Learning Society website.
The Call of Duty Zombies lore is a constantly evolving saga that has captivated players for years. With its blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and cosmic horror, it offers a unique and engaging experience that continues to draw players back for more. As the storyline continues to expand, the mysteries of the undead are sure to deepen, offering new challenges and compelling narratives for players to explore.