Which Call of Duty Game Has Aliens?

The Call of Duty franchise, known for its intense military shooters and adrenaline-pumping gameplay, has occasionally veered off the beaten path to explore more outlandish themes. While zombies have become a staple, the inclusion of aliens is less frequent but equally memorable. The primary Call of Duty game that prominently features aliens as a core gameplay element is Call of Duty: Ghosts, specifically within its Extinction mode. This mode presents a unique co-operative experience where players battle hordes of alien creatures, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional zombie formula.

Diving into the Alien World of Call of Duty

While zombies are a recurring theme in Call of Duty games developed by Treyarch, alien appearances are less frequent, typically appearing in one-off modes or maps created by Infinity Ward. Let’s delve deeper into the game that boldly went where few Call of Duty games have gone before:

Call of Duty: Ghosts and the Extinction Mode

Extinction mode in Call of Duty: Ghosts is a four-player cooperative experience where players fight against a species of aliens known as the Cryptids. Unlike the shambling hordes of zombies, Cryptids are fast, agile, and come in various forms, each with unique abilities. Players must work together to destroy Cryptid hives and complete objectives while fending off the relentless alien onslaught.

• Gameplay: The core gameplay involves deploying defensive structures, upgrading weapons, and utilizing specialized classes to combat the Cryptid threat. Players earn skill points that can be used to upgrade their equipment and abilities, allowing them to customize their playstyle and adapt to the evolving challenges.

• Story: Extinction features a narrative that unfolds across several episodes released as DLC. These episodes delve into the origins of the Cryptids and the efforts of a special team to understand and eradicate them. The story adds depth to the gameplay and provides a sense of progression and purpose.

• Cryptid Types: The Cryptids come in diverse forms, including the basic Grunts, the leaping Hunters, the explosive Bombers, and the massive, heavily armored Scorpions. Each type requires different strategies and tactics to defeat, adding variety and challenge to the Extinction mode.

Other Alien Encounters in Call of Duty

While Extinction in Call of Duty: Ghosts is the most prominent example of aliens in the franchise, there have been other instances where these extraterrestrial creatures have made appearances:

• Zombies in Spaceland (Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare): While primarily focused on zombies, this map includes Alien Greys as special enemies in boss battles, adding a unique twist to the zombie gameplay. This map is a nostalgic trip back to the 80s with an alien flair!

• The Haunting Events (Various Modern Warfare Titles): Certain limited-time events, like “The Haunting,” have introduced monstrous creatures that could be interpreted as alien in origin, blurring the lines between traditional horror and sci-fi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further expand your knowledge on aliens in the Call of Duty universe, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Is Extinction mode only available in Call of Duty: Ghosts? Yes, the Extinction mode is exclusive to Call of Duty: Ghosts.

2. Are the aliens in Extinction mode similar to zombies? While both are horde-based modes, the Cryptids in Extinction are faster, more agile, and have diverse abilities compared to traditional zombies.

3. Does Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare have an alien game mode? While it has the Zombies in Spaceland map, it is primarily a zombie mode, although it does feature Alien Greys in certain boss battles.

4. Are there any single-player Call of Duty campaigns featuring aliens? No, the single-player campaigns typically focus on realistic military conflicts.

5. Can I play Extinction mode solo? Yes, you can play Extinction mode solo, but it is designed as a cooperative experience and is more challenging when played alone.

6. What are the different Cryptid types in Extinction mode? The Cryptids include Grunts, Hunters, Bombers, Scorpions, and other specialized types.

7. Is there a sequel to Call of Duty: Ghosts that includes Extinction mode? No, there hasn’t been a direct sequel to Call of Duty: Ghosts, and the Extinction mode has not reappeared in subsequent Call of Duty titles.

8. Does Call of Duty: Black Ops have aliens? No, the Black Ops series primarily focuses on zombies as its horde-based mode.

9. What is the story behind the Cryptids in Extinction mode? The story unfolds through the Extinction episodes, revealing the origins of the Cryptids and the team’s efforts to understand and combat them.

10. Can you upgrade weapons and abilities in Extinction mode? Yes, players earn skill points that can be used to upgrade their weapons, equipment, and abilities.

11. Are there boss battles in Extinction mode? Yes, Extinction features challenging boss battles against powerful Cryptid creatures.

12. Has Call of Duty ever considered a full game dedicated to fighting aliens? While there’s no official confirmation, the popularity of Extinction suggests that there is potential for a future Call of Duty game to explore the alien theme more extensively.

13. Is Extinction mode available on all platforms? Extinction mode is available on all platforms where Call of Duty: Ghosts was released, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

14. Are there any Easter eggs or hidden secrets in Extinction mode? Yes, like many Call of Duty modes, Extinction contains Easter eggs and hidden secrets that players can discover.

15. How does Extinction mode contribute to the broader appeal of Call of Duty? Extinction offers a unique cooperative experience that diversifies the Call of Duty franchise, attracting players who enjoy horde-based gameplay with an alien theme.

The Enduring Appeal of Extinction

The Extinction mode in Call of Duty: Ghosts remains a unique and memorable addition to the Call of Duty franchise. Its fast-paced action, diverse alien enemies, and engaging cooperative gameplay set it apart from the traditional zombie modes. While the Extinction mode has not reappeared in subsequent Call of Duty titles, its popularity has ensured that it remains a fan favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned Call of Duty veteran or new to the franchise, the Extinction mode provides a thrilling and unique experience that is well worth exploring. If you’re interested in the educational aspects of gaming, consider exploring the research and resources offered by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization studies the intersection of games and learning, providing valuable insights into how games can be used as educational tools.