Who Controls the Zombies in Call of Duty?
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The question of who controls the zombies in the Call of Duty Zombies universe is complex, with the answer varying across different storylines and maps. The most prominent controllers are Samantha Maxis and Edward Richtofen, but the nature and extent of their control, along with the reasons behind it, differ significantly. In some narratives, it’s a malevolent force using the undead as pawns, while in others, it’s a desperate attempt to regain control over a chaotic situation. The true answer depends on which iteration of the Zombies storyline you’re exploring.
Samantha Maxis: Accidental Queen of the Undead
Samantha Maxis is arguably the most iconic figure associated with controlling the zombies. Her ascent to this position is born from tragedy and accident. In the original Black Ops storyline, a young Samantha is present at Group 935’s Der Riese facility, where her father, Dr. Maxis, is conducting experiments with Element 115. Due to Richtofen’s betrayal, Samantha finds herself in the M.P.D. (Moon Pyramid Device) on the moon. The energy surge from the device and the surrounding Aether overwhelms her, granting her control over the zombies.
This control isn’t initially malevolent. Samantha is frightened and confused, and the zombies respond to her emotional state. Essentially, she weaponizes them, unleashing them upon the world as a childish act of revenge against those who wronged her and her father. This makes her a tragic figure, a child burdened with immense power she doesn’t fully understand. Her control is often characterized by the Demonic Announcer’s voice, a chilling presence that accompanies power-ups and Mystery Box movements.
Richtofen: The Manipulative Mastermind
Edward Richtofen is another key figure in the control of the zombies, albeit through very different means. Unlike Samantha, Richtofen actively seeks control for his own nefarious purposes. He is driven by a desire for power and a belief that he alone can harness the potential of Element 115 and the Aether.
Throughout the Black Ops storyline, Richtofen meticulously manipulates events to ultimately usurp Samantha’s control. He uses the Vril Device and the Focusing Stone to swap bodies with her within the M.P.D. This act effectively grants him direct access to the Aether and, consequently, complete control over the zombies. Richtofen’s control is far more calculated and strategic than Samantha’s. He uses the zombies to further his own goals, viewing them as expendable tools in his quest for ultimate power.
Other Influences and Control Mechanisms
While Samantha and Richtofen are the primary controllers in the main storyline, other factors and characters influence the zombies across different Call of Duty games:
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Element 115: This mysterious element is the source of the zombie outbreak in many iterations. It reanimates dead cells and causes mutations, effectively creating the undead. It also acts as a conduit for control, allowing individuals connected to the Aether to manipulate the zombies.
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Willard Wyler: In Infinite Warfare Zombies, Willard Wyler, a deranged film director, uses zombies as part of his twisted snuff films, manipulating their actions within his movie sets.
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Atlas Corporation: In Exo Zombies, the Atlas Corporation creates zombies through a failed biological weapons program, losing control of their creation to the virus itself.
The Nature of Control
The nature of the control exerted over the zombies also varies. In some cases, it’s direct and absolute, allowing the controller to dictate the zombies’ movements and actions with precision. In other instances, it’s more of a general influence, shaping their behavior and directing them towards specific targets.
The Games Learning Society understands how complex narratives can enhance engagement and critical thinking skills, elements prominently featured in the intricate Call of Duty Zombies storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Element 115 and how does it relate to zombie control?
Element 115, also known as “Unpentium” or “Divinium,” is the key catalyst for the creation of zombies in the Call of Duty universe. It reanimates dead cells and causes mutations. Moreover, it acts as a conduit for those with access to the Aether, enabling them to control or influence the zombies. The stronger the connection to the Aether via Element 115, the greater the potential for control.
2. How did Samantha Maxis gain control of the zombies?
Samantha gained control of the zombies after being trapped in the Moon Pyramid Device (M.P.D.) on the moon. The M.P.D., combined with the energy of the Aether, overwhelmed her, granting her the ability to mentally command the undead.
3. What is the M.P.D. and its significance?
The Moon Pyramid Device (M.P.D.) is an ancient machine located on the moon that amplifies the power of the Aether. It serves as a central hub for controlling the zombies, allowing those connected to it to exert their will over the undead hordes.
4. How did Richtofen steal control of the zombies from Samantha?
Richtofen utilized the Vril Device and the Focusing Stone to swap bodies with Samantha while she was in the M.P.D. This allowed him to gain direct access to the Aether and effectively take control of the zombies.
5. Who is the Demonic Announcer?
The Demonic Announcer is often associated with Samantha’s control of the zombies. This disembodied voice provides commentary during gameplay, announcing power-ups and other events, creating a sense of unease and tension.
6. Does Dr. Maxis have any connection to controlling the zombies?
Dr. Maxis, Samantha’s father, is not a primary controller of the zombies but plays a crucial role in the storyline. His experiments with Element 115 at Group 935 directly lead to the zombie outbreaks and the events that empower Samantha and Richtofen.
7. Are there different types of zombies with different levels of control?
While the core zombies are generally under the control of a central figure, there are variations like special zombies (e.g., Hellhounds, Crawlers, Mimics) that may exhibit unique behaviors or be influenced by other factors within the environment.
8. How does the storyline in Infinite Warfare Zombies differ regarding zombie control?
In Infinite Warfare Zombies, Willard Wyler, a horror movie director, controls the zombies as part of his twisted cinematic productions. He orchestrates events within his movie sets, manipulating the zombies’ actions to create a macabre spectacle.
9. What role does the Aether play in controlling the zombies?
The Aether is a dimension or realm of energy that is deeply connected to Element 115. It serves as a medium through which control over the zombies can be exerted. Those who can tap into the Aether, like Samantha and Richtofen, can manipulate the zombies’ actions.
10. Can the players influence or disrupt zombie control within the game?
In some maps, players can influence or disrupt zombie control by completing specific objectives or interacting with certain devices. These actions might temporarily weaken the controller’s influence or alter the zombies’ behavior.
11. What happens when the controller of the zombies is defeated?
The consequences of defeating the controller vary depending on the storyline. In some cases, it might lead to a temporary respite from the zombie hordes, while in others, it could trigger a new phase of the outbreak or shift control to another entity.
12. Are there any characters who try to break the control over the zombies?
Characters like Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, and Takeo Masaki, often try to break the control over the zombies, especially when Richtofen has it. Their goal is to stop Richtofen’s plans and restore balance to the Aether.
13. Is zombie control always malevolent?
Not necessarily. While figures like Richtofen use control for selfish and destructive purposes, Samantha’s initial control stems from fear and a desire for revenge. The morality of zombie control depends on the controller’s motives and actions.
14. How does Exo Zombies explain the creation and control (or lack thereof) of the zombies?
In Exo Zombies, the zombies are a result of a failed Atlas Corporation biological weapons program. The corporation initially tries to control them, but the virus rapidly mutates and spreads, leading to a loss of control. The zombies become a chaotic force with no single controller.
15. Is there a definitive end to the Call of Duty Zombies storyline, or is the control cycle destined to repeat?
The Call of Duty Zombies storyline has seen multiple iterations and resets. While some storylines have reached a conclusion, the overarching narrative is often cyclical, suggesting that the cycle of control, chaos, and attempted resolution may continue indefinitely. The complexities of these kinds of immersive games are often examined at GamesLearningSociety.org.