Who is the German Guy in Black Ops Zombies?
The simple answer to the question, “Who is the German guy in Black Ops Zombies?” is Doctor Edward Richtofen. However, this seemingly straightforward response belies the incredibly complex and multifaceted nature of the character within the ever-expanding and often convoluted Zombies storyline of the Call of Duty franchise. Richtofen is not simply a German guy; he is the German guy, a central figure whose actions, motivations, and manipulations drive much of the narrative. He’s a scientist, a sociopath, a time traveler, a dimension hopper, and, at various points, even a zombie himself. Understanding Richtofen requires delving into the depths of his backstory, his relationships with other characters, and the overall mythology of the Aether storyline.
Doctor Edward Richtofen: A Deep Dive
Richtofen’s journey begins as a promising scientist working for Group 935, a German research organization dedicated to harnessing the power of Element 115, a mysterious substance with the ability to reanimate dead tissue and manipulate the fabric of space and time. Under the leadership of Doctor Maxis, Richtofen and his colleagues, including Doctor Schuster, investigate Element 115’s potential for both scientific advancement and military applications.
However, exposure to Element 115 profoundly alters Richtofen’s psyche. He becomes increasingly detached from reality, exhibiting signs of sociopathy and a disturbing fascination with experimentation and torture. This transformation culminates in Richtofen betraying Maxis, trapping him and his daughter Samantha within the MPD (Moon Pyramid Device). This act inadvertently gives Samantha control over the zombies, setting the stage for the events that unfold across multiple Call of Duty games.
Throughout the Zombies storyline, Richtofen’s motives remain shrouded in ambiguity. He claims to be working towards the greater good, aiming to contain the zombie threat and prevent the collapse of reality itself. However, his methods are often ruthless and morally questionable, leading to distrust and conflict with his allies, including Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, and Takeo Masaki, collectively known as Ultimis and later, alternate versions of themselves known as Primis.
The narrative surrounding Richtofen becomes even more intricate with the introduction of multiple timelines and dimensions. Players encounter different versions of Richtofen, each with their own distinct personalities, motivations, and experiences. This includes Ultimis Richtofen, the original incarnation who initiated the zombie outbreak, and Primis Richtofen, a more calculating and strategic version determined to break the cycle of endless war and destruction.
Ultimately, Richtofen’s story is one of redemption, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil. While his past actions are undeniably reprehensible, his ultimate goal is to save the universe, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process. His character is a complex study of morality, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Richtofen
Here are some frequently asked questions about Doctor Edward Richtofen, further exploring his role and impact on the Call of Duty Zombies narrative:
Is Richtofen a Nazi?
While Richtofen is a German scientist working during a period that overlaps with World War II, his affiliation with the Nazi party is not explicitly stated in the core Zombies storyline. However, Group 935’s research has undeniable implications for the war effort, and his willingness to conduct unethical experiments raises serious questions about his moral compass. The origins of the Zombies story began during World War 2 in Call of Duty World at War.
What is Element 115?
Element 115 (also known as Divinium) is a fictional element at the heart of the Zombies narrative. It possesses the ability to reanimate dead tissue, manipulate space-time, and grant individuals extraordinary abilities. Its discovery by Group 935 sets in motion the events that lead to the zombie outbreak and the multidimensional conflicts that follow.
Why did Richtofen betray Maxis?
Richtofen’s betrayal of Maxis is driven by a combination of factors, including his increasingly unstable mental state due to Element 115 exposure and his ambition to control the power of the MPD. He likely saw Maxis as an obstacle to his goals and sought to eliminate him to seize control.
What are Ultimis and Primis?
Ultimis refers to the original crew of Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo from the earlier Zombies maps. Primis is an alternate version of the same characters from a different timeline, tasked with preventing the events that led to the original zombie outbreak. Understanding the difference between these two groups is critical to following the storyline.
Is Richtofen evil?
The question of whether Richtofen is truly evil is a matter of perspective. His actions are often morally reprehensible, and he displays sociopathic tendencies. However, he also believes he is working towards a greater good, even if his methods are questionable. His character exists in a grey area, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
How many versions of Richtofen are there?
Due to the complexities of time travel and alternate dimensions, there are multiple versions of Richtofen in the Zombies storyline. These include Ultimis Richtofen, Primis Richtofen, Post-Revelations Richtofen, and Undead Richtofen, among others. Each version has its own distinct personality, motivations, and role to play in the narrative.
What is the MPD?
The Moon Pyramid Device (MPD) is an ancient artifact located on the moon. It is capable of controlling Element 115 and the zombies. Richtofen seeks to control the MPD to harness its power and manipulate the zombie horde for his own purposes.
What happened to Samantha Maxis?
Samantha Maxis is trapped within the MPD after Richtofen’s betrayal. This grants her control over the zombies, making her a central figure in the zombie outbreak. Her story becomes intertwined with Richtofen’s, as she seeks revenge for her father’s fate.
Does Richtofen ever die?
Yes, Richtofen dies multiple times throughout the Zombies storyline. In some instances, he is killed by his own allies, while in others, he sacrifices himself to achieve a greater goal. However, due to the nature of time travel and alternate dimensions, death is often not the end for Richtofen.
What is the significance of Kino Der Toten?
Kino Der Toten is a classic Zombies map that holds significant importance in the storyline. It features the Ultimis crew and provides crucial clues about Richtofen’s past and his plans for the future. Many iconic Richtofen quotes originate from this map.
Why does Dempsey hate Richtofen?
Ultimis Dempsey’s animosity towards Richtofen stems from the latter’s erratic behavior, manipulative tendencies, and the general chaos that follows him. Dempsey views Richtofen as unpredictable and untrustworthy, leading to frequent clashes and humorous exchanges. However, the Primis version of their relationship is much more tolerant.
What is the Aether Story?
The Aether Story is the overarching narrative that encompasses the core Zombies maps from Call of Duty: World at War through Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. It focuses on the origins of the zombie outbreak, the manipulation of Element 115, and the battle between various factions for control of the Aether dimension.
What is the Dark Aether?
The Dark Aether is a parallel dimension connected to the Aether, filled with dark energy and malevolent entities. It plays an increasingly important role in the later Zombies storylines, serving as the source of corruption and a major threat to the stability of reality.
Why did Richtofen sacrifice himself in Blood of the Dead?
In Blood of the Dead, Primis Richtofen sacrifices himself to break the cycle of endless war and prevent the rise of a greater evil. His death allows a post-Revelations version of himself to emerge from cryogenic sleep, paving the way for the events of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.
Who created the Zombies?
The creation of the Zombies isn’t attributed to one specific person. The reanimation of the dead is caused by Element 115. The manipulation and control of the Zombies falls to various characters across the multiple storylines, namely Samantha Maxis and Richtofen. Understanding the timeline of events can be very helpful. Consider resources like the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) to learn more about game narratives and how they are constructed.
In conclusion, Doctor Edward Richtofen is far more than just a German guy in Black Ops Zombies; he is the German guy, a pivotal figure whose actions shape the destiny of the entire Zombies universe. His complex character, shrouded in mystery and driven by a combination of ambition and madness, continues to captivate players and fuel endless speculation about his true intentions.