Zombies, one of Call of Duty’s most popular modes, started off as a harmless pastime. That is, until the end of Call of Duty: World at War, when the credits rolled and fans were exposed to the zombie horde. The game mode promised endless rounds of terror, amusement, and amputations.
Over the last 14 years since the release of Call of Duty: Zombies, gamers have enjoyed the challenging nature of the game’s never-ending rounds and swarms of undead zombies. The Treyarch-created mode may be found in many (but not all) Call of Duty games. The antagonists, heroes, weaponry, and environments all work well together.
Vanguard
Call of Duty: Vanguard, released in 2021, marked the reintroduction of the Zombies mode, although in a scaled-down form. Zombies didn’t even get the old and popular round-based gameplay until June 2022, and the new map with the makeover for Shi No Numa only came out lately. Both the gameplay and the Zombies material in Vanguard are below average.
The majority of Zombie enthusiasts would agree that Vanguard is a letdown for the franchise’s Zombies. Even while the legends are usually intriguing mysteries, the tale fails to deliver. The gameplay is repetitive and dull, with no notable changes to the weapons, perks, or other features.
World War 2
Call of Duty: World War 2 was an attempt to revive the horror themes introduced in the original COD Zombies by returning to the series’ historical origins and focusing on the Second World War. The crew was successful, and the resulting zombie designs were truly terrifying in their ugliness. Battle with an all-star cast including David Tennant and Ving Rhames on this crew.
The cast was excellent, and the environment and zombies were well-described; nevertheless, the maps were lacking. The gameplay was distinctive enough from prior Zombies games to hold players’ interest, but there were too many unfair advantages for some players.
Infinite Warfare
When Infinity Ward introduced their take on Zombies, the tone became lighthearted and intentionally goofy. Zombies received a new rhythm when Infinity Ward removed the franchise’s horrific elements. Fun 80s music and even David Hasselhoff can be heard throughout the first map, which depicts a delightful theme park. As for the easter egg itself, it featured extraterrestrials and Satan.
Celebrities like Kevin Smith made guest appearances on the maps, and each one focused on a different genre. For example, on one map, players use kung fu to fight off hordes of zombies. It was clear that the Infinity Ward crew had a great time making their take on the Zombie mode.
Advanced Warfare
Due to Sledgehammer Games’ leadership, the mobility systems in Advanced Warfare were more experimental than in previous Call of Duty games. Even the zombies were able to move about more because of the exoskeletons that were being employed for improved jumping and sprinting.
The game boasted a stellar cast, including Jon Bernthal, John Malkovich, and Bruce Campbell (of Evil Dead fame). There was a nice selection of maps, and the action was entertaining enough. To be sure, it didn’t have the signature vibe of a Treyarch game.
World At War
Once the Call of Duty: World at War credits rolled, some players may have been alarmed to witness a group of people shambling toward the camera. The screen falls black, and the words “Nazi Zombies” are etched into it in a sinister title card. At the start of Round 1, Call of Duty is forever changed.
The Zombies game mode in World at War was so well developed and so nearly flawless on its first try that many of its components are still used today. There are several features to the round system, such as the mystery box and the benefits. Zombies are most known for their World at War expansion.
Black Ops
Because Zombies was so well received, many players were eagerly anticipating Treyarch’s next game, Call of Duty: Black Ops, to find out what the future held for the mode. The two released maps were a home run for the creators. fighting unfamiliar adversaries on the battlefield and assuming the personas of Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy inside the Pentagon.
Black Ops included several fantastic maps, including the originals from World at War, and the gameplay was vastly improved over the previous entry. It added an exciting new dimension to the experience by adding new tools, weapons, and possibilities.
Black Ops Cold War
The Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War had several novel elements. It was the first game in the series to let players choose their own operative. This meant that, as a result of the partnerships, gamers could take on the roles of popular characters like Rambo and Frank Woods in their battle against the undead. There were a lot of perks, and the new upgrade and weapon tiering system was particularly impressive.
Intensely strong firearms made short work of the Zombies, and the thrill of the kill was unparalleled. Because of the power of the newer consoles, the maps were vast, and the hordes were even more numerous. The Black Ops Cold War game mode was friendlier to beginner players and more accessible overall.
Black Ops 2
Activision saw the potential in the Zombies mode after its first success and allocated more resources to it. As a matter of fact, it does have a devoted following. The Multiplayer engine was also used for Zombies in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, giving players access to updated leaderboards, more detailed statistics, and more strategic matches depending on their individual abilities.
Many unique levels and the series’ trademark easter eggs were highlights of Black Ops 2. Zombies fans will enjoy Black Ops 2 for its memorable moments and fresh takes on the series’ signature gameplay.
Black Ops 3
The best game of Zombies is never one where everyone is happy. Nonetheless, there is widespread consensus that Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 provides the finest experience overall. Exciting new locations may be found throughout the game.
From walking the streets of Morg City as Ron Perlman or Jeff Goldblum to fighting against the undead as part of the Primis Crew’s ongoing Zombies plot. Several fan-favorite maps from Zombies Chronicles were released as downloadable content for Black Ops 3.
Because of the vast arsenal of standard and wonder weapons available, this mode has become the standard for playing on specific levels. There is a tonne of advantages, and the game itself is a lot of fun. Players may traverse areas by running, jumping, and sliding while being hunted by a wide variety of minibosses and zombies. Each hidden object has a boss character integral to the Zombie mode plot.
Black Ops 4
Fans were overjoyed to see Zombies return for Black Ops 4 after the dramatic conclusion of the mode in Black Ops 3. In addition to the reappearance of several fan-favorite characters, an alternate-history Zombie crew was introduced. Different but similarly complicated tales, but ultimately uninteresting and repetitive gameplay.
Black Ops 4’s attempt to shake things up in Zombies mode fell short. Most of the maps were watered-down versions of others, with less attention paid to detail in favor of covering more ground. Black Ops 4 Zombies is considered by many to be one of the worst games in the series.
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