What was the First Call of Duty to have Zombies?
The introduction of Zombies mode in the Call of Duty franchise is a significant milestone in the history of the series. It all started with Call of Duty: World at War, released in 2008. This mode became an instant hit and has since become a staple in the franchise. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Zombies mode and explore how it evolved over the years.
The Birth of Zombies
Call of Duty: World at War, developed by Treyarch, was the first game to feature Zombies mode. It was a simple, co-op mode where up to four players worked together to survive against hordes of undead Nazi soldiers. The mode was known as "Nazi Zombies" and was set in a fictional location called Verrückt, an asylum in Germany. This initial release was a minor feature, but it set the stage for the addictive and entertaining mode that we know today.
Growth and Evolution
Following the success of World at War, Treyarch decided to expand on the Zombies mode in subsequent Call of Duty games. Black Ops, released in 2010, introduced the concept of playable characters and more complex gameplay mechanics. The mode became more elaborate, with new locations, enemies, and perks added to the mix. These updates made Zombies a standalone mode, rather than a secondary feature.
Rise to Popularity
By the time Black Ops II was released in 2012, Zombies mode had become a major component of the Call of Duty franchise. The release of Black Ops II brought the introduction of a solo play option, allowing players to experience the mode without needing to team up with friends. This shift made Zombies more accessible and increased its popularity among gamers.
Modern Warfare Zombies
In 2016, Treyarch released Call of Duty: Zombies, a standalone mobile game that allowed players to experience Zombies on-the-go. This move further solidified Zombies as a major franchise staple. The game features classic maps, updated with modern graphics and a new storyline.
Black Ops III and Black Ops 4
Treyarch continued to build on the Zombies mode with Black Ops III and Black Ops 4. These games introduced new game mechanics, such as new types of enemies and upgraded level design. These updates kept the mode fresh and exciting, even as the franchise continued to grow and evolve.
Comparison Table
| Game | Zombies Mode | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| World at War | 4-player co-op, simple gameplay | Nazi Zombies |
| Black Ops | 4-player co-op, playable characters | Expansion on gameplay mechanics |
| Black Ops II | Solo play option, 8-player co-op | Major expansion, new gameplay features |
| Black Ops III | New game mechanics, upgraded level design | Evolved gameplay, new features |
| Black Ops 4 | Multiplayer co-op, new game modes | Evolved gameplay, increased accessibility |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first Call of Duty game to feature Zombies was Call of Duty: World at War. The mode began as a simple co-op feature but has since evolved into a standalone mode with multiple playable characters, new locations, and complex gameplay mechanics. The growth and evolution of Zombies mode has made it a staple of the Call of Duty franchise, with a dedicated fan base and continued updates. With the franchise’s commitment to Zombies, we can expect this mode to continue entertaining fans for years to come.
Additional Resources:
- Call of Duty: World at War Gameplay Trailer
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombie Trailer
- Call of Duty: Zombies Mobile Game Review