Evolution of Call of Duty Zombies: From Rounds to Open Worlds

The Call of Duty Zombies mode has undergone significant evolution since its inception. Initially a simple round-based mode, it has grown to incorporate intricate mechanics such as Perk-a-Colas and Pack-a-Punch. The iconic Ray Gun has been overshadowed by a plethora of Wonder Weapons, accompanied by mini bosses and complex quests that add depth beyond mere survival. The paradigm shifted further with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, introducing a semi-open world experience alongside the traditional round-based gameplay. Now, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 aims to expand upon this concept.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Zombies has been confirmed to adopt an open world approach, with the map touted as the series' largest to date. While this innovation offers potential advantages and appeals to fans who enjoyed the Outbreak mode, it also comes with certain drawbacks to consider. While Activision may view the open world feature as unequivocally positive, historical precedents suggest that it could lead to divisive outcomes.

Addressing Outbreak's Strengths and Shortcomings

It's important to acknowledge that the Outbreak mode in Black Ops Cold War had its merits. Introduced by Treyarch, it proved immensely successful, attracting a fresh audience with its open world Zombies concept. The mission-driven gameplay deviated from the traditional survival formula, while expansive areas provided hiding spots for crucial in-game intelligence. For casual players, Outbreak offered a relaxed environment for camo grinding, leisurely exploration, and gradual map exploration. However, its appeal was less pronounced among fans of round-based gameplay, a fact that could potentially impact Modern Warfare 3 Zombies, given its speculated divergence from the traditional rounds.

Nonetheless, there was ample room for improvement in Outbreak. One notable drawback was its failure to capture the essence of Zombies due to its map design. This is understandable as Outbreak repurposed multiplayer locations, resulting in environments that lacked the distinct ambiance of iconic Zombies-exclusive maps like Kino Der Toten or Der Eisendrache. Moreover, the absence of small atmospheric details such as bloodstains or structural decay made these locales feel sanitized, despite being set amidst a zombie outbreak.

Most significantly, Outbreak fell short in the Easter egg department, focusing primarily on main quests and casette tapes. This omission was a missed opportunity, as side quests are a defining aspect of Zombies gameplay. Ideally, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Zombies should learn from these shortcomings and rectify them. A full-fledged open world experience would ideally eliminate loading screens or zone transitions, allowing players unhindered exploration of an expansive map. If the mode introduces meaningful side quests, alongside a unique Zombies aesthetic for the map, it could potentially evolve Outbreak into a more immersive and rewarding experience.

Balancing Potential and Concerns

Nevertheless, concerns about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Zombies are valid. The game's multiplayer seems to rely heavily on recycled content, featuring remakes of Modern Warfare 2's 2009 maps and a Carry Forward system that implies a lack of originality in the sequel. The absence of details about the massive Zombies map raises the possibility of it being a repurposed Warzone location. This could lead to a disappointment similar to previous entries, where Zombies mode lacked distinctive character. With limited development time for Sledgehammer Games and Treyarch, the likelihood of creating an entirely original open world Zombies location seems slim. This could lead to fan dissatisfaction once again.

While the MW3 Zombies map promises expansive exploration, a lack of meticulously designed areas could result in a lackluster and clunky gameplay experience. While activities like launching the Dragon rocket or battling an Orda may return, the absence of intricate Easter eggs might persist. Additionally, the introduction of new enemy types and Wonder Weapons might be hampered. While the concept of open world Zombies holds promise, if the execution falls short and the map lacks the signature CoD Zombies feel, players could face another underwhelming year.