Zombies Story & Lore Deep Dive
Call of Duty: Black Ops III's Zombies mode is not just about surviving waves of the undead; it's steeped in a complex and often mind-bending narrative that weaves through multiple timelines and dimensions. The initial Zombies map, "Shadows of Evil," sets the stage in the fictional city of Morg City, a noir-inspired metropolis teeming with corruption and dark secrets. Players take on the roles of four unlikely protagonists: Nero, a boxer; Jessica, a magician; Floyd, a detective; and Jack, a veteran. Each character is drawn into a supernatural conflict orchestrated by a mysterious figure known as the Shadowman.
The lore of "Shadows of Evil" delves into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of dabbling in forbidden magic. The map introduces key elements that would become central to the overarching Zombies saga, including the Aether storyline and its connection to the enigmatic Element 115. As players progress through the map, they uncover cryptic clues and engage with strange rituals, all while battling grotesque zombie creatures and other otherworldly horrors. The narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling, audio cues, and character dialogue, encouraging players to piece together the fragmented story.
Beyond "Shadows of Evil," the Black Ops III Zombies experience expands sificantly with subsequent DLC maps like "The Giant," "Der Eisendrache," "Zetsubou No Shima," "Gorod Krovi," and "Revelations." These maps continue the Aether storyline, following the original four characters (Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen) as they travel through time and space to prevent a catastrophic event. The lore becomes increasingly intricate, involving parallel universes, the machinations of the Keepers and the Apothicons, and the ultimate fate of humanity. Understanding the motivations of characters like Richtofen and the nature of the Aether itself is crucial for grasping the full scope of the narrative. The game often plays with player expectations, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, and challenging players to question what they see and hear.