Black Ops 3 Zombies Map

Delving into the Depths: A Comprehensive Guide to Black Ops 3 Zombies Maps

Black Ops 3 Zombies marked a significant shift in the franchise, introducing a more intricate narrative, challenging gameplay mechanics, and a diverse range of maps that captivated players for years. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide, exploring the various maps, their unique features, Easter eggs, and the overall impact they had on the Zombies community. From the chilling atmosphere of Shadows of Evil to the futuristic thrill of Revelations, we'll unearth the secrets hidden within each map.

Introduction: The Evolution of Black Ops 3 Zombies

Black Ops 3's Zombies mode wasn't just a continuation; it was an evolution. Building upon the established foundations of previous installments, Treyarch introduced new mechanics like Gobblegums, the Mystery Box, and significantly more complex Easter eggs, demanding a higher level of player skill and collaboration. The interconnected storyline, spanning multiple maps, added a new layer of depth and intrigue, rewarding dedicated players with a richer, more satisfying experience. The maps themselves were diverse, each offering unique environments, challenges, and narratives, contributing to the overall success and lasting legacy of this Zombies iteration.

Shadows of Evil: A Noir Nightmare in Morg City

Shadows of Evil, the launch map for Black Ops 3 Zombies, plunged players into a 1940s noir setting within the fictional city of Morg City. This atmospheric map set a new standard for the series, featuring a captivating storyline focused on four distinct characters: Nero, a magician; Samantha, a femme fatale; Floyd, a mob boss; and Takeo, a samurai. The map's intricate design, filled with hidden pathways and Easter eggs, rewarded exploration and meticulous investigation.

• Key Features: The map introduced the concept of Gobblegums, consumable items that granted temporary perks and advantages. The powerful Apothicon Servant, a formidable boss, required strategic teamwork and understanding of its attack patterns. The Easter egg questline, involving the summoning and defeating of the Apothicon, was notoriously complex, demanding a high level of coordination and puzzle-solving skills among players.

• Gameplay Mechanics: Shadows of Evil introduced a unique weapon system, where upgrading weapons required locating specific components scattered throughout the map. This added a strategic element to gameplay, demanding careful resource management. The map also utilized environmental storytelling, with subtle details adding to the noir atmosphere and overall narrative.

• Easter Egg Overview: The Shadows of Evil Easter egg is considered one of the most intricate and challenging in the entire Zombies saga. It involved several steps, including activating various mechanisms, solving complex puzzles, and finally, confronting the Apothicon in a climactic showdown.

The Giant: A Return to Familiar Territory

The Giant, a DLC map released shortly after the launch of Black Ops 3, offered a nostalgic experience, returning players to the beloved setting of Der Riese from World at War. This map served as a bridge between the classic Zombies experience and the newer mechanics introduced in Shadows of Evil. While retaining the familiar layout and atmosphere of Der Riese, The Giant integrated the new Gobblegum system and introduced the Pack-a-Punch machine.

• Key Features: The map featured the iconic Pack-a-Punch machine, allowing players to upgrade their weapons. The presence of Wunderwaffe DG-2, the iconic wonder weapon from Der Riese, further enhanced the nostalgia factor. The Easter egg quest was relatively simpler compared to Shadows of Evil, making it more accessible to a wider range of players.

• Gameplay Mechanics: Gameplay remained largely consistent with previous installments, making it a comfortable transition for veterans and a smoother introduction for newcomers. The introduction of Gobblegums added a layer of strategic depth to the classic gameplay experience.

• Easter Egg Overview: The Easter egg quest focused on activating four different power sources within the map, leading to a final confrontation with a powerful boss.

Zetsubou No Shima: A Tropical Terror

Zetsubou No Shima, meaning "Island of Despair" in Japanese, transported players to a remote, tropical island teeming with bizarre creatures and a mysterious research facility. This map featured a distinct atmosphere, unique weapons, and a complex Easter egg that further deepened the overarching storyline.

• Key Features: The map introduced new weapons, including the Widow's Wine, a powerful upgraded version of the Ray Gun. The island's diverse environment, with its dense jungle and hidden bunkers, provided a fresh gameplay experience. The Easter egg questline involved a series of intricate steps, including experiments with the KG-M, a device that allowed controlling powerful creatures.

• Gameplay Mechanics: Zetsubou No Shima incorporated elements of survival horror, with environmental hazards and powerful enemies adding a significant challenge. The incorporation of the new Gobblegums continued to impact strategic decision-making.

• Easter Egg Overview: The Easter egg in Zetsubou No Shima was complex, involving multiple steps and significant puzzle-solving, culminating in a fight against powerful mutated creatures and revealing further details about the Apothicon storyline.

Der Eisendrache: A Medieval Mystery

Der Eisendrache, meaning "The Iron Dragon" in German, transported players to a medieval castle filled with mystical elements and ancient secrets. This map introduced a new dimension to the Zombies narrative, adding to the overall lore and setting the stage for future events.

• Key Features: This map presented the Bow, a ranged weapon that required unique ammo types for varying effects. The inclusion of a fully functional dragon introduced a unique element to the gameplay, demanding strategic adaptation and cooperation. A significant advancement was the Dragon Strike, the first area-of-effect wonder weapon.

• Gameplay Mechanics: The map featured several new mechanics, including a system for collecting Dragon Eggs that could be used to unlock powerful effects and access new areas.

• Easter Egg Overview: The Der Eisendrache Easter egg was a crucial part of the overarching narrative, providing insights into the origins of the Apothicon and setting up future events in the storyline.

Gorod Krovi: A Soviet Showdown

Gorod Krovi, meaning "City of Blood" in Russian, brought players to a ravaged Stalingrad during an alternate timeline. This map incorporated a mix of futuristic and historical elements, offering a unique atmosphere and distinct challenges.

• Key Features: Gorod Krovi introduced the Ray Gun Mark II, another powerful weapon that changed the meta-game significantly. The map featured a powerful boss battle with the Kraken, demanding excellent coordination and teamwork. The Easter egg storyline contributed heavily to the evolving overarching narrative of the Apothicon storyline.

• Gameplay Mechanics: The map featured new mechanics, including the electric traps that could be strategically used to eliminate hordes of enemies.

• Easter Egg Overview: The Gorod Krovi Easter egg was significantly challenging and required extensive knowledge of the game's mechanics and narrative to complete.

Revelations: The Climax of the Story

Revelations served as the culmination of the Black Ops 3 Zombies storyline, bringing together elements from all previous maps. This map featured a sprawling, interconnected environment that blended elements of past maps, creating a truly epic and nostalgic experience for long-time fans.

• Key Features: Revelations brought back familiar weapons and characters, creating a sense of closure and nostalgia. The map incorporated elements from each previous map, weaving them into a cohesive and satisfying conclusion. The boss battles provided a substantial challenge, demanding skillful teamwork and strategic thinking.

• Gameplay Mechanics: Revelations retained the core gameplay mechanics from previous maps, but introduced new elements and challenges that made the experience unique.

• Easter Egg Overview: The Revelations Easter egg concluded the overarching storyline, providing a definitive resolution to the Apothicon narrative.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

The Black Ops 3 Zombies maps were a pivotal moment in the franchise. They established a new standard for complexity, narrative depth, and overall player engagement. Each map offered a unique experience, challenging players with intricate puzzles, formidable enemies, and richly detailed environments. The interconnected storyline, culminating in Revelations, provided a deeply satisfying and memorable experience for dedicated players. The innovative mechanics and challenging Easter eggs continue to be discussed and analyzed within the community, solidifying Black Ops 3 Zombies as a truly iconic chapter in the series' history. The legacy of these maps is undeniable; they remain some of the most loved and played Zombies maps of all time.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Black Ops 3 Zombies Maps

• Q: Which map is the hardest? A: This is subjective and depends on player skill and preference. However, Shadows of Evil and Revelations are often cited for their complex Easter eggs and challenging gameplay.

• Q: Which map is the best? A: The "best" map is a matter of personal preference. Each map offers a unique experience and caters to different play styles.

• Q: Are the maps connected story-wise? A: Yes, the maps are interconnected through a complex and overarching narrative focused on the Apothicon.

• Q: How long does it take to complete the Easter eggs? A: The time required varies greatly depending on the map and player experience. Some Easter eggs can take hours, even days, to complete.

• Q: Can I play these maps solo? A: While possible, many of the Easter eggs and challenges are significantly easier and more enjoyable with a team.

This comprehensive guide has hopefully provided a deeper understanding and appreciation for the intricate and captivating world of Black Ops 3 Zombies maps. The innovative mechanics, challenging gameplay, and engaging narrative continue to resonate with players, ensuring their lasting legacy within the Zombies community.