Highlights
The recently revealed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Zombies has received a mixed response from the community, with concerns about the lack of a unique map being legitimate.
Reusing the Urzikstan map from Warzone for Modern Warfare 3 Zombies is a disappointing decision that may hinder the mode's success. Fans may not be interested in exploring a map they've already experienced in Warzone. This lack of original play spaces in recent Call of Duty Zombies games raises concerns for fans who appreciate the unique and immersive experience of the classic Zombies modes. Similar to Outbreak, there is a risk that the MW3 Zombies' map could feel too pristine and undamaged, making the undead stand out and feel out of place in the setting.
The recently revealed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Zombies has garnered mixed reactions from the community. On one hand, the high player count brings the potential for thrilling battles, including encounters with a massive boss and a formidable enemy called the Abomination. However, concerns have been raised about the extraction timer, which limits the ability to have lengthy matches as in traditional Zombies experiences. Nevertheless, the major disappointment shared by everyone is the map for MW3 Zombies. Despite the intriguing concept of an open-world setting, it has been revealed that the map will simply be the Warzone map Urzikstan. While some variations like Aether storms and roaming undead may provide slight differences, it is highly likely that the map will be unremarkable. This decision goes against the success of past Zombies modes, where unique areas have played a crucial role.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Zombies Fails to Correct Outbreak’s Biggest Flaw
Treyarch's success with Outbreak naturally influenced the development of Modern Warfare 3 Zombies. As Treyarch focuses on Call of Duty 2024, fans anticipate the return of classic Zombies next year. With the team's hands full, now is the perfect time to introduce new elements and provide variety in the upcoming Call of Duty release. However, relying too heavily on reusing assets, such as Warzone maps, feels disappointing and gives the impression that Zombies is a low budget project lacking Activision's attention.
One major concern with Outbreak was that its maps didn't capture the essence of traditional Zombies locations. Apart from the main quest, players never explored areas unique to Zombies, making the maps feel too similar to the multiplayer Fireteam modes. This lack of distinction made the presence of Zombies feel out of place, as if they were haphazardly thrown into the multiplayer settings. Although this was indeed the case, more efforts could have been made to address this issue.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Zombies has only shown glimpses of its gameplay, leaving fans wanting more. The rumored Zombies beta, which could have provided more information, does not seem to be happening. There is speculation that Treyarch may have made significant changes to the Urzikstan map to create a more authentic Zombies experience. However, based on the trailer, this seems unlikely, which is disappointing. This could result in the Zombies mode feeling less unique compared to previous games, as players will encounter Urzikstan in Ground War, Warzone, and Zombies, potentially causing the map to become monotonous over time.
In the past, Call of Duty Zombies has introduced countless iconic locations. From an abandoned theater in Kino Der Toten to a medieval castle in Der Eisendrache, and even a fictional 1940s city in Shadows of Evil, there have been plenty of original and memorable play areas. Unfortunately, these fully unique spaces have become less common in recent years. Black Ops Cold War took a wrong turn by incorporating campaign assets into maps like Firebase Z, and Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies was even worse, as it simply reused multiplayer maps. Regrettably, MW3 Zombies follows Vanguard's footsteps in terms of map design, which could alienate longtime fans who appreciate the classic Zombies experience. Additionally, exploring a reused map is inherently less thrilling and diminishes the excitement of discovery.
Ultimately, the reuse of the map in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies limits its potential. While the mode can still be successful, the extraction format and high player count may surprise players. Furthermore, the story lacks impact, with four major Zombies characters already killed. However, it seems that the mode now has a limit as Modern Warfare 3 lacks a unique map specifically designed for Zombies. As a result, there is a risk of MW3 Zombies feeling cheap and rushed, despite the potential for enjoyable gameplay.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be released on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.