Despite the rather popular rumors about the name and content of the next Call of Duty: Black Ops DLC that have been circulating for a few weeks — and you know how I feel about rumors! – the truth tells a different story: Yes, there is a fourth DLC pack on the way, and to the delight of co-op gamers, it’s a purely Zombies affair.
They're back for the attack
The Rezurrection DLC pack will be available on Xbox 360 on August 23rd, and will feature five maps. Four are remastered and upgraded versions of the World at War Zombies maps that started it all – Nacht der Untoten, Verruckt, Shi No Numa and Der Riese. If you were introduced to Zombies gameplay with Black Ops, these are the historical maps that will fill in some of the backstory for you — and in addition to updated weapons and polish, they each still have their own surprises to offer. A limited number of fans have already gotten to play these maps — they were included in the Hardened and Prestige editions of Black Ops — but keep reading, because there’s a nice surprise in store for you near the end of this article.
In space, no one can hear you shuffle
Additionally, there’s a fifth map — Moon — that takes place just where you’d think it would. Yep, the Zombies are headed to outer space, and the rules of engagement will apparently be changing. Details are understandably still under wraps because, well, surprises are fun. And there’s a bit of bonus content as well — Rezurrection will include a special Moon Xbox 360 Dashboard theme and the official Zombies soundtrack, featuring three new tracks. All that stuff’s part of Rezurrection.
I got a chance to ask Treyarch’s Jimmy Zielinski, creative lead for Zombies, a few questions about Rezurrection in an email interview and…well, he’s a cryptic guy. I asked him for details on a few of the things I’ve heard will be in this pack, and…see what you make of his answers for yourself:
1oS: Will we learn any new tidbits of backstory from Moon? We already know Der Riese is where they come from, but is there more to tell?
JIMMY ZELINSKI: If your question is to ask me if our zombies are from Der Riese, this would be a good opportunity to re-explore the WAW maps to search for further clues as to the truth behind the origins of the zombies. As to Moon specifically, of course there will be clues to the past and other story elements, but don’t be surprised to discover a few hints as to what may be coming in the future.
1oS: What’s a “phasing Zombie?”
JZ: I don’t know. Where have you seen a phasing zombie? Who have you been talking to? What’s this word “phasing” you’re using…?
1oS: How does the Quantum Entanglement Device work?
JZ: The answer to what the QED can do can be found in the research of Einstein, Kaluza, Plancke and Klein. That would suggest the possibilities are limitless. Get in the game, throw it out there, and see what it will do FOR YOU.
What horrors await off-world?
1oS: Are there other new weapons this time around? Any new gameplay mechanics?
JZ: This game mode is all about discovery. Whether our characters discover new weapons in the various places they visit is dependent on where they go. Same can be said for gameplay mechanics — the location dictates how you play. Ever been to the moon?
1oS: Why is Rezurrection misspelled? Is there significance to that?
JZ: You never know where hints and Easter eggs may appear in Zombies. What looks like a typo may be a typo…but it might also be the hidden truth behind everything.
One small lurch for Zombies...
1oS: What’s your weapon of choice for the inevitable zombie apocalypse?
JZ: A high capacity, accurate, high caliber, and high rate of fire weapon. That’s what I would choose.
1oS: Space – the final frontier. Is this the end to the Zombies storyline?
JZ: [No answer to this one, but a friend over at Treyarch said they saw him storm off to get a breath of fresh air.]
Dammit.
So, to recap: August 23rd, Rezurrection offers five Zombies maps, an extended version of the Zombies soundtrack, and a special Moon theme. It will cost 1200 Microsoft Points.
Unless you wind up getting it all for free…!
If you are an owner of the Hardened or Prestige editions of Black Ops, you already have the four upgraded classic maps thanks to the redemption code that came in the package; that was a perk for buying a limited edition of the game. So, as a thank-you to the hardcore fans for their support from the start, Hardened and Prestige edition owners can download Rezurrection for free on August 23rd. We’ll get into the logistics of exactly how it will all work later, but the short version is you’ll be able to go into your Download History and re-download the classic pack you already own, and the fresh download will include the new Moon map. And you’ll also get the soundtrack and theme, too. It’s not that tricky, but like I said, full logistical info will come closer to the release date.
So…Zombies fans, speak up! What do you think?
