Zetsubou No Shima: A Deep Dive into the Island of Despair

Beneath the lush, seemingly idyllic foliage and sun-drenched skies of Zetsubou No Shima lurks a chilling secret, a testament to the horrors of science gone awry. This unsettling environment, a cornerstone of the Call of Duty: Black Ops III Zombies experience, continues to captivate players with its challenging gameplay, intriguing story, and unsettling atmosphere. Released as part of DLC two, Zetsubou No Shima plunges players into a remote Pacific island setting, home to a long-abandoned Japanese research facility, and a feeling of utter isolation.

This article will delve into the complex lore, demanding gameplay mechanics, hidden Easter Eggs, and lasting appeal of Zetsubou No Shima. We’ll explore why this unique map remains a challenging and intriguing entry in the Zombies saga, examining the reasons for its enduring popularity among the community and the mark it has left on the wider franchise.

Island of Scientific Nightmares: Unveiling the Lore and Setting

The narrative heart of Zetsubou No Shima lies in its compelling lore, intrinsically linked to the clandestine operations of Division nine, a shadowy Japanese research organization. This group dedicated itself to pushing the boundaries of science, primarily through the exploitation of Element one-one-five, the very substance that births the undead horde.

Division nine’s experimentation took a particularly gruesome turn on the island. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a disregard for ethical constraints, the scientists subjected the local flora and fauna to intense Element one-one-five exposure. These experiments resulted in grotesque mutations, most notably manifested in the island’s aggressive, oversized spiders. This bioengineering gone wrong serves as a constant, unsettling backdrop to the player’s struggle for survival.

The abandoned research facility itself stands as a testament to the hubris and ultimate failure of Division nine. Rusted equipment, shattered glass, and overgrown vegetation paint a grim picture of hurried abandonment and the horrors that unfolded within its walls. The fate of the researchers remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the map’s sense of dread and intrigue.

The arrival of the Origins crew, Nikolai Belinski, Tank Dempsey, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen, on Zetsubou No Shima is no accident. Driven by Richtofen’s pursuit of the Kronorium, they follow his direction to the island, their fate seemingly intertwined with the dark secrets it holds. Their presence marks the continuation of the narrative arc established in Shadows of Evil, and continues to build up until the end of Revelations.

The island’s atmosphere and its overall visual design contribute significantly to the map’s unsettling appeal. The jungle environment, with its dense vegetation, winding pathways, and limited visibility, instills a constant sense of claustrophobia. This is only amplified by the dilapidated structures and eerie lighting, all of which come together to create a palpable atmosphere of tension.

The visual horrors of Zetsubou No Shima are not confined to the environment alone. The mutated spiders, each more grotesque than the last, and the unique zombie types further contribute to the unsettling aesthetic. This is not a map for the faint of heart, it’s a gruesome reminder of what happens when science is corrupted.

Demanding Survival: A Look into Zetsubou No Shima’s Gameplay

Zetsubou No Shima distinguishes itself through its intricate gameplay mechanics, emphasizing resource management, strategic planning, and adaptation to a constantly evolving environment. Its challenging nature is a major factor in its enduring appeal, requiring players to master various systems in order to survive and progress.

The map layout itself contributes to the overall challenge. The starting area is relatively small, offering little room to maneuver as the horde starts coming in. Key locations, such as the lab, the bunker, the docks, and the bridges, are scattered across the island, requiring players to navigate the treacherous jungle and defend various chokepoints. The various pathways lead to certain parts of the island, leading into high risk high reward areas.

The layout of the island isn’t necessarily complex, but navigating it during high rounds presents a genuine challenge. Each area offers a unique advantage and can be optimized for certain strategies, requiring players to experiment and adapt to the constantly increasing zombie pressure.

Zetsubou No Shima introduces unique weapons and equipment to aid players in their fight for survival. The KT-Four, and eventually the Masamune, stands as the map’s primary Wonder Weapon. Constructing this weapon requires the collection of multiple parts scattered across the map, and its effectiveness makes it a critical tool for high-round runs. Its upgrade also allows the player to be more mobile, dealing splash damage and clearing out hordes.

The gas mask is also a unique aspect of the game, without it, players will quickly find themselves at a severe disadvantage. Areas like the bunker and certain tunnels are filled with poisonous gas, quickly depleting health if players aren’t equipped with the gas mask. Ensuring a replacement gas mask is accessible is vital to surviving long on Zetsubou No Shima.

Aside from the wonder weapon, Zetsubou No Shima offers unique tactical grenades and equipment to help players survive the horde. The Spider Bait is unique to this map, luring spider enemies towards it, allowing players to pick them off or evade them entirely. Using these can provide vital breathing room.

The enemy types present in Zetsubou No Shima add another layer of complexity to the gameplay. While the regular zombies pose their usual threat, the map introduces several new enemy types that require specific strategies to overcome. The Thrasher, a hulking mutated monster, can quickly overwhelm players if not dealt with carefully. Its powerful melee attacks and high health make it a formidable foe.

The spiders, in their various forms (small, large, electric), are a constant nuisance, swarming players from all directions. Their small size and quick movements make them difficult to hit, and their ability to inflict poison damage can quickly drain a player’s health. These spiders require players to constantly be aware of their surroundings, as they can easily ambush unsuspecting survivors.

In addition to combat, Zetsubou No Shima requires players to engage with its unique resource management systems. Watering plants is a mechanic that requires players to consistently and efficiently provide water to plants. The grind can be slow but the rewards, such as unique weapon drops or temporary buffs, make it a worthwhile investment.

The challenges and grind present in Zetsubou No Shima are undeniable, but they are precisely what make the map so rewarding. The constant need to adapt, strategize, and manage resources keeps the gameplay engaging and prevents it from becoming monotonous.

Delving into the Secrets: Uncovering the Easter Eggs

Zetsubou No Shima is renowned for its intricate Easter Eggs, both the main quest that advances the overall Zombies storyline and the numerous side secrets hidden throughout the map. These Easter Eggs provide a compelling reason for players to explore every corner of the island and uncover its hidden lore.

The main Easter Egg quest is a multi-step process that requires players to solve puzzles, complete challenges, and defeat bosses. It is a demanding undertaking that requires close cooperation and coordination among the player. Completing the main Easter Egg unlocks the map’s true ending and reveals further insight into the overall Black Ops III Zombies narrative.

The Easter Egg involves gathering the parts for the KT-Four, upgrading it, and fighting off waves of enemies. The final step is to defeat the boss, which requires careful planning and precision execution.

Beyond the main quest, Zetsubou No Shima is littered with side Easter Eggs and secrets that reward exploration and experimentation. Radio transmissions, hidden throughout the map, provide glimpses into the backstory of Division nine and their experiments. These transmissions offer chilling insights into the minds of the scientists and their descent into madness.

These secrets add a layer of depth and replayability to Zetsubou No Shima, encouraging players to constantly search for new discoveries and unravel the mysteries of the island.

Island’s Significance: Legacy and Impact

Zetsubou No Shima’s initial release received mixed reactions from the Call of Duty Zombies community. Some players praised its challenging gameplay, intricate lore, and unique mechanics, while others criticized its difficulty, grind-heavy systems, and overall complexity. The debate continues to rage within the community, proving the map’s continued relevance and influence.

Compared to other Zombies maps, Zetsubou No Shima stands out for its unique blend of gameplay, lore, and atmosphere. Its emphasis on resource management, strategic planning, and adapting to a constantly changing environment sets it apart from more linear or arcade-style maps. The inclusion of unique gameplay mechanics, such as planting and watering plants, further distinguishes it from its predecessors.

It may not have directly influenced the design of later maps, it contributes to the overall richness and variety of the Zombies franchise. Its unique blend of gameplay mechanics and lore elements has ensured its place as a memorable and significant entry in the Call of Duty Zombies saga.

Despite its divisive reception, Zetsubou No Shima continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Call of Duty Zombies fans. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction derived from mastering its challenges and completing its Easter Eggs is a major factor in its enduring appeal.

For many players, Zetsubou No Shima represents a nostalgic return to a time when Zombies maps were complex, challenging, and full of secrets to uncover. It serves as a reminder of the immersive storytelling, innovative gameplay, and dedicated community that define the Call of Duty Zombies experience.

Ultimately, Zetsubou No Shima stands as a testament to the creative vision and ambition of the Call of Duty Zombies developers. Its unique blend of gameplay, lore, and atmosphere has made it a challenging and rewarding experience. Whether you are a seasoned Zombies veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, this “Island of Despair” offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. So pick up the sticks and dive back into this iconic map if you dare.