Map Unique Mechanics or Qualities I Wish Returned More: Part 1, WAW
Something I have recently been thinking in my head is how there are a lot of qualities and mechanics of all zombies maps that are unfortunately locked to one or a few maps and rarely see returns. As a result, I decided I want to start a series of posts going through each Black Ops Zombies game (I may do the non BO ones eventually but my issue is I have played so little of them bar IW) and give my thoughts on qualities or mechanics I think could be reused or make a return. For a disclaimer, in this post ALL map qualities or mechanics I am wanting will be based on their original debut in WAW itself as close as possible with some exceptions.
Nacht Der Untoten:
Nacht is a very difficult map to talk about in this way being the progenitor of all maps, cause what quality or mechanic DIDN'T come back in later maps, right? As a result I am simply going to go with the idea of a barebones, hardcore survival map. Considering how Nacht over time became easier and easier to cheese (not to mention that both of its remakes got overpowered Wonder Weapons and Gobbles in BO3's case), I think it would be worth an attempt on 3arc's part to make a new barebones map that excludes one or multiple key mechanics to amplify the difficulty.
Verruckt:
Again, Verruckt is also pretty difficult to brainstorm things unique to it that didn't later return, but I think its best quality was always how claustrophobic and isolating the map felt. Therefore, I think the quality/mechanic that should return is more or less a spiritual successor to this vibe. A good way of achieving this would be doing the split spawns again, but maybe by twisting it into getting four randomized spawns. Either way, Verruckt like all the maps on this part will be hard to conjure up ideas for.
Shi No Numa:
I think I am gonna keep this one short and concise: I just want a map like Shi No again that is a pain in the ass to traverse without unlocking the fast travel. I won't rag on any modern mechanics but one thing I hate is how fast we progress across maps or areas. SNN did a great job of making it something you have to earn.
Der Reise:
I am going to be stretching pretty hard on Der Reise, but I think no map has ever come close to the quality of high-risk camping as the Catwalk has. There are some that come close (like Buried's Jug hallway), but they are either cushioned by easy-to-access escape points, or have overpowered weapons/mechanics to aid the player. In Der Reise's case though, the Catwalk is pushed up into a box spawn with no escape route, you risk losing your Jug should you have the Waffe up there and incur the glitch, and you have a desperate sense of isolation. I genuinely do not think any other map 3arc has put out since it has come close (including the Giant)