Ideal Horror Crossover: Call of Duty Zombies Meets [Other Franchise]

The Call of Duty franchise has long embraced the concept of crossovers with various elements of popular culture. The trend began as early as 2014 with Call of Duty: Ghosts, which featured a collaboration with the iconic sci-fi horror film series, Predator. However, it is Call of Duty: Warzone that has truly unlocked a plethora of crossover opportunities, immersing players in a diverse universe populated by characters from numerous franchises.

Over recent years, players have witnessed the introduction of characters from a wide range of series, including Saw, Die Hard, Donnie Darko, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Warhammer 40,000, The Boys, and even music icon Nicki Minaj, as paid Operator skins in the game. Yet, despite this variety, Call of Duty has been somewhat hesitant to crossover with other video game franchises. This is particularly noteworthy since a collaboration between Resident Evil and Call of Duty could create a compelling synergy.

A Crossover with Resident Evil: A Perfect Blend

Despite the cautious approach of Call of Duty toward crossovers with fellow gaming franchises, Resident Evil has actively engaged in collaborations. The year 2021 marked the 25th anniversary of Resident Evil, leading to several high-profile crossover events. Notably, Dead by Daylight hosted a significant crossover, introducing playable characters such as Leon Kennedy and Jill Valentine, alongside the infamous Nemesis as a new Killer, complemented by a themed map set in Raccoon City. A subsequent crossover added fan-favorites Ada Wong, Rebecca Chambers, and Albert Wesker to the mix.

Additionally, the Resident Evil franchise extended its reach into other games. The Division 2 featured a limited-time event in which players could acquire skins inspired by Resident Evil characters, including outfits reminiscent of Leon’s RPD uniform and Chris Redfield’s S.T.A.R.S. apparel. Meanwhile, Fortnite incorporated Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, dressed in outfits from their respective games, further solidifying Resident Evil’s presence in the gaming landscape.

The Case for a Call of Duty and Resident Evil Crossover

With Capcom’s demonstrated willingness to collaborate, a crossover involving Call of Duty Zombies would be a natural fit. The tonal similarities between Call of Duty Zombies and Resident Evil cannot be overlooked, as both feature a blend of dark humor and gripping violence while engaging players with intricate puzzle-solving elements. Each franchise also excels in delivering fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay experiences.

Imagine the appeal of Operator skins drawn from the Resident Evil universe, allowing players to navigate harrowing maps like Liberty Falls, Terminus, and Citadelle des Morts while embodying iconic characters such as Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, or Claire Redfield. This bundle could be enriched by original voice lines from the current actors, enhancing immersion.

Furthermore, if such a crossover were to coincide with an in-game event that modifies Zombies mode, it could elevate the gaming experience. For instance, reimagining the Mangler enemy as a formidable Resident Evil Tyrant and redesigning zombies into the terrifying Cerberus dogs would surely excite fans and create a buzz within the gaming community.

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