Call of Duty Zombies has become a beloved mode within the Call of Duty franchise, captivating fans with its unique blend of survival, horror, and deep lore. One of the standout features of Zombies mode is the Perk-a-Colas, a collection of fictional beverages that grant players special abilities. These colorful drinks have become an iconic part of the Zombies experience, offering players strategic advantages and adding depth to gameplay. But what's the story behind these mysterious beverages, and how did they become such a crucial element of the game?
In this article, we'll dive deep into the origins, lore, and evolution of Perk-a-Colas, exploring how they came to be and the impact they've had on the Call of Duty Zombies community.
The Origins of Perk-a-Colas
Perk-a-Colas were first introduced in Call of Duty: World at War with the Zombies map "Verrückt." This was the second Zombies map ever created, and the developers at Treyarch wanted to add a new layer of strategy to the mode. The concept behind Perk-a-Colas was simple: create drinks that grant players special abilities, giving them a fighting chance against the relentless zombie horde.
The first four Perk-a-Colas introduced were:
- Juggernog: Increased health, allowing players to take more hits before going down.
- Quick Revive: Faster reviving of teammates, and in solo mode, self-revive.
- Speed Cola: Faster reload speed.
- Double Tap Root Beer: Increased fire rate for weapons.
These initial Perk-a-Colas were well-received, and they set the foundation for future additions. The idea of vending machines dispensing these powerful drinks also added to the eerie and unique atmosphere of the maps.
The Lore Behind Perk-a-Colas
As the Zombies storyline expanded, so did the lore behind the Perk-a-Colas. The drinks are believed to have been created by Group 935, a secretive Nazi research organization within the Zombies universe. Group 935 was heavily involved in experiments with Element 115, a mysterious substance that had the power to reanimate the dead.
The Perk-a-Colas were part of Group 935's experiments to enhance human abilities, initially intended for use by soldiers. The vending machines found throughout the maps were likely designed as a way to distribute the formulas quickly and efficiently. Each Perk-a-Cola is themed around a particular ability, and the jingles that play when you approach the machines add a twisted sense of normalcy to the dark, apocalyptic settings.
How Perk-a-Colas Work
In gameplay, players purchase Perk-a-Colas using points earned by killing zombies and completing objectives. The drinks provide immediate and lasting effects until the player is downed or if specific in-game conditions reset their perks.
The strategic aspect of Perk-a-Colas lies in choosing which perks to buy and when. Players can only hold a certain number of perks at a time, usually four, unless special conditions or abilities allow for more. This limitation forces players to consider their playstyle and team dynamics.
Iconic Perk-a-Colas and Their Abilities
Over the years, many new Perk-a-Colas have been introduced. Some of the most iconic ones include:
- Stamin-Up: Increased movement speed and longer sprint duration.
- PhD Flopper: Immunity to explosive damage and a devastating dive-to-prone explosion.
- Mule Kick: Allows the player to carry a third weapon.
- Widow’s Wine: Turns grenades into sticky web bombs, and melee hits release webs that slow zombies.
- Deadshot Daiquiri: Reduces recoil, increases hip-fire accuracy, and auto-aims at zombie's heads.
Each of these perks offers unique advantages and caters to different gameplay strategies, contributing to the replayability of the Zombies mode.
The Evolution of Perk-a-Colas in Later Games
As the Call of Duty Zombies mode evolved, so did the Perk-a-Colas. Some perks were reimagined, while others were retired or replaced. For example, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War introduced a new system where players could upgrade perks over the course of the game, adding more depth to their effects.
The introduction of the Perk Fountain in Black Ops Cold War also changed how players acquired perks, allowing them to buy any perk at any time, provided they had enough points. This change gave players more freedom and strategic options compared to the classic perk machines.
Fan Theories and Hidden Secrets
The Zombies community has always been fascinated by the mysteries of the mode, and Perk-a-Colas are no exception. Fans have theorized about hidden meanings behind the jingles, the potential real-world inspirations for the drinks, and how they tie into the broader lore.
Some believe the jingles contain cryptic messages or clues to the storyline, while others speculate about the ingredients of the drinks, especially given their bizarre effects. Theories range from the use of Element 115 to mind-control experiments by Group 935.
The Cultural Impact of Perk-a-Colas
Beyond the game, Perk-a-Colas have become a part of gaming culture. Fans have created real-life replicas of the drinks, from custom-labeled sodas to mixed drinks themed after the perks. The jingles have also gained popularity, with many players memorizing the tunes and lyrics.
Merchandise, fan art, and YouTube videos dedicated to the Perk-a-Colas show how much they resonate with the community. Their blend of dark humor, nostalgia, and strategic importance makes them a standout feature of the Zombies mode.
Conclusion
The story behind the Perk-a-Colas in Call of Duty Zombies is a testament to how small details can become a beloved part of a game's legacy. From their origins as simple gameplay mechanics to their deep ties to the lore of the Zombies universe, Perk-a-Colas have left a lasting mark on the franchise.
Their unique abilities, catchy jingles, and mysterious backstory continue to captivate players, keeping the Zombies mode fresh and exciting. As Treyarch and the Call of Duty franchise continue to evolve, fans can only hope that the legacy of Perk-a-Colas will continue to grow, bringing new flavors, new abilities, and new mysteries to uncover.
