Time: 2025-12-06
For many Call of Duty Zombies veterans, facing the relentless zombified George Romero in Call of the Dead was once a frustrating rite of passage. Unlike anything before him, George patrolled the map endlessly—a bullet-sponge menace who could be temporarily downed for powerful rewards, only to return rounds later. Back then, I cursed his design, but years later, I see how he shaped Call of the Dead into something unforgettable. That’s exactly why Black Ops 7 Zombies’ new O.S.C.A.R mini-boss feels like a 14-year-old wish come true—a bold revival of that same love-it-or-hate-it philosophy.
O.S.C.A.R has already sparked heated debates. Common complaints include:
“He has too much health and is impossible to kill!”
“He ruins TEDD Trials and Easter egg progress!”
“He buffs zombies too aggressively!”
“He lacks Ammo Mod weaknesses!”
Yet, much like George Romero did for Call of the Dead, O.S.C.A.R’s divisiveness is precisely what makes Astra Malorum stand out. In an era where Zombies maps often feel repetitive—with shared crafting systems, similar elites, and familiar mechanics—O.S.C.A.R breaks the mold. He isn’t just another elite to burst down on sight. Instead, he forces players to think, adapt, and often avoid him entirely, reshaping how every match plays out.
O.S.C.A.R Addresses a Key Criticism of Modern Zombies
One of the biggest critiques from longtime fans is the lack of map identity. Gone are the days of unique buildables, exclusive HUDs, or map-specific weapons like Dead of the Night’s Silver Bullets. O.S.C.A.R is a step back toward distinction. Unlike elites such as Zursa or Uber-Klaus—who follow the “see, shoot, forget” pattern—O.S.C.A.R demands strategy. Players must monitor his patrol routes, decide when to engage (ideally to build the LGM-1 Wonder Weapon), and otherwise steer clear. This creates a dynamic, ever-present threat that keeps matches tense and fresh.
When defeated, O.S.C.A.R drops a Shiny Trinket that lets players tame a friendly Ravager—a clever, hopefully map-exclusive mechanic that further defines Astra Malorum.
Why O.S.C.A.R’s Design Works
The genius of O.S.C.A.R lies in what he doesn’t do. All those common complaints—extreme zombie buffs, massive health pool—only matter if you fight him. The optimal strategy? Avoid him unless necessary. Move to another area if he blocks your training spot, delay TEDD Trials until he patrols away, and save your ammo for when engagement is unavoidable. This design is intentionally bold, echoing George Romero’s role in making Call of the Dead memorable through challenge, not convenience.
And for those who do take him on, the fight escalates strategically. Post-Round 50, O.S.C.A.R shifts from a slow patrol unit to a fast pursuer—a brilliant twist that makes high-round gameplay distinct. By then, well-equipped players can use tools like Hand Cannons to manage his health pool more effectively.
A Welcome Challenge in Modern Zombies
As someone who once hated George but now cherishes him, I see O.S.C.A.R as a necessary evolution. He prevents players from getting too comfortable, encourages map-wide movement, and—most importantly—makes Astra Malorum feel unique. While he won’t be everyone’s favorite, that’s the point: true innovation often divides opinion.
For players diving into Black Ops 7 Zombies and seeking every advantage—whether against O.S.C.A.R or beyond—upgrading your arsenal is key. If you're looking to buy Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 items, from weapons to boosts, MMOMAX offers secure and reliable services to enhance your gameplay experience. Visit MMOMAX to find what you need to tackle even the toughest Zombies challenges.
In the end, O.S.C.A.R is a love-or-hate figure, but for Zombies fans craving depth and distinction, he’s exactly what the mode needed. Here’s to more bold, divisive, and memorable bosses in the future.