Firebase Z - Cold War Zombies Review Series 

Hi everyone! A two month break woops. So, a bit of an explanation is in order, I suppose. Like I said in this video's outro, I haven't really been feeling RU-vid in general most days and I've been spending WAY too much time on the Persona games, which is technically all Nic's fault for introducing me to the series. I've also been having a really rough time mentally as well, which has greatly impacted my desire to do... anything really. Chronic pain tends to do that to ya. But hopefully, it'll pass soon and I can really get back doing what I love! Thanks for tuning in, everyone! Take care!

"Unlike publishers, developers are human" That fucking sent me LMAO

treyarch wasn't lagging on a new round based map, they were just waiting for this review.

They can finally release the next map now that Rizzo finished the Firebase Z review

I fucking choked when I heard Rizzo call the Orda "Your mom"

Glad the nitpicks are back and since you read these comments, I'm also just gonna come out and say it, I love that the "little things" section is back and please keep it. It felt really jarring having a place specifically for nitpicks, but not the little good things that make the whole experience better.

20:50 strong female lead *literally spends 4 seasons in house arrest at requiem HQ*

I would have never imagined that a Thomas the Tank Engine profile picture would spit mad facts

You know content is slow when Rizzo has time to review the current map

"Unlike publishers, developers are human too" Best quote in all of gaming.

My brain be like:”A 40 minute Cold War Rizzo video?” *clicks instantly *

Rizzo just one-upped himself and made a really fucking good review that I absolutely adore and has now become my favourite review he has made. Keep it up, Rizzo. Your videos are amazing.

Of all characters, Samantha feels like the last to have an emotional breakdown, since she went through like godhood before But I'm still very happy that they fleshed out her character

Weaver being a dad for Samantha is heart warming

9:50 Rizzo finally learned how to pronounce Antithesis and we're all so proud

"P3 is my new favorite game of all time" "The Answer and Yukari are great" Just when I thought I couldn't love this man any more than I already do..........

Personally Rizzo, I think it would be awesome if we get to see some operator interactions in-game. Like Stitch speaking to Adler.

Imagine if in the Easter egg you have to go through the portal to extract maxis, that would’ve been fresh

1:37 - you know what, youre the first youtuber ive come in a while who isnt defending outbreak just to be different. most youtubers ive found either dont care for outbreak and are focusing more on the fact that we've had to wait forever for a new map; or they are defending outbreak simply because it's the edgy thing to do and they want to be different. on the other hand, here i get the sense that you actually enjoy playing the mode and are having fun with it for what it is. not 2 minutes into the video, that earns my respect. subscribed.

The review isn’t even late, it’s still the latest map to come out. Ur chillin John.

Oh I get why they haven’t put out a new map yet, they were waiting for Rizzo to make a vid.

the “Z” in “Firebase Z” stands for riZzo.

The one thing I would love to see eventually is a new mode for Onslaught that opens up the entire multiplayer map and basically turns every map into a survival map. There could be a single mystery box location and a wunderfizz machine for perks. It would somewhat fill the void of the lack of survival round based maps, and would give the game much more content. I know the chance of getting something like this is basically nonexistent, but a man can dream.

wait, ordas are made of dead bodies? i thought they were big tree bois

24:34 " But isn't the point of art less what people put into it and more what people get out of it?" I feel like they did meant that ravenov knew she was different, but who knows. I also appreciate all the small things you mention that I've missed

Man, Rizzo, I always get happy whenever I see a new upload from you, with your reviews being my absolute favorite videos that you make. I love the way you make these videos, as I often discover things about the map(s) that I wouldn't have otherwise realized, like that beautiful character study about Maxis' mental state regarding her time in the Dark Aether and how much Peck's comments before he threw her in there sunk in over time and caused her to break down. Stuff like that is why I adore your videos, and why I very much appreciate the way you look at stories in general. I'm truly sorry that you've been having a tough time mentally recently, especially with your chronic pain, but I hope that things improve for you soon. Thank you again for another incredible video, and I hope you have a great rest of your day!

Rizzo: In the next map, if we ever get it Me a day later: Mauer der toten lol

Love the nitpicks and little things sections as they make me chuckle at the things I missed and appreciate certain things I didn't fully appreciate. Well done Rizzo, take your time on your life. I'm currently doing the same and getting ready for college as a High School graduate. Stay safe man.

God, I love it whenever you upload. The high quality videos just make the wait worth it.

This review was totally worth the wait! Great job with it, and feel free to take as many breaks as you want! I can't wait to hear your opinions on the rest of Cold War as new maps come out!

As long as you keep posting these type of videos once and awhile, I don’t care how long I need to wait. You hands down make some of the best cod review!!

It’s 1 year since this map came out, and I can still say it’s one of my all time favourites!

I was waiting for this one for a long time , and like alway you're review are fucking great. Like you say quality over quantities.

I love this SO much! The mostly serious review/retrospective with some memes and jokes thrown in there is just fantastic. Honestly, if you need 2 or 3 months to make this typ of great content then take your sweet time man. Keep it up!

Before watching this, I saw Firebase Z as a map that did nothing more but advance the story while adding back both Tombstone and the Manglers from Gorod. After watching your review, I went back to play Cold War zombies after around 3 months of not even touching the game as a whole. I played it for about an hour, still keeping your review in mind, and it made me open my eyes and realize that it's a zombies map that advances the story and adds back Tombstone and the Manglers from Gorod, but it's fun. I won't lie, I have no idea what the story for Cold War zombies is except Weaver and Samantha are fighting against the Omega group (I could be completely wrong, that's how little I know) but, even though I don't know the story, I'm able to have fun on the maps and play them without knowing what's going on. I can't believe I'm saying this, but this video is enough to have me see zombies in a completely different perspective than how I saw it 3 months ago, and I think I'm going to go play some more Firebase Z, thank you Rizzo.

A Fantastic review, Rizzo. With Firebase Z being as good as it is, I really enjoyed your pacing and juggle of all the good. Having a basic idea and discussion point of map layout, where I am nodding my head in agreement. Then going into discussing the Rai-K to where you bloomed a new perspective of the gun. Gun does go Brrrrr, but giving time to compare to wonder weapons of old is now giving me a new appreciation of the gun (additionally the added part of its creation being linked to the Ray Gun Mark 3, I did not know and personally enjoyed. Would love to see those mini-facts thrown in in future reviews as well.) But, a fantastic job juggling the good with fantastic hooks through-out it. Within the bad, compared to your other videos. Your voice tone carried very well in this section. With a calmness to it, with a little hint of disappointment carried in the voice as the topic delved deeper. While angry Rizzo is very enjoyable, this was a new approach that I very much enjoyed. But, I would assume this is more map oriented and how severe "The Bad" truly is. Seeing the Minor things/Nitpicks return was very enjoyable. The nitpicks will always make me smile and I show my friends, who are the farthest things from zombies fans, the nitpicks and brings a genuine laugh or joke. The nitpick of the cloth not being transparent actually put a smile on my face given it radiates such "Uhm, actually" vibes that I just couldn't help but laugh. With The little things it was very enjoyable having ideas or minor discussion points to give me thought about of stuff I hadn't thought about or seen being discussed. Was good to have something new that made me admire those little things. This feels like a very matured review overall as well. The use of swears were spread out to where it really emphases the point you were making and made me cock my head a bit like a double take, like during the discussion of Manglers and the F-Bomb dropped during their old tracking. While I will miss them, there wasn't as many shitposts in this as well and the ones that there were, were minor and glossed over. Still got a dumb laugh out of me. I can understand not inserting as much, makes the review feel stronger overall and will hold up in several years. The extended outro was a nice touch as well. Outside of the basic "A, B, C." The details of how reviews will be handled, shining a little light on what has been going on the free time, the talk of persona, etc. is a nice little bow or heads up to the fans of you that cannot catch your streams or do not follow you on twitter. Was nice to see those points thrown in as well Overall, this felt very professional and shows a lot of your growth from a lot of fields. Even going an extra mile to give credit to those who assisted with the view with pictures or clips is such a minor detail but feels overlooked in most reviews nowadays. I do not mind having to wait several months for the next review. If it is on this level of craft, it will be more than worth it.

thanks for the work you do on these long zombie videos, i really enjoy them

your commentary on this series has hooked me, I'm enjoying this content for sure and will greatly look forward to the review of the new map after firebase z

I am, so happy to see another review from you. I feel like I'm crazy half the time for enjoying this version of Zombies so much. I really haven't been too much into CoD Zombies since WaW, Black Ops 1, most of Black Ops 2, and right before Cold War, WW2 Zombies. Literally every other zombies RU-vidr is REALLY not happy with Cold War Zombies, so it's really nice to see a different perspective for once. Thanks gamer bro.

Well… this was amazing fantastic job on the review Rizzo keep up this amazing work always makes my day when my RU-vid sub box is filled with a Rizzo video. Enjoy person and don’t stop making these reviews they’re awesome!

Rizzo this is a really solid review! It made me look at things in Funnybase at a whole new perspective and made me appreciate the little things within the map!

Very entertaining and fun Review, thanks for making them can’t wait to see more!

I'm gonna watch this in 0.25 just to enjoy every second of this masterpiece for the next 2 months.

I really appreciate the dedication despite what you describe with things not being the greatest in your personal life and you not feeling RU-vid all too much these days but still, thanks for making these videos happen! I've said this many times before but no matter how long these things take, it's always a treat to tune into! Firebase Z really stepped up from Die Maschine, which does give me a bit of hope that the Season 4 round based map we'll be getting will somehow give us something a little more different. I think I've got faith in Treyarch and Cold War has really shown their improvements over time with Zombies, so I can't wait to see what the future holds. Though I'll keep my expectations grounded.

The quality of your videos are unmatched within the zombies youtube space keep up the work Godfather Rizzo

As per usual, another amazing review of a zombies map that makes me (ever after all the stupid amount of hours I've already put into it) go back and put more hours and appreciation into. How do you do that so well. One thing I was surprised to not see in the nitpick section was when having the RAI-K out, the spinning animation for the body and barrel of the weapon don't stop with the game is paused. Also don't feel the need to be pushing out content, while I would love to see more work from you, I've like the recent anticipation and quality work behind giving yourself time to enjoy the effort behind these videos and to focus on your mental state. Plus the wait and little teasers/info of your work on twitter gives me the same gitty vibes of tryarch releasing new zombies content. Keep up the great work.

Found your channel yesterday and really enjoy the videos. 👍

Once again a very good review, can't wait to see more on the channel

Isn’t it so cool how outbreak continues the Round Based maps Easter Egg story?! Also even if the maps seem quiet the intel is so cool to listen read/listen to

This is very, VERY well written. Thank you for making a really concise essay instead of just haphazardly hating this game. I do like this game, but I also agree that it needs a bit of tweaking still.

Ive Been waiting for this! I love you're content keep it up!

Man, when Mauer der Toten drops one of the most things I´m hyped for is your review. They really show me more sides of every map

What is this fucking thing? Why haven’t I been recommended this? I’ve got so many questions, and so little to actually be addressed. Good job, I very rarely see content with this kind of effort put into. Mad props.

Another banger video from the man. Keep it up Mr. Rizzo

Fuck yes, god i love when Rizzo puts out his review videos. I just love how he talks ablut things and how he articulates his points.

Been super excited!!! I know it's going to be awesome!!! Good job!! :)

Amazing review dude, keep the great work

"Shooting a mimic in the head corrupts the memory" WAIT WHAT

34:32 Ah yes a Persona 3 enjoyer as well. Very good Johnathan Rizzo

Really glad to see this video, I can't wait for the next leftovers video :)

So excited for a new rizzo review

I always underestimate how contagious your enthusiasm can be lmao great vid

Respect for giving cold war balanced reviews and not just shitting on it for not being BO3 like the majority of zombie youtubers

Important question, wonder if anyone can answer. Has the Mimic step been changed? Because I have shot Mimics in the head before and yet it still works.

It's nice to see that you enjoy outbreak. I have just been seeing so many people say how outbreak is bad, that no one cares about the mode, and that ot shouldn't exist, that it's nice to finally see someone that likes the mode.

idk why the fart echo sound effect works every time but when earth blew up and u added that sfx i died

This video made my day. Thanks Rizzo.

best review ever keep up the good work

Yo esoteric train set!! He was a massive member in Johnny J's discord and he never held back. Glad to see he's still doing his thing

Hey rizzo glad you’re back with a new review ! I was just wondering though …. Will we ever see an alpha omega review ? I know the game is like 3 and a half years old but it’s just one of my favorite maps and it would be so dope to see a review by you on it !

I'm surprised you didn't mention how Hellhounds are essentially the new caustic catalyst, with the whole area denial and delay of health regen. It's like, a great part about them! But still, always an awesome review to watch and hear how you felt about the map!

Great work as always, Rizzo! Also, odd question but just a curiosity (and admittedly this comes from a friend introducing me to Persona as well and it destroying my free time), would you ever consider covering a Persona game in this style of format? Between liking the style of what you do and the mention of Persona at the end, hearing what you think about a game (or games) in that franchise would definitely be interesting and I imagine an entertaining watch. Again, great work by the way! :)

This review was such a nice reprieve from the all too common hate this game is getting on a daily basis from other "big name" RU-vidrs. Most these guys seem to put minimal effort into their content, consistently giving wrong or misleading info and typically don't even give valid reasoning for the hate outside of "lack of content to make videos on" or "it's different than what we are used to." A game has to evolve & with the current situation going on in the world you'd think they'd cut 3arc a bit of a break and if they don't like the game, find another to cover. It's really annoying when you see the general opinion of the game being decided by a few negative popular content makers who are gate keeping. Hats off to you for giving a honest, well thought out and explained review video. We need more of this.

I've been waiting for this!!

Great review! Firebase z is one of my all time favorites and I’m not sure if another Cold War map can top it

just this man include bits of persona with zombies is amazing

Again, incredible vid. Easily the best analysis/review of the map on YT. If I may throw in something: My actual least favorite thing about this entire map, is the lack of side content. Imo, this has to be one of, if not the most empty, modern zombies maps. Compare this so Shadows, Gorod, Dead of the Night, BotD, etc., and this map has... nothing. It has the Monkey upgrade and that's it. It has also the Dark Aether one but it doesnt give you anything NEW, like a new weapon, equipment, upgrade, etc., just loot. It does have a few more, but they are so absurdly designed and feel pointless. The Jump Pad quest is one of the most pointless quests I've ever seen and I no idea why they made it. It's way, way to much for a reward that has no value. The side quests in CW as a whole are just strange and not worth it most of the time. This is my mai issue with FBZ. It's just... empty of content imo.

Rizzos vids are always perfect!

Yes, I enjoy outbreak as well. F them haters. And Ive been playing zombies since 2010

SAW video where? Jokes aside, great review! Map is pretty fun to play and really well balanced, just wish that failing the Assault actually did something besides forcing you to restart the simple generator process. Can't wait for whatever comes next :)

its amazing how you manage to get these kind of shots when there's no theater mode in zombies. Props for that!

"Oh sweet, the review is up! I'll pop in and watch it before wor- oh it's 40 minutes? Guess that's a lunchtime watch then!"

Rizzo I have been subbed to u since around 2012 and I love your videos u r really one of the lesser people I still follow for such a long period of time but I really miss ur old videos u privated so many of them and I guess u feel like they are cringe or not great but to me and for sure many more who r around that long like me would appreciate to see them back I can understand that u probably won't do it but I know that u will read this comment and at least think about it Thanks for all the great memories man I really appreciate ur videos and u as a person ❤

I feel like Firebase Z has something for everyone and can facilitate a large variety of playstyles. If you like running from one area to another, the main firebase has a lot of space an an easy to learn layout. If you like training, there's the landing pad and the 3 defence sites. If you want to cam-...I mean hold out, there's no shortage of corners to do so in. If you want non-stop frantic action, you can stay in the spawn village. And speaking of the village, I like the dynamic between the claustrophobic houses and tiny courtyard and the much more wide open firebase. Just like in Moon, you'll need to travel back to the village spawn every once in a while because that's where the Packapunch and Wunderfizz machines are, conveniently located in the worst possible places to be trapped in. My biggest gripe is I wish there was more to do and more things to find in this map. I know it might be cheating but compare Firebase to a map like Mob of the Dead. There's the mini easter egg to build the plane and fly to the Golden Gate Bridge to use the Packapunch machine which anyone can do, and the actual main easter egg quest. There's the Blundergat and the optional side quest to upgrade it into the Acid Gat. There are the optional Cerberus heads to feed which unlock the Hell's Retriever, and the optional easter egg to upgrade it into the Hell's Redeemer. Hell, you can swap your knife out for an ultra powerful golden spork, and that's not even part of the main quest. Meanwhile Firebase Z has it's main quest where you can unlock the RAI-K, and... that's about it. The worst part about the soul traps you use in the main quest is they're not "wonder-equipment" like the monkey bombs, time bombs or Hell's Retriever, they purely exist as a tool. You never look forward to swapping out your tactical equipment for them.

I came for the zombies content, stayed for the ‘your mom’ jokes. Good shit on this one rizzo, hit every nail on the head

So when are we getting the persona introspection from you mr.rizzo as a fan of the series it would be really cool or some reviews of them would be nice.

yesssss i was waiting for this🔥🔥

This is amazing in its presentation, and the script is great. My only gripe is, Sergei is a Spetsnaz Captain, not a Sergeant. And I'm with you on the accessibility thing, I used to never do the EE's but I've done all of Cold War's so far.

As always, an amazing well made review that you just don’t really get anywhere else in this community. One thing that confused me was what you said about the mimic step regarding shooting the mimic in the head causing it to corrupt. In my many times doing the egg, I’ve never had that happen to me at all. Gonna have to do it again and test that, because if that’s the case, then that’s HELLA specific. *edit: So went and did the egg again to check, and I again never ran into this hurdle with the mimic step. Not trying to come of as “aCtUAlLY yoUr WroNG”, but just a correction. Everything else you said regarding this step is right on the nose for me.

Very exciting to see in the subbox :)

love your work

Fun Fact: On the moving Canister step that you need the RAI-K, shoot the grenade before you first interact with it and it will not move, so long as you have the grenade effect on it

Literally stoped watching a movie just so I could watch this review. That’s how excited I was for this one.

I remember try Tag because of your review. It ended up being my fav BO4 map and instantly became a top 3 contender. Also, I LOVE the Tundra gun. Everything about that big boy I love. For some reason I can't get enough of big one shot splash damage weapons. Somerhing that can destryo a horde with a well placed shot, but up close will be risky to spam to kill the horde. The Thunder gun you just point shand shoot with no risk, killing all zombies that can be a threat. The Tundra gun requires you to place your shot further from yourself to clear a larger area ahead of you. Shooting too far, so far that you are out of the blast radious, will not kill any zombies in your direct proximity. So you can safley damage yourself with enough time to heal with a well placed shot. I hope this map gets a remake or remaster in a differwnt engine, even though it was still amazing in BO4.

Almost at 100K babyyyyyyyy!

If you plan to do map reviews a while after the map comes out you think you'd consider a first impressions segment like what your thoughts of the trailer gave you and how he first couple runs went great vid as always

Just what I needed on a Sunday evening

Love the video as always Rizzo, but, I have a question, how are you getting theater style footage in CW? Last I knew it didn't have a theater mode

I’ve been waiting for this bad boy

finally I've been waiting for this and it was worth it edit 1 peak is basically cold war versio of zemo and I love it