I’ve seen how Extinction and its possible return has come up a few times before, but I feel like there’s not a lot of open discussions around what could improve the mode.
Recently I was playing Studio on Black Ops and noticed the target board aliens have an eerily similar facial design to the cryptids and it instantly made me want to revisit Extinction.
Upon replaying Extinction, I quickly remembered that the missions being so linear works against it, along with the leveling system and tooth progression. It has many, many fun gameplay mechanics and while I greatly disliked the drill mechanics on launch, on this replay it is pretty fun.
Days later I saw they dropped gameplay footage of what Extinction 2 would have looked like in IW and it was insane how many things they changed that I had been saying would improve the mode or make great sub-modes. Establishing bases, building them, more classes, etc. I think it could have been amazing, but still would like to see new things.
I think more cryptid types for starters, especially ones inspired by the Studio alien cutouts. Having a version that plays more like Survival with a custom MP style class, ammo crates, and killstreaks, would be fun regardless of the fact that it would draw a lot of Zombies comparison. Maybe combine elements of classic and Survival by having hives pop up every few waves, which require the drill to be destroyed.
With these basic examples listed, what ideas do fans and haters think could improve the mode should we see a return?