Viktor Reznov has become an iconic character in the Call of Duty series, first appearing in World at War. Reznov is first met during the Battle of Stalingrad, sneaking through the city with the player. Players follow him as he pushes through Germany with the Soviet Army to Berlin. Sadly, Reznov's life takes a turn.
RELATED: 10 Best Call Of Duty Maps In All Games, Ranked
Reznov is captured and sent to a gulag soon after the war. He escapes with the help of the player, appearing through the Black Ops campaign. During these games, players can learn more about the character and his backstory. When it comes to Reznov, some things are not what they seem.
10 Father Killed During Battle Of Stalingrad
Viktor Reznov was present at the Battle of Stalingrad, but it seems there was another Reznov there as well. Players can learn that Reznov's father was in Stalingrad during World War II. Reznov mentions this in a cutscene for the mission Project Nova in Black Ops.
Reznov's father was a musician who played patriotic music during the battle. It filled the Soviets with hope, angering the Germans. The Germans killed Reznov's father in his sleep, leading to Reznov's hatred for the Germans.
9 Lost Index Finger At Stalingrad
When the player first meets Reznov in Stalingrad, he mentions he can no longer snipe. When looking at his right hand, it can be noticed it is bandaged with a bloody index finger. Later in the game, it can be noticed Reznov's index finger is no longer there, having been amputated after the battle.
The amputated finger can even be seen in Black Ops during the mission Project Nova. Reznov is the playable character, but this time he is able to snipe. Maybe after 3 years, Reznov finally learned to snipe again.
8 Promoted To Captain After Berlin
During the mission Project Nova, Reznov takes part in a battle against the Nazis. It is set a few months after the Battle of Berlin, with the Soviets finding a Nazi base in the Arctic Circle. What players might not have noticed is that Reznov is referred to as a captain.
After everything Reznov does during World at War, it seems taking Berlin is the thing to get him promoted. Sadly, Reznov is betrayed and his friends are killed using Nova-6. Reznov does escape from the gas, being imprisoned at a later time.
7 Brainwashed Alex Mason
When Alex Mason is captured and sent to Vorkuta, Black Ops' antagonists tried to brainwash him to get him to assassinate President Kennedy. Reznov was able to override and give Mason new orders instead. Reznov instead made it Mason's mission to kill Dragovich, Kravchenko, and Steiner.
During the uprising in Vorkuta, Reznov helped Mason escape and continue on with this new mission. While Reznov's fate is unknown, it is because of this brainwashing he appears throughout the campaign.
6 No Friendly Fire Penalty For Shooting
It is a small detail and players might have overlooked it. During the missions in Vietnam, players can shoot Reznov without getting a friendly fire penalty. Doing this to any other character will cause the player to be sent back to the last checkpoint. This points to Reznov being a figment of Mason's imagination.
It must be a sight for any of Mason's comrades who watch this happen. It probably seems like Mason is shooting at an empty area, causing confusion around him.
5 Wears Same Clothes As Alex Mason
Throughout the campaign, Reznov is wearing the same outfit as Mason. This is best seen during the mission to Rebirth Island. Reznov is seen wearing the same thing as Kravchenko, but it is revealed Mason is the one actually wearing it. During the second half of the mission, it is revealed Mason thought he was Reznov, with Reznov not being seen.
RELATED: 10 Plot Holes In The Call Of Duty Series That Were Never Explained
It is through this that players can know what Mason is wearing throughout the campaign. It is a cool little detail, also showing that Mason might think he is also Reznov throughout the campaign.
4 Appears On Kill Confirmed Dog Tags
When playing Kill Confirmed on Black Ops II, players will see they belong to Reznov. While the dog tags in Kill Confirmed feature iconic characters from the game, it is a bit surprising to see Reznov's tags. By looking closely, players can see a few details about Reznov.
While it does not reveal his middle name or city, the dog tags do reveal his birthday. Reznov was born on April 20, 1913. For anyone curious, intel in Black Ops reveals Reznov was born in St. Petersburg.
3 Referenced In Zombies Map
On the zombies map Gorod Krovi in Black Ops III, there is a surprise reference to Reznov. In the area with tombstones, a wooden board can be seen that reads 'VENGEANCE IS MINE'. It is also shown to be signed by someone with the initials V. R.
RELATED: Warzone: 10 Things We Need To See On The New Map
There is also an achievement associated with the map titled Viktorious Revenge. This requires the player to complete all solo trails in one game. It might not make much sense why Reznov is referenced, but the map is based on Stalingrad. Perhaps there was a version of Reznov fighting zombies.
2 Makes Potential Appearance In Black Ops II
Reznov makes a slight appearance in Black Ops II, saving Mason and his friends after they are betrayed by the Mujahideen. Mason and friends are tied up and left in the desert, being rescued by a man on horseback. It is revealed this is Reznov, but Woods discredits it.
Woods says Reznov would have stuck around and explained things. Reznov would be 71 when the mission takes place, meaning he could still be alive. Maybe he escaped Vorkuta and traveled around, making his way to Afghanistan at some point.
1 Appears During Black Ops II Post-Credits
During the end credits for Black Ops II, the main characters can be seen dancing. This can lead to humorous exchanges, such as antagonists dancing with their enemies. During one part, Reznov can be seen dancing with an older Alex Mason. It can be noticed that Reznov is wearing the outfit from Rebirth Island.
The camera cuts away for a moment, going back to only Mason this time. Mason will look around confused, referencing the brainwashing he suffered in the first game. Talk about something that can ruin a party.
NEXT: Black Ops: 10 Things Call Of Duty Fans Never Knew About Frank Woods