M2448 Virus

The M2448 Virus, is a highly contagious and mutagenic pathogen responsible for transforming the population of Pacific City into grotesque, zombie-like creatures known as the Freaks.

Origins of the M2448 Virus[]

The Original Prototype[]

The M2448 Virus was first originally developed by the Shai-Gen Corporation as part of their advanced biotechnological research. The initial goal was to create a virus that could enhance human capabilities, such as strength, agility, and resilience. But ultimately failed and led to the Mutated Abominations in Crackdown by Dr. Baltazar Czernenko and his Scientist employees.

10 Years Later[]

After The Shai-Gen Corporation was ceased out of activity by the Agency, the organisation took any remaining blueprint work related to Shai-Gens M2448 Prototype. To assure it never ends up in any unwanted hands. This wouldn't last forever however, as Catalina Thorne, a former scientist of The Agency, played a significant role in the research and development of the virus. After being dismissed from The Agency, she managed to steal some former work once related to Shai-Gen, and used it for her own desired revenge.

Mutation and Release[]

The virus mutated uncontrollably during the experimentation phase, leading to unintended and catastrophic effects. Instead of enhancing human capabilities, it caused severe physiological and psychological transformations. Thorne, seeking to destabilize Pacific City and exact revenge on The Agency, deliberately released the M2448 Virus into the city's population. The virus spread rapidly, infecting thousands of Civilians.

Effects of the M2448 Virus[]

Physiological Transformations[]

Grotesque Mutations: Infected individuals undergo grotesque physical mutations, including discolored skin, exaggerated musculature, and various deformities such as extra limbs or grotesque growths.

Enhanced Strength and Resilience: While the virus causes severe deformities, it also enhances the physical strength and resilience of the infected, making them formidable opponents in combat.

Psychological Effects[]

Loss of Humanity: The virus strips infected individuals of their humanity, reducing them to mindless, primal creatures driven by basic instincts such as hunger and aggression.

Erratic Behavior: Freaks exhibit erratic and aggressive behavior, attacking any non-infected individuals on sight. Their primal instincts make them highly unpredictable and dangerous.

Variant of Freaks[]

Ramblers: The most common type of Freak, Ramblers are weak individually but dangerous in large numbers. They swarm their prey, overwhelming them through sheer numbers.

Slingers: Identified by their glowing acid sacks, Slingers can attack from a distance by hurling acidic projectiles.

Reapers: More advanced mutations, Reapers are taller, more muscular, and highly agile. They are known for their speed and ferocity.

Pounders: These Freaks are characterized by their bulk and strength, making them formidable opponents in close combat.

Goliaths: Massive and powerful, Goliaths are the most dangerous type of Freak, capable of causing significant destruction.

Freak Agents: These are the infected remains of former Gen 1 Agents from the first Crackdown game. They combine various aspects of other apex Freaks, making them formidable opponents.

Spread and Containment[]

Modes of Transmission[]

Airborne Transmission: The M2448 Virus can be transmitted through the air, making it highly contagious and difficult to contain. Infected individuals release viral particles into the air, which can be inhaled by others.

Direct Contact: The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood or saliva. Bites and scratches from Freaks are common modes of transmission.

Containment Efforts[]

Quarantine Zones: The Agency and other authorities established quarantine zones in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. These zones are heavily guarded and monitored to prevent the Infected from escaping.

Research and Countermeasures: Efforts to develop countermeasures against the virus include researching potential vaccines, antiviral drugs, and genetic treatments. Capturing and studying Freak specimens is a critical part of this research.

Implications for Pacific City.

Societal Impact[]

Widespread Panic: The rapid spread of the M2448 Virus caused widespread panic and chaos in Pacific City. The city's infrastructure crumbled, and its citizens lived in constant fear of infection.

Breakdown of Order: The outbreak led to a breakdown of social order, with law enforcement and emergency services overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the crisis. The Agency struggled to maintain control and protect the remaining Civilian population.

Conflict with Cell[]

Cell, a militant group faction opposed to The Agency, exploited the chaos caused by the Freak outbreak to further their own agenda. They engaged in guerrilla warfare against both The Agency and the Freaks, complicating the situation further. The presence of Cell added another layer of conflict to the already dire situation in Pacific City. The Agency had to contend with both the Freak outbreak and the building insurgent activities of Cell.