From what has been said on the gameplay and premise, it sounds intuitive and fun, especially the emphasis on visceral hand-to-hand combat. One thing that wasn’t mentioned was the actual interaction between characters, and the element of survival, both of which were focal points in the trailer. Never before have the two come together in perfect tandem, at least not in the current stream of zombie-affiliated video games. Maybe it’s just not practical? Maybe it’s just not what gamer want to play?
Here is a brief list of what’s on the market, and how they have dodged the grips of realism, yet have still flourished into magnificent games.
Though fantastic, the Dead Space games tend to focus on a strictly linear design, with jump-scares sprinkled generously throughout. They’re engaging and action-packed, though the characters are forgettable with no real bond between them, the game is centred on the beliefs of Unitology, the emergence of the Necromorphs, and the various locations in which they inhabit.
Dead Rising
Capcom’s comic zombie caper is probably the biggest winner when it comes to the survival element. With huge open worlds and so much variety in terms of weapon-choice, it has a strange sense of authenticity, though instead of survival, Dead Rising soon turns into a platform for wacky experimentation, with little focus on the severity of a zombie outbreak.
Left 4 Dead
Similar to Dead Rising, Left 4 Dead has a definite comic twist, it’s trump card being fast and frantic team-based gameplay. The characters are like-able, and there is an actual sense of realism too; you will find yourself conserving ammunition, deploy team tactics and even shelter/hide from the infected hordes. However, the experience feels far too gameplay-orientated to leave any emotional impact.
The best example for character development, Resident Evil is the biggest name in the zombie genre. The first three instalments of the series are unforgettable, not only featuring a cast of memorable protagonists but also villains. With that said, it can be argued that the over-arching plot has been somewhat diluted in recent years. Though titles such as Umbrella Chronicles have strengthened the foundations of the series, Resident Evil 4 & 5 have ditched the conventional zombie formula, in favour of other fictional viruses.
Despite all of the criticisms made above, all are great franchises; I just wanted to indicate that not even the industry giants have been successful in creating a game which depicts not only the horrors of a zombie outbreak but the emotional impact on the characters, and a more detailed outline of their survival plans.
In the second part of this article I will attempt to piece together what would be, in my opinion, the most realistic and gripping way of putting together a zombie game, whilst also trying to preserve the fun factor.
Kovacs
Why a zombie outbreak is destined to (epic) fail.
http://www.cracked.com/article_18683_7-scientific-reasons-zombie-outbreak-would-fail-quickly.html
seedaripper1973
Thanks for that Kovacs…really good read mate!
bunimomike
We need to take zombies out of the equation and realise why the chances are so slim. Think of the games that have been truly emotionally engaging. Dead Island’s trailer has evoked more feeling, angst, concern, sadness than 70% of the games I’ve played in my life. THIS is why it’s had such a profound affect on the gaming community.
We’re still waiting for the industry to mature and realise that people want the Icos, the Shadow of the Colossusususus, the Uncharteds, etc. We’re a million miles away from the film industry when it comes to emotions and the fact that we’re now adding zombies into the mix (as a game-type) means the chances are about as promising as Mel Gibson’s films having a good premiere in Israel.
FLUFFYB1TCH
Surely it can work. Shooter games on hard are intense and when you actually get killed from one bullet to the head, it’s brutal but defintely rewarding once you complete. And you’re not even trying to dodge bullets, only slower/dumber humans! Make a realitic zombie game just to be different and i’m sure it’ll create a fanbase, im on board.
Foxhound_Solid
Zombie games would be better if you suffered from your injuries permanently [unless you started a new game], giving you a survivors viewpoint, with the option of you turning and your agenda and choices changing to hunting fresh brain. Would be excellent if it was online only.
You played your part very much in the shemue vein with gamers populating the world [not city – WORLD] then theres an outbreak and the game begins.
Imagine how good it would be from hunting food and protecting you gaming friends, to reinforcing your home nand stocking up on weapons..to travelling the world and trying to avoid the zombies.
The other side would have different choices but choices all the same. Defeating the army, overthrowing the government through chaos, infecting the seas and air [fish – birds] making travelling difficult. It could if handled right be amazing……..
Jim H [Teabags]
That would indeed be an awesome concept, though one that would take a hell of a lot of design-work to accomplish.