While the movie adaptation may have been regrettable, the videogame version of World War Z is a genuine credit to the excellent novel by Max Brooks. The experience pits groups of up to four players against hordes of zombies in a gruesome, explosive maelstrom. It’s a lot more fun than the film, and at a historically low price, easily worth a purchase if you’re into the walking dead.
World War Z emphasizes large-scale chaos through massive waves of undead, who relentlessly chase you and your cohorts in the zombie game. Across several cities, including Moscow, New York City and Tokyo, the goal of the action game is simple: survive, using whatever means you can. Your group can choose from eight different classes, so you can mold your collective approach around the location and your strengths as a team.
You have a variety of weapons and tools to choose from as well. Some are straightforward in the horror game, such as assault rifles, whereas others are for specific situations, like the electrified shield for barging through groups of ‘zekes’ if you get cornered or the path forward is crowded. Upgrades can be unlocked for classes and weapons, so you can carve out a specialty if you’d like.
Hell is other people, though, and World War Z has modes that add in rival gangs, like King of the Hill and Swarm Deathmatch, for added challenge. Classes are tiered separately for the campaign and PvPvE, so you may want to switch between them as you go to balance out your evolution.
World War Z’s campaign can be played in single-player with bots or as a co-op game, though since bots are mandatory if you’re on your own, it’s advisable to find friends if possible. It’s not a huge drawback, and the five episode story is very much worth a playthrough, with some quality set-pieces.
World War Z is available for $9.89/£8.57 on Steam until February 9, a historic low. The upgraded re-release World War Z: Aftermath, featuring a new mode and more cities, is also discounted, currently going for $19.99/£17.49.
It makes for a good middle-ground between the pure survival game focus of DayZ and the claustrophobia of Left 4 Dead, and is a bargain at either price. Keep your eyes peeled on our new PC games and upcoming PC games lists for more flesh-eating highlights that might be on their way.
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