The Ultimate Zombie Survival Horror is upon you…
Some key points that this game offers:
- Four Player Co-op
- Brilliant Day & Night Cycle
- Improvised Combat
- Parkour!
- Vast Open World
- Ultimate Zombie Survival game
Gameplay & Controls:
This game handles like a charm… It starts out just like a regular Zombie survival game, but very quickly changes to a fast-paced fight or flight for your life marvel! Character control is smooth, and so on point that it’s incredible. Whether you are running through the streets or flying from rooftop to rooftop, the parkour is amazing and so fluid it feels artistic!
You can almost climb or scale anything and everything to get to where you want to be. The parkour mechanics have been beautifully implemented into the game; The actions are so smooth and fluid that the experience is out of this world. When you are not running like a horde of zombies are hot on your tail, you can stand and fight using a variety of melee and ranged weapons.
Do note that using firearms make noise which in turn attracts even more zombies for you to fight with. If you prefer a silent and up close experience you can hack away at them using pipes, planks, and a variety of other handheld weapons you will obtain. The fun part here comes as you are smashing away your weapons are taking damage and need to be repaired or replaced so that you can continue doing actual damage, and to even the odds, every slash and beat down has a stamina cost that you have to factor in… Not only does this add to the challenge but it adds a realistic experience to a survival horror game like never before. Combat is really out of this world, good, fun, and such an experience that you actually can’t get enough once you start…
Scavenge and loot for supplies to aid you in your survival attempt; You can upgrade and improve your weapons so that they can last longer and deal more damage. Craft new weapons from blueprints that you can get as quest rewards or by searching the city. Just be sure to be back before sundown… Once the lights go out, the real fun starts… The city quickly changes and you are no longer the hunter but the hunted! Mutated strains of the virus that turned some into monsters eagerly await to come out when the sun is down, and once they have your scent, you better run like hell…
Scouring and exploring the city at night is not for naught either, you gain double XP on any earned XP during night times. XP comes in three forms; Power, Agility, and Survivor. Each one gains XP from doing things related to that tree, and as you level up you can purchase new abilities that truly changes how you play the game. Acquire new takedown moves, a grappling hook, increased defence and so much more. With every acquired level your experience gets so much more intense and fun…
Graphics:
Absolutely stunning doesn’t begin to cover it. We have a pretty sizeable city that we play in and there is some incredible detail invested in every aspect of this city. There are so many scalable structures and they did the leg work to ensure that the animations for all of these are arcuate and as realistic to enhance the experience.
The Day and Night cycle changes the game entirely, we pretty much have true darkness, something we don’t always get in games, and it adds to the experience so much and in such an incredible way. You hear them but you do not see them, and risking that flashlight is always a 50/50 because there are other worse things out there.
Character models were beautifully created, we have such an abundance of different NPC characters, all sporting their own unique appearances. The same can be said for the zombies and other things… A great variety of them exist and even then, there are a variety of different models to add to the experience which is always a welcome sight.
Shadows and lighting are an absolute marvel here. This game would not be what it is without these effects, they truly make the experience that much greater and more appealing. Exploring the city at night is actually a beautiful sight, there are no two ways about that, it is alluring and an absolute must do.
Sounds:
What is a good horror without those eerie sounds making sure you are eagerly awaiting those jump scares… Dying Light is full of them and it is absolutely great! The game’s soundtrack plays such a big role here that it totally enhances the experience, whether we are running for our very lives or merely exploring the city overhead. The music totally makes the experience so much more memorable.
Then there is our all time favourite in game sounds which brings the game itself to life… Climbing, falling, jumping, running, all these parkour actions don’t just look and feel so realistic, they sound it too and that is with some incredible sound effects that they added into the game.
Let us not forget the incredible voice over artists. They did an amazing job bringing their characters to life with terrific voice acting work and beautifully written scripts. There are so many conversations taking place in the game no matter where you are and as they talk to you, your character talks back. This just makes the experience that much more amazing.
Replayability:
The game features 4 player co-op, a levelling, and loot system… There is plenty to do and to do with friends, which always makes the journey more fun. The game also has a new game + feature which is totally worth it. Take what you have earned and start a new on a higher difficulty to test your skills out.
Then there is also an asymmetrical multiplayer mode for those that like to take things online.
MGR Gaming’s Conclusions:
Spoilers Ahead:
The game had some technical issues but nothing that bad that it broke the game or dampened the absolutely incredible experience it offered. It is the first of its kind and it made one hell of an unforgettable experience.
We’ve had fight or flight horror games before, but not like this and this is what makes this game so great! The city was designed to suit the combat and parkour that the game offered, and in doing so they created the perfect environment to play this game in. Whether you are running missions or simply exploring and having fun, the game offers you all of that and more.
The storyline is pretty great, there is a dash of mystery and a whole lot of seriousness for sure. Exactly what a zombie horror survivor is about. The parkour challenges are a neat add on to the game, not only do they offer you something extra to do, they really help you up your skills. We have a decent amount of side quests to help keep the game interesting and to add to the story. Everyone has their own story and strive to survive in the city and you can play a part in helping them.
The levelling system is a refreshing new experience, it might seem complicated at first but before long you will realize that you pretty much gain XP for playing the game and that is what it is all about after all. One of the greatest aspects that this game has to offer is the fight or flight experience. Should I stand and fight or make a break for it? Only you can answer that choice…
This is by far one of the greatest Zombie games I have played to date… It will give you everything and more…
The Official trailer for Dying Light.
By: MGRza
Date: 2 February 2015
Additional Info:
Platforms: PC: Linux: PlayStation 4: Xbox One: Mac: Steam OS
Genre: Action: Action RPG: First-Person: FPS: Gore: Hack and Slash: Horror: Online Co-Op: Open World: Open World Survival Craft: Parkour: Post-apocalyptic: PvE: PvP: RPG: Stealth: Story Rich: Survival: Survival Horror: Zombies
Censor Rating: Blood & Gore: Intense Violence: Strong Language
Age Rating: 17
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Techland Publishing
Release Date: 25 January 2015
MGR Gaming Steam Curator:
https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32364038/
