World War Z
Did you wish Left 4 Dead had a third-person camera option? If you did, you’re in luck because, as of April 16th, it now exists. For the people waiting patiently for Valve to release Left 4 Dead 3, World War Z is a thrilling four-player cooperative third-person shooter that features massive swarms of zombies chasing after you by the hundreds. World War Z is based on the novel by Max Brooks and the Paramount Pictures movie with the same name starring Brad Pitt. This zombie shooter by Saber Interactive explores new storylines and characters from around the world in tense, overwhelming, gruesomely exciting missions. After my time with the game so far, it has become obvious to me that yes, fans of either the book or the film would both find this enjoyable. As a zombie film and video game fan, I have been very anxious to get my hands on this game since its announcement, especially after the recent news telling us that the sequel to the movie was canceled. I needed my zombie fix.
With that being said, imagine a world where a strange pandemic is threatening to wipe out humanity, turning us into mindless zombies driven to spread the virus and eat the skin off our bones. You embark in 4 different areas of the world that are split into 4 episodes, which include 2-3 chapters within. Areas include New York, Jerusalem, Moscow, and Tokyo. Each episode has different characters. The iconic “zombie towers” seen throughout the movie makes a constant appearance. It’s a sight to see zombies piling atop one another to reach their dinner, which is sitting atop a constructed defensive structure. These moments of excitement and adrenaline-fueled action were a lot of fun to witness.
Different Weapon Classes & Load Outs In World War Z
The game comes with multiple class load-outs and about 20 different weapons to choose from, all of which you can find playing through each chapter. The game comes with 6 class types – Gunslinger, Hellraiser, Medic, Fixer, Slasher, and Exterminator. Each of these has their own unique set of perks and play styles that will help you get through the zombie apocalypse.
Each weapon can be leveled up to max 5, which then gives players more of a reason to use all sorts of different guns, instead of being tied down to one. As you rank up, you can access different difficulties. As you progress, you unlock different variations with a weapon that make the weapon stronger. One can add a silencer, another an extended clip and a better scope, and eventually, everything, but there’s not much choice. I spent much of the game failing to add any weapon knowledge at all, which may be a poorly explained mechanic or one of the many bugs troubling the release. At the moment there are a couple of really strong and effective load-outs (especially the RPG one) because it will allow you to one-shot pretty much anyone and, if your aim is good, you can kill whole squads with one rocket with an RPG.
Different Game Modes In World War Z
There is a 4v4 PvP mode in the game, but the progression and unlocks are entirely separate from the co-op campaign. It provides a more rewarding experience for hardcore PvP fans. There are plenty of different types of matches you can choose from.
Swarm Deathmatch
The Swarm Deathmatch game mode is like Deathmatch in all shooters, but with the addition of zombie swarms. This particular game mode is great for XP farming as it will be really easy and fast to get kills.
Swarm Domination
The Swarm Domination game mode features zones which you have to capture and hold in order to earn points. The team with most points will win.
King of the Hill
The King of the Hill game mode features a single control point, which you have to hold in order to gain points per second. As you hold the control point, zombies will start spawning in order to get you off it. The team with the most points will win the game.
Vaccine Hunt
This game mode features a unique “Vaccine” objective which you have to pick up and hold in order to earn points. The team with the most points will be victorious.
Scavenge Raid
The Scavenge Raid game mode will have you collect resources scattered around the map or take them from fallen enemies in order to earn points and ultimately win
After 4-6 hours of complete messes of limbs, several shouts of ‘holy shit’ and a whole lot of shooting zombies, I managed to fight my way to victory. It was far from easy, but very enjoyable. But each mission is very much of the same, and some will find their experience boring. It echoes a lack of creativity. I think if they add more episodes to the story it will be worth going back and playing through. The 4v4 multiplayer is shaky and hard to maneuver at first and can be one big giant hitbox game, but do come with a lot of fun game types you and your zombie-killing friends would definitely enjoy. The gameplay itself reminds me of a mix between The Division and The Last of Us. With the price tag only at $40, I would say it’s a great pick up.
