Early access games have acquired a negative reputation over the years, leaving most gamers somewhat skeptical whenever those two words are mentioned in the same sentence. The Day Before is just one modern example that will rile up anyone who remembers the name. Developed in Unreal Engine 5 by Fntastic, this post-apocalyptic zombie survival game received negative reviews soon after launch and was eventually removed from the Steam store page. Unlike that game, Indie Stone’s Project Zomboid actually delivers on much of what it promises to do. This is great considering the game has been in early access since 2013. A recent update made changes to the player experience. Build 42.11.0 unstable will be the version reviewed.

Death Is Waiting

The survival genre has become oversaturated over the years, with an endless selection of games with barely noticeable differences to justify consumers even toying with the idea of buying them, let alone sinking the endless hours that most of these games require. Games like Minecraft are the most well-known and sit upon the throne, making it harder for games in the same genre to stand out. Despite this, Project Zomboid does just that by throwing players into the midst of a zombie apocalypse. Set in the fictional area of Knox County, Kentucky, players are tasked with one mission: to survive for as long as possible. Eventually, however, death will come for everyone. Whether that be by a zombie bite, a fire, or even food poisoning. Players only have one life to live, and every second counts. The number of zombies is continually growing, and resources are only decreasing. Randomized “meta events” can occur at any time and will attract zombies to wherever the player is located, resulting in a horde marching closer and closer. 

With most games treating death as a mere loss of inventory or a slight decrease in experience points, Project Zomboid does something different. When the player dies, they lose everything. Not only their experience points, but also every skill they’ve unlocked. While it’s possible to retrieve lost items upon death, good luck trying to find the body if death occurred from a bite. The player’s body won’t stay in one spot; like every other zombie, they will shamble endlessly forward. This isn’t just a feature as much a philosophy that the game has built. In fact, players are greeted with “This is how you died” upon loading a session. There is no story or secret endpoint like Minecraft’s Ender Dragon. The player’s story doesn’t end until they meet death’s embrace. Not only does this result in an anxiety-inducing, horror-filled experience, but also a unique story each playthrough. 

Reality Bites

Project Zomboid is the most realistic look at the zombie apocalypse. The game mimics a realistic scenario in which the dead start to walk the Earth. Not only are quarantine zones set up, but things like electricity and water cutoffs also occur, which force players to make the most of these resources while they have them. Once the power is gone, food will start to decay. That’s no problem, assuming the player can find some canned food and a can opener. Players can choose what occupation to start off as, which will grant players with unique skills and traits.