Summary
When the zombie genre first appeared in video games, it bred an incredible amount of innovation and creativity. For about a decade, no two zombie video game experiences were the same, with each one experimenting with a different style of gameplay or a different narrative tone. But thenResident Evilwas released in 1996, andHouse of the Deadsoon followed it. There is a big gap between those titles from long ago and newer zombie games, such asInfection Free Zone.
Popularizing the genre like never before,Resident EvilandHouse of the Deadsoon became the subjects of a horde of clones, eventually leading to a bit of a creative rut. And though the zombie genre has evolved quite a bit since the 1990s, it’s found itself in another creative rut thanks to similar action-adventure games likeDying LightandDead Island. The zombie gaming genre needs games that are willing to be more experimental, andInfection Free Zoneis certainly that. Released on Steam in early access back in April,Infection Free Zoneis a rather unique zombie strategy game that has a few surprising tricks up its sleeve.
Infection Free Zone Is Like Pokemon GO Meets Zombies
Infection Free Zone Is a Zombie Base-Builder
At its core,Infection Free Zoneis abase-building survival gamethat tasks players with establishing a stronghold against the undead. Players start by picking a building and setting up their first set of defenses. From there, players can use their small group of survivors to hunt for resources in the surrounding area, loot buildings, and bring back any helpful gear or upgrade materials.
Infection Free Zoneis being developed by Jutsu Games and is technically a follow-up to the DLC of its previous game,112 Operator, where the world is thrust into chaos after a mysterious infection sneaks its way across the globe.
As fans of survival games and base-builders would expect, these resources can then be used to purchase an array of buildings and upgrades back at base camp. Players will need to manage these resources carefully, however, as come nightfall they’ll be expected to fend offhordes of the undead. It’s imperative that players balance their base’s defenses with the resources required to keep survivors healthy. While exploring the outside world, players will occasionally come across other settlements filled with survivors, some of whom will be friendly, and some not so much.
Infection Free Zone Has an ARG Twist
Based just on its core gameplay loop, there isn’t all that innovative aboutInfection Free Zone. But the big twist is thatInfection Free Zoneallows players to build bases on top of real-world buildings. When booting upInfection Free Zone, players will be prompted to search for a specific city and town. The game then usesOpenStreetMap’s real-world datato pinpoint the exact location the player chooses, including approximations of the buildings in that area. Those real-world buildings then become in-game structures that the player can send their survivors to, loot, and capture.
While this novelty will probably be enough for some zombie fans to check the game out,Infection Free Zone’s real-world mappingactually affects gameplay in a few interesting ways. According toInfection Free Zone’s Steam page, players are able to use their knowledge of real-world locations to benefit their playthrough. For example, if players know where a real-world grocery store is, they can visit it in-game and loot it for food supplies.
Infection Free Zone
WHERE TO PLAY
“The Mad Virus” has spread throughout the world with the speed of jet planes. The infected are highly aggressive, fast and strong.In a couple of weeks, society collapsed. Cities are empty. There is no electricity, no water, and no food. Yet, there are a few survivors…Type in the name of the city or town, download the map and start playing! Thanks to OpenStreetMap’s real-world data you may choose any place in the world for your survivors.Establish a new “Infection Free Zone” wherever you choose. Set up shelters and production facilities. Adapt existing buildings to new needs. Build new farms and power houses. Establish defenses with walls, gates, and towers.Utilize your knowledge of the city. What is the best place to defend? Where were the grocery stores, where were the pharmacies? Where would you look for weapons? Remember that it’s dangerous to search the old buildings, there might be some infected lurking in the dark!Each night your settlement might be attacked by large hordes of the infected. Fight them off with every tool available - melee and ranged weapons, vehicles, walls and light. Research a vaccine or a cure for ultimate victory, or just enjoy rebuilding entire cities!Your Zone is not the only one that exists. Your survivors will surely find other surviving groups. Some will be friendly and willing to trade, but others will be extremely hostile. There might be some fighting involved!
