It’s A Dead Nation: Look Out For Zombies
by gamereaper218, HSM guest contributor
Just like George A. Romero and Sam Raimi movies, when it comes to zombie games, it seems like the production of the zombie-related games by the gaming industry isn’t going to slow down any time soon. The genre started in 1984 with a little gem called Zombie Zombie; since then there have been more than seventy different zombie games created, with many in a series (like the immensely popular Resident Evil series, which has sixteen games and associated films, action figures, comics and novels as well).
Zombie games are extremely popular and are obviously here to stay. This brings us to the subject that I came here to discuss, the now free Dead Nation, which is exclusive to the PlayStation Network. It was given to us all as a choice in the Welcome Back package after the outage, and it appears to have been a very popular choice. It will normally cost you $14.99 and is worth every penny. It is also the first PlayStation Network game that offers a platinum trophy (Romero would be proud) for all those trophy hunters out there.
Dead Nation is a post-apocalyptic game made by the same people who created Stardust HD, Housemarque. The controls are fairly simple to use, with the joysticks controlling movement and aiming; the R1 is for firing weapons and close combat is R2. The L1 is for throwing items, like grenades and Molotov cocktails and the L2 allows you to rush forward and push past enemies. The directional buttons cause you to scroll through your weapons and items, like your mines and grenades. There are no health items available to you; those you get from vending machines and enemies throughout the game.
Your avatars are either Jack McReady or Scarlett Blake, who are both immune to the zombie virus, all of which is explained at the beginning of the game. There are five difficulty settings in the game; the easiest is called Braindead – which I find hysterical – and the hardest is Undead. This game is very hard to beat on any level by yourself. The first three levels are available right away, while you need to beat the others to unlock the last two. It is playable in single player, co-op where you play on same console, and online so you can play with your friends — kind of like Left 4 Dead, which I think is very cool.
The game is very reminiscent of Gauntlet in its bird’s-eye-view layout. You have to look in every nook and cranny to find all the loot available; it gives you an accounting of the percentage of loot you found at the end of each level. There are checkpoints with gun stores liberally scattered through each level to allow you to rest and get upgrades for your weaponry with the money you have scored in game play.
The environment is very dark, similar to the old Resident Evil games. The cut scenes and pictures look very sharp and detailed. It packs ten levels of shooting zombie mayhem into each of the difficulty levels; each one is much harder than the last. There are several enemies that appear as you go through each level, and they get progressively harder to defeat.
You start with the easier “normal” zombies; one or two shots will take them out. Then you get into the harder zombies. There’s the Bombie, a big one that says he’s fluffy and not fat, but rushes you and then explodes; the Jumper who is very fast and will smash you like the Hulk (an SMG is your best bet here); and one called a Mouth whose cries will create a new batch of zombies to attack you; you will want to get rid of these quickly. There are also some called Leeches that spew acid which pools and burns you, and one that will hide until the last second before bursting from cover called a Runner. Last but not least is the Cutter, a very tough skinned zombie that has sharp blades instead of hands.
The hardest part of this game is that it can require some real precision shooting and aiming with the dual joysticks and your mines, grenades and other items, as there can be unending waves of even the regular foes that can overwhelm you quickly. The slowest moving zombie can cause you major damage. I died nine times the first time I tried this game (darn you, Jumper).
There are a few other cool aspects of the game, such as the art gallery, which you unlock as you go through. At the end of each level, if you are logged onto the PSN network as you play, you upload to a screen that shows you the zombie killing status of countries all over the world. Japan is in the lead right now, with the United States in hot pursuit in second place, followed by Poland (of all places) in third. The rest are Mexico in fourth, then France, Germany, Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, and Canada takes the tenth spot. There are likely many other countries, but they only show the top ten. So get out your guns and kill some zombies; your country needs you!
I’d give this game a rating of 9.5 souls out of 10. The only thing I can think of where there could be any improvement is that we could use more ammunition. I also wonder if there will ever be any downloadable content added to the game to expand its simple storyline.
So, I hope to see you all out there doing your part in the fight against the Dead Nation — and please, be safe and don’t let the bed zombie bite.
July 24th, 2011 by gamereaper218 | 14 comments
Congrats on finishing your first game review, gamereaper. This was one of the games I selected, and so I appreciate the in-depth review.
Heyy!! Do you recognize mee?? lol. Well this review is awesome, it kinda makes me think that I should have gotten this instead of wipeout. Very nicely written, very professional looking! You should keep writing more reviews and become a regular homestation reviewer!
Congrats Reap!! Finally got it in and it is a good job. Just keep on writing my good friend and it becomes easier as you go, I am proud to call you a friend of mine and hope you continue to prsue your dream of being a writer.
That was very enlighting. Thank you Gamereaper for the clear details. This gives those who have not tried the game an opportunity to understand what they will be getting into, plus prepare them from dieing like nine times, lol. Anyway, you have done an awesome job. I am looking forward to your next review. Thank you again and Congratulations on your review.
I think what you wrote was awesome! I hope to hear more.I think I’m going to try the game out myself. Great job buddy! Can’t belive I’m friends with a writer! Lol ; )
ok. gamereaper, I am impressed! excellent work. Note to editor: recruit gamereaper to do more reviews.
Excellent work, very detailed writing , look forward to read more from you . Keep up the outstanding job.
Aloha GR…great job on your article..I am impressed by it..great reading…..and yes..what keara said..
Great article luv it
most excellent article. very well done
The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. Your devotion and dedication is moving you in the right direction to your dreams. Great review, can’t wait to see what’s next. Keep challenging yourself……I heard that makes a great writer. ———--> your on your way! 8)
I have to admit, I was going to give up and not play Dead Nation because a couple friends gave it thumbs down but, after reading your review I have to say it sparked my interest and I’m going to jump into it with an open mind and see how much pleasure I can get out of killing me some Zombies. Your review did what it’s supposed to do, bring a fresh opinion that creates thought in others. Not bad Mr. Reaper.
Hey Snow/Reaper, great article. I’m not much of a gamer, but this article motivates me to at least try this game. Well written and congratulations!
thanks glad you all liked it ^^