While We Wait For State Of Decay 3, This Punishing New Zombie Game Is Hitting All The Right Notes

Experience Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days

I have always admired State of Decay for striking the perfect balance between accessible zombie games like Days Gone and challenging survival sims like DayZ. However, a new contender in the genre, Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days, is catching my attention with its unique take on the formula while I eagerly await news on State of Decay 3.

Into The Dead is not a new name for zombie game enthusiasts, known for its first-person auto-runner series on mobile. However, Our Darkest Days brings a new level of depth and complexity more akin to console and PC gaming experiences.

Presented in a 2.5D art style, Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days mirrors the mechanics of State of Decay in a side-scrolling format. Drawing inspiration from This War of Mine, the game introduces new challenges and gameplay elements that set it apart.

Character Dynamics and Survival

The game begins with players selecting a pair of characters, each with unique backstories and abilities. Much like State of Decay, these characters have stats and face permadeath, adding a layer of tension to decision-making.

To survive, players must manage their characters’ time and well-being. The day-night cycle influences gameplay, forcing players to juggle tasks and resources efficiently. Procedurally generated levels keep each playthrough fresh and unpredictable, testing players’ survival skills.

Set in the eighties in the U.S., the environments reject the drab look of The Walking Dead in favor of some style and flair.

Exploring levels, scavenging for resources, and encountering other survivors add layers of complexity to the gameplay. Every decision carries weight, as resources are limited, and each new character impacts the community dynamics.

Emergent Storytelling

Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days offers a rich narrative experience, allowing players to craft their own stories of survival and camaraderie in a zombie-infested world. The game’s depth and emergent gameplay promise a compelling experience for zombie enthusiasts.

The full game is set to release later this year, initially on PC with the potential for further platform releases in the future. Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days presents a fresh alternative for fans of the zombie genre, offering a unique perspective on familiar themes.