The story goes that World War Z was initially pitched by Sabre Interactive as a multiplayer mode for Bend Studios recent release Days Gone. When playing the game you can certainly see how the two games could have meshed together, but after playing an ample amount of World War Z and a sample amount of Days Gone I am happy they ended up as two separate releases despite their similarities.
What World War Z does remind me of though is Left 4 Dead. Back in the 360 era I played the hell out of that game and ever since I have been looking for something in the same vein to fill the void. It covers the most important bases. Up to four player co-op, a bunch of cool varied weapons, decent environments and impressive hordes of zombies that keep you on edge and create an atmosphere throughout. The first time you see a horde swarm a fence until they spill over the top it really is a sight to behold.
The game features five character classes. Gunslinger, Fixer, Slasher, Exterminator, and Medic. Each class comes packing a skill tree to progress your character as the missions intensify. Speaking of missions there are eleven in total, spanning across four different locations. The variation in mission objectives could certainly be better, but if you are playing with friends you will be too busy having a blast taking out endless zombies. Solo play is also an option, but it removes some of the fun factor and in turn ends up highlighting some of the weaker parts of the game.
The campaign can be completed in around seven hours, but there is fun to be had in repeat visits with friends to level up. Higher difficulties result in better rewards. If you decide to up the ante on the hardest difficulty I definitely recommend co-op partners over the AI alternative. Hordes contain mostly run of the mill zombies, but you will encounter special types, including Gas Bags, Screamers and Bulls. This provides different challenges and keep you on your toes.
Given the amount of zombies on screen most of the time the game performs admirably. The frame rate can drop on occasion, but not frequently enough for it to be a big problem. The solid performance also extends to the games various online modes. PvP is an option, but it doesn’t bring anything new to the table, offering modes like death match king of the hill, both of which have been done better in many games.
As I am reviewing this game on VDZE Media I am contractually required to mention trophies. As you would expect this is a very time consuming platinum. You will need to unlock every perk for all character classes, complete every level on the highest difficulty and unlock the final iteration of every gun to grab the illusive platinum. It’s no wonder only five people have it as of this writing.
Overall World War Z is a fun, over the top zombie co-op shooter. If you and a few friends are looking to switch your brains off and have some fun shooting the shit while blasting hordes of the undead this game will satisfy that itch. Just don’t expect a deep story or a great deal of variation.
Jock
A review code was provided by the publisher. This game was reviewed on PS4.
