In the realm of sandbox zombie survival games, Project Zomboid in 2023 stands as a testament to survival against insurmountable odds. Within its confines, you'll create and craft your path through the desolate landscape of Knox Country, a blend of real-world locales and fictional towns. Your character's traits range from advantageous, like needing less sleep or drink, to detrimental, such as clumsiness or heightened panic in the presence of zombies. With ample character customization, you can either meticulously design your persona or opt for the thrill of randomness, witnessing how diverse characters adapt in this zombie-infested apocalypse. I want to share with you about Project Zomboid and why it is worth your time in 2023 in this review.
Is Project Zomboid the best Survival Game?
For me, Project Zomboid ranks as the finest zombie survival game to date. It's not a straightforward journey; there's a learning curve to master the game's controls and grasp the intricacies of crafting. However, once you overcome these initial hurdles, Project Zomboid reveals itself as one of the most immersive and customizable zombie experiences available.
Imagine a world where civilization has crumbled, and you stand as the sole beacon of humanity amid the ruins. Project Zomboid doesn't give you a predetermined narrative but empowers you to define your own survival story. After binge-watching Netflix's "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead," the desire to dive into Project Zomboid's gripping universe becomes even more potent.
This game lets you adopt various survivor roles, from a resourceful carpenter to a life-saving doctor, with each role opening unique survival avenues. Personally, I've taken on the persona of a burglar, granting me the ability to hotwire cars found across the neighborhood. Owning a car is a game-changer, allowing you to stockpile food and make daring getaways from the zombie horde. Sleeping in your car becomes essential during the inky-black, zombie-infested nights when you are exhausted and far away from the nearest town.
Thanks to some mods that I installed from Steam's workshop, I can now discover motorcycles, bicycles, and even RVs in the game. The prospect of surviving in an RV is tantalizing, clearly inspired by Netflix's "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead".
How Many Hours Does Project Zomboid offer?
Inadvertently, I've poured hundreds of hours into Project Zomboid. The game's brilliance lies in its adaptability to various playstyles. Unlike many survival games that rigidly prescribe resource gathering and base construction, Project Zomboid offers choices. I've chosen the nomadic path, collecting weapons and supplies to stow away in my trusty car, embarking on journeys through diverse towns and seeking refuge in abandoned homes.
But that's just one way to play. The game transforms when you choose to construct a fortified stronghold, replete with traps and a self-sustaining farm. In Project Zomboid, your survivor strategy molds your experience, offering endless replayability.
Can You Play Project Zomboid Solo?
Project Zomboid delivers two distinct experiences: solo and multiplayer. Each offers its unique thrills. Playing with friends turns you into a band of survivors, starting in different corners of the map. Collaboration is crucial to gather resources, secure a suitable sanctuary, and fend off the relentless undead horde. Everyone's skills and weaknesses come into play, necessitating teamwork for survival.
In solo mode, the game takes on an entirely different light. You bear sole responsibility for your survival, free to explore and amass resources as you see fit. The absence of companions transforms the experience into a solitary battle for existence.
Is Project Zomboid Worth it in 2023?
In 2023, Project Zomboid remains a pinnacle in the survival game genre, particularly if you harbor a penchant for the undead. However, it's vit
al to grasp that it distinguishes itself from other zombie titles like Resident Evil or Left 4 Dead. The game's default setting is quite difficult, yet its true brilliance lies in its adaptability. For newcomers, easing the difficulty with weaker zombies and ample loot can be a very wise choice. As you grow more adept, you can turn up the challenge to align with your preferences.
Project Zomboid's crowning glory is its immersive quality. I'm not easily scared by horror games, but despite Project Zomboid's basic graphics, it conjures spine-tingling jump scares and an unyielding sense of apprehension when in the company of zombies. The game doesn't coddle you; it allows you to forge your own survival narrative. It begins with the stark statement "This is how you died" and entrusts you with your fate. Your longevity and methods of survival are wholly yours to determine.
The isometric view, though unassuming, contributes significantly to immersion. Combat, while not the game's primary focus, offers gratifying realism. You will need to decide for yourself, if a kitchen knife or a frying pan can offer you better protection against zombies. Mods can further enrich the experience, enabling you to craft weapons like makeshift spears from ordinary items. There are also firearms in Project Zomboid. If your character can aim, guns can be very powerful although limited by the bullets you are carrying. However, making loud noises with your firearm can be dangerous as attracting ravenous zombie hordes can result in you being cornered in a house with nowhere to escape very quickly.
Yet perhaps the most exciting aspect of Project Zomboid is the looting mechanic. In this post-apocalyptic landscape, finding a supermarket with very little to no zombies feels akin to stumbling upon a treasure trove. If you are lucky, it will be stocked with plenty of canned foods, juices and sweets that can extend your survival, potentially becoming your new base for some time.
Project Zomboid Review 2023 Conclusion
Project Zomboid is still the best sandbox zombie survivor game in 2023 despite being 10 years old. Whether you venture alone, team up with friends, or fortify strongholds, the game offers endless replayability exceling in creating spine-tingling experiences and an ever-present sense of dread.
This game doesn't hold your hand; it allows you to shape your own story from the chilling opening, "This is how you died." The game is very immersive, and the combat, though secondary, is deeply satisfying. Looting is a zombie apocalypse fantasy, turning supply runs into a thrilling treasure hunt.
Personally, Project Zomboid is the definitive zombie survival game, offering realism, challenge, and limitless customization. I hope more game developers take this game into consideration when crafting their next sandbox survivor game. If you're seeking a zombie survival experience in 2023, perhaps after watching Netflix's "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead," you should absolutely give Project Zomboid a try.
Comments