Skyton Games and Vanimals introduce a fresh twist to the zombie game genre with UNDYING. Let’s dive deep into this captivating and emotional narrative.
In UNDYING, you step into the shoes of Anling, navigating the perilous world of a four-month-old zombie outbreak. Though the timeline isn’t long, the intense circumstances make it seem like an eternity. The military attempted to repurpose subway stations into safe havens, creating refugee camps meant for eventual rescue. Yet, as fate would have it, the operation went awry. When Anling’s group was due for extraction, a swarm of zombies collapsed the roof, turning plans into chaos. Now, her primary mission is to safeguard her young son, Cody, while managing her own grim reality—she’s been bitten, and her time is limited. Returning to their house, Anling must scavenge for supplies, all while imparting survival skills to Cody to prepare him for a future without her.
UNDYING thrusts players into a survival experience with variable intensity, thanks to its three difficulty settings: Tranquil, Adventure, and Fierce. Opt for Tranquil if you prefer a slower-paced, less aggressive environment. Adventure mode increases the stakes slightly by limiting resources. However, if you’re up for a real challenge, Fierce mode will keep you vigilant with dwindling time and omnipresent threats. Which path you choose will determine if you and Cody can endure.
Gameplay requires astute control of Anling via the left analog stick as she navigates with Cody. Stealth mode is a must and is activated by pressing the left analog stick. Interact with your environment by pressing the B button, picking up items yourself or instructing Cody to do so. Combat involves the ZR button for attacks, while the right analog stick helps you lock onto targets and direct Cody’s actions—whether holding his hand for comfort or assigning tasks.
Monitoring vital stats like HP, nourishment, hydration, and combat effectiveness is crucial. These factors will guide your strategy as you tackle the relentless challenges. Cody’s attributes similarly require oversight, ensuring he’s equipped to face the world. A symptoms tab lets players track Anling’s progression towards zombification, presenting new gameplay considerations.
Resource gathering is vital, but upgrading your gear is equally significant for enduring the apocalypse and imparting crucial skills to Cody. Securing backpack enhancements, like increased carrying capacity and ergonomics boosts, could spell the difference between life and death during a desperate retreat. A fully optimized backpack with extra space amplifies movement, potentially providing the edge needed to survive.
Cody’s learning is central to the game. Experience points let you invest in various skills, categorized into crafting, survival, and combat. Balancing these attributes ensures that Cody is well-rounded, capable of building tools or engaging hostile elements. Teaching him to exploit scrap piles or hunt significantly contributes to his autonomy in the zombie apocalypse.
UNDYING presents a gripping evolution of the zombie genre, focusing on player empathy and strategic survival. Available on Nintendo Switch for $19.99, it’s a game that challenges your instincts and emotions. Are you ready to prepare Cody for this tumultuous new world?
(Disclaimer: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of UNDYING provided by Skystone Games.)
