[App] Zombies, Run!

[Tomo2000 60]

This review is going to be rather interesting, for one of two reasons. Firstly; it's an app for the iOS and Android. And, not only that, but it has very things about it when it comes to varying gameplay and graphics. However, all this aside, it is, without a doubt, the best app I've played on the iPod, and one of the best storylines I've ever played. It's an exercise app, which, at first, made me really contemplate whether it would be worth buying it or not. It is. I'm writing this review in close proximity to my last because Zombies, Run! 2 comes out on the 16th, and I'll be too busy by then to review the original.

 

The app is very simple in it's design. You have one real "main screen", which shows a place you will learn to love called Abel Township. It's been quite a few months since the zombie apocalypse, and, slowly but surely, small townships have begun forming. You are a military personnel,  who, after your chopper gets shot down, sprint for this township. You can play this app with your music playing, and every song or two there will be a gap where a bit of storyline will play. The voice acting in this game is of a very, very professional standard, and the characters were really down-to-earth, believable and you could connect to them on a personal level, something a lot of games lack.

 

As you run, randomly, you can pick up supplies. These supplies can then be used at the township to upgrade the township in different areas, such as the food supplies, armoury, etc.. The graphics for these change as you level them up with supplies, growing bigger and better. Although, for the time being, this has no purpose, the devs have said that this will change in Zombies, Run! 2. When you arrive at the township, you get the title Runner 5. This is because the app can't really call you by name while you're running without, well, having some kind of weird gap or you saying it, which would have ruined it. I actually really liked the title Runner 5.

 

Anyway, the game's storyline starts off pretty much as survival. Once you reach the base, you get given a tour, and and you become a runner. A runner's job is to do various tasks, such as running to get supplies, distracting zombies and luring them away if too many get near the town, etc.. The story quickly evolves into a full fledged story full of conspiracy and a rivalry between a more powerful, neighboring township. I can't say much without spoiling it, but it's a fantastic storyline, and one that really draws you into it. It's a very fun way to get out for a thirty minute walk or run each day. However, unlike lots of zombie literacy and TV shows, like The Walking Dead, for example, the drama and conspiracy doesn't overtake the fear of the undead. In The Walking Dead, it's basically people arguing, and occasionally zombies come along. In this, it's the people vs people vs zombies that Operation Raccoon City wishes it could have been.

 

I'm aware this is a short review, because there isn't much to actually review, but it's a fantastic app. It's got a fantastic story that makes you want to learn more each time you go out. The characters have an incredible quality of voice acting, and can really connect with you. The game itself has 23 storyline missions, a radio and supply mode, as well as six additional missions under a Race section, in which you look for clues to the Patient Zero of the zombie apocalypse.

 

The main reason I'm reviewing this, apart from it being a fantastic app and making go out running for an incredibly enjoyable 15 hours over the course of three weeks or so, is because it goes with everything I've always said about making games; you can have a game with very little gameplay, quality of graphics, or any major trait, but, as long as you have a really good story that pull people in, it'll be fantastic. And that's exactly what this proves. Apart from looking at Abel Township grow and dishing out supplies to different areas, that's all the gameplay this app really has, minus the jogging, playing music and randomly giving you supplies, of course. There's no part where you get to shoot zombies by tapping the screen, or anything of the sort, and yet, it's one of the best storylines I've ever experienced in my entire life.

 

My Rating: 9.5/10

Next Review: Mob of the Dead - Black Ops II Nazi Zombies

[Wyzrd 12]

Wow I actually have this app but honestly used it like once or twice....Never got to use it on a actual run or walk like I wanted to. Just a walk to work which really isn't long enough. But great review I would agree with what you said from what I've used of the app.

 

 

Are they really making a second one?

[Tomo2000 60]

Yeah man :D It's somewhat free to people who own the first one. They mentioned paid missions, but, like in the first one, I really hope it's just side missions, and that they don't make you pay for the storyline missions. Comes out on the 16th :D

 

Edit: On an additional note, the story takes off a little slow but it's really good, trust me.

[Wyzrd 12]

Sweet, well one day I will finish it. And I'll be on the lookout for Part 2.

[Marked 197]

I haven't played the game... at first I thought this [that one where your in a car and you gotta run into stuff to knock the zombies off and shoot them as well] but it's obviously not. You should add screenies of the game play to add that bit extra to the review. You might get a few visitors wanting to download the app after reading the review.