Allow me to share my thoughts on UNDYING, a fresh perspective on the zombie apocalypse brought to us by Skytone Games and Vanimals. This intriguing game takes you on a journey with Anling during a tumultuous zombie outbreak. It’s remarkable how a span of just four months can seem like an eternity in such dire circumstances. In an attempt to safeguard as many as possible, the military transformed subway stations into makeshift shelters. The strategy was to evacuate these camps sequentially until everyone was safely out of the infected zones. However, reality seldom aligns with plans, and when it was your group’s turn, disaster struck as the roof caved in under the weight of relentless zombies, thwarting the escape.
In this new reality, Anling is focused on one mission: making sure her young son, Cody, survives. The stakes are higher because Anling has been bitten, leaving her on borrowed time. Her parental instincts kick in as she endeavors to impart survival skills to Cody while scavenging for resources from their home base. The clock is ticking, not just in terms of her transformation, but also in finding enough supplies to keep them both going.
Jumping into the mechanics, UNDYING offers a survival experience tailored to your preference, thanks to its three distinct difficulty settings. Whether you opt for the relaxed pace of Tranquil, the balanced challenge of Adventure, or the intense urgency of Fierce, the game presents a dynamic experience. In particular, Adventure causes resources to be scarcer, whereas Fierce mode demands constant vigilance as time speeds by with danger at every corner.
As you move forward, you control Anling with the left analog stick while Cody tags along. Stealth becomes crucial, and you can switch to it with a simple press. Interactions are intuitive, letting you decide who picks up what between Anling and Cody. For combat, Anling attacks with ease, and you can lock onto enemies for precision. Cody remains versatile, supporting you by either staying put or lending a hand depending on the situation, and holding his hand can soothe him when times get tough.
Successful survival hinges on managing attributes like health, hunger, and hydration. Anling’s stats such as attack power and speed, along with Cody’s well-being, must be carefully balanced. Monitoring symptoms of Anling’s infection adds a layer of urgency to your decisions, and crafting skills become imperative. Efficient resource management can give you the edge needed to survive, especially with backpack upgrades that boost your capacity and speed.
Skills are the backbone of Cody’s growth. Throughout the game, Cody gathers experience that can be allocated towards learning crafting, survival, and combat skills. A strategic approach to developing these areas ensures his readiness for the challenges ahead. From crafting at the bench to scavenging hidden items, the skills Cody acquires could determine his survival in a world teeming with threats.
UNDYING impresses by weaving a narrative steeped in emotional weight, where every decision bears consequences. It is now available on the Nintendo Switch for $19.99. The core question it asks: Can you equip Cody to withstand the harshness of this post-apocalyptic world? This challenging yet engaging game pushes you to ponder what lengths you would go to ensure survival in such an unyielding landscape.
Please note that this review was crafted using a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Skystone Games, allowing for an immersive exploration of UNDYING‘s compelling world.