You Need to Watch Your Own Back in State of Decay: Lifeline : A Video Game Review

Developer/publisher: Undead Labs.

State of Decay: Lifeline is a video game, from publishers Undead Labs. This title is the second addition to the original game and the launch of Lifeline took place May 30th, 2014. This latest title, again, takes place in a zombie apocalypse; but, this time players control the American military, near the town of Danforth. The zombies and chaos are still here. And, a few improvements have been added. Airlifts and supply drops make events run more smoothly. However, there are a number of glitches in the game, as well. It is always strange to see pixelated comrades leave the battle when you need them the most. Still, there is a lot of gameplay in State of Decay: Lifeline and most gamers will be satisfied with the rampant undead action onscreen.

The game begins with a trio of military personnel. They start the game on the outskirts of Danforth and they are tasked with finding a local helipad and fortified position, named Black Friday. At Black Friday, the player is ordered to build up a military camp. Meanwhile, the population of Danforth has turned into one of George A. Romero's favourite characters - zombies! The player must contain this undead threat, while trying to stay alive. Fans will have to play the game to find out how this deadly scenario ends.

Do not expect too much backup from your AI companions.

There have been a number of improvements made to the game. The original released in June of 2013. Since then, the developers have found a way to make the gameplay more compelling. Players can now expect supply drops and extractions at their base. This helps arm yourself and compatriots. Also, players can now utilize storage in vehicles, which makes looting much easier. Guns and ammo can be simply stored in your car's boot. As well, secondary fire can be called in when your base is under attack. Artillery and incendiary barrages send the undead attackers flying! There are also siege scenarios, which task the gamer with holding off the zombie hordes. Lots of zombies fill the screen as you do your best to stay alive. Overall, this second addition to the franchise offers a lot more compressed action-oriented gameplay.

On the flip side, this player noticed a number of programming glitches; the errors are numerous. For instance, escorts can be used when you are roaming along the highways of Danforth. These computer controlled comrades are supposed to keep the zeds back as you go about your rescue missions or reconnoiter the surroundings. But, escorts will simply walk away when the going gets tough, or they will not follow a hasty escape pan. Maybe some of the artificial intelligence did not like this player's driving skills. Also, vehicles will get fused into the environment. This makes crashes inevitable and frequent. Creatures will also get trapped behind fences or walk through walls. Some of the believability of the story is dampened by monsters appearing out of nowhere, or vanishing into thin air. The list of problems is very long and only a few have been mentioned here.

This release was offered for under $7 dollars. And, most players will find a lot of bang for their buck, in this title. Frustrations and annoyances aside, State of Decay: Lifeline offers lots of diverse missions in a realistic zombie apocalypse. Gamers can set up artillery fire, reconnoiter their surroundings or drive over dozens of zombies. The options are numerous, while the story keeps events focused. With a number of hours of gameplay housed within, State of Decay: Lifeline offers a lot of value and even a bit of fun.

This title was released through the Xbox Marketplace and via PC download recently and indie game fans will want to take notice. State of Decay: Lifeline could have used a whole lot more testing, but the foundation of the game is here; this release just needs a bit more spit and polish to make the game even more enjoyable. As it is, Lifeline is an explosive time spent behind the lines and in the middle of an infectious outbreak.

Overall: 6.75 out of 10 (other glitches include: waypoints moving about, fire hydrants repopulating, AI characters unable to respond to requests, survivors dying at the drop of a hat and the ability to drive through hordes without doing any damage with a vehicle).

A trailer for the game is available here, on 28DLA:

A State of Decay: Lifeline Trailer


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Posted in: 2014,game,undead,undead hordes,video game,video game review,zombie,zombie apocalypse,zombies