The dilapidated streets and shambling zombies are scary enough, but as the sun drops below the horizon, getting back to safety becomes my biggest concern. The crude crowbar weapon I’m wielding seems to only stun these creatures, and the deadlier predators come out at night. Switching tactics from fight to flight, I leap over low walls, scurry over fences, and dash across rooftops to avoid the undead below. I pause only long enough to re-arm some of the traps around our base, and barricade myself inside as the last light fades from the sky. I hear a “Volatile” howl in the distance, signaling that things are about to go from bad to worse in Dying Light.
In a crowded genre of open-world-zombie-survival games, Dying Light needs a few gimmicks to stand out, especially as it looks like an improved version of Dead Island (also developed by game studio TechLand back in 2011). Fortunately, Dying Light has a list of features to persuade zombie killers from other games: four player drop-in-and out co-op, dynamic day-night cycle featuring deadlier creatures of the night, and “parkour” or free-running enables mobility as the preferred option to escaping zombie bites. In fact, new players may feel discouraged at first as their character struggles to use basic blunt objects against the undead, until they have a chance to level up and unlock better skills. Even with deadlier skills and weapon arsenals, free running around the city and dodging zombies is just too much fun! If you’re looking for even more fun, become an even deadlier “night hunter” zombie and invade other players’ games!
In a nutshell, Dying Light is a tense, exciting, and relatively bug free experience. It’s not just an improved version of Dead Island, it’s a VERY improved version. It’s challenging, fun, and ultimately very satisfying! eBash Video Game Centers are featuring an exciting Dying Light Showcase from February 2nd – 13th, leading up to a big Friday the 13th Lock-In party with free pizza and other prizes! Up to four players can play Dying Light at a time, either alone or co-op!
Dying Light is rated ‘M’ for Mature for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language. It is available on Tuesday, January 27th, on PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
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