This review was originally written in 2021. It is reproduced here with no edits.

PROS:

• A nice mix of simple puzzles and base-building strategy
• Plenty to do with the free base version of the game
• Fast-moving zombies

CONS:

• Visuals are a mixed bag with little in common between phases
• Audio is merely serviceable
• It’s another zombie game! (only if you’re tired of them by now)

Apple App Store (review version) | Google Play

Although zombies, as first popularized by George A. Romero’s precedent-setting horror film from 1968, Night of the Living Dead, are arguably not anywhere near the cultural zeitgeist they reached in the mid-2000s, 50-plus years on, they still have plenty of staying power. Plague of Z, by TOP GAMES INC., which is clearly inspired by the apocalyptic worldwide pandemic-driven book by Max Brooks from 2006, World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, and its hit film version from 2013, World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, tries to show that there’s still some life left in the shuffling zombie genre.

Like it’s Z-based inspiration, the zombies in Plague of Z are the more modern, amped up, and faster-moving zombies, which present a unique challenge over their slower forbearers.

The setup is pretty standard. During a zombie invasion you need to recruit and lead survivors in an abandoned city to establish a base of operations and break through the siege. When you found a new refuge, you need to cooperate with some survivors at the expense of others to make the best use of scarce resources.

Both static and animated cut scenes tell the story and set your objectives. You complete select objectives by solving simple puzzles from a 2D platform-based side-view. Hot spots are highlighted, and solving these puzzles usually involve tapping at the right time and creating a path for your sparsely-animated automated avatar to safely cross. If your avatar dies during these puzzles, you’re presented with a DEFEAT screen, but get to try again. If you fail several times in a row, you’re offered a chance to open a hint guide, which usually tells you which object to tap first in the sequence.

Once you complete these simple objectives, you typically get a building block for your operational base, which is shown from an isometric perspective. Further strategic challenges include initiating repairs, going on patrol, training recruits, or upgrading defenses. Select power-ups can help you speed up actions or increase offensive or defensive capabilities.

Audio gets the job done. A dour, bass heavy soundtrack complements the occasional spoken dialog and sound effects.

Visually, the game features a mix of styles that don’t always gel. There are the detailed, but graphic novel-like personnel who describe the situation and mission objectives. Then there’s the pixelated 2D side-views where you solve puzzles. And finally, there’s the semi-realistic isometric base-building screen.  At times, it feels like you’re playing a game designed by coders and artists who didn’t have much interaction with each other, but it’s something you can get used to if you’re not too much of a graphics snob.

While not the most polished game, Plague of Z does keep things moving and does a great job of introducing new play elements to keep you engaged. If you’re looking for a mix of puzzles, base building, strategy, and a bit of story, then this game delivers, especially if you’re open to yet another zombie-themed experience.

Score: 4 (out of 5)