To say that zombies are the white noise of creativity is hyperbole that I like to use would be hyperbolic, but there was a time that zombies where basically in every corner of entertainment. These days the trend has slowed down, but that doesn’t mean that the trope can’t be used in meaningful ways and this brings me to the topic of this article. Days Gone was a game that wasn’t well received when it initially debuted back in 2019, most due to its unstable launch with bugs and technical issues. However now it runs mostly fine, and is very captivating. Let’s get into it.
You step into the leather boots of former biker gang member Deacon St. John, where he finds himself surviving the everyday life of a zombie apocalypse. However, his past troubles him as he still can’t let go the fact that the love of his life is dead, but he has a tip off that she might be still alive so he goes onto pursue the lead which leads him into a whole world of betrayal and death. I have to say the story is fantastic the actors really convey their emotions, plus Sam Witwer who plays Deacon is excellent. He can be quite frightening when he threatens people, to caring and crazy when he mumbles to himself when you are out exploring. Unlike other open world games where it is jarring when they say things out loud to themselves, in Days Gone it fits with the scenario as Deacon is more than likely alone and isolated most days so the crazed mumbles fit the situation.
Now when you generally have a zombie setting gameplay falls into the survival crafting aspect, and this game is no different. However, Days Gone gets this right as it does not feel laborious to pick up items and craft new weapons and object to help you. The game incentivises you to explore and pick up everything that isn’t nailed to the floor, but unlike games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 it doesn’t animate each pick up individually as it goes for convivence and not realism in that regard. It evokes a sense of danger and tensity, which really immerses you in the world as you explore not knowing what dangers lurk in the shadows whether it be human or zombie.
Combat is meaty and satisfying with weighty slashes with your knife as you eviscerate your opponent's, coupled with the sickening sound design as Deacon’s knife plunges into a zombie’s jugular. Guns are also really nice to use in this game, you are obviously not pin point accurate in this game as it leans more to the survival horror side of things. However, firefights are tense as the enemies will actively flank you, so you cannot just sit behind cover and plink at them with your dinky 9MM pistol. You have to outwit enemies, by sneaking around slicing new grins in their throats, set traps or just using the right gun in the right scenario.
I remember the big selling point with this game at E3 2016 (yes that long ago) were the massive zombie hordes on screen, and oh my this game does not disappoint. In certain parts of the world, you will come across huge hordes of zombies, and the first time I stumbled across one of these I almost defecated my pants in fright. These scenarios really dial up the tension up to eleven, I never thought I would be shouting “fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck” out loud in quick succession when playing a game. What surprises me when these moments happen, the game runs really well I was expecting the framerate to take massive dip, but no it runs fine.
Visually this game looks amazing especially during the cutscenes, the detail on the character models is fantastic with great detail on Deacon’s tattoos and textures on his clothes. The world is beautiful with pine forests that stretch as far as the eye can see, welcoming camps and snowy mountains that can more of a threat than the infected creatures you face. Everything just looks exquisite and runs beautifully even on a base PS4, which is what I played it on.
Overall, I am really pleased with what I have played of Days Gone so far, yes, it is yet another zombie game in a sea of zombie games, but its engaging plot (so far) and beautiful world to explore makes it standout compared to your usual undead affair. If you have a PS4 or a PS5 then pick this game up, you won’t regret it and I can’t wait to play more.
Very Nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks! 😊
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