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DARKEST DAYS Review: A Zombie Survivor that leaves you longing for more

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Following the reveal of its worldwide test, I promptly downloaded the game known as DARKEST DAYS. Having previously enjoyed playing NHN Corp’s Guns Up! Mobile, I was eager to delve into this new offering as soon as possible. The open-world multiplayer zombie survival game boasts an exciting premise, promising to guide players through a zombie apocalypse, heighten their survival skills, and challenge them with transformed flora. In this review of DARKEST DAYS, I will be sharing my overall gaming experience, ensuring that the insights I provide are impartial and reflect my genuine feelings.

In this review, I’ve spent about 15 hours exploring the expansive world of Darkest Days on my Google Pixel 5. I’ve played it thoroughly from start to finish to ensure a comprehensive understanding of its various aspects. Now, let’s delve into the experience together!

Experience a stereotypical zombie virus apocalypse

In the review for “DARKEST DAYS”, this game follows a narrative that’s quite common in zombie-themed productions. Following a global outbreak of a zombie virus, the world is overrun with the undead. The game begins in a desolate landscape resembling a post-apocalyptic environment. To maintain immersion, the creators chose to primarily focus on three distinct terrains: mountains, icy regions, and urban townships.

Most of us developed an affiliation with the undead following our viewing of Danny Boyle’s popular film 28 Days Later, or if not, it was Dawn Of The Dead that sparked our survival instinct within Zombieland. You’ll share this sensation once you dive into this game. With the infected roaming everywhere, the government constructed barriers to contain the zombies.

However, here’s an interesting twist: The danger didn’t surface until it was discovered that the people inside were the actual threat. Consequently, you made the decision to escape from the safe zone for your own safety! Regarding the narrative style, let me clarify one point. It’s designed to create a sense of immersion and interaction beyond the typical click-through experience. Although your choices can influence certain aspects, significant alterations to the main storyline are limited.

Additional aspects involve honing and enhancing your abilities, with supportive villagers by your side, each possessing unique skills to assist you. Constructing shelters, saving individuals, battling ruffians and zombies are all elements that will maintain your engagement with the primary gameplay. Therefore, I appreciate the title for its intriguing narrative.

Survive against zombie hordes in a vast open-world map

The map in this game is extensive; you’ll appreciate its size once you’ve unlocked the initial tower. Upon acquisition of a vehicle, you can explore and progress with the narrative. There’s also an expedited movement feature to alleviate concerns about adhering strictly to travel. However, the gameplay feels somewhat rigid or awkward compared to my usual experience with a gyroscopic control, which provides a more fluid gaming experience overall.

Following the initial stage, you’ll notice a decrease in intense action. But don’t view this as a downside since it’s mainly a survival game, and the main events happen afterwards. The gun sounds and other interactions are truly impressive, I have to say. And let me tell you, zombie games just aren’t complete without different types of shotguns. This game delivers on the fun factor. I could really feel the kickback from the guns, and the sound effects from those weapons are exhilarating, making it a satisfying choice for an action title.

While I’m looking forward to discussing sound aspects in greater detail later on, let me caution you that the gameplay itself feels somewhat rigid at the moment. It seems like there could be room for enhancement, as during camera rotation or when firing, the overall experience appears to stutter slightly. I’m unsure of the specific cause, but with a bit of fine-tuning, I believe we can smooth out these rough edges and improve the gameplay experience.

Simply Surviving can get pretty boring at times

Even if you’re not particularly fond of zombie survival games, you might still find that the title lacks certain elements. While these features aren’t absolutely necessary, they are integral parts of the gameplay experience, more like optional extras. Unlike other survival games, you won’t be constructing any shelters in this game.

Rather than relying on your own survival skills alone, it’s beneficial to forge alliances with in-game characters who can assist you. Rest assured, there’s no need to worry about starvation within the game, but you will need to navigate an infected world, so be cautious around those terrifying brain-eating creatures!

The gun’s accuracy and power are disappointing, and the firearms require more ammo to take down zombies effectively. To stand a chance against a boss-type enemy, it seems like having multiple health points or life bars would be necessary due to their immense strength. Even hitting them directly in the head twice doesn’t seem to stop them from advancing towards you! It’s frustrating!

Outdated graphics and audio make the gameplay overwhelming

As a devoted fan, I must say, the adventure in Darkest Days begins with a captivating cutscene where I’m miraculously rescued by Jimmy Hancock. However, what struck me initially is that the cutscenes seem somewhat disorganized, giving off an impression of a game from a few years back. But fear not, as soon as I dive into the heart of the gameplay, any uneasiness fades away, immersing me deeply in this captivating RPG world.

The graphics aren’t faultless; some elements may seem unresponsive initially. I found the crosshair to be excessively large, dominating my screen’s center. While oversized crosshairs are acceptable when using shotguns, the large, circular cross in front of me while using pistols is mentally taxing.

It’s important to point out the audio quality too. It’s impressive how well-crafted and refined the background music is, but I can’t help but wonder if it harmonizes with the gameplay. I gave a listen to every type of BGM that the game offers, and during combat scenes, I found it seemed disconnected.

In narrative contexts, this theme lends itself effectively for creating suspense, excitement, or tension. However, during combat scenes, the exaggerated audio might become annoying, appearing excessively dramatic, even when the conflict is routine.

IAPs are missing the F2P gamer’s perspective

Let’s discuss the in-app purchase system within this game. It seems that the developers may have felt pressure when creating it, which resulted in a less favorable experience for users. Unlike other games, you won’t find any freebies here. The pet system is no exception and requires payment as well. Considering how much fun the game offers, it would be nice if they provided a complimentary companion to start with. Another aspect that might disappoint players is the slow progression rate of the game.

Final Verdict

Although zombies aren’t real, they’re characters we’ve been familiarized with through films, video games, and literature since childhood. There’s a certain emotional connection we feel towards them, as we often find ourselves imagining ourselves as the ones battling through a turbulent universe.

Darkest Days delivers the thrill and entertainment you crave in a survival game. It’s not about dreading zombies; it’s about feeling the terror of becoming one. Unlike other supernatural creatures such as Draculas, vampires, and werewolves, the fear in this game lies not in their power, but in their transformation.

At the top, you’ll find an exhilarating adrenaline surge and a relentless drive to keep going with the narrative. It’s important to note that this game is primarily designed for those seeking another engaging zombie survival adventure. While I can’t guarantee a top-notch experience, I am confident that you won’t be left feeling let down either.

DARKEST DAYS Review by GamingonPhone

Gameplay Mechanics – 6
Storyline – 7
Graphics and Music – 6.5
Controls and UI – 7
Free-to-Play Elements – 6

6.5

Average

On the darkest days, you’ll experience an exhilarating rollercoaster ride and a surge of adrenaline. However, if you’re not drawn to this specific genre, it may not resonate deeply with you.

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2025-05-26 09:45

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