Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid is an open-world post-apocalyptic survival game developed by The Indie Stone. I started playing Project Zomboid in 2011 when they released the first Tech Demo, which I still have on my PC. I was specifically looking for an open-world zombie survival game with NPCs (Kate and Bob were in the Tech demo) and came across this game by searching for those terms on Google.

Zomboid began with a simple isometric graphic style that I immediately liked. Over time, the developers remade all the graphics to be more 3D, which I initially liked less but have grown to love; it really fits the game. The main mechanics and features of Project Zomboid include building a base, exploring the world, killing zombies, looting, and interacting with NPCs and later with multiplayer RP. Although I rarely RP with people online, I preferred to play the game solo.

The sound design in Zomboid is a mixed bag. While some aspects are great, others are less impressive. However, the music is overall very fitting to the post-apocalyptic theme, and the developers did a great job with that.

Project Zomboid excels in creating a realistic and unforgiving post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The survival aspect is particularly well-done, with a depth reminiscent of games like Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead (CDDA). However, the game could improve in several areas. The NPCs and solo player experience need enhancement, and the speed of updates has been frustratingly slow. Despite purchasing the game in 2011, it is not even halfway done in 2024. Additionally, more endgame content, quests, and ofcourse autonomous NPC would significantly enhance the game.

Pros: Freedom to do a lot of things, with great depth High replayability Extensive mod support

Cons: Slow update speed, with no NPCs even after over a decade of development Depth could be improved, necessitating alot of mods Promised complex and autonomous NPCs

Conclusion: I have enjoyed playing Project Zomboid over the years, primarily sticking to solo play because the public and some private servers are hard to get into RP-wise. In recent years, I haven't played much because of the slow pace of updates and the over-reliance on mods. The endgame is nonexistent, and I often find myself wondering what to do after setting up a base and clearing a town for the hundredth time.

The game gets stale quickly, leading players to reach for mods and then delve into the chaos of multiplayer RP. After doing that a few times, it becomes tiresome and boring, prompting a break from the game. This cycle repeats every few years, and I realize that nothing significant has changed or been added to keep me engaged. Did I win Zomboid? Perhaps, but the victory feels hollow without more substantial updates and content.

I would recommend Project Zomboid to anyone who enjoys deep survival mechanics and the thrill of a post-apocalyptic setting. However, patience is essential, as the game's development pace is extremely slow, and relying on mods is almost a necessity for a fulfilling experience.

Despite all its positives, I give this game a 6/10 because it remains unfinished after all these years.