The zombie genre in video games has never been hotter, thanks to blockbuster hits like Dead Island 2, Dying Light 2, The Last of Us, and Resident Evil, all of which have raised the bar. So, if a new zombie title is looking to carve out a name for itself in this fiercely competitive market, it must have something truly unique to offer. For an Indie game that lacks the substantial backing of a AAA title, this challenge is even steeper. Fortunately, Zeverland might just have what it takes.
Developed by the fresh-faced team at Quantum Quirks, Zeverland is an upcoming survival game poised to join the zombie apocalypse party next year. To tease what’s in store, they’ve dropped a six-minute gameplay trailer that highlights some of the standout features fans can expect.
Now, let’s dive into what makes Zeverland tick.
### Zeverland Blends Crafting from Dead Rising with DayZ’s Multiplayer
Remember Dead Rising? Its crafting mechanics have long been hailed as some of the best in gaming, letting players mix everyday items into quirky, makeshift weapons, like the iconic Freedom Bear—yes, that’s a stuffed animal wielding a machine gun. Zeverland takes a page from this creative playbook. In its initial trailer, Zeverland showcased a bizarre arsenal, including a stick with a rubber chicken at the end, a makeshift spear, and a tranquilizer arrow fashioned from a pen and chloroform. But crafting is just part of Zeverland’s charm.
The game is designed to be a massively multiplayer experience, allowing you to team up with friends or total strangers to traverse the post-apocalyptic landscape. Whether you forge alliances to build a refuge amidst the ruins or prefer striking out solo, the game offers plenty of freedom.
### Promising Vehicle Customization in Zeverland
Considering Zeverland’s sprawling 24 square kilometer open-world, getting around efficiently is essential. Luckily, the game promises an impressive vehicle customization system. As seen in the gameplay footage, you’ll be able to pimp your ride with new paint jobs, weaponry, and fortifications. Larger vehicles take it further, transforming into mobile bases, complete with structural blocks and plant life’s potential.
### Zeverland’s Unique PvP Twist
Arguably the most intriguing aspect of Zeverland unveiled at the close of the announcement trailer is its take on death. In Zeverland, death isn’t the end. If you fall victim to a zombie bite, your play isn’t over—you simply rise again as one of the undead. While you’ll have to bid farewell to your weapons and vehicles, the game introduces a whole new playstyle for zombies.
As a member of the undead, you’ll have a hunger bar to manage, which you can satiate by consuming human players or fellow zombies. Surviving as a zombie opens up abilities that let you do crazy things, like herding and controlling zombie groups.
With its inventive features and ambitious scope, Zeverland is one to watch as it promises something new for both fans of the zombie genre and multiplayer survival games. Keep an eye out as it looks to make its mark in the gaming world next year.
