The film World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, generated considerable pre-release buzz, including speculation about a potential film series based on Max Brooks’s (son of film director Mel Brooks) book of the same name. Ultimately, the film diverged significantly from the source material, retaining only the title. Director Marc Forster – also known for directing Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh – opted for the fast-moving zombie archetype, rather than the traditional, slow-moving undead.
The film’s depiction of overwhelming zombie hordes serves as the foundation for the game, capturing the feeling of being overrun. However, this intense feeling of dread constitutes the core, and nearly the entirety, of the gameplay experience.
World War Z is primarily designed as an online cooperative experience. While an offline mode exists, its limitations quickly become apparent due to the game’s minimal narrative. Online, the focus is on teamwork with three other players to achieve objectives. Each level generally revolves around defending a bus, train, boat, or other vehicle, and/or retrieving specific items such as boxes, weapons, or equipment to advance.
The missions lack complexity, with clear, on-screen markers guiding the player. Each level incorporates at least two horde attack sequences, providing players with a limited time to establish defensive positions using barriers and autocannons. Gameplay then devolves into repetitive combat, requiring players to eliminate the undead with gunfire and grenades until either they or the zombies are defeated (presumably for the second, or subsequent, time).
The game features four distinct global locations, each introducing a new character with a brief backstory intended to add depth to the otherwise shallow plot. Beyond this, gameplay primarily involves scavenging for supplies, swapping weapons, and acquiring improved weaponry as experience increases.
In contrast to The Division 2, another online-focused title involving horde combat and loot acquisition, World War Z suffers from rapid repetitiveness and a sense of emptiness. While not as content-deprived as Generation Zero, it can quickly become monotonous, particularly when facing the fifth wave of 1200 zombies, often prompting the player to quit.
However, the game has merits. The graphics are visually appealing (the Xbox One X version was used for this review), the soundtrack is effective, and the tension is palpable when facing an approaching horde of zombies with a chainsaw in hand. Unfortunately, these moments represent the game’s peak, followed by a cycle of grinding, killing, and searching – reminiscent of the Dead Rising series.
In conclusion, World War Z provides adequate entertainment for a limited time. However, the game’s lack of depth discourages extended play to explore the narrative and environment thoroughly. The engaging action and enjoyable online cooperative mode contribute to a positive, but not fully enthusiastic, recommendation, primarily targeted towards fans of the zombie genre.
