I’ve sunk a fair bit of time in to Techland’s latest open-world Zombie apocalypse survival simulator. There’s a great deal wrong with it; including but not limited to tired tropes, yet another dull white male protagonist, uninspired missions, a weak narrative and the usual AAA bloat. Despite those issues, it’s one of my favourite games in a long while – because it’s just a whole lot of fun to play.
The day and night cycles add a certain thrill; after dark the zombies become significantly tougher and more menacing , ensuring that lights out invariably causes your sphincter muscles to tighten. The cleverly-implemented parkour mechanic makes getting around the doomed city of Harran more than just easy – it’s an absolute joy. There’s a real focus on survival; much of your time is spent foraging around the city to pick up items with which to craft supplies and an increasingly large array of inventive and exciting weapons.
It’s also incredible to look at. Despite being set in a fictional middle-eastern city, it’s not all a sandy brown; there are colours everywhere, presenting Harran as a city that was once bold, bright and beautiful. I think one of the reasons I’m enjoying Dying Light so much despite its issues though is it’s clear to see that Techland had a great deal of fun making the game – and that spark, that fun comes through in the game itself. Though the situation it depicts is a dark and gloomy one, the game never takes itself too seriously, and is liberally sprinkled with all manner of secret, Easter egg, homage and joyful nod to other games and bits of pop culture.
Gamespot’s collected the best of them and stuffed them in to two videos. Have a look, because they’re awesome. The recreation of that infamous World 1-1 is obviously a highlight – but check out the rest. I’m sure there are many, many more waiting to be discovered.
Last Updated: February 11, 2015
RinceThis
February 11, 2015 at 12:11
Still want to play this coop. Though the coop I would experience with OvG would be him hiding under a truck while I gather all the parts for a weapon…
Kromas Votes LAG WCMovie Event
February 11, 2015 at 14:03
Exclusively playing this game coop with two friends. The hijinks we get into make the game that much more fun. 🙂
Novakaine
February 11, 2015 at 15:21
Co-op is SOOO much fun.
I’ve been playing with my brother. Haven’t laughed like that in a while…
Matewis Jubilai
February 11, 2015 at 12:17
a favorite easter egg of mine:
Guild
February 11, 2015 at 12:21
Such a classic
Hammersteyn
February 11, 2015 at 12:21
This!
Hammersteyn
February 11, 2015 at 12:22
Yup, getting this. Thanks for the free DLC Techland
Guild
February 11, 2015 at 12:27
And where’s your Evolve?
Hammersteyn
February 11, 2015 at 12:34
Money is tight. It’s between Evolve and The Order at the moment If the Order bombs then I’ll get Evolve. March is gonna kill me. FF type-O, Bloodborne and Borderlands O_o. Why are games so expensive. Jeez!
Lothy
February 11, 2015 at 13:43
Ordered mine as well, seriously cant wait! ebucks ftw!
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
February 11, 2015 at 12:24
Seriously, for all its faults, I love the hell out of this game.
Hammersteyn
February 11, 2015 at 12:29
Gonna drop kick a zombie so hard it will make Mike Haggar proud.
Guild
February 11, 2015 at 12:37
Ya, I’m still waiting for my copy to arrive….
But at least I have Evolve for now
Majik
February 11, 2015 at 16:57
So having a white male in a game is now a fault?
Nikola
February 11, 2015 at 13:41
Pretty keen to give this a go pre-ordered it so excited to play!! Looks good as long as it has a fun open world with side quests to do and collectible I am in!!
guest
March 10, 2015 at 22:07
Boring white protagonist huh? What does his skin color have to do with it? Grumpy old man? Grumpy old racist.