Unturned

Some games really do take me by surprise and Unturned is a prime example of that. This is a free to play game and I will admit I was not expecting a great deal going in. However, the first time I played this was a real eye-opener. What started off as an intended 30-minute session, turned into me playing for three hours nonstop!

Unleash Your Inner Rick Grimes

Ok, so The Walking Dead is clearly the easiest comparison to make in terms of the overall style of Unturned. The idea of the game is that there has been a zombie outbreak and you are a survivor. Your main goal of the game is to survive, but it actually runs a fair bit deeper than just surviving.

You see as well as surviving, you need to have an actual life. This of course means, working with others, doing jobs, making a home and taking down bad guys and zombies that want you and those you like dead! Sure, the concept is not anything that is 100 percent new, but it is a very addictive experience.

Get What You Need

There is so much to do in Unturned that you will never find your self with a minute to rest. You need to go and hunt so that you have food to eat, not just that, but you can use stuff that you hunt for crafting too. You will need shelter due to the harsh weather and there are of course many things that want you dead.

One of the things that I felt the game did very well was never giving me a moment to breathe. I always felt that I had to be on my way to do something. This could be going to get some meat, finding a new weapon, helping a friend or just trying to find shelter when I have been caught out in a storm while hunting. Building a place to stay is a lot of fun and it can be as basic or as grand as your imagination (and survival skills) desire.

Play The Way You Want

One thing that is rather clever about Unturned is the different ways that it lets you play. You can actually play a role in this game and be part of a community. I actually had fun doing this and one game, in particular, saw me take the role of the dude who went out and foraged for fruits and plants. Not sure how I ended up doing that, but I felt like I was a key part of my community surviving.

If you want more blood, there is a PvP arena kind of mode where it is basically the last man standing. There are some crazy weapons and it is an all-out battle to the death. This is not normally my cup of tea, but I had a lot of fun here…. Despite not winning a single game.

Full disclosure here, I really did not expect a great deal out of Unturned. I was pleasantly surprised and found myself pretty addicted to it. It is at its best when you are actually playing with other people, but you can play it solo if you want. If you like survival type games, I highly recommend you try this one out.

8/10

Pros:

• So much to do
• I liked playing as part of a community
• There is always something to do
• Lots of cool weapons to use
• Plenty of ways to play

Cons:

• Combat is rather simple
• Some people online are pretty ruthless

Unturned plunges players into a post-apocalyptic world teeming with the undead, where survival is paramount. The game offers a diverse range of experiences, from intense PvP battles to cooperative quests, all set within expansive sandbox maps. Its focus on player creativity, modding capabilities, and attention to detail sets it apart from other zombie survival titles.

In the desolate landscapes of Unturned, players are thrust into a struggle for survival against a relentless zombie menace. What sets this game apart is its ability to seamlessly combine strategic decision-making with engaging gameplay mechanics. Whether you prefer an all-out assault on the undead or a more stealthy and cunning approach, the choices you make will determine your fate in this unforgiving world.

The Challenge of Survival

Unturned offers a multitude of gameplay options, allowing players to approach survival in their preferred style. Whether you choose to confront enemies head-on or employ stealth and distraction tactics, the game rewards strategic decision-making. The special abilities of the undead, such as invisibility and fire breathing, add an additional layer of challenge and excitement.

Unturned's emphasis on survival against not only the zombies but also the unforgiving natural elements draws parallels to games like Dayz and 7 Days To Die. Don't let the cutesy visuals deceive you – this game is as real as it gets when it comes to hardcore survival gameplay.

Dynamic Player Interactions

The game's online multiplayer aspect introduces a dynamic and unpredictable element to the experience. Engaging with other players, whether as allies or foes, adds depth and excitement to the gameplay. The non-lethal strategy of arresting bandits with handcuffs and cooperating with NPCs creates opportunities for unique role-playing scenarios.

Additionally, completing quests, securing airdrops, and fending off hordes of zombies foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork reminiscent of games like Rust and State of Decay. It might not be as intense with its action sequences as something more "mature," but that doesn't mean that Unturned falls too far behind when it comes to delivering fast-paced and intense moments of multiplayer mayhem.

Endless Possibilities

Unturned's modding capabilities are a standout feature that sets it apart from similar games. The passionate modding community offers an abundance of player-created content, ranging from weapons and vehicles to expansive custom maps. The in-game level editor allows players to craft their own unique environments and share them with others.

This emphasis on user-generated content encourages creativity and longevity, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting. Whether you're modifying the weapons' handling to your liking or adding new and more challenging mobs, there's always something new to see in Unturned.

Pros:

• Strategic decision-making and diverse gameplay options
• Dynamic player interactions and cooperative gameplay
• Robust modding capabilities and active modding community

Cons:

• Graphics may not appeal to everyone
• Steep learning curve for newcomers