Published and developed by Brainium Games, Ex-Master, Zombie is a low-cost retro-style Metroidvania that has its heart in the right place but is marred by a few baffling design choices that hold back the entire experience to frustrating lengths.
Playing as a risen zombie, the game begins by controlling only a rolling head. In time, your body will be found along with new abilities that grant access to previously inaccessible areas. For example, eventually the zombie will be able to disconnect his head at will to fit into tight spaces, double jump, and wall jump. In short, it is standard Metroidvania gameplay complete with optional collectibles.
The problem comes from the unnecessary difficulty spikes. The zombie will revert back to the previous checkpoint after a single hit which is painfully brutal. This is compounded by the fact that he has no offensive abilities other than a puff of downward-shooting air after a double jump, so playing cautiously is mandatory. Plus, the controls are not accurate, as movement has a constant slippery feeling. The biggest issue comes from the lack of checkpoints. It is horribly frustrating to take one-hit damage, mostly due to inaccurate controls, and be sent back five minutes after finally figuring out where to go next. Speaking of where to go next, there is no map or quest markers, so the player must blindly travel until a new path is found. Technically, there is a map, but it is all the way back at the zombie’s well, and it still doesn’t provide much clarification.
Making matters worse, I rage-quit this game for a few days because I couldn’t take the lack of checkpoints. When I finally returned, I had completely forgotten where I was supposed to go. This forced me to retrace my steps unnecessarily, which only added to my frustration. For a two-to-three-hour quest, this game sure doesn’t mind disrespecting your time and effort.
I’ve covered many Brainium Games titles over the years, and they have released some good stuff, but Ex-Master, Zombie has a solid foundation yet feels like it wasn’t play-tested. There are too many small annoyances that result in more frustration than fun.
SCORE: 4/10
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
X/Twitter: @ZackGaz
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