Microsoft Studios released State of Decay last week on Xbox Live Arcade, and I have to say that this may be one of the most impressive, if slightly flawed zombie-based games ever presented.  With a sandbox-style atmosphere, accessible vehicles and a massive open world, State of Decay has high replay-value and smart, immersive gameplay.  The title is almost hilariously misleading, really.  As an apocalyptic zombie-thriller, State of Decay has the shelf-life of a Twinkie.

Some experiences may vary.

To start, the game doesn’t fall into the same category of zombie-shooter as Left 4 Dead, or even Dead Rising.  You’re not the greatest zombie-killer in the world, and the undead in State of Decay aren’t simply a line of moving targets that you can mow down with reckless abandon.  Throughout State of Decay, the game reinforces again and again that you and your band of fellow survivors are in fact, mortal.  Resources are scarce, ammunition is limited, and weapons can break in mid-fight.  This isn’t a game about killing zombies:  It’s a game about surviving zombies. Read the rest of this entry →