Publisher Gamebridge's GO Series of DSiWare games seems to have faded out with 2012's release of GO Series: Undead Storm, but that doesn't mean the properties are completely gone. In a move that no one expected developer G-STYLE has released a sequel to the aforementioned property on the 3DS eShop titled Undead Storm Nightmare. While we all know that sequels can be a resounding success or an unmitigated disaster, we're pleased to report that this one holds up to the standards of the original.
Just when you thought he zombie craze was played out and over used, it turns out that you were correct! Thankfully, Undead Storm Nightmare is polite enough to bypass any niceties that insist it provide a deep plot that humanizes the monsters and instead opts for "here are zombies, please get rid of them." The plot doesn't need to go much deeper than that as this game is quite simply about surviving a zombie apocalypse by blasting your way through hordes of the undead. It's pure shooting action at its finest, and it's a whole lot of fun.
Despite retaining the same gameplay as the original, the setup in Undead Storm Nightmare is completely different. Almost identical to the influential Left 4 Dead, the first Undead Storm featured several different three-stage campaigns that could be played through on multiple difficulty settings. Nightmare, on the other hand, opts for a Mission-based approach and a stronger focus on the single player - multiplayer is still present, but it is no longer the shining jewel in the Corpse-filled crown. Both games are clearly based off of the architecture of Left 4 Dead, but Nightmare represents a step forward for the series, bringing out its own unique identity.
As you play through missions you will also be collecting plenty of Survival Coins and other items that can then be used to unlock new missions or purchase weapons and upgrades for the armaments that you already possess. It makes sense to upgrade weapons with collected supplies and currency, but unlocking stages this way slows down the pace of the campaign. Having to revisit the same maps to progress isn't ideal, but the missions are plenty of fun to play even after seeing them through more than once. Upgrading your artillery and purchasing new weapons also changes the dynamic of gameplay, making the campaign feel consistently fresh.
Multiplayer is still available, but there's much less of an emphasis on it this time around. In multiplayer mode gameplay remains entirely unchanged from the single player missions, with the exception of having up to four local pals come along for the ride. The unfortunate news is that there is no online option, and download play is not supported with this title, meaning that each local player must have a copy of Undead Strom Nightmare downloaded to his or her 3DS in order to join in. If you can manage to get a cohort of players together in the same room, it's easy to say that the experienced is heightened, adding more attacking enemies to the already frantic stages.
The control system is simple and works well, but it can be a bit disorienting when starting out. Undead Storm Nightmare is essentially a twin-stick shooter, but it's limited to using only the 3DS's Circle Pad for movement. Without a second stick available, and not supporting use of the Circle Pad Pro, rotating your character is left up to the L and R shoulder buttons. If this sounds inconvenient, that's because it is when first starting out. When you run headlong into a hoard of zombies and suddenly realize that you're spinning and firing in the wrong direction, it can be more than a little frustrating. This is more of a minor irritation than a major complaint though, as the controls quickly become second nature after playing through a stage or two. Other actions, such as attacking and using health items, are linked to the console's lettered buttons while switching between weapons is performed with a tap of the touchscreen. Beyond rotation, it's all very straightforward and simple enough to work well in the later missions when quick reflexes are a necessity.
One of the bigger complaints that we had with the previous Undead Storm game was the muddy visuals. Things still aren't perfect, with repeated, bland textures and character models that don't change from stage to stage, but we are happy to report that everything looks much crisper this time around. The character models have more detail, making it very easy to differentiate between your character and zombies or an ally during a multiplayer mission; we never experienced any slowdown in frame rate even when the screen was flooded with baddies. It's too bad that the console's titular 3D effect wasn't put to any use whatsoever, but if that's the price to pay for clear visuals that are always up to speed, we're willing to pay it.
Conclusion
The fact is that the zombie fad started dying out years ago and it's one that really needs to be let go, but that doesn't mean worthwhile products are no longer coming out of the trend. A prime example of this phenomenon is Undead Storm Nightmare, a game that takes an overused trope and shifts the focus away from the undead and back onto enjoyable gameplay. It's not a perfect game, especially when considering the need to revisit missions over and over to earn in-game currency, and the potential frustration that the controls may cause, but it's a good time nonetheless. Whether you want to play solo or with a friend, this game is a must-have for anyone looking for a bit of mindless fun while bashing brainless hordes.
Comments 30
Suh-weet. I knew I should've downloaded this yesterday, but I only had enough in my account for Gunman Clive 2 and 3D After Burner II.
Next week.
argh so many games. i dont have enough time to play them all. and i only have a 3DS !!!
"rotating your character is left up to the L and R shoulder buttons. If this sounds inconvenient, that's because it is when first starting out"
I disagree, it is CONTINUALLY inconvenient, not just when first starting out. Kokuga used the same controls, but fixed the problem by being more strategic (btw it has great download-play multi player for up to 4 players, so if co-op is your thing you owe it to yourself to buy that game).
Back on point, having fast action, but having to use the R/L buttons for rotation is a mis-match. A 180 degree direction turn on firing is painfully slow b/c of the controls. R/L gives you more angles you can fire at than using the face buttons ala Smash TV (8 direction firing), but I MUCH prefer the speed of 8 direction firing.
I think an 8 is high on this, but then controls are a big deal to me. Good controls make or break the game, and for me this is a good game that is broken by controls, and I only point it out b/c it is sad for me . I really want the controls to be faster to match the action, or the action slower to match the controls (time to fire up Kokuga again).
The demo of this game is so bad, the graphics look like straight up from a bad game of PS1 and the gameplay mechanic rotation with L/R is too much slow, if anyone want a good top down shooter/zombie there's Dead Nation on PS or Crimsonland on PC.
Honestly, those controls sound dreadful. I'll get the demo to try it for myself, but I am not hopeful about it.
Awesome! I love the original. Any news of an EU release?
My only problems with the game is the lack of playable characters/returning characters, online multiplayer, and getting hurt when you touch a zombie even if they don't actually hit you....
@cyrus_zuo
"... A 180 degree direction turn on firing is painfully slow b/c of the controls. ..."
This probably won't change your comment, but I'm pretty sure you can do an instant 180-degree turn also - can't remember the buttons, maybe by tapping both L+R? This is very helpful in some circumstances.
@ferrers405 Sweet, let me download both of those on my DS right now so i can play them on the train and while waiting in line at the grocery store!
WOAH that is great news I loved the first game! Some reason the ascetic was very endearing for the system. Will definitely grab this later.
@russellohh ?
was thinking to get this as i did enjoy the first effort but after having tried the demo im going to pass on this one...
Played the demo and it felt like one of those phone games you often see for free on the Google Play store.
@ferrers405 He's joking that those games aren't portable or on 3DS.
↓↓↓ Ah. Got it.
I immediately put it on my wish-list!
I was hoping for some online co-op at least 2 player online. This would be a perfect candidate for online multiplayer play.
@BearHunger I understood, just didn't find funny and the games are portable, both are on PS Vita.
The demo reminds me of Resident Evil 5 in a way. Except everyone plays as Sheva.
So this is basically a well-made upgraded version of the first Undead Storm with more focus on single player.
That's exactly what I wanted to hear! Surely gonna keep an eye on this game and maybe I'll even download it as soon as it get released in Europe if I'll be in the mood for shoot some zombies XD
This game reminds me of Dead Nation, but not as good, i was tempted to try the demo but the trailer provided on the eShop didn't really strike my interest. I'll probably get to trying it someday lol.
The original was a nice budget title and I didn't find the controls too awkward. I like when people try new things, even if they don't always turn out that great. I'm gonna check this out if it arrives to Europe.
"Just when you thought he zombie craze was played out and over used, it turns out that you were correct! "......... I never understood why zombie games got so much stick? Whilst every game is not for every person and there has been allot of choice in the last 5 years or so. I've never heard another type of game openly slated for what it is, since when has there been too many driving/RPG/platform/sports or puzzle games to the point where that were worse for what they are and seen negatively. I'm biased, I really like them, but just weird that people seem to have an agenda against a type of game just as common as others!?!
Me and my boy loved the original so I will buy this if it gets a UK release
8 seems pretty high, the demo was very boring. You could walk right past most monsters...which made smashing crates pointless, since you don't need ammo or health...which makes the overall game...pointless. Maybe it gets better after the extremely short first level?
Finally, a game with zombies!
The first was poopitypoop compared to Dracula: Undead Awakening and Monster Shooter. I plan on purchasing this one, though.
@Asaki The first level definitely isn't the best representation of the game.
@cyrus_zuo this style controls is way to snes era. I understand the limits of the 3ds but your right. I would not be able to get past the terrible controls. plenty of other good games instead...which is sad since if prob like this one.
Honestly, the controls aren't that bad. I only bought this last night and I'm already accustomed to them. I think people are failing to realise that the controls are deliberately awkward. Think back to Resident Evil on PSX, where a lot of the challenge came from just moving around. Aiming via the shoulder buttons definitely adds some difficulty to the game that otherwise wouldn't have been present, and I think that this is necessary for balance.
@cyrus_zuo – You can do a 180 degree turn easily by pressing L + R at the same time.
I don't know if it's just me, but I absolutely love the throwback vibe that this game has. It does remind you of something from the 90s or even from the NDS. I'm really enjoying it. It's worth £5.
This review was decent, but seems to have left out a control element, and after reading some of the comments it became even more clear. Yes the R and L buttons rotate your direction of fire, but you can QUICK TURN by pressing both R and L at same time, this eliminates any "slow" aiming complaints you can change direction rapidly at any time and there's no "lag" when u do it. Yes it is still clunky feeling at first but you do quickly master it and the "quick turn" mechanic is essential, I cldnt imagine trying to play without using it
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