KooBlu

So I was browsing the internet the other year, and I came across this mod called "Day Z" (like Jay-Z, I know!) for ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead. The premise is irresistible: Play as a survivor of the zombie apocalypse in the ultra realistic world of ARMA II. But the game itself? ... Read on.

So far, I've only played about 10 minutes worth of Day Z. My character, like everyone else's apparently, spawned on "the coast". (A message flashed across the lower right hand corner of my screen informing you exactly WHERE I was). The time of day was late evening, not quite nighttime, and I set about running (then walking, when I learned the toggle on my keyboard) to the nearest structure, a shack, expecting a typical zombie game experience set in the world of Dear Esther. I WAS WRONG.

As I approached the shack, I noticed several beings (humanoid in appearance) who appeared to be scavenging along the ground. As I approached the shack, one suddenly popped his head up and moved towards me. At first I thought he was another player (great! I'm not alone!) but as he continued moving rapidly toward me in a very odd fashion (jerky movements, very sudden) it became clear that HE WAS IN FACT A ZOMBIE.

Oh. Crap. I have no weapon, not even my fists. Left clicking does absolutely bugger all, and the zombie is joined by 3 of his "friends". Running back to the ocean, I try and lose them in the beach. When they keep coming, I quickly disconnect the game before I can be killed. Whew!

Of all the games I have played (and I have played a few) none captures the feeling of being scared out of my head like Day Z. Just knowing that once I die it is permanent, forever, gives this game a tension like no other. Even a game like Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Terrifying, for sure. But I can always just save my game and try again if I die. Not so in Day Z. Here, we have persistent characters, and dying once means just what it does in real life: Adios amigo. Bye bye. No more.

I am currently looking for people to play Day Z with. Applicants should be team players who won't shoot me (or anyone else!) in the back (or front, or anywhere else). You can be totally new to the game (as I am) or have experience. It doesn't matter, so long as you are there to have fun! Until next time, keep on gaming.