(Mobile) Zombies, RUN!
25/05/2012
Gameplay
Just when you thought exercising wasn't scary enough and from an ingenious idea by developer Six to Start, Zombies, Run! combines two of my favourite things... running and zombies!
You’re probably wondering how on earth this game actually works. It’s as simple as getting in your running gear, sticking your headphones in, start the app and RUN! It works very similar to that of the Nike+ app, in which it calculates how far and how long you have run and utilises GPS to 'guide' you while you run for your life.
Each mission plays you a story whilst you’re running and tells you what to do (which is normally run faster!) and warns you of possible swarms of zombies approaching. Your very first mission will give you an idea as to what you info as you need to run as fast as you can to a nearby ‘tower’ to find a shelter. If you don't run fast enough... well you know what happens if you get caught by a zombie.
As you’re guided along during your run, you collect items which are then used in the town. These items range from a pair of undies, a book, a medical kit. These items can then be used back at base to stock up. The more missions you run, the bigger your base will get, which means more people will come to seek refuge. In between running and picking up the items, the story continues to progress, you continue to collect more items and achievements whilst also being able to listen to music on your iPhone.
Like many of the running apps on the market, this app also tracks how fast you run and how far you have run. It’s not 100% accurate, but it’s reasonably close. Whilst each of the stories is playing, you’re running so you’re going to get in a pretty good work out at the same time as collecting urgent supplies. Your actual starting point, which more than likely would be your house, is referred to as being the base. However, you can also do this on a treadmill. Not sure about the funny looks you might get if you scream in the middle of the gym though!
Graphics
This game wasn't really intended on being one for whizz bag 3D graphics with all the bells and whistles. It’s more of an audio app. The idea is after you have finished your run from the zombies and return to base aka home, you then spend time allocating the supplies you have collected. When using the base, I found it to clean and neat. It’s a 2D image, and the menus are also very easy to use and understand.
Sound
You can hear every snarl, groan and moan of the zombies - even helicopters circling up above. The voices guiding you have a British accent (the ones I have heard so far). Their voices are clear and crisp to understand. You can sense the matter of urgency, feel the fear in their voices, it actually starts to get a bit daunting at times and you will find yourself turning you head to check there is no one behind you.
I liked that I was still able to listen to my own music in between the 'urgent radio messages' and the missions.
Keep It?
- App concept is brilliant
- Missions will keep you intrigued and motivated to exercise
- The next update will provide better user capability to track their work outs
Ditch It?
- It’s a bit pricey at $8.49
Anything Else?
This game is really a brilliant idea. It’s a first of its kind to combine a game and exercise into the same app. It’s currently on available on iOS, however according to the developers site, Android will soon be able to experience the game too (early June). There are also notes that they developers are going to incorporate a calorie counter and the ability to keep records of the workouts. This will be great for someone trying to get a personal best or just to track their development with their running.
One word of warning... be careful with the 'Zombie Chase' setting and make sure you look both ways before you run across the road. It won’t be a zombie that takes you out, it could be a car.
Score: 7/10