Day Z: Real Fear, Real Challenge

The early access Alpha for Day Z is now out on Steam. For a measly $30, you can jump in and explore the absolute enormous map and game that is Day Z. Taking place in country of Chernarus (a rendition of the Czech Republic), you are placed in an immense world with up to 39 other players. Of course, this is an alpha and is still under heavy work with several bugs. Some bugs include zombies through walls, crazy detect distances, and a few minor connection glitches. However, these are all minor and either rarely happens, or simply aren't bad at all.

When you first spawn in, you get your clothes and a flashlight. Your job is to wander aimlessly until you find a city, village, or town. Once you do, scavenge the living crap out of it. You never know what you will find. Guns, ammo, an axe, a crowbar, food, drinks, a map, a compass, etc.

Since this is a zombie game, the challenge is up. You run into them frequently, but its nothing like Left 4 Dead. You'll see maybe one or two in a single town or village. This means they are hard to kill without a weapon, in fact, impossible. But once you have some sort of weapon, your good.

Now, to survive correctly, you need a backpack. Scavenge the next town. Best way, follow the main road, but be careful. There are up to 39 other players in the server with you. This mean 39 potential friends, or enemies. Most use the main road for advancing, others with a map or gps simply wander.

I remember one time when i spawned in, i found another newbie running around. I got his attention and easily befriended the unarmed survivor. But then, two more newbies came running up, and we had a group going. We moved to the major city of Chergonorsk for supplies. But, along the way there is a military camp, which is a major hot spot for guns: this means a lot of players will be there.

Before we even got there, two of us were split after a group of zombies began chasing us. Me and the first i met continued on. When we reached the camp, i told him to stay outside and warn me of passersby. Inside the camp, i began my search. As i was running, i heard something, a faint voice yelling "freeze!". I panicked and ran for my life, but was shot twice. Now bleeding, and near unconsciousness I stopped and hoped for the best. Three heavily armed players approached me. I raised my hands to show i had nothing. They were sensible players and saw no use in killing me. Instead, they healed me and sent me on my way. Now what about my friend? As i was running to safety, i hear three solid gun shots. My friend ran and did not stop, forcing the players to fire.

You never know when you'll run into nice players or hostile players. In this game, your heart races at the sight of other players, both with fear and excitement. You scream joy when you find medical supplies, and even more when you find a working car. Trial and error will get you far in this game or you may get strokes of luck.

In all Day Z is a marvelous game. With similar games like Nether and Rust, Day Z shows exactly what Zombie Survival is. If you have 30 buck lying around in your Steam account, buy this game.

4/5: Good visuals, incredible atmosphere, more than enough map, several glitches.