HumanitZ: Surviving the Apocalypse, One Bug at a Time
Zombies, crafting, and the occasional moonwalk
Launch Day Larry
In the vast, undead-infested landscape of zombie survival games, “HumanitZ” shuffles onto the scene with a mix of promise and pitfalls. It’s a game that invites you to build, farm, and fight your way through a post-apocalyptic world, all while grappling with controls that seem to have been designed by a particularly mischievous zombie. Let’s dive into the guts of this game and see what makes it tick—or stumble.
Gameplay: A Mixed Bag of Brains and Brawn
“HumanitZ” offers a smorgasbord of gameplay mechanics that would make even the most seasoned survivalist’s head spin. From building and farming to PvP and car modification, the game throws a lot at you, and for the most part, it sticks. The survival aspects are well-realized, with server settings that let you tailor the difficulty to your liking. Whether you’re a masochist who enjoys being swarmed by zombies or a casual player who prefers a leisurely stroll through the apocalypse, there’s something here for you.
However, the controls are a different story. They have a learning curve steeper than a zombie’s appetite for brains. The top-down format can be disorienting, and the need to switch between mouse and controller due to UI quirks is a bit like trying to juggle chainsaws while riding a unicycle. Combat, too, leaves much to be desired, with locational damage that feels about as effective as throwing marshmallows at a brick wall. The lack of human AI without mods further detracts from the realism, leaving you to wonder if the real apocalypse is the friends we made along the way.
Despite these issues, the core gameplay remains engaging. The crafting system is straightforward, allowing for gear upgrades and the creation of survival tools. Plus, the game shines in co-op mode, where you and your friends can band together to face the undead hordes—or just argue over who gets to drive the car.
Graphics: A Feast for the Eyes, a Workout for the GPU
Visually, “HumanitZ” is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the graphics are a step up from similar titles like “Project Zomboid,” with some players describing them as “phenomenal.” The use of Unreal Engine 5 gives the game a polished look that stands out in the genre. However, this visual feast comes at a cost. Performance issues abound, with stuttering, frame drops, and screen flickering that can make you feel like you’re watching a zombie movie on a scratched DVD.
The game’s high GPU and VRAM usage suggest that optimization is still a work in progress. It’s a bit like trying to run a marathon in a suit of armor—impressive, but not exactly efficient. Players are hopeful that future updates will address these issues, allowing the graphics to truly shine without turning your PC into a space heater.
Story: A Narrative as Empty as a Zombie’s Stomach
If you’re looking for a gripping narrative to sink your teeth into, “HumanitZ” might leave you feeling a bit peckish. The game’s story elements are underdeveloped, with a world that feels more like a backdrop than a living, breathing entity. Players have expressed a desire for a more engaging narrative, complete with branching missions and moral choices that could add depth to the experience.
The potential for emergent storytelling is there, with players able to create unique scenarios through their actions. However, the lack of a structured story or meaningful character development leaves the game feeling a bit hollow. It’s like a zombie without a brain—functional, but missing something vital.
Final Verdict
“HumanitZ” is a game with a lot of potential, offering a rich blend of mechanics and a visually appealing world. However, it stumbles in key areas like controls, combat, and narrative depth. With some polish and refinement, it could become a standout title in the zombie survival genre. For now, it’s a fun, if occasionally frustrating, romp through the apocalypse.
Score: 6.5/10