Quarantine Zone: The Last Check - Papers, Please Meets The Walking Dead

When your paperwork is scarier than the zombies

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the world of “Quarantine Zone: The Last Check,” where your biggest enemy isn’t just the undead, but also the bureaucratic nightmare of managing a quarantine zone. This game takes the concept of “Papers, Please” and throws in a zombie apocalypse for good measure. It’s a unique blend of resource management, moral dilemmas, and the occasional undead encounter. But does it rise from the grave or stumble like a freshly reanimated corpse? Let’s dive in.

Gameplay: A Dance of Drones and Dilemmas

“Quarantine Zone: The Last Check” offers a gameplay experience that is both engaging and occasionally frustrating. The game shines with its intricate mechanics and addictive gameplay loop, reminiscent of the best inspector-type games. Managing resources, upgrading facilities, and maintaining order are the core activities that keep players hooked. The game even throws in some dark humor and moral complexity, making every decision feel weighty.

However, the inspection process can feel like a chore, thanks to a menu system that seems to have been designed by someone who hates efficiency. The drone shooting sections, while a novel idea, feel like they were added as an afterthought and detract from the core gameplay. Plus, the tutorial system is about as flexible as a brick wall, leading to potential soft-locks that can frustrate even the most patient players.

Controller support is another area where the game stumbles. Despite claims of full support, players report issues with non-functional actions and sensitivity problems. The inability to remap controls only adds to the frustration. It’s like trying to play a piano with oven mitts on—technically possible, but not recommended.

Graphics: A Pixelated Apocalypse

Visually, “Quarantine Zone: The Last Check” is a bit of a mixed bag. When the graphics are working as intended, they are surprisingly good, with high-quality visuals that enhance the immersive experience. However, these moments of clarity are often interrupted by pixelation and blurriness that can make the game look like it’s being played on a potato.

The pixelation issues are linked to the render scale setting, which isn’t set to 100% by default. Adjusting this setting can resolve the issue, but it’s a mystery why this isn’t the default configuration. It’s like buying a new TV and having to manually adjust the color settings to avoid everything looking like a 1980s sitcom.

Story: A Tale of Bureaucracy and Bites

The narrative of “Quarantine Zone: The Last Check” is a curious beast. It offers a darkly humorous take on the zombie apocalypse, with moral dilemmas that add depth to the experience. The story makes mundane tasks like paperwork feel terrifying, and the use of visual cues keeps players guessing about the true condition of NPCs.

However, the story lacks emotional depth and character development, leaving players wanting more. The ending, in particular, feels abrupt and unsatisfying, like a TV series canceled before its final season. While the narrative isn’t the main focus, it serves as a backdrop to the gameplay, providing enough intrigue to keep players engaged.

Final Verdict

“Quarantine Zone: The Last Check” is a game with a solid foundation and plenty of potential. Its unique mechanics and engaging gameplay make it a must-try for fans of the genre. However, it’s held back by control issues, graphical glitches, and a lack of narrative depth. If you’re willing to overlook these flaws, you’ll find a game that’s both challenging and entertaining. But for those who prefer a polished experience, it might be worth waiting for a few patches before diving in.

Score: 6.5/10