Many people may not remember the PlayStation Mini Zombie Tycoon. Released in 2009, the game is a strategy title set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, as you might have guessed. Being a PS Mini however, it was fairly limited in terms of an overall gameplay experience. This time however, the folk at Frima Studio are making a fully-fledged PlayStation Network game with the sequel, Zombie Tycoon 2.
If you’ve played Warcraft 3 you’ll have a good idea what you’re getting into, namely moving around troops while maintaining a hero character that deals out a ton of damage. Navigating the map with your zombie troops feels flawless, and moving the camera throughout the environment, selecting the point where you want your zombie horde to go, and having them attack houses all feels natural on the controller. There are fewer units than other RTS gamers may be accustomed to, but its by design not to have players over burdened by complex controls.
Multiplayer is a lot of what you would expect, with two factions (slower, more powerful zombies, and the faster, weaker style), and four hero characters. However, there is only one multiplayer map, but it is constantly being tweaked to provide a fantastic experience. The map is a mirror match, with both players starting on each side, and a pivotal building in the middle. Each player will want to create their army of undead – you can have up to two different units at a time – and start invading buildings. Each building provides you with a small amount of zombies, which will stand and defend each spot. Taking control of buildings is key; each building supplies you with a larger pool of shambling corpses to take down your enemy.
Zombie Tycoon 2 is also providing an ample story mode for people who aren’t willing to go online. Spread across eight missions, players will focus more on objective-based missions instead of the typical “go here, kill these enemies” template that people are more used to. The objectives provide for interesting map design, as well as tactics that you wouldn’t see else where.
Zombie Tycoon 2 is due out on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita later this year.