Undying is a survival horror game that tells the story of Anling, a mother who is infected by a zombie virus and has to find a safe place for her son, Cody, before she turns into a monster. The game is developed by Vanimals and published by Skystone Games, and it is available on PC via Steam.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where zombies have overrun the civilization and humans are struggling to survive. Anling and Cody are among the survivors who have to scavenge for resources, craft weapons and tools, and fight off the undead. Anling also has to teach Cody various skills, such as cooking, fishing, and shooting, so that he can fend for himself when she is gone.
The game has a unique mechanic of infection, which affects Anling’s appearance, abilities, and behavior. As the infection progresses, Anling will become weaker, slower, and more aggressive. She will also have to deal with the psychological effects of the virus, such as hallucinations, paranoia, and rage. The infection can be slowed down by taking medicine, but it cannot be cured. The game has multiple endings depending on Anling’s choices and actions throughout the game.
The game’s graphics are stylized and colorful, creating a contrast between the beauty of nature and the horror of the zombies. The game also has a dynamic day and night cycle, which affects the gameplay and the atmosphere. The game’s sound design is immersive and realistic, with the sounds of zombies, animals, and environmental elements adding to the tension and the emotion. The game’s music is composed by Gareth Coker, who also composed the music for Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The music is haunting and melancholic, reflecting Anling’s journey and her bond with Cody.
The game’s main strength is its story and its characters, which are well-written and engaging. The game explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and survival, and it makes the player care about Anling and Cody and their fate. The game also has a lot of moral dilemmas and choices that affect the outcome of the game and the relationship between Anling and Cody. The game’s main weakness is its gameplay, which can be repetitive and frustrating at times. The game’s combat is simple and clunky, and the game’s inventory system is limited and cumbersome. The game also has some bugs and glitches that can affect the performance and the experience.
Overall, Undying is a game that offers a compelling and emotional story of a mother and her son in a zombie-infested world. The game has a unique infection mechanic that adds to the challenge and the drama of the game, and it has a beautiful and atmospheric graphics and sound design that enhance the mood and the immersion. The game’s gameplay, however, can be improved and polished, as it can be tedious and annoying at times. The game is not for everyone, as it can be depressing and disturbing, but it is a game that will leave a lasting impression on those who play it.
