H1Z1

Developed by Daybreak Game Company, H1Z1, is a survival sandbox massively multiplayer online game, which is currently in the Early Access stage. With such a vast increase of popularity in this genre since Day Z, it is no surprise to see another developer putting their own swing on things.

You spawn in a world similar to that of Day Z. Countless zombies roam a map made up of varying terrains and environments. From forests, to rivers, to rural towns, to cities, to factories, H1Z1 has it all. It’s every man for himself. Like any survival game, you start with no weapons and a very limited amount of equipment. You must scavenge for supplies and navigate the various dangers that the world presents, with the main danger of course being zombies. There’s only one objective to this game: survive.

Avoiding, or fighting (whichever one you choose) zombies isn’t the only thing you need to worry about however. Hunger and thirst are thrown into the equation. This can be managed through a variety of ways. You are able to relieve hunger from berries on bushes, or if you’re near a town, you can search stores, gas stations or shopping malls for non-perishables. In addition to zombies, there are also wild animals, such as wolves and bears that you must look out for. Guns and ammunition aren’t hard to find, and are necessary to your survival. There are many different types of weapons in H1Z1. There are pistols, shotguns, sniper rifles, hatchets, and crude whacky-things. Crafting is also a necessary feature in H1Z1. You are able to create anything from a makeshift backpack to a deadly knife.

There are two types of servers you can join: PvP or PvE (player verse environment aka single player). Of course, the PvP mode allows you to either work with or against other players in your efforts to survive. Single player is dedicated to learning the ropes, which you must do on your own, as there are no tutorials to help you. Single player offers repetitiveness and predictability to help you get used to the game, whereas PvP will be sure to produce some unpredictable happenings, as other players pose the greatest threat to your survival.

Your primary form of travel is walking. Automobiles are present in the game, but are strongly contested by other players. There is a certain limit to how much equipment you can carry. Having a car however, increases this amount, as it allows you to store your things in it, which is why people will fight tooth and nail for it. You can also run over zombies with little to no consequences too, which is always nice. It is also not uncommon that you will have to repair a car before using it. This will require you to scavenge through car workshops and auto stores.

Included as a multiplayer feature in H1Z1 is Battle Royale. This game mode offers an alternative gaming experience. You and a group of other players are placed on the map where your one and only goal is to be the last one standing. Pick up any weapon you can find and start killing or hiding, as long as you are the last one standing, it doesn’t matter what you do. This game mode is from the same developer of the Battle Royale mod for Arma.

Gabriel Polychronis, NoobFeed (@G_Polychronis)