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I don’t care if Zombie Derby II is a casual game that looks like it belongs on a mobile device. It’s a blast.
And how do I know that? Because this game ate hours out of my life like a zombie at a human brain buffet. I practically had to pry myself away from my Steam Deck with a crowbar.
This is one of those games where the goal is to get from Point A to Point B but your gas is half empty, you’re almost out of ammo, and your nitro only lasts long enough to teast you. And while you’re doing this, you’re running over zombies – sometimes shooting them. But also smashing into explosive barrels too.
Most of the time, you won’t get to the end. But that’s okay. The further you go, the more money you accumulate. And that sweet cash buys you more stuff – such as gas – which allows you to maybe, just maybe, get past those zombies. Progress!
Yes, the graphics look like they belong on a cheap Android phone from 2015. That’s because they do. Zombie Derby II is basically a mobile game that got a port to PC. This doesn’t bother me in the slightest. All I care about is that a game is fun, and Zombie Derby definitely is.
Sound? It’s there. The music sounds like it’s generic and royalty-free. I’m not saying it is, but if it was lifted from a “Best of Public Domain” playlist, I wouldn’t be surprised. The sound effects do their job. Nothing will wow you.
But let’s talk about where Zombie Derby II really shines: the controls. Like I said, this game isn’t just about zombies, it’s about managing your car’s limited resources. You don’t want to waste gas by flooring it all the time. You especially want to easy off when you’re catching some air or on a downward slop. But just as often, you really have to floor it when you have to jump over a canyon.
Working this with a gamepad is excellent. It’s a wonderful experience on a Steam deck. Right trigger is for gas, is for shoot, and is for nitro. The analog stick is dialed in just right, so you can get that perfect landing… or end up on your roof like a chump.
BrineMedia developed Zombie Derby II. It seems as though car games are their bread and butter. In addition to the Zombie Derby franchise, they’ve also made Stunt Paradise. Not only is that a visual step up from Zombie Derby, it’s likewise got great reviews – and keeps the low-budget, high fun vibe.
In terms of presentation, Zombie Derby II is as basic as toast. But when it comes to nailing that feeling of lurching through zombie-filled wastelands with just enough gas to maybe, possibly, reach the end? I’m loving it!