Bloody Zombies (2017) Review: Classic Beat 'Em Up Meets VR Innovation
Released in 2017, Bloody Zombies is a co-op beat 'em up game that brings classic side-scrolling brawler mechanics into the modern era with a unique twist: seamless cross-play between traditional display screens and Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. Designed to cater to both nostalgic fans of arcade fighters and VR enthusiasts, the game attempts to bridge two distinct gaming experiences.
Developer and Platforms
Developed by Paw Print Games and published by nDreams, a studio renowned for VR titles, Bloody Zombies was crafted with flexibility in mind. The game is playable across a wide variety of platforms, including:
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR (PSVR)
- PC (Microsoft Windows via Steam) with support for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
Story and Narrative: Reclaiming Post-Apocalyptic London
The story of Bloody Zombies is straightforward and stays true to classic arcade tropes. Set in a desolate, post-apocalyptic London, the city has been completely overrun by terrifying, mutated undead hordes. The remaining human survivors must unite to smash, kick, and fight their way across the ruined capital to eliminate the undead scourge.
Players choose from four tough-as-nails Londoners—Teller, Mick, Eddie, and Rei—each boasting distinct combat styles and personalities. While the narrative is light and serves mainly as a backdrop for relentless action, the British setting adds charm, featuring iconic London imagery transformed into combat arenas.
Graphics and Visual Presentation
Visually, Bloody Zombies utilizes a vibrant 2.5D cell-shaded art style reminiscent of classic comic books. The character models and enemy designs are exaggerated, colorful, and loaded with personality, ranging from basic zombie walkers to massive, grotesque mutated bosses.
When played in VR, the visual presentation gains a fascinating new layer. VR players view the stage like a 3D diorama, allowing them to look around corners, spot hidden secrets, and offer tactical callouts to teammates playing on flat screens. The depth perception in VR enhances the sense of scale and spatial awareness without causing motion sickness, as the camera fixedly follows the action.
Gameplay Dynamics
Combat relies on accessible combo mechanics, air juggling, special moves, and environmental weapons. Supporting up to four players locally or online, teamwork is essential to manage swarms of enemies and survive challenging boss encounters. The hybrid VR and non-VR cross-play works surprisingly well, making it an inclusive experience for friend groups with mixed hardware setups.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
Bloody Zombies (2017) successfully blends classic arcade beat 'em up nostalgic fun with innovative VR integration. While the gameplay can get somewhat repetitive during solo sessions, it shines brightly as a multiplayer co-op experience.
Recommendation: If you enjoy arcade brawlers like Streets of Rage or are looking for a unique VR title to play with non-VR friends, Bloody Zombies is definitely worth adding to your library.
