Ah, zombies-the gift that keeps on giving. If you're tired of watching your friends die in the endless vortex of zombie flicks, why not jump into the action yourself? Enter *Into the Dead 2*, a game that proves running from the undead is a legitimate cardio workout. This Switch version of the 2017 mobile hit embraces the tried and true formula of endless runner meets first-person shooter. Grab your weapons and let's hope your reflexes are quicker than your average zombie's shuffle!
In *Into the Dead 2*, you take on the role of a dude (personal name optional, but let's call him 'Steve') on a desperate quest to reach his family amid a zombie apocalypse. Picture Bruce Banner with a vendetta-except, instead of Hulk-smashing, he's like an Olympic sprinter while dodging a buffet of zombies. Most of the gameplay consists of running automatically (thank God for saving your thumb), while you steer Steve left or right, expertly avoiding those flesh-eating fiends. As you navigate this delicate dance with death, you you'll bypass zombies and retrieve various weapons, ranging from pistols to shotguns, because when life gives you lemons, you wanna blow it away with a grenade launcher. The first time a zombie gets too close, you can either stab it with a knife or pray that your indestructible animal companions come and save you-yes, you read that right; man's best friend is equipped to handle the undead. After using your "second chance," you'd best hope you have a backup weapon; otherwise, facing the horde a third time is like bringing a rubber knife to a gun fight. Good luck! There's an array of characters and pets to collect, and believe me, getting all the upgrades is more addictive than free samples at Costco. Who doesn't love unlocking new weapons? Upgrading them feels like showing off at a tech convention. You'll also encounter 'Side Stories,' bringing even more plot weight-but let's be honest, anyone playing a zombie game isn't here for Shakespeare! The game does lean into its grindy nature, as levels become repetitive faster than your buddy can tell a dad joke. In the end, there's this creeping sense that you could've been doing something more productive, but hey, at least you're not an undead snack.
*Into the Dead 2* swings for decent visuals on the Switch. It doesn't quite hold a candle to hyper-realistic graphics but pulls off a commendable job given the genre. You'll enjoy the lovingly crafted zombie designs, who look like they've been through hell and back-albeit, they probably stagger off to a makeup clinic for some touch-ups along the way. Color palettes vary between atmospheric shades of grey and sepia tones-essentially what you'd expect from any post-apocalyptic setting. But this is not just a feast for your eyes; it's visually engaging with varied environments. Ranging from eerie forests to derelict cities, it almost looks like PikPok mixed a paint can with an apocalyptic vision board, and the result is adequately chilling. Animations are generally smooth, with zombies shambling around in a way that feels convincingly undead (but is still amusingly janky sometimes, like trying to walk on stilts after having one too many!). Although it can be visually repetitive at times, those rare moments when you blow up a horde? Chef's kiss. However, in handheld mode, you may find that the graphics don't shine quite as brightly due to the limitations of the Switch's screen size. But who wouldn't want to see poorly-rendered zombies up close and personal? Bring on the blurry undead!
While *Into the Dead 2* serves up a gooey plate of zombie-hunting mayhem and tricky decisions, the repetitive grind and lack of explosive excitement start to wear thin by the time you've helplessly flailed your way through a few levels. It's like eating the same meal three days in a row-eventually, it feels more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. Sure, there's plenty of chance for weapon upgrades and flashy explosions, but you may find yourself yearning for a little variety. On the plus side, the game strips away those pesky microtransactions found in its mobile iterations-so if you're a purist who likes completing a game without being nagged for real-world dollars, this version is a breath of fresh air! If you're looking for a casual zombie experience where you can mindlessly stomp or dash, *Into the Dead 2* has your back. Just remember, sometimes the only thing standing between you and a good time is a pile of zombies-and if you spent more time running than shooting, you might still feel like a winner. With that, grab your Switch, stock up on snacks, and prep for some undead cardio!