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Review of State of Decay 3 on Xbox Series X/S

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Jun 1999
Cover image of State of Decay 3 on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 9
Released: 17 Jun 1999
Genre: Survival horror
Developer: Undead Labs
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Introduction

Buckle up, survival fans, because State of Decay 3 is on the horizon and it's set to bring some serious zombie-vanquishing shenanigans to your console. Picture this: an open world teeming with the undead, a slapstick crew of survivors, and resource management that would make even the most seasoned spreadsheet ninja proud. If you think a game about dodging brain-eating zombies sounds like the perfect escape from reality, well, my friend, you're in for a treat!

Gameplay

Ah, gameplay! The heart and soul of any self-respecting video game. In State of Decay 3, the gameplay will be familiar to veterans of the series, but with some shiny new upgrades that make you feel like you're living in a zombie movie. You've got the standard formula: find a base (which should ideally not be in the middle of a zombie buffet), gather supplies, and then attempt to keep those supplies out of the zombie's grubby hands. Simple, right? Wrong! Because just when you think you're safe, a horde of zombies will wander in to audition for a horror film, and it's your job to make them reconsider their life choices. But fear not! Unlike its predecessors, which often felt like you were poaching from a grocery store during a zombie outbreak, the new version promises a rich narrative experience with character-driven choices that can mean the difference between life and a very messy death. Each character has their own backstory and quirks, and let's just say that one character might be a bit too fond of vegetables-good luck explaining that to a horde of zombies! And speaking of variety, weapon choices abound! Ever fancied using a shovel as a makeshift weapon? Of course, you have! You can also expect to craft, upgrade, and personalize those weapons to either maximize your zombie-slaying efficiency or just improve the aesthetic for your social media zombie selfie. Resource management just became cooler; you'll need to save enough food, medicine, and ammo not only to keep yourself and your friends alive but to keep their spirits high. Too little snack and the morale goes down faster than a zombie's IQ in a math competition. Co-op mode will also return, and here's hoping that your friends will actually help you out instead of just hogging all the loot. Because nothing says "friendship" like arguing over who gets the last can of beans while the zombies are banging on the door! Hey, sharing is caring unless it's about food!

Graphics

If you're expecting something akin to movie quality visuals, your eyes will be treated to a sumptuous buffet of gore and beauty in State of Decay 3. Imagine stunning vistas that make you pause and think, "If only the world wasn't filled with zombies." The lighting effects are reminiscent of a warm sunset, perfect for scaring the pants off you as the sun sets behind the distant mountains while you're running from a bunch of really grumpy zombies. Seriously, the detail on the zombies alone could earn them acting awards for best supporting role in a film that should never be made. Textures are sharper than a zombie's teeth during dinner time, and the world design features a variety of environments that are just begging to be explored, from abandoned towns to rural backwaters. Plus, the atmospheric sounds will have you jumping at every creak and rustle-because who knows what's lurking behind those beautifully rendered bushes? Oh, right, a zombie reaching for a snack!

Conclusion

In conclusion, State of Decay 3 is shaping up to be the undead star of the survival horror genre. With an open-world gameplay experience that combines humor, resource management, and heart-pounding action, this game is set to entertain you for hours-and likely keep you awake at night when you start dreaming about zombie hordes chasing you down. Whether you're a returning player or a newcomer to the series, there's plenty to get excited about. So grab your backpack, gather your friends, and prepare for the great adventure of survival, and remember, if you're ever overwhelmed, just blame it on that one friend who took all the beans! Happy surviving!

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