Well, here we go again with another round of demoralizing deaths to a sadistic computer game. Truly the stress reliever I need! And before you ask, yes, I’ve watched through and read plenty of starter guides to this game. It’s just that I’m terrible at it.
For these runs, I’m going with a different build: A fire officer (for fitness and strength) who may be an out-of-shape smoker, but he’s also inconspicuous and lucky. I feel that I really need the zombies to see me a whole lot less than they are.
First up is Marci, who spawns inside a home where a TV is breaking the news of the zombie apocalypse. She quickly scurries around and closes all of the blinds before exploring the house.
It could be that my lucky trait is already paying off. I got a frying pan as an excellent starter weapon, keys to a car, and downed a zombie with a much-needed digital watch. I also scored a leather coat, so go me.
But with keys to a truck, I couldn’t resist going for a joyride and mowing down a bunch of zombies. I’m sorry! I couldn’t resist! Plus, I wanted to get the hang of driving, which isn’t too bad in this game. Unfortunately, all of the noise of my rampage got a bunch of zeds alterted, and Marcie died shortly after getting to her neighbors. I tried to fend off five zombies, but one got a lucky bite in and that was it.
Next run, Wynona the Carpenter. And she got a hammer, so there’s some nice synergy! She spawned in a huge house with a lot of useful items — flashlight, sheets, clothes, food, even a fanny pack. And the hammer. But it’s too big of a house to fortify, not that I really know how at this point, and so she needed to venture out to see what else was out there.
So Wynona’s “story” is pretty much like everyone else that I’ve played. She suits up, creeps out of her home, and is instantly swarmed by every zombie in the zip code. I swear, I am crouching and sneaking, so I have no idea why I’m such a zombie magnet!
Truly frustrated now, for the next playthrough I decided to ratchet down the difficulty level from “survivor” to “builder.” I just needed a break to let me get my game legs and, you know, not die within minutes. Thus was born Simon, who started right off with a backpack, car keys, and the trashiest home ever. Seriously, it looks like this place was abandoned and someone decided to decorate with a metal can and two plastic chairs. Suffice to say, he moved on quick from there.
At the second house, amid the careful gaze of the flamingos, Simon found a baseball bat — and grinned. Life was looking a little bit better!
While the power’s still on and working, Simon decides it’s best to catch an episode of woodcraft on the telly.
Weirdly enough, the “builder” difficulty level is TOO easy, leaving Simon here to listlessly roam the neighborhood, loot, and occasionally take a baseball bat to zombies. Honestly? I think I’ve gotten bored of this whole game. It’s got some interesting ideas and a whole lot of options and depth, but it’s also stressful with permadeath constantly hanging over one’s head.
So instead of taking Simon to his eventual death, I think I’ll do him a solid and leave him in a cozy house with a good book to read. It’s a better fate for him, and I shall move on to other venues.