Platform(s): PC, PS4, XB1
Release Date: March 26th 2019
Genre: FPS
Price: $39.99 USD
Player(s): 1-4
Format: Digital/Physical
Developer: Avalanche Software
Publisher:
(Digital) Avalanche Software
(Physical) THQ Nordic
What is this game?
Generation Zero is an open world, sandbox, FPS set in an alternate 1980s Sweden that has been taken over by an unknown mechanical force. By rebelling against the machines you will be able to collect loot and grow your character to improve your odds against stronger foes. The Polygon review describes the game as "if Dear Esther and DayZ had a baby" and that's the most apt comparison I've seen so far. The game appears to be incredibly open and non-linear but still has a narrative that you can try and uncover piece by piece.
How does it play?
Combat is centered around guerilla warfare. The machines have varying behavior and weak points depending on their size/type and you are able to exploit those traits in combat. An example is using a flare to attract scouts to a pack of explosive barrels and destroying them all in one go.
Machines also feature persistent damage so returning to a combat area after retreating will allow you to continue from where you left off.
Character progression?
As you level your character you will be given skill points to upgrade one of 4 specialization trees: combat (weapons), support (assist teammates), survival (lone wolf) and tech (increase secondary equipment). You are also able to customise the look of your character as well.
Mission structure?
You are dropped into the open world with a decent amount of freedom from the get-go. You can either delve into the main objectives (these seem very open and not scripted) to get the story of the game or you can just wonder about finding loot and fighting off machines.
Online/multiplayer only?
No. You can play Generation Zero offline and/or solo if you choose to. While the larger machines are easier to tackle in a multiplayer group it is still possible to destroy them solo (though reviews mention solo play is especially difficult).
How does multiplayer work?
You can host either a private or open lobby that players can be invited to join or randomly appear in. Loot is player specific so you don't need to worry about someone snagging your equipment.
What happens when I die?
You respawn with all your equipment in a nearby safehouse.
PS4 Pro/XB1 X support?
Yes, the game will run at higher resolutions on those platforms.
Ultrawide support?
The beta apparently supported that aspect ratio so it's a "likely yes".
https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/generation-zero Metacritic (PC) - 51
Polygon (No Score)
https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2019/3/21/18274686/generation-zero-review-pc-ps4-xbox-one
It all adds up to a game that feels like an excellent first draft. Fans of battle royale games and open-world survival games should feel right at home — that is, until they run up against a mob that's too big to handle on their own. Groups of players fresh off other cooperative shooters like the Payday series will have the most luck. But for your average consumer, Generation Zero is a tough sell. Without a committed team and good communication, there's simply no way forward on your own.
wccftech (5/10)
https://wccftech.com/review/generation-zero-review/
Generation Zero is a game that has fantastic potential but falls short in so many areas. The Excellent combat and generally great atmosphere is let down by a myriad of bugs, a very limited range of enemies to face off against, boring quests and a world that is just too large and sterile, particularly if played alone. The potential of bug fixes and increased enemy types would make this a fantastic budget purchase, but until that time it's one I would miss unless you know at least two others to co-op with.
Xbox One
PS4
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Official Site
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