Infection Free Zone

Developer: Jutsu Games
Release: Apr 11th 2024
Platforms:
Action
Indie
Simulation
Strategy
Early Access
Innovative
Immersive
Addictive
Buggy
Unpolished
Infection Free Zone Poster

" Innovative action-strategy survival sim with real-world maps but limited late-game content "

Infection Free Zone Review

Infection Free Zone is a unique early access game that combines city-building, survival, and strategy elements with the innovative feature of allowing players to establish colonies anywhere on real-world maps. Players appreciate the engaging premise, especially the ability to play in familiar locations, which adds immersion and personal connection. The developers are notably active, responsive, and supportive, frequently addressing community concerns and providing timely fixes. However, the game is still in early development, and many players report that it lacks polish, depth, and late-game content. Gameplay can become repetitive and somewhat tedious due to micromanagement demands and limited building options. Performance and optimization issues, including bugs, crashes, and UI frustrations, are also common complaints. Despite these setbacks, the game shows great promise with its creative concept and evolving features, attracting a dedicated player base eager to see future improvements and expansions.

Highlights

Players praise the game's innovative use of real-world maps, allowing for personalized and immersive gameplay. The active and responsive development team receives high marks for their engagement and quick solutions. The core gameplay mechanics involving base building, resource management, and defense offer a solid foundation. The storyline, while not the main focus, is appreciated for its integration and optional engagement. The game's unique blend of city-building and survival strategy stands out in the genre, providing a fresh experience for fans. Many reviewers find the game addictive and fun, especially once they adapt to its systems.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a lack of late-game content and depth, leading to repetitive and sometimes boring gameplay after initial hours. The UI and controls are often described as clunky, with issues like forced camera movement and poor squad management. Performance problems such as frequent crashes, bugs, and poor optimization—especially on laptops—are frequently mentioned. Some players find the building system restrictive and the micromanagement overwhelming. The game's storage demands on the C: drive cause frustration, and the AI behavior and pathfinding sometimes feel unrealistic. Overall, many feel the game needs more polish, quality-of-life improvements, and expanded features before it can reach its full potential.

Pros

  • Innovative real-world map integration enhances immersion and personalization.
  • Active and responsive developers provide quick support and updates.
  • Engaging core gameplay combining survival, city-building, and strategy.
  • Addictive and enjoyable once players learn the mechanics.
  • Unique ability to build safe zones anywhere globally.
  • Storyline is optional and well integrated for those interested.
  • Good price point for an early access title with ongoing development.

Cons

  • Lacks late-game content, leading to repetitive gameplay.
  • UI and camera controls are clunky and frustrating.
  • Performance issues include crashes and poor optimization.
  • Micromanagement can be overwhelming and tedious.
  • Building system feels restrictive and not fully fleshed out.
  • Storage demands on C: drive cause inconvenience.
  • AI pathfinding and enemy spawning sometimes unrealistic.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Choose any real region from the world. Choose your base of operations, then rebuild and readapt the buildings around you to create a self-sustaining settlement. Take charge of a group of survivors from your city. And when the night falls - Defend the zone from the infected!

Release Date Apr 11th 2024
Publisher Games Operators
Developer Jutsu Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (5,470)
85% Positive 15% Negative