The Withering
" Immersive action-adventure RPG with detailed base building but clunky controls and bugs "
The Withering Review
The Withering is an Early Access zombie survival game blending camp management with real-time third-person combat and exploration. Players scavenge for resources, build and upgrade their base, recruit survivors, and defend against zombie hordes. The game offers a mix of FPS-style looting and tactical base defense with RPG elements like skill upgrades and crafting. Many players praise the game's ambitious scope, active developer involvement, and unique blend of gameplay mechanics. However, the game is still in alpha with numerous rough edges including clunky controls, poor optimization, and a steep learning curve. Some players lament the drastic redesign from the original version, which removed favored features and introduced bugs and sluggish combat. The base defense system is criticized as tedious and uninspired, while the inventory and UI require streamlining. Despite these issues, the game's evolving content and dedicated dev team keep a loyal player base hopeful for future improvements.
Highlights
Players appreciate the detailed and varied gameplay mechanics such as base building, survivor management, and scavenging missions. The combination of FPS-style zombie combat with camp defense and resource crafting is seen as innovative. The game atmosphere and sound design effectively immerse players in the post-apocalyptic world. The active developer support, frequent updates, and responsiveness to community feedback are highly praised. The inclusion of different zombie types, weapon rarity and durability, and a skill progression system add depth. Many enjoy the balance of tactical decision-making and action-oriented gameplay, with the potential for multiplayer modes in the future. The price point is considered fair for the current content and potential.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include clunky and sluggish controls, poor optimization causing high CPU usage and FPS drops, and a confusing, bloated UI. The combat system, especially melee, is often described as frustrating and ineffective. Inventory management and looting mechanics are cumbersome and unintuitive. The base defense mode is seen as boring and slow-paced. Many players note a lack of meaningful story or endgame content, with repetitive missions and grind-heavy progression. The redesign from version 1.0 to 2.0 alienated some fans due to removal of features and degraded gameplay. Bugs, glitches, and inconsistent hit detection diminish the experience. Some feel the game is released prematurely and needs substantial polish before it can be recommended widely.
Pros
- • Detailed base building and survivor management offer strategic depth.
- • Combines FPS zombie combat with camp defense and crafting mechanics.
- • Active and responsive developer team with frequent updates.
- • Atmosphere and sound design effectively immerse players.
- • Varied zombie types and weapon rarity add gameplay variety.
- • Skill progression and crafting systems enhance player choice.
- • Fair price for current content and ongoing development.
Cons
- • Clunky, sluggish controls and awkward camera movement.
- • Poor optimization causing high CPU usage and FPS drops.
- • Confusing and bloated user interface and inventory system.
- • Combat system, especially melee, feels frustrating and ineffective.
- • Base defense mode is slow, boring, and uninspired.
- • Repetitive missions and grind-heavy resource gathering.
- • Lack of meaningful story or endgame content.
Rating Criteria
Have you ever thought or imagined how our world would look like after an apocalyptic event? What would we do if some of us were to survive? What world would we live in and what challenges would we face? What would you do?