Zombie Army 4: Dead War

Developer: Rebellion
Release: Feb 18th 2021
Platforms:
Action
Addictive
Cooperative
Strategic
Expensive
Buggy
Zombie Army 4: Dead War Poster

" Engaging action shooter with intense zombie combat and co-op, but plagued by technical issues "

Zombie Army 4: Dead War Review

Zombie Army 4: Dead War is a highly engaging cooperative third-person shooter that builds upon its predecessors with improved gameplay mechanics, diverse weaponry, and a well-balanced campaign. Players appreciate the intense zombie-slaying action, special enemy variety, and the strategic depth added by weapon upgrades and perks. The pacing and level design are generally praised for maintaining excitement without becoming tedious. The game offers substantial content, including a lengthy base campaign and multiple DLCs, which significantly extend playtime.

However, the game's DLC policy is a major point of contention among players, with many criticizing the high cost and fragmented content access. Technical issues such as multiplayer connectivity problems and occasional bugs, especially on higher difficulties, have also been reported. Despite these drawbacks, the game remains a fun and satisfying experience, especially in co-op mode, and is recommended for fans of zombie shooters and cooperative gameplay.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the game's refined gameplay mechanics, including precise shooting and varied enemy types that keep combat fresh. The weapon customization and upgrade system add strategic layers, enhancing replay value. The graphics and level design receive positive remarks for their atmospheric and engaging environments. The storyline, while not the main focus, provides a solid backdrop for the action. The co-op multiplayer mode is highlighted as a key strength, making the game more enjoyable and chaotic with friends. Horde mode also offers additional challenge and longevity.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's aggressive DLC pricing, which many feel detracts from the overall value and enjoyment. Some players find the grind for unlocking perks and weapons to be slow and tedious. Technical issues such as game freezes, bugs on nightmare difficulty, and persistent multiplayer errors hinder the experience for some users. The atmosphere is noted to be less scary compared to previous entries, and the lack of mod support limits community-driven content. Additionally, peer-to-peer multiplayer can cause delays and connectivity problems.

Pros

  • Engaging and intense zombie-slaying gameplay with satisfying slow-mo kill cams.
  • Diverse and unique weapons including flamethrowers and harpoon guns.
  • Well-balanced campaign pacing with fair checkpoints and varied enemy types.
  • Extensive weapon upgrade and perk systems add strategic depth.
  • Co-op multiplayer enhances fun and chaotic gameplay experiences.
  • Horde mode provides additional replayability and challenge.
  • High-quality graphics and atmospheric level designs.

Cons

  • Excessive and expensive DLC content fragments game experience.
  • Slow and grindy perk and weapon unlock progression.
  • Technical issues including game freezes and multiplayer connectivity problems.
  • Peer-to-peer multiplayer causes frequent delays and lag.
  • Less scary atmosphere compared to previous series entries.
  • Lack of modding support limits community engagement.
  • Some weapons feel redundant or only cosmetically different.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Hitler’s hordes are back for more in this spine-chilling shooter from the makers of Sniper Elite 4! Abominable occult enemies, epic weapons and a harrowing new campaign for 1-4 players await in 1940s Europe, as you fight to save humankind from undead Armageddon!

Release Date Feb 18th 2021
Publisher Rebellion
Developer Rebellion
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (2,462)
87% Positive 13% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
74