Skytone Games and Vanimals have introduced a refreshing twist to the well-trodden zombie genre with their latest release, UNDYING. In this gripping tale, you’ll step into the shoes of Anling, navigating the chaos of a world overrun by the undead. Although the outbreak occurred four months ago, it feels like an eternity. The military attempted to turn subway stations into safe havens for refugees, planning to evacuate everyone in phases. Of course, this didn’t pan out. The extraction went awry as a horde of zombies collapsed the roof of the station meant for Anling’s group. Now, with her son Cody’s life at stake, Anling’s mission is to ensure his survival by imparting crucial survival skills. Her time is limited, though, as she’s been bitten, adding urgency to their quest for safety. At least you’re back at your home, which will serve as your base for scavenging vital resources.
UNDYING offers a survival experience with three levels of difficulty to tailor to your preference: Tranquil, Adventure, and Fierce. With Tranquil, the pace slows down, and zombies pose less of a threat, providing a more relaxed experience. Adventure ups the ante slightly with fewer resources, demanding more strategic thinking. Go for the Fierce mode, and you’ll face relentless threats and the ever-ticking clock racing against you. How long can you stay alive?
Controlling Anling is straightforward, using the left stick to move, while Cody tags along. Engage stealth mode by pressing the stick in, and use the B button to interact with the environment. Decide whether Anling or Cody should grab found items. Attack enemies with the ZR button, locking onto targets with the right stick. Direct Cody’s movements, whether it’s staying put or assisting you, with the right stick, and hold his hand using the R button to calm him down when needed.
Keeping track of Anling’s stats — health, hunger, and hydration — is critical in adjusting strategies on the fly. Your battle capabilities depend on your attack power, damage resistance, and whether you’ve activated any helpful bonuses. Monitor Cody’s stats, too, ensuring his health and survival needs are met. As Anling succumbs to infection, her symptoms page will reveal any additional factors impacting your gameplay.
Resources are pivotal, but equally important is upgrading your gear to enhance Cody’s education in survival. Expanding your backpack and improving its efficiency can significantly impact your journey, allowing you to carry more and move faster. This speed boost might just be your saving grace, allowing you to retreat in time when danger closes in.
Through the game, Cody learns new skills by earning experience points, which he can invest in various capacities like crafting, survival, and combat. Teaching him to utilize equipment like the workbench will make him increasingly self-sufficient. Eventually, Cody could master finding hidden resources or even honing his hunting skills—critical capabilities in the harsh reality of a zombie apocalypse.
UNDYING pushes the boundaries of zombie stories by focusing on survival and preparedness. Your journey with Anling began with hope burning brightly amidst military-organized shelters, quickly doused by unforeseen calamity during a crucial rescue attempt. Anling’s maternal instincts kick in to shield her son from this grim world while the clock counts down her final days due to a zombie bite. Retreating to your home, you’ll scratch out an existence by scavenging precious resources for as long as possible. The game offers thrilling gameplay at $19.99 on the Nintendo Switch.
With the hefty task of equipping your son with skills to outlast this new world hanging over your head, will you succeed?
This UNDYING review is grounded in a gameplay experience on a Nintendo Switch, provided by Skystone Games.
