Atom Zombie Smasher

 PC
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 111 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 111
  3. Negative: 12 out of 111

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  1. wololooo
    Mar 9, 2012
    9
    A truly unique defense game. Campaigns get challenging quickly, and though it can be brutally punishing at times, it really encourages you to fine-tune and experiment with your strategies. There are some great balancing mods (available through the integrated mod support - an awesome feature that more indie develepors should implement) that all but perfect the gameplay.
  2. Joben
    Dec 22, 2012
    8
    This is a really fun game. I think zombies are getting rather played out, but even if you just view it as an abstract tactics game it's great. It's a good game to play when you have a few minutes to spare. Each round lasts only about 2 minutes, and a full game an hour or so depending on settings. Which btw are fairly extensive. I notice some other user reviews here complaining about thatThis is a really fun game. I think zombies are getting rather played out, but even if you just view it as an abstract tactics game it's great. It's a good game to play when you have a few minutes to spare. Each round lasts only about 2 minutes, and a full game an hour or so depending on settings. Which btw are fairly extensive. I notice some other user reviews here complaining about that are easy to change in the options menu when you start a campaign. (Although some of them might have to be unlocked, I can't remember) Overall I find it very satisfying. There's a demo so pick it up and give it a shot.… Expand
  3. gamenutt5
    May 19, 2013
    10
    Such a great game. You know what the gameplay is like so I won't explain but it is so worth your time. I love how long the matches last and the entire concept of the game is so fresh. The game runs great and is a ton of fun.
  4. smiffy
    Sep 18, 2012
    9
    I bought this game as part of a Humble Bundle and installed it out of curiosity more than anything. It turned out to be my favorite game of 2011.

    LOL at the people who gave 0 because it was too difficult for them and mistaking stylised graphics for being poor.
  5. GoneFishingX
    May 12, 2011
    9
    Atom Zombie Smasher combines a simple premise with huge amounts of options. You have different units that each function differently and creates a fun difficulty curve, making each level an extremely unique and rewarding challenge. The game has loads of worthwhile game mods and alternate modes of play that can drastically change your experience. It has a fantastic aesthetic, creating zanyAtom Zombie Smasher combines a simple premise with huge amounts of options. You have different units that each function differently and creates a fun difficulty curve, making each level an extremely unique and rewarding challenge. The game has loads of worthwhile game mods and alternate modes of play that can drastically change your experience. It has a fantastic aesthetic, creating zany and often completely random mood to what could easily be a grim set up. If you liked the demo then this game is totally worth buying, it's just awesome.… Expand
  6. RichardH
    Apr 23, 2011
    8
    The graphical style is unique, the story incidental and downright incoherent. There is however, a great arcade style game hidden within this package.

    From first appearance it suggests a Flash game taken to the next level of polish so if you're a fan of games like "Infectinator" then this will be right up your alley. This is also a game where you might fail on your first or second run    The graphical style is unique, the story incidental and downright incoherent. There is however, a great arcade style game hidden within this package.

    From first appearance it suggests a Flash game taken to the next level of polish so if you're a fan of games like "Infectinator" then this will be right up your alley. This is also a game where you might fail on your first or second run through. For some this is a negative note but if you are one for a challenge and can persevere then you will find great reward in your eventual victory over the horde. If you enjoy the game dynamic then you will find plenty of re-playability from the campaign modifiers available. I for one am a sucker for "world conquest" style games and feel many RTS's could benefit from the meta aspect of this game map.

    The only real failing of this title is from the multiplayer. While being offered the only option is multiple controllers on a single screen. LAN or internet options would have significantly pushed the score higher.

    Add a score point if you're looking for a game to play while watching TV on another monitor at the same time.    … Expand
  7. FRancium34
    Jul 17, 2011
    8
    Very unique game! This is a charming little indie game, so just don't expect DirectX11 graphics, or 20 hour stories. The core idea is simple, you deploy a chopper to rescue civilians from the zombie outbreak, also using other troops to destroy/slow the undead. On the big map you can select which cities to evacuate, while the zombie threats will increase by each round, giving a sense ofVery unique game! This is a charming little indie game, so just don't expect DirectX11 graphics, or 20 hour stories. The core idea is simple, you deploy a chopper to rescue civilians from the zombie outbreak, also using other troops to destroy/slow the undead. On the big map you can select which cities to evacuate, while the zombie threats will increase by each round, giving a sense of urgency. The game includes leveling up, research, random situations, and some bizarre writing to go along with the post-apocalyptic world. A very challenging game in itself, different options and mods offer even more replay value. For $5 or less, definitely pick it up. Beware though, some complain its difficulty curve increases really fast, some random situations are virtually unbeatable, and the game always autosaves.… Expand
  8. LD9000
    May 1, 2011
    8
    A fun little game, well worth the 10 $ spent. There's a variety of mods giving you more/faster leveling mercs, bigger cities, etc. All of this kept me playing over and over for quite some time. I found the default campaign difficulty to be rather easy, but the mods add up extra challenge like A LOT MORE ZOMBIES!!! :)
  9. Levardos
    Sep 6, 2011
    8
    It's really a fun indie game. It sort of is a "tower defense" genre but... not really. I know I'm contradicting myself now but there is no other genre I could compare it to. The main purpose here is to save people from zombies. Overall the developers had a really nice idea and I'm sure a person can have few hours of fun playing this game, but then it just gets boring. There is really notIt's really a fun indie game. It sort of is a "tower defense" genre but... not really. I know I'm contradicting myself now but there is no other genre I could compare it to. The main purpose here is to save people from zombies. Overall the developers had a really nice idea and I'm sure a person can have few hours of fun playing this game, but then it just gets boring. There is really not much more I can write. Pros: -Original idea for a game. Cons: -Not a kind of a game you'll stick around for too long.… Expand
  10. Durandal
    Aug 23, 2011
    9
    Part tower defense, part RISK style strategy, all mixed into a great retro 40's / 50's style package set during the zombie apocalypse.

    Graphics are minimalistic but well presented and effective. The feeling is more of a 50's sci-fi monster movie with a WW2 style backdrop. Wherever you classify it, it works very well and has a pleasing aesthetic. Gameplay is polished and smooth. You spend    Part tower defense, part RISK style strategy, all mixed into a great retro 40's / 50's style package set during the zombie apocalypse.

    Graphics are minimalistic but well presented and effective. The feeling is more of a 50's sci-fi monster movie with a WW2 style backdrop. Wherever you classify it, it works very well and has a pleasing aesthetic. Gameplay is polished and smooth. You spend most of your time playing, and not wading through extra bs. Cutscenes are done as a kind of moving comic vignette, which you can watch as it progresses or skip through at your own pace. There are lots of options for how you play the game as well. You can choose just how hard the game is with lots of items rather than the traditional "easy, medium, uberdeathhard" choices. You can turn on and off upgrades, or speed of zombies, or environmental factors like daylight length that affect gameplay. Let's you really customize your game experience, which really lets you have fun. Another thing that adds to this is that you aren't needlessly punished for a slip up. Levels are each pretty bite sized, so if you fail a mission you know quickly. Not only does it let you keep playing if you want (but flashes a restart button for convenience), but when you restart, you can have it maintain your placement of resources so you don't have to do it again or choose to redo it. No loading screens, no extra information if you don't want... just right back into the action. The way this is done is, I would say, nearly perfect.

    The only drawback, I would say, is that the game can be slightly repetitive. You are basically always on an overhead map... and maps are fairly similar. The great pacing makes up for this though. This game is about having fun. The developers obviously had that in mind when they made the game... push the fun and everything else will follow. I might have overlooked this if not for the humblebundle, which included it, which would have been a shame. This is definitely a niche style game; you have to be a fan of tower defense or RTS style games, and this is definitely a casual experience. I consider that a plus here though. The game is easily picked up without any prior instruction and is fun in bite sized pieces. Great way to pass the time while waiting for your pizza to arrive or the rest of your carpool to show up. Lots of short levels with saved campaign progress means you can start and stop playing whenever you feel like it.

    Low system requirements and price mixed with high aesthetic and fun factor make this a hidden gem that is worth the price ( $9.99 USD at time of review).    … Expand
  11. gvazdas
    Aug 8, 2011
    9
    This game was extremely fun.
    Even though not graphically proficient, the game offered a large amount of fun and rarely even some humor.
    I had much fun in this game. Those who like defend games, strategy games, you'll love this one.
  12. Overrwatcher
    Aug 13, 2011
    8
    A game that is worth the money you spend. Sure, you may lose interest in time but the charm and cuteness of the game, along with the many different modifications to make the campaign easier/harder/more chaotic make this game worth the $10. Lots of effort was put into this game and it shows.
  13. Rewe
    Oct 29, 2011
    9
    Atom Zombie smasher is the type of game you play to waste a lot of time. Long story short, if you're a fan of strategy games, I recommend you give this one a try. The moddability is really great too; it is EXTREMELY easy to make, publish and download mods. These mods can really change the experience of the game. My only real complaint is the difficulty, but other than that, this game is great.
  14. Just_Endless
    Aug 30, 2011
    10
    Met the developer at PAX. Incredible game. After an initial judgement of, "well just look at it, it can't be fun", I gave it a shot, and found 2 hours of my day happily spent. Thanks.
  15. namDa65
    Jan 31, 2012
    9
    8.5/10 for me. Fun little indie game that had me playing for 2 hours straight without even noticing. It plays like a tower defense, with its on perks like you sort of commanding squads and weapons to try and eliminate purple dots and the occasional purple rectangular prism. Sick game .
  16. spleendamage
    Jul 20, 2012
    8
    I didn't expect much from this game, having paid $3, for it on a Steam sale, but I liked it quite a bit. The game has no "graphics" to speak of, people and zombies are tiny dots on a city map. Your job, airlift the yellow ones (non-infected people) out to safety and kill off the pink ones (zombies). You are given tools to do this: a helicopter, some infantry, snipers, mines, barricades,I didn't expect much from this game, having paid $3, for it on a Steam sale, but I liked it quite a bit. The game has no "graphics" to speak of, people and zombies are tiny dots on a city map. Your job, airlift the yellow ones (non-infected people) out to safety and kill off the pink ones (zombies). You are given tools to do this: a helicopter, some infantry, snipers, mines, barricades, artillery, bombs ... you get the idea, but in each round, you are only given some of your tools (random in the standard game, but selectable if that option is chosen at game start). Each mission is a territory on a larger map and as after battle is fought, your score and the score of the zombies are added to an overall score counter which will determine victory when a pre-determined number is reached. I have played this game twice through to the bitter end. In game one, I was crushed. In game two, I won by a decent margin. For $3 this was a steal. For more than $5... I'd probably wait.… Expand
  17. sh4dow
    Dec 24, 2014
    9
    It's a great game, although to help appreciate it, one might want to look up some strategy discussions on forums. Because at first glance, it may seem frustratingly difficult. But once you realize a couple of things, it becomes manageable and fun. I just finished my third campaign - all default settings but longest victory score (20000). Zeds were trailing at about 9000. So keep at it andIt's a great game, although to help appreciate it, one might want to look up some strategy discussions on forums. Because at first glance, it may seem frustratingly difficult. But once you realize a couple of things, it becomes manageable and fun. I just finished my third campaign - all default settings but longest victory score (20000). Zeds were trailing at about 9000. So keep at it and maybe use Google if you're frustrated.
    That said, the campaigns are fairly short and the content is only lengthened by additional options and mods. Personally, I'm not really a fan of such artificial "game stretchers". If a game doesn't offer a decent campaign and single player mode, I have no interest in it. And while the quality of the content of this game is very high, the quantity... just isn't that high. So I think whether it's worth it, depends more on what price you buy it for. I got it for 7€ on Desura and I'd say it's definitely worth that much. On the other hand, the ~12€ on the official site... I feel like that's a bit much for this amount of content.    … Expand
  18. Shrugnick
    Apr 27, 2013
    8
    I love the concept and I love the execution. The humor is quirky and unique and right up my alley. My only complaint is that without modifiers you can't choose which mercenaries go on missions with you (so sometimes you can get really screwed). Past that, the graphics are wonderfully "retro" but fighting pink squares might not do it for some. I had to use my imagination some there. ButI love the concept and I love the execution. The humor is quirky and unique and right up my alley. My only complaint is that without modifiers you can't choose which mercenaries go on missions with you (so sometimes you can get really screwed). Past that, the graphics are wonderfully "retro" but fighting pink squares might not do it for some. I had to use my imagination some there. But graphics aside it is a fun game and can be pretty challenging.… Expand
  19. No1livesforever
    Dec 1, 2012
    8
    This is a good small game that is worth playing for $5 value. The difficulty of this game is high and frustrated me quite a while until I figure out how to utilize my military units. One or two military units are overpowered while other units are underwhelming. The lack of proper military unit tutorial make this a trial-and-error learning, but that's okay because it is part of learningThis is a good small game that is worth playing for $5 value. The difficulty of this game is high and frustrated me quite a while until I figure out how to utilize my military units. One or two military units are overpowered while other units are underwhelming. The lack of proper military unit tutorial make this a trial-and-error learning, but that's okay because it is part of learning process. This game is good to waste time on but don't expect too much from it for its priced value.… Expand
  20. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    8
    Una vuelta de tuerca a los juegos tipo Tower Defense que a mí personalmente me interesó mucho. Da muchas horas de diversión y rejugabilidad, vale la pena comprarlo.
  21. RingK
    Nov 12, 2014
    8
    Nice mix between rts and tower defense games. Don't expect fancy graphics, this title is all about gameplay. It hooked me for hours at first, after 2 years I bought I still play it now and then
  22. alexanderyw
    Aug 14, 2014
    10
    this game is a short simple, yet very addicting game. You will want to play it over and over again, you can also create your own mods and much much more to add on to the game
  23. Dco326
    Aug 24, 2023
    8
    Jednostavno napravljena ali iskreno zanimljiva, imao sam fun da je predjem i vidim zasto neki ljudi bi mogli i vise puta da je igraju :D

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best PC Game of 2011
96
#96 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 20, 2011
    84
    Atom Zombie Smasher is a strangely compelling game. At the same time, it's simple but addictive, funny yet disturbing. It does get repetitive after a while, but not until you've gotten your money's worth. [May 2011]
  2. PC PowerPlay
    May 22, 2011
    80
    A unique take on the zombie apocalypse, and one we would love to see more of in the future. [June 2011, p.67]
  3. Thunderbolt
    Apr 26, 2011
    90
    The short, breakneck campaigns create a compelling game you'll likely revisit time and time again. It's the perfect blend of planning and reflexes, requiring you to thoroughly plan every move but remain highly reactive and adaptable.
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