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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. keefbaker
    Oct 16, 2013
    7
    This game truly is its own animal. It's a defense game with a simple premise of try to protect your people from the zombie horde. Graphics are basic but functional and it truly can be a lot of fun, even if it can be a bit brutally punishing and repetitive after a while.
  7. KongsPetDewgong
    Aug 23, 2013
    7
    A nice twist on the defense and zombie tropes, though you can't select which units you bring to a mission and the repetitiveness of the campaign, the uniqueness makes it a really fun playthrough for the first run, the game definitely loses it's luster after that, but still worth a look if you want something new.
  8. a0puncfan
    Jun 23, 2013
    5
    There's a few things about this game I don't like, and do.

    One MAJOR thing I don't like is the randomness. RANDOM. I don't like how the snipers randomly shoot zombies. Doesn't matter how close they are to the humans or how far away they are from the landing point, NOPE just shoot zombies randomly. All strategies are then thrown out the window. The human AI is also completely stupid    There's a few things about this game I don't like, and do.

    One MAJOR thing I don't like is the randomness. RANDOM. I don't like how the snipers randomly shoot zombies. Doesn't matter how close they are to the humans or how far away they are from the landing point, NOPE just shoot zombies randomly. All strategies are then thrown out the window. The human AI is also completely stupid sometimes, running into huge hordes of zombies and dying.

    But. For all the horrible randomness, I can't help but be drawn in by the game. I've started out playing saying I'd stop in a bit, but end up playing on for hours. So I guess they're doing something right.
    Part of it is the STELLAR soundtrack. It's enjoyable, and fitting for the game's time setting.

    For the stupid design choices and fully random campaign, I'm drawn in by the game. It's fun, but not worth the full price purchase. Wait for a sale, and buy it only if you like a mock tower defense game.    … Expand
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. suneater
    Dec 11, 2012
    4
    Gameplay revolves around protecting an overworld map from zombie infestations. You pick out regions to evacuate and send in troops/artillery/explosives to fight off the zombies while your chopper air-lifts civilians and scientists (for researching upgrades). It gets repetitive because each zone is randomly generated, even if you restart the current mission. However there is no way toGameplay revolves around protecting an overworld map from zombie infestations. You pick out regions to evacuate and send in troops/artillery/explosives to fight off the zombies while your chopper air-lifts civilians and scientists (for researching upgrades). It gets repetitive because each zone is randomly generated, even if you restart the current mission. However there is no way to preview what the map will look like when you choose to evac it; besides a general difficulty number, there's no sure way to prepare your loadout. This leads to occasionally forfeiting a zone and losing a turn, potentially costing you the whole campaign. Some replay value is provided by mutators which affect everything from possible loadouts to super weapon strengths. I got this in the humble indie bundle 3 and find it very entertaining in small doses. Worth checking out if you're looking for a twist on tower defense games.… Expand
  13. 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
  14. GolovA
    Nov 11, 2012
    7
    Very nice game. Addictive gameplay. It concentrates on strategy more than on the story (which is a collection of vaguely connected vignettes) and graphics. But i've definitely had lots of fun playing it! Props to the creator! :)
  15. hellznrg
    Nov 8, 2012
    2
    I didn't like the game at all. It's just not much fun.

    Pro: interesting presentation (music, ambience, etc), but I personally don't think it fits very well in a zombie game.
    Cons: gameplay sucks. Weapons are very slow to respond, zombies move too fast, frustrating. Didn't feel like playing after 3 maps.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. Kiebler
    Jul 19, 2012
    1
    The 30 minutes the game worked it seemed pretty cool.

    That said, the game crashes to the Blue Screen of Death with ATI video cards. No known fix, no patch planned from what I could tell when searching through the publishers site.
  19. JimCorbett
    May 2, 2012
    7
    I was pleasantly surprised by this game when i got it in the humble bundle. I have since spent over 20 hours on it getting all of the achievements. It's quite unique for a defense game and has plenty of customizable options which can make the game easier or more difficult. You can customize your army, increase the amount of enemies, etc. It also has a very easy to use mod creation systemI was pleasantly surprised by this game when i got it in the humble bundle. I have since spent over 20 hours on it getting all of the achievements. It's quite unique for a defense game and has plenty of customizable options which can make the game easier or more difficult. You can customize your army, increase the amount of enemies, etc. It also has a very easy to use mod creation system which allows you to mess with almost any part of the game. I had a lot of fun creating my own mods and playing a game with them. Overall, it's a good game that is worth a look… Expand
  20. Andreakossa
    Apr 21, 2012
    7
    Amazing zombies game, save the city from the invasion, use the special weapons this game give you, save the country and build special weapons, this is a game you must have !
  21. Ears14U
    Mar 13, 2012
    0
    Are you really kidding me? After gaming for nearly 30 years, this has got to be the most worthless pile of oozing dung of a so called game I've ever seen! I will leave it at that. This game surely SUX to a pure 10++++ Go on...spend your money then..
  22. 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.
  23. Svetto
    Mar 3, 2012
    0
    Boring, repetitive and ugly. Do not waste your money. The graphics look like something from the 80's and the gameplay just sucks. Every mission is essentially the same. I had enough after three maps but forced myself to keep playing to see if it got better. It didn't.
  24. 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 .
  25. x2495iiii
    Dec 26, 2011
    1
    Here is a game that takes all the fun out of a zombie apocalypse. The trailers make it seem like the premise is tactically nuking zombies while keeping survivors intact. In reality, most of your time is spent avoiding the absurdly fast pink squares (zombies, just add imagination) and using an easily frightened away helicopter to airlift the defenseless (and largely suicidal) yellowHere is a game that takes all the fun out of a zombie apocalypse. The trailers make it seem like the premise is tactically nuking zombies while keeping survivors intact. In reality, most of your time is spent avoiding the absurdly fast pink squares (zombies, just add imagination) and using an easily frightened away helicopter to airlift the defenseless (and largely suicidal) yellow squares. As the game gets harder, you are given troops that can kill the zombies, but then those troops are taken away randomly while the difficulty remains the same. Yay. Finally, the game itself is very user unfriendly. There's no restart button from the pause menu, there's no option to change your loadout as you want it, and the game itself, even when you have the troops you need, is repetitive and dull. It tries to be unique and goofy, but succeeds in being irritating and disappointing. Do not waste your money. Do not waste your time. Play anything but this.… Expand
  26. JonesR
    Dec 1, 2011
    6
    I've read a lot of good things about this game and I've read a lot of bad things about this game so I tried to keep an open mind going in. I personally think the game fundamentals are solid, but you have to look past the cheesy graphics. The overall impression I get is Risk meets Choplifter with minimal tower defense and real time strategy elements. There is technically no way toI've read a lot of good things about this game and I've read a lot of bad things about this game so I tried to keep an open mind going in. I personally think the game fundamentals are solid, but you have to look past the cheesy graphics. The overall impression I get is Risk meets Choplifter with minimal tower defense and real time strategy elements. There is technically no way to win--there are only degrees of losing. The goal is to rescue as many non-infected as you can or destroy the zombie hordes before nightfall. You are given a basic assortment of mercenaries for offensive purposes which level up as they gain experience, and it's only after they start leveling that the game's fun factor is uncovered; just watch out for the friendly fire! Achievements are always a plus. The price tag is a bit on the heavy side for my expectations, but it would be wise to download the demo and judge for yourself. Overall, I found it to be a refreshing distraction.… Expand
  27. genoforprez
    Nov 6, 2011
    6
    A great idea for a defense game, but I would enjoy it more if--like other defense games---you were able to actually select your units. You have no control over which units you are allowed to use in an encounter, and when you have thirty seconds to kill 10,000 zombies using only a cement wall, a stick of dynamite, and a mortar that takes a half an hour to reload, the game gets moreA great idea for a defense game, but I would enjoy it more if--like other defense games---you were able to actually select your units. You have no control over which units you are allowed to use in an encounter, and when you have thirty seconds to kill 10,000 zombies using only a cement wall, a stick of dynamite, and a mortar that takes a half an hour to reload, the game gets more frustrating than fun in a hurry. Maybe I just don't get it yet, but despite its stellar presentation, every time I play it I just feel like it's repetition is boring and its capricious randomization is frustrating. Glad I got it in Humble Bundle instead of buying. It's interesting and quirky, but I definitely would have been angry had I paid $10 for it.… Expand
  28. Tritonio
    Nov 2, 2011
    3
    Amazing idea, really fun gameplay but isn't worth a single dollar. It's the most random and hard game I've ever played. you play half of the campaign looking too good, and suddenly the zombies start spreading like a plague and you are guaranteed to get a random selection of the most useless units that will make the campaign unbeatable... Thankfully I got it for free in the Humble BundleAmazing idea, really fun gameplay but isn't worth a single dollar. It's the most random and hard game I've ever played. you play half of the campaign looking too good, and suddenly the zombies start spreading like a plague and you are guaranteed to get a random selection of the most useless units that will make the campaign unbeatable... Thankfully I got it for free in the Humble Bundle and didn't pay for it...… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. Exogenesis
    Sep 30, 2011
    7
    Good for wasting a few hours, but Atom Zombie Smasher becomes very boring after the first or second game. Presentation is classy, Gameplay is smooth, there's just not much to see
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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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