User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 627 Ratings

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  1. Aug 11, 2014
    10
    The most under-rated game of all time!

    I was on the fence about purchasing this game when it came out because of the user reviews.. WHAT A MISTAKE. People are pretty stupid. I need to read deeper into negative reviews in the future and make sure that the ratio of "expansive features" to "dumb end users" isn't skewing the user score statistic. This game is SUPERB! I love everything
    The most under-rated game of all time!

    I was on the fence about purchasing this game when it came out because of the user reviews.. WHAT A MISTAKE. People are pretty stupid. I need to read deeper into negative reviews in the future and make sure that the ratio of "expansive features" to "dumb end users" isn't skewing the user score statistic.
    This game is SUPERB! I love everything about it. My top 5 aspects:
    - Scary because if you lose a character.. it's just gone (no loading of saves)
    - Scary because you never know what's around the next corner
    - Fun because the story line is REALLY good sometimes
    - Fun because it's open world with lots of goodies
    - Worth my time because it's very dynamic.. huge replayability

    This is Skyrim meets Walking Dead meets Battlefield. Love love love it!
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  2. Dec 24, 2013
    10
    This game is amazing, its more than typical zombie games, you have to rescue survivors and build up your ranks, find shelter, set up outposts, trade resources its just a amazing experience.
    If you want a zombie game thats more than just mindless running around killing zombies you will love this.
    Best zombie sim ever made. Not for crybaby gamers, IE ones that rage quit after some
    This game is amazing, its more than typical zombie games, you have to rescue survivors and build up your ranks, find shelter, set up outposts, trade resources its just a amazing experience.
    If you want a zombie game thats more than just mindless running around killing zombies you will love this.
    Best zombie sim ever made.
    Not for crybaby gamers, IE ones that rage quit after some challenge or after losing a character they worked on leveing up due to perma death.
    This is a game for gamers.
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  3. Nov 14, 2013
    10
    I'm a long time gamer as far back as Daggerfall and Lords of the Realm 1.

    I was nearly deterred from this game due to all the negative feedback on the forums. Good thing I went ahead and got it anyway! What a pleasure to play! And I've played a lot of bad games in my time. And I can't recall a game in recent years I've really enjoyed this much. Last one that comes to mind is Rome
    I'm a long time gamer as far back as Daggerfall and Lords of the Realm 1.

    I was nearly deterred from this game due to all the negative feedback on the forums. Good thing I went ahead and got it anyway!

    What a pleasure to play! And I've played a lot of bad games in my time. And I can't recall a game in recent years I've really enjoyed this much. Last one that comes to mind is Rome Total War...and that was with mods!!!

    Yes. The game needs some fine-tuning, but truth be told, the mechanics are solids, concept is AAA, and I've been having incredible entertainment. Get over technicalities. I hope the devs hammer them out in time, but if they don't, game is still a HIT!
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  4. Jul 9, 2014
    10
    This is for the breakdown DLC.
    It got bugs and some annoying contrast issues, but for the most part the bugs can be avoided or they've been patched. The contrast is the one thing the player must get used to if they don't use mods.
    But building up your character, maintaining base, and sneaking up on zombies are so addicting, omg! I didn't know I'd spend so much time in a single player
    This is for the breakdown DLC.
    It got bugs and some annoying contrast issues, but for the most part the bugs can be avoided or they've been patched. The contrast is the one thing the player must get used to if they don't use mods.
    But building up your character, maintaining base, and sneaking up on zombies are so addicting, omg!
    I didn't know I'd spend so much time in a single player game.
    Low price, addicting gameplay, and moddable game = A+ in my book.
    Thank you thank you thank you!
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  5. Oct 31, 2013
    10
    Probably the best zombie survival game out there. It has almost everything right, and for a zombie fan, it is definitely 10/10. It's a mix of GTA, action rpg and house building/management. Exactly what was missing in the genre (of the zombies I mean)! To the date of the 1st November it works flawlessly with keyboard and mouse too.
  6. Dec 19, 2013
    10
    One of the best games I've played in a year or two. Massive environment, pretty good NPC/Enemy AI, perfect blend of RPG/ survival/realism elements, great 3rd person experience.

    I find it to have to the perfect blend of both realism and survival elements, while not being too realistic to the point of annoyance. Very addicting,boy was I surprised when I took note that my first time
    One of the best games I've played in a year or two. Massive environment, pretty good NPC/Enemy AI, perfect blend of RPG/ survival/realism elements, great 3rd person experience.

    I find it to have to the perfect blend of both realism and survival elements, while not being too realistic to the point of annoyance. Very addicting,boy was I surprised when I took note that my first time playing was almost 6 hours in length; such a thing hasn't happened in years for me.

    Controls are Fine for me, of course I custom configured them but I have noticed no awkwardness whatsoever besides the time it took to get used to some binds all a 1 hour learning curve at most.

    I actually think this would be one of the better console ports in recent memory as far as controls go.

    I run the game with maxed out settings GTX 550ti 8 gigs of ram, quad-core processor) and besides an occasional random lag spike while driving i have no performance issues, game has never crashed or locked up 25 hours+ of play time)

    Haven't payed much attention to the main plot, but from what I've experienced it fits into the freestyle of the game which doesn't push you along. The character attributes aren't the most customizable but they do the job for the massive number of playable characters you have at your disposal. Base customization and building upgrades are well done, especially when you think of all you have to manage, just like the character attributes. Too much detail would become frustrating in a zombie sandbox game such as this, so I believe the developers hit the nail on the head in terms of customization.

    Game is wonderful. Highly recommended.
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  7. Jan 20, 2014
    10
    This game is an absolute gem. I have sunk more than 400 hours into the game and still going strong.
    In an honest review, I need to mention the issues, that might put some people off, such as:
    - a persistent game world (when you log off, the simulation runs in the background - if you leave your survivors in good shape, likely no probs when you come back .. if there are bad relationships,
    This game is an absolute gem. I have sunk more than 400 hours into the game and still going strong.
    In an honest review, I need to mention the issues, that might put some people off, such as:
    - a persistent game world (when you log off, the simulation runs in the background - if you leave your survivors in good shape, likely no probs when you come back .. if there are bad relationships, depression and hunger, you might come back to a suicide, risen zombie, and deaths putting the zombie down - all while you were away!)
    - initially dodgy console port .. the game has come great strides since it's initial release, but it is basically an XBOX port which might annoy some people. Personally, I loathe consolitis and prefer dedicated PC games, but I've still taken great enjoyment from SoD regardless.
    - autosave feature - you cannot save your game, the game does it automatically, it's pretty much an ironman game all the way
    - permadeath - if you lose a survivor, they're gone .. RIP .. you have to recruit & train up new survivors
    - some gameplay bugs - not many that I can think of actually .. at first release there were some problems, now there's just a few weird issues, not unlike any game
    - cannot forward time - time flows at a rate of about 2 hours = 1 day, 1 hour = 1 night .. and you can't speed it up. Night time is more dangerous, you either have to wait it out or man up and get out there in the dark, son !
    Most of the above, I see as assets not liabilities. Anyway, if you like zombie games, survival games, or RPG games where you develop and defend a community .. don't look past this title. It really is awesome.
    There's room for improvement, sure, but the game is a diamond in the rough.
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  8. Dec 10, 2013
    10
    Having played many Zombie survival games and being very disappointed with some recent outputs (*coughs* WarZ/Infestation Survivor Stories), this was a very pleasant surprise.
    For once, it truly feels like a zombie survival game.
    You need to set up a base of survivors, with interchangeable characters. You need to gather resources from the surrounding suburbs/farms for survival. You need
    Having played many Zombie survival games and being very disappointed with some recent outputs (*coughs* WarZ/Infestation Survivor Stories), this was a very pleasant surprise.
    For once, it truly feels like a zombie survival game.
    You need to set up a base of survivors, with interchangeable characters.
    You need to gather resources from the surrounding suburbs/farms for survival.
    You need to improve/upgrade your base for survival.
    There is great weapon selection and weapons do degrade/break.
    You can drive cars, but these break easily and then become harder to find.
    There are plenty of side missions in the story to keep you amused, such as helping/gathering other 'survivors' to increase the standing of your base.
    Add to this zombies which are varied, with tougher zombies to kill, along with 'hordes' of zombies and house 'infestations'.
    All in all, it is a very well thought out and executed zombie survival game with everything I had hoped from this genre and more.
    This is a game which will really make you think about survival, and force you to play in a way for survival.
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  9. Nov 29, 2013
    10
    Best zombie game ever made. Feels like your in 'The walking Dead'. Micro management, Permanent character deaths (important because you can switch to these people) permanent vehicle loss. You have to maintain everything. Little missions constantly pop up to distract you from the main incentive (pursuing these can save playable characters lives)

    Setting up a camp- deciding what buildings
    Best zombie game ever made. Feels like your in 'The walking Dead'. Micro management, Permanent character deaths (important because you can switch to these people) permanent vehicle loss. You have to maintain everything. Little missions constantly pop up to distract you from the main incentive (pursuing these can save playable characters lives)

    Setting up a camp- deciding what buildings to develop (med, ammo, sniper nests etc)

    Talking to people that are depressed/have issues helps more than you realise

    If you send someone on a mission to collect resources they will physically go across the map and attempt to collect and return. You must kit them out well if you dont want them to die. If they die, any resources they collected will drop at the place of death.

    Little details like this make this game special.

    LOADS of weapons/ammo types/items. Shooting is perfect, the lighting is beautful. Its a reminder of why we play games and where the medium is going.

    The start of this game does not do it justice. Keep on playing
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  10. Nov 20, 2019
    10
    I'm playing State of Decay 1 for the THIRD time because it is such and AWESOME and perfect Zombie RPG. It has all of intrigue of a great RPG, with the most difficult and amazing Zombies in all games (Including The Division and the Walking Dead).

    These Zombies are sometimes fast, varied and always dead. Moreover, you get to manage a community of real people that will behave totally
    I'm playing State of Decay 1 for the THIRD time because it is such and AWESOME and perfect Zombie RPG. It has all of intrigue of a great RPG, with the most difficult and amazing Zombies in all games (Including The Division and the Walking Dead).

    These Zombies are sometimes fast, varied and always dead. Moreover, you get to manage a community of real people that will behave totally according to their self-interest first and then the community.

    This game REALLY brings the horror and dangers of the Zombie Apocalypse in beautiful 3rd Person over the shoulder... Amazing
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  11. Nov 23, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great zombie survival sandbox. The sense of urgency and fear of character perma-death makes this open world zombie survival game stand out. A good, fun game with interesting elements and features. Expand
  12. Nov 17, 2013
    10
    Best zombie game Ever. Cross between sims, gta and xcom. With zombies! This is raw gameplay goodness and studios like squaresoft and capcom should really take note of what undead labs achieved here. Every element of this game has been meticulously thought out because it all works perfectly. If you ever wanted to feel what it's like to live through a zombie apocalypse then this game is aBest zombie game Ever. Cross between sims, gta and xcom. With zombies! This is raw gameplay goodness and studios like squaresoft and capcom should really take note of what undead labs achieved here. Every element of this game has been meticulously thought out because it all works perfectly. If you ever wanted to feel what it's like to live through a zombie apocalypse then this game is a must. Be prepared for the fact that death here is permanent, and you won't be able to save everyone, or do everything on your own. The only downside is that it will come to and end, but at least then my eyes can rest. Then there is new game of course! Expand
  13. Nov 21, 2013
    10
    A must buy if you are a fan of either open world games or the zombie genre. If you like both, you're in for a real treat.

    A touch of polish to come in the next patch, but it essentially isnt vital as the game itself offers so much. I think it is very well thought out, and for the price, you'll get so much more for you money than with some of the AAA titles released recently (Rome 2, X
    A must buy if you are a fan of either open world games or the zombie genre. If you like both, you're in for a real treat.

    A touch of polish to come in the next patch, but it essentially isnt vital as the game itself offers so much. I think it is very well thought out, and for the price, you'll get so much more for you money than with some of the AAA titles released recently (Rome 2, X Rebirth etc)

    Just get it, and try not to get ripped to pieces by the nearest horde
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  14. Nov 7, 2013
    10
    Wow. Zeros awarded during alpha testing? Really? Please come back and update your scores now that there is full mouse control.

    I am not an RPG fan. I am a zombie fan. I am bored by games with lots of silly missions like Dead Rising 2 (not bad, just, not compelling). I have been spellbound by this game, because, possibly for the first time, a game has convinced me of a need to run
    Wow. Zeros awarded during alpha testing? Really? Please come back and update your scores now that there is full mouse control.

    I am not an RPG fan. I am a zombie fan. I am bored by games with lots of silly missions like Dead Rising 2 (not bad, just, not compelling). I have been spellbound by this game, because, possibly for the first time, a game has convinced me of a need to run missions. I want my characters to survive. I want to improve their surroundings. The factors that affect house morale are real: injury, sleep deprivation, hunger, energy. Earning influence is a great currency, though frustrating when you can't get someone to accompany you on a mission.

    Only in the second town, but completely loving it.
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  15. Dec 1, 2013
    10
    That's one of the Best Zombie Survival Games i have ever seen. Its a mix of GTA and the famous DayZ mod where you have to search loot and keep your company happy. I cant understand those who give this game a 0/10 because most of them are talking that there is no keyboard support atm what is not right! It is fully playable with mouse&keyboard. I will give this game a 10/10 because its theThat's one of the Best Zombie Survival Games i have ever seen. Its a mix of GTA and the famous DayZ mod where you have to search loot and keep your company happy. I cant understand those who give this game a 0/10 because most of them are talking that there is no keyboard support atm what is not right! It is fully playable with mouse&keyboard. I will give this game a 10/10 because its the game i have been waiting for years. Expand
  16. Nov 26, 2013
    10
    Finally i found some Horror Zombie survival Game what i missed in WarZ rip off. This game i played in beta and it was already aswesome. After some time you find out how to survive and then it goes smoth the way down. Since the game is story driven, its never getting boring. The End is somehow expecting and somehow you knew it already. Looking forward for the add on and the sequel. If thisFinally i found some Horror Zombie survival Game what i missed in WarZ rip off. This game i played in beta and it was already aswesome. After some time you find out how to survive and then it goes smoth the way down. Since the game is story driven, its never getting boring. The End is somehow expecting and somehow you knew it already. Looking forward for the add on and the sequel. If this game would have been mp, it would be fu** awesome. Expand
  17. Dec 12, 2013
    10
    Just got an hour playing it and I think it's a different zombies survival game compared to others out there.
    It a whole different story here with the games out there, it test you with survival ability within this game. not just weapon which is can be used again and again and again, it could break up or jammed, then you must scouring for another weapon or repairs it.
    The controls fine if
    Just got an hour playing it and I think it's a different zombies survival game compared to others out there.
    It a whole different story here with the games out there, it test you with survival ability within this game. not just weapon which is can be used again and again and again, it could break up or jammed, then you must scouring for another weapon or repairs it.
    The controls fine if you feel to fast you just need adjust it. maybe the patch now fixed it.

    Another great thing is its open and active world, not just you can scouring the whole map, but you also find its a breathing maps, it progressing even when you're not playing. If you aren't very often playing games then this game is not for you, because you need to check your game periodically. I'm saying IT IS A REAL "REAL TIME GAMES".
    Just a little drawbacks back there, we don't know what happened or what is caused the zombies apocalypse, it reminds me some of zombies movies, which we don't know the hell happened so what to achieve, then it returned to old story "SURVIVE". its the only main mission no other. the sub mission will bring you to trade, save other survivors, or scavenging so you can survive more.

    Man, you must be remains on high alert when outside of your home, do scavenging or whatever mission your on, because you never know what might happen, it completely take you by surprise.
    Maybe they will come at you from your blind spot or just going rush on you on your face.
    You must be stealth if you're going to survive, because no body telling you if there are a horde of zombies or a freaking zombies.
    They may infest a house and you must clears it before it attack your home. If you don't, then get ready if they attacking your home because there is a lot of 'em.

    Damn i wish i have a laptop to play this games periodically, because of the breathing world out there, so when you're away, your survivor might consume extra, medicine food, whatever supply you have in your home or even injured or your home attacked by horde of zombies.

    It is a "twisted" game, twisted here i mean it have economical, politics, combat and management part on the game to test your skills in this area.

    Many possibilities in this game which will be determine your future in this game.
    I think the game challenging and there for worth to try..
    I Give my 10 point for this game.
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  18. Dec 15, 2013
    10
    Best zombie game i ever played worth the money very fun breakdown is amazing i love the how it plays out

    i love the zombie type and that you can barricade the windows you cant get zombie games like this
  19. Jan 14, 2014
    10
    This is probably the best game I have palyed in the last few years. Its best feature is the excellent gameplay and atmosphere. Definitely the best zombie-survival game, being a simulation in an open world that you can explore makes it feel very real and you are not spoiled like in most dumbed down games lately. There is permadeath and once one of your characters is dead they are dead.
    The
    This is probably the best game I have palyed in the last few years. Its best feature is the excellent gameplay and atmosphere. Definitely the best zombie-survival game, being a simulation in an open world that you can explore makes it feel very real and you are not spoiled like in most dumbed down games lately. There is permadeath and once one of your characters is dead they are dead.
    The graphics engine is only average to good, but the graphics are somehow rich with a lot of foliage and details, etc. There are also some glitches but somehow they didn't spoil my enjoiment, probably made it a bit more difficult.
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  20. Feb 22, 2014
    10
    For the fans of the zombie world like me...i can tell you. The best game ever made. We feel just like inside the walking dead series or any other movie a like. Just one thing...can u add a multiplayer feature? Would be great. If the world really keeps on going like some users say. Players could build teams. Taking care of each other. Would be even more realistic.
  21. Apr 14, 2014
    10
    I recommend you buy State of Decay. I didn't like it at first, when I had not experienced too much of it, but now it is probably my favorite(and the best) apocalypse simulation you can get. The story is actually pretty interesting too, and the characters are well done. They even have their own traits, skills, likes, and dislikes. Everything that happens in the world of state of decayI recommend you buy State of Decay. I didn't like it at first, when I had not experienced too much of it, but now it is probably my favorite(and the best) apocalypse simulation you can get. The story is actually pretty interesting too, and the characters are well done. They even have their own traits, skills, likes, and dislikes. Everything that happens in the world of state of decay happens in real time, including sending scavengers from your group out to get supplies from somewhere. They actually leave the base and risk their lives, they don't spawn into the place you sent them too. The AI is capable of defending themselves, and can their path finding works well so there is no need to worry about them getting killed from being stuck on a wall or door frame etc. If you like the walking dead show, than its basically like that in game form. You have to deal with problems and disagreements from within your group, not just the growing zombie threat and the shrinking amount of resources and perhaps even kill your best friend before he turns because he contracted black fever (the zombie sickness that turns you into a zombie). State of decay looks good graphically and has a very realistic and believable atmosphere. it supports mods and even has its own Nexus and mod manager, jut like Skyrim. And by the way the shooting is very solid and fun, with a good amount of guns. There are 137 guns in total I believe, and that includes the Breakdown DLC. There are also a bunch of melee weapons as well. Melee weapons in State of Decay: 46. Melee weapons added in Breakdown DLC: 26. Weapons in Breakdown combined with State of Decay: 72. Expand
  22. Aug 11, 2014
    10
    Just awesome zombie survival! You have a feeling that you are in the game all the time. Open world is very nice, the town the nature, everything. Just enjoy killing tons of zombies with frying pan. :)
  23. Jan 2, 2015
    10
    This game may not have beautiful graphics, but it is probably the best zombie survival game out there. The concept of the game meets the zombie apocalypse standards and you do what every zombie show or movie does, survive.
  24. Mar 4, 2015
    10
    For me this is the best survival zombie ever. Or lets make this the best zombie game out there. Left for dead is second for me but that game is totally different because it is a shooter. But with this one everything about it is great. Managing your people, your supplies etc, they just nailed it. Very interesting and enjoyable game I finished it twice.
  25. Feb 9, 2015
    10
    Assisti a um video deste maravilhoso jogo e me interessei por ele na hora, os gráficos são perfeitos, pode-se interagir com quase tudo no ambiente de jogo e o mundo aberto proporciona uma vasta área de exploração com grandes surpresas, este jogo vai te dominando, ele é viciante. As duas DLCs também são maravilhosas, a única coisa que ficou faltando é a possibilidade de jogar multiplayer.Assisti a um video deste maravilhoso jogo e me interessei por ele na hora, os gráficos são perfeitos, pode-se interagir com quase tudo no ambiente de jogo e o mundo aberto proporciona uma vasta área de exploração com grandes surpresas, este jogo vai te dominando, ele é viciante. As duas DLCs também são maravilhosas, a única coisa que ficou faltando é a possibilidade de jogar multiplayer. Aconselho o uso de um controle de XBox ou Similar para jogar esse jogo pois são muitos comandos e as vezes é preciso ser rápido para atacar ou contra atacar os zumbis. Expand
  26. May 18, 2018
    10
    A brilliant game nothing more to say. Sensual but very eficases mechanics, resource management, extreme tension assured and great design of enemies. If you like zombies, gore, sandboxes, action games, horror, and survival horror, you can play quietly. Now if you are looking for dying ligth or dead rising, this game is not for you. Jugalo will love you.
  27. Jan 20, 2014
    9
    Of any game I've played, State of Decay is the closest yet to what I always imagined the ideal zombie apocalypse survival game to be. It's not just combat, combat, combat, this game makes you feel hunted and the moments of dramatic tension that arise naturally as you're sneaking around are great.

    There's an excellent balance between realism and action, a rich setting packed full of
    Of any game I've played, State of Decay is the closest yet to what I always imagined the ideal zombie apocalypse survival game to be. It's not just combat, combat, combat, this game makes you feel hunted and the moments of dramatic tension that arise naturally as you're sneaking around are great.

    There's an excellent balance between realism and action, a rich setting packed full of references and amusing little details, and clever use of noise as a gameplay element (loud noises can attract zombies from all over, which is often a risk, but also gives rise to tactics like the use of noise to lure or distract enemies). I also liked the combination of multiple playable characters and permanent death, if you get your character killed, it's final - they're dead and gone, and you'll have to play someone else from their group. It really feels like a loss when a survivor you've been building up into a badass gets torn apart in a raid gone horribly wrong.

    Owing to its small budget, it's a bit rough around the edges, but it has a heart of gold and a lot of ambition. At first I thought "another zombie game?" but this was a breath of fresh air to me.
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  28. Nov 22, 2013
    9
    The final version of the game for pc. People pay no attention to these low ratings considering they obviously didn't give the game a fair shot. At first I wasn't impressed either, but after about an hour of playing its gets very interesting. A sandbox, resource collecting true survival game. Building fortifications, building outposts to re supply, creating supply chains with otherThe final version of the game for pc. People pay no attention to these low ratings considering they obviously didn't give the game a fair shot. At first I wasn't impressed either, but after about an hour of playing its gets very interesting. A sandbox, resource collecting true survival game. Building fortifications, building outposts to re supply, creating supply chains with other survivors, being able to play with several different characters, switching back and forth as needed depending on the characters traits and abilities, not to mention leveling them up. But keep in mind its not your typical run and bash zombie game, you have to use stealth and be creative to succeed looting houses and structures without alerting nearby zombies or hordes. They really gave the players a lot of tools to work with, this is the first game in years that had me hooked after the first hour of play..normally I lose interest quickly but this game captured me for hours and hours the first time I played it. I can't get enough of it. I like the perma death for your characters, makes a better story and more immersion..takes quite a bit of bad luck for a character to die..if your going in rambo style you will not succeed. Prob easily the best zombie sandbox game I have ever played. I'm looking forward to whats next and I will definitely be following this company from now on.

    The games graphics are good about like GTA IV, most players rely on graphics I do not...I want brains over beauty and that is what this games offers. It doesn't make you rush into anything and you can stray about but it also gives you that sense of urgency as well. I noticed a lot of people complaining about the controls, they seem fine to me but I am also playing the final version. I contributed to the early access but didn't play it..I waited for the final version and it was well worth it. I also noticed a small modding community taking interest in this game and that should add to it even more.

    Overall the "0" scores for some reviews just isn't fair, I'm guessing those players spent less than 20-30 mins playing the game..in fact I'm almost positive about that because the start of the game does suck...but totally redeems itself after about an hour of play once players understand what is going on here. They are definitely selling themselves short. I'm a picky bastard when it comes to games...this one folks is worth every penny if you love zombie sandbox survival games.
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  29. Jan 14, 2014
    9
    State of Decay is in my opinion the best zombie survival game to date. It isn't the mindless grind fest that you see with Left 4 Dead or have the ridiculous amounts of campy-ness in Dead Rising. (who doesn't want to fight zombies with double chainsaws, wearing a motorcycle helmet and hot pants?)

    The game starts you out as Marcus, an average guy who comes home from a fishing trip to find
    State of Decay is in my opinion the best zombie survival game to date. It isn't the mindless grind fest that you see with Left 4 Dead or have the ridiculous amounts of campy-ness in Dead Rising. (who doesn't want to fight zombies with double chainsaws, wearing a motorcycle helmet and hot pants?)

    The game starts you out as Marcus, an average guy who comes home from a fishing trip to find his home town is now over run with zombies. From there you will sneak, fight, shoot, and scavenge, to stay alive.

    As you progress you will gather new survivors, build a community, and maintain that community.
    You will play many, many, different survivors. As your player character will get tired, and can get hurt requiring you to bench them and pick another. Your characters gain experience and level up giving them access to more stamina, more health, and special moves. And if your character dies, they stay dead increasing the stakes as you venture out for supplies.

    The good:
    State of Decay features a very immersive gameplay system. Combat is simplistic but rewarding. I play on PC with an 360 controller and feel like I can quickly and fluidly change between melee and ranged when I want to. The sound effects of the guns are very good, and the animations are visceral and satisfying when you stomp a zombies brains into the pavement or decapitate them.

    Survivors: All survivors that join your team have retinues or passive abilities. These passives affect how this survivor will upgrade. Some can give bonuses or penalties when upgrading combat or defensive skills. And personality types affect how they interact with your group. Will you take an alcoholic cop with anger issues but has a bonus to guns and melee or leave him to fend for himself?

    Noise and stealth: Shoot a gun, drive a car, honk a horn, break a window are some of the ways to draw zombies to your location. And the size of the noise matters. Breaking a window entering a house might only bring the zombies in that room to your location where blowing up a car or propane tank will basically ring the dinner bell. Stealth plays a huge role as you want to gain resources not waste them in an unnecessary fight. Zombies will only appear on your mini map if they are alerted to you, which means you have to mind your surroundings or you could walk right into a group of them or have one sneak up on you.

    The bad:

    The voice acting is pretty...ok most of the time, but you will run into dialogue that is just awful.
    And the script is in desperate need of an overhaul.

    The combat for ranged weapons isn't as tight as it could be, meaning that popping heads in the open is fine, but trying to shoot out a window or through a door and you're gonna hit the wall a lot of the time.(This was with my ranged character with max gun upgrades)

    You'll see zombies clip through walls, doors and windows. They can and do teleport or slide around the map. This doesn't happen all the time, but you will see it more than once.

    NPC AI is mediocre to bad. There are no commands that I can find telling them to "Go here" or "Wait" or telling them to switch between ranged or melee weapons. You will see instances of NPC's just standing around as their friends fight for their lives and only engage when a zombie strays to attack them.

    NPC's can't drive cars. Which sucks when you radio for an NPC scavenger run from a remote farm house. 2 days later, they will return with those supplies.

    The game is still active after you quit, meaning that your resources will be used. This is probably the one part of the game that doesn't make any sense to me. As day and night will pass in the game, but the "time away" is when cars and weapons are repaired (provided you have the facilities), and resources are consumed, etc. I don't know why these things don't occur as I'm playing, and it's not explained very well in the tutorial. In fact there is a lot of stuff I wish the tutorial would have gone over in depth.

    The supply locker will restock your ammunition and limits your stacks to 120 per ammo type.
    Meaning that if you have 240 of 9mm ammo, 120 will be "used" or removed when you play your game the next time. As of the Jan 2014 patch this is working as intended. I guess to prevent you from becoming broken, but I think it was a dumb decision of the devs to punish the player for "hoarding" in a game play genre that is ALL ABOUT hoarding. This is the same for certain health/stamina items. Reseach this on the wiki, or you may find yourself will half your supply of twinkies gone the next time you login.

    That being said I still find this game very enjoyable. I got mine during the Steam Xmas sale, and if I had to pay full price knowing what I know now, I totally would. Pick it up for yourself and take a look. It's like Day Z, but without people with voice modulators screaming racial obscenities at you.
    Expand
  30. Feb 9, 2014
    9
    Survivor Doge says: much win, such survival. wow.

    I bought both this and the DLC and couldn't be happier, there's quite a few cool mods out there already to add to this awesome game. All it needs is a proper sand box mode, but one can forestall story line pretty much indefinitely so it doesn't matter much.
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Feb 3, 2014
    90
    It might look dead on the outside, but the systemic mechanical genius of State of Decay is gloriously alive and kicking. [Feb 2014, p.82]
  2. PC Gamer
    Dec 31, 2013
    63
    Stodgy combat, two-dimensional characters, and technical hitches prevent this from living up to its lofty premise. [Feb 2014, p.58]
  3. Dec 13, 2013
    69
    At first, State of Decay feels like an exciting introduction into a bleak world of zombie apocalypse, but tedious missions, dated graphics and boring characters quickly ruin all the fun.