Dead Block (XBLA): "A Rock & Roll Zombie Survival Game"

Many of the gamers I've grown up with, and have made friends with have enjoyed some type of zombie game. My own obsession started with the old horror movies from back in the day, and was later rekindled by the introduction of the Resident Evil series. From that point on I have enjoyed many zombie games on many different consoles. Nowadays you can find the inclusion of zombies in about every form of media there is. On July 6, 2011 Digital Reality Ltd., and Candygun Games released a Zombie game that brought back that wholesome zombie goodness that had sparked my interest as a young lad. Their game which is titled 'Dead Block' takes old and new zombie survival elements and combines it to make a video game creation that pays tribute to to all that is zombie. I was extremely excited when they told me I was going to be able to do a review on the full game. Once I got the code from them I didn't hesitate to get started.


Dead Block was classified as a 'zombie defense' game by it's own creators, and I found the game to be exactly that. Dead Block offers a fresh take on the zombie gaming phenomenon by making it into a horror television show. The game is also complimented by rockabilly music that's performed by 'Vampyre State Building'. The music, and the horror show atmosphere really brings the game to life. Each level in Dead Block contains a hilarious old style television intro with a commentator that sounds as if he narrated old horror flicks. The mock television series that is actually the basis of the single player campaign, follows three comical characters as they try to survive a zombie infestation. Jack Foster is a construction worker who uses a hammer, and nail gun as his main tool/weapon. You begin the first episode (which is really a tutorial) as Jack. As you progress through the campaign you will acquire the assistance of two other characters. One of those said characters is a boy scout named 'Mike Bacon'. Mike's main tool is a camper's frying pan, and his special weapon is a cheeseburger which distracts the incoming zombies. The last character you'll acquire the help of is Foxy Jones. She is a cop with an attitude. Foxy uses a police baton as a tool, and a stun gun as her special weapon. The game features a 10 episode single player campaign, and a 8 episode multiplayer mode which is presented in a split screen format.

The controls in Dead Block may seem a bit unfriendly at first to some gamers, but after playing it a while it will become a second nature type of deal. Each character in the game has basically the same functions, but their smart-bombs/special weapons are different. The controls in the game require you to use the 'A' button for a lot of functions such as building barriers, and setting traps. This greatly simplifies the gameplay and makes surviving a tad bit easier. Setting up barriers, and traps requires the use of mini-game type applications. To set a barrier quickly you must hit 'A' at the appropriate moment on a sliding bar. To set a trap you must hold down the 'A' button in front of a doorway, or window. There are several different types of traps available. Some will freeze zombies, while traps like the cardboard trap will confuse them. There are also upgrades available for barriers which increase their stability. Barriers, and traps have their limits and will require constant maintenance in order to survive the level. Aside from the barriers, and traps in you will also need to destroy furniture, and search items for materials. Destroying furniture in the game is made simple. All you have to do is use your melee tool by repeatedly pressing the 'B' button in front of the furniture. Searching through objects is a little more complicated, and sometimes require you to complete a mini-game in order to retrieve the item. Once you press 'A' in front of a searchable item you will be prompted to either rapidly press the 'right trigger', and 'left trigger' or use the buttons to play a type of mini-game. That pretty much sums up the control scheme. After you get the tutorial figured out you'll be set to survive.

Surviving the zombie infestation is definitely the main focus of Dead Block, but the full concept goes way beyond that. In single player you can acquire the help of other characters if the episode includes more than one. The extra character will help by building traps, and barriers as well as fighting off the zombie hordes. This definitely comes in handy in the larger buildings. Within Dead Block's buildings/levels you will need to locate and trigger a (Zomb-O-Matic 9000) machine, or find the parts to an electric guitar setup. The parts for the guitar will be located in searchable items throughout the locations/buildings. After acquiring all three parts to the guitar setup you will have to complete a guitar hero type of mini-game. It requires that you press the appropriate buttons at the right time. While trying to survive you'll find that sometimes you can take your time in a level while other times it's best to make a quick search. There are 10 different episodes in the single player campaign of Dead Block to survive through with different locations/buildings. Each episode gets increasingly more difficult, and has a larger area to search.

Every level in the single player, and multiplayer mode contains a completion point system. You will be awarded points for destroying furniture, searching through items, and killing zombies. Each thing listed in the end results has a set limit that is required to obtain a certain medal. I found that you can exceed the amount of zombie kills since they relentlessly continue spawning outside of the buildings. When you reach a certain point total you'll be awarded a gold, silver, or bronze medal accordingly. The reward system definitely adds some replay value to each level, and hardcore gamer will probably want to go back and go for the gold.

In multiplayer coop up to four players can join in the survival fun. Each player can choose either Jack, Mike, or Foxy as their character. Like the single player campaign each player will start off with basic equipment, and unlock other upgrades as they progress. You won't be able to switch characters in this mode, but the ability to revive a fellow player is still present. You will also find that the zombies are much quicker in coop. If you have friends who can join you this would make for an excellent party experience.

At the end of my Dead Block experience I found the game to be a worthy addition to the zombie genre. It offered a unique retro atmosphere that was complimented by music of the same era. The storytelling was both humorous, and enjoyable. The point, and reward system that was included in the game made reaching the end more than just a straightforward goal. I even noticed that there was an option for downloadable content which would add extended play to the the game's experience. I do hope they include more characters, and levels. An online mode wouldn't be bad either.