Three Dead Zed (XBLIG): "Possibly the Most Unique Zombie Game This Year!!!"

Gentleman Squid Studio has created an amazing one of a kind zombie platformer that is both next-gen in quality, and old school at the same time. It's not often that I've seen a 2D platforming game that features zombies as the main protagonists along with puzzle solving themes all in the same package. Somehow the developer managed to create this game in exactly that way though. In the end I think the things that really drew me to this XBLIG title were the art style, and the fact that it was a platformer. I absolutely love platformers, and have been a fan of them since the days of the NES. Seeing 'Three Dead Zed' in the youtube trailer a month earlier really made me smile. It was filled with blood, and gore which made me more than excited about getting my hands on it. When I was contacted by 'Gentlemen Squids Studios' I played it cool, but I was honestly like a kid tearing into a really cool Christmas present.

Three Dead Zed is a game that gives little background info on the plot initially, but educates the gamer as to what is going on as they make progress. When the game actually begins you are controlling a zombie that is basically being treated like a lab rat. The scientists over the intercom, and in the game's background are guiding the zombie/zed on what to do in order to make it out of a hazard filled obstacle course alive (or undead in his case ^.^). After making it through alright, and learning about your abilities your genes will be spliced with that of other related zombie kin. When it's all said, and done you will have learned how to control the three types of zombie transformations, and how to switch between them in order to complete tasks that your captors have ordered.

Throughout the later stages of the "tutorial" you will be interrupted by a voice of an anonymous being who seems to have your best interest in mind. This shadowy figure will drop hints occasionally about how, and when to escape as well as things he wants you to do in return. These favors he asks of you involves such things as freeing kitties from their tin foil hats, and killing the scientists who have you confined. As you follow the mystery man's orders you will have to avoid traps, saws, lasers, security guards, and other hazards that will end your existence as you've come to know it. With the use of your your new transformation abilities you'll be well equipped to deal with the puzzle solving at hand.

Now onto the three different types of zombies (Three Dead Zed) ...

As a zed, or prototype zombie you have the ability to transform between three different zombie types. The first form you start off with (Zed) is a short zombie with an exposed brain. This zombie type can attack, pick up & drop boxes, flip switches, and climb ladders. In retrospect he is the most versatile of all the zombie forms. The second form, or son of Zed is a nimble zombie that walks, runs, and leaps on all fours. He can jump higher than any of the other forms, and can even wall jump in a similar fashion to classic "Metroidvania" style characters. His abilities will help you gain access to harder to reach areas. The final zombie type is a hulking female that is the powerhouse of the threesome. Her movement is slow, but what she lacks in speed she makes up in brute force. This hulking monstrosity can lift large objects, bash in certain walls, and even crush puny humans (in a bloody, gory mess). This zombie type will help you overcome weapon carrying guards, access new areas via wall smashing, and allow you to collect health refills that come in the form of brains left behind from the brutalized humans. With all three forms you will be well equipped for the puzzles, and tasks at hand.

As far as the controls are concerned they are simple. Jumping with any of the three Zeds can be done by pressing (A) in the controller. The (X) button is an attack button reserved for the original/first Zed, and Female Zed. The (B) button functions as a lifting/dropping ability for both the original/first Zed, and the female Zed. It also acts as a means to turn on and of green, and red switches when using the original/first Zed. Switching between the three Zeds can be done by tapping the (RB / LB) shoulder buttons. You have to keep in mind though that they will only change in order.

Gentlemen Squid Studios definitely didn't skimp out on the graphic design in this game. Each character comes to life with various facial expressions, and animations that make them truly unique. The original/first Zed for example lets his tongue hang out, and flop in the wind as he runs. You can also see that he is breathing as his belly goes in, and out when still. When attacking his mouth will open in a roar like position showing his rage. Even the scientist show different forms of emotions. When unaware of the Zeds' presence they will go about their duties doing whatever it is they do, but when a Zed approaches panic shows on their face, and they run for their lives. It's details like these that make this game so special.

All in all 'Three Dead Zed' is a brilliantly designed indie game. The platform puzzle solving was applied in just the right way forcing gamers to have to use their brains for a change. Aside from the challenging puzzle solving elements the developer's art style also made this game fun to play. The characters' expressions, and reactions added that extra something which made this XBLIG title seem a little more like an XBLA game. The blood, and gore also gave it a gritty edge making it a true zombie game. Seeing those puny humans reduced to organs, blood, and bones at the hands of the hulking female Zed was truly satisfying. Being able to collect their brains afterwards as a health refill was pretty cool as well. If I had any complaint at all though it would be the music. It seemed a little odd to me, and didn't really suit the game in my opinion. Something more upbeat would have been good. When it's all said, and done though this XBLIG title definitely warrants a purchase. If you like zombies, and 2D platformers then I'd definitely give this game a try even if it is only through the trial. For 240 msp ($3) you are getting a heck of a deal!