Outbreak Island is a Zombie Survival Game with Detective Features
Outbreak Island is a zombie survival game that will be coming out soon. Of course, with the sequel to Dead Island delayed, this game does indeed provide a new alternative. Developer Tiny Magicians took the basic concept of what Dead Island and its contemporaries have established and made something different. This game takes the basic elements found in other survival games and also sprinkled in some detective features. Players will need to scavenge for resources, craft items, and gather clues to discover what happened on the island. Taking pictures with a camera is a major backbone of this game’s gameplay mechanics. Players will take control of Howard Chapman, as he sneaks into Erlsen Island to find out why the land mass is sealed off from the rest of the world. With nowhere else to go, Chapman takes the initiative to investigate what happened and maybe put an end to the madness.
Even though there are many tools that players can use in this game, the camera will be the main ally for the player. There will be all sorts of ways that the camera can be utilized for both distraction and gathering intel. Not to mention, solving puzzles and sorting out the story. Cameras have always been a part of a toolset with other FPSs out there. However, not very many games actually considered having this device act as the prime way to survive. Especially, on an island that is infested with the undead. In any case, Outbreak Island is a game that many have overlooked since its release and there is definitely something unique about it. There are guns and other weaponry to use, of course. However, they will be considered secondary in comparison to solving this mystery and gathering information. There is an entire map to explore and decipher the cryptic clues that are scattered about.
Rule of Thirds
Outbreak Island will naturally come with some crafting survival gameplay mechanics, as well. Players will establish a base and build it up by finding resources on the island. This base will most likely be used as a HUB to sleep, craft, and organize clues. Thus, things can be upgraded and crafted from scratch from all the items found on the map. Howard will be free to go anywhere throughout the map. Either on foot or in a vehicle. Thus, Chapman can also swim within bodies of water to explore and find hidden treasures. The swimming mechanics seem smooth and jubilant, very much like it is in the Far Cry franchise. Erlsen Island is a large, dense place that is teeming with dangers and places to discover. Places like fallen ruins, forests, hidden facilities, junk yards, and villages will offer many adventures for the player to try out.
There will also be a way to set up a tent and camp anywhere on the map. This feature will most like be used to heal, craft, and burn time just like in Red Dead Redemption 2. Speaking of which, players will also be able to hunt. Of course, hunting will most likely be directly correlated with crafting and consumables. Nourishment will be a key factor to survival in Outbreak Island. On top of that, there will be a dynamic weather system that can affect Chapman’s health and mobility. Players will need to stay on top of Chapman’s health so it won’t affect the gameplay. This is especially true where combat is concerned. Chapman can use his camera to stun enemies and make a run for it. Thus, let’s not forget about the healthy amount of pistols, shotguns, and other firearms that can be used.
Composition and Decomposition
When it comes to desperation, players will also be able to stand toe to toe against enemies. Chapman will be able to use pipes, bats, blades, and other melee weapons to take out the opposition. There will be all sorts of zombies in Outbreak Island. Everything from standard shamblers to toxic walkers poisoning the area will need to be eradicated. Thusly, there will also be animal predators stalking the land. Players will need to gear up and find the proper tools to take care of the threats at hand. Also, the flash of the camera might be able to chase away certain predators. Stealth will also be a mechanic in this game. Players can creep through the foliage or lurk in the shadows to stay out of sight. Which, by the way, is the best way to capture photographs without needing to worry about any impending threats.
So, it appears that Outbreak Island has many ingredients in its recipe. Many of the features in this game are tried and true within many other survival games. However, the fact that the camera is the sole focus of this adventure does give this title some originality. No word yet on whether or not this game will have any multiplayer features to it. Chances are, based on the story and gameplay elements, this game will solely be a single-player experience. There is a lot to enjoy with Outbreak Island. Fans of zombie adventures or just open-world FPSs might want to put this game on their wishlist. The kicker with this game is that it is a mystery in its heart and players will need to think like a detective. The clues are hidden throughout the map and it will take a keen observer to digest what happened on this island.
Framing the Fright
This game is still under heavy development and a release date hasn’t been locked in yet. Chances are, it will take another year or two before Outbreak Island could potentially launch. It’s been made by a small indie team of developers and that, of course, takes longer than usual. In any case, Outbreak Island does have some potential behind it. Even though it’s not really aiming to break new ground, it is offering a solid experience with the undead. Hopefully, there will be an in-depth gameplay trailer soon to show all the gamers out there what this title has to offer.
