Infestation: The New Z

About

"Infestation: The New Z" is a free-to-play, open-world shooter with a focus on player versus player combat. It features four different game modes, including Open World with traditional maps and close combat maps, Survival with scavenging and crafting, Competitive with rankings and groups of five, and a co-op Zombie Siege mode. The game is influenced by the old Infestation series, also known as The War Z. -- Steam ID: 555570.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+15

43%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,666 reviews

humor14 positive mentions

graphics46 negative mentions

The game has improved significantly compared to previous versions, with better optimization and smoother gameplay.
The abundance of loot makes it easier for new players to gear up quickly and enjoy the game.
The PvP aspect can be intense and fun, especially when playing with friends.

The game frequently crashes and disconnects, leading to a frustrating experience.
Spawn camping is rampant, making it difficult for new players to survive and enjoy the game.
The graphics and overall optimization are poor, making the game feel outdated.

graphics
106 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
38%
43%
The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing them as outdated, resembling titles from over a decade ago. Players report significant performance issues, including low frame rates and poor texture quality, even on high settings. While a few users noted that graphics can be improved with certain tweaks, the general consensus is that the visuals are a major drawback that detracts from the overall experience.
- “For a start, the graphics are nice and realistic-ish, smooth gameplay.”
- “If you use the NVIDIA Experience panel, you're able to enhance the graphics and it looks great.”
- “Excellent graphics and artistic work.”
- “The graphics are disgusting and look like they belong in a PS2 game.”
- “0/10 first of all can barely get anywhere without crashing 2nd graphics are horrible 3rd learn to develop.”
- “Worst graphics I have ever seen even on ultra.. this game is half finished, unbalanced, and constant crash and disconnection from servers.”
gameplay
98 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
61%
20%
Gameplay reviews for the game are mixed, with many players highlighting significant issues such as poor mechanics, balance, and hit detection, leading to a frustrating experience. While some enjoy the PvP aspects and the potential for fun with friends, others criticize the repetitive nature, lack of meaningful character progression, and frequent crashes. Overall, the game shows promise but requires substantial improvements to its core gameplay elements to enhance player satisfaction.
- “This game brings a gameplay feeling like no other game; I've been around since the alpha version of its first release from the former developers.”
- “All in all, this is like an 8GB free-to-play game; you lose nothing by trying it out, and if you're not a complete novice who has never played an open-world shooter before, you will have a great time PvPing, especially with friends.”
- “I am not sure what all the negative reviews are about, but the gameplay on this has high potential for sure.”
- “The gameplay, the bugs, the forced beginner servers... I don't think I've played a game this bad in a very long time.”
- “The mechanics make absolutely no sense in the slightest, and are way too complicated.”
- “This game is so bad, from graphics to gameplay, don't waste your time playing this game.”
stability
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is plagued by significant stability issues, with players frequently reporting crashes, freezes, and disconnections that severely hinder gameplay. Many users have experienced losing progress and items due to these bugs, leading to frustration despite the game's enjoyable aspects. Overall, the consensus is that while the game has potential, it requires urgent fixes to its numerous stability problems.
- “I can't even open the game by hitting play on the launcher; the game is ridiculously buggy starting from the launcher itself.”
- “They keep saying they patch the game, yet the game freezes, and when you log back in, you're dead and all your loot is gone.”
- “Now it's just a crashy, buggy mess that can't even keep running for 5 minutes without dying.”
optimization
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
46%
38%
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players noting significant performance issues, including constant crashes and poor frame rates, while others have found it to run smoothly and be more optimized compared to similar titles. Many users express frustration with ongoing optimization problems, particularly in long-standing games like DayZ, while newer titles like Infestation: The New Z are praised for better performance.
- “However, this one is much more optimized and seems to run smoother.”
- “Performance is really good.”
- “Please try this game out if you like games like DayZ as this is a much more optimized version of that.”
- “I usually get 40-60 fps with CS:GO, 60-80 with TF2, and 30 with Unturned (which I highly recommend over this piece of junk). So optimization is really poor with this one.”
- “Constant crashes, unstable coding servers, poor optimization of the game, so sometimes strange things happen (if you can view a few screenshots I have).”
- “It's a hot stinking, poorly optimized dumpster fire, except I wouldn't even waste my pee to put it out.”
humor
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
88%
13%
The humor in the game is often highlighted, with players finding amusement in its quirky animations and chaotic gameplay, especially during multiplayer sessions. However, this humor is sometimes overshadowed by frustrations related to bugs and crashes, leading to mixed feelings about the overall experience. While some enjoy the comedic elements, others feel that the game's shortcomings detract from its potential fun.
- “A funny PvP survival game with loads of weapons and other items.”
- “Really good game, not well optimized but funny when you play in a group. 8/10.”
- “The fact that it's free is funny because I enjoy this game just as much as a $60 AAA game.”
- “I've lost so much time playing this game, and so many items, due to crashes and bugs. I really do suggest you not download this game and don't make any in-game purchases, because this game sucks so much money out of you it's not funny.”
music
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
57%
21%
The music in the game has been universally criticized, with multiple reviewers giving it a score of 0/10 due to a complete lack of effort in creating a soundtrack. Many players noted the absence of background or immersive nature sounds, contributing to an overall feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction with the audio experience.
- “The world/map, the sound of the zombies, music, third/first person option, gathering/looting stuff,...”
- “- doesn't have background music, or nature music to make it immersive”
- “Music.”
- “Soundtrack: 0/10 no effort into any sort of soundtrack whatsoever. These guys are only interested in a free-to-play with pay-to-play aspects of a zombie survival MMO.”
- “There's no ironsights, it's incredibly boring, the music is horrendous, there's microtransactions, there's arbitrary respawn times.”
- “Soundtrack: 0/10 no effort into any sort of soundtrack whatsoever. These guys are only interested in a free-to-play with pay-to-play aspects of a zombie survival MMO.”
monetization
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
42%
33%
The monetization model of the game is heavily criticized for its reliance on microtransactions, which many players feel create a "pay to win" environment. Users express frustration over unfair treatment of non-streamers, arbitrary game rules, and punitive measures against refund requests, leading to a negative perception of the game's economic practices. Despite some acknowledging fair microtransactions, the overall sentiment suggests that players should avoid in-game purchases due to the game's exploitative nature.
- “I still think this is a must try because of the fun looting, huge map, up to 100 players, and even fair microtransactions (for the most part).”
- “They also make major changes to the game that affect the economy and they tell the streamers days in advance so they can 'cash out'.”
- “Also, there are a lot of microtransactions that make it very 'pay to win'.”
- “There are a lot of microtransactions that make it very 'pay to win'.”
- “I've lost so much time playing this game, and so many items, due to crashes and bugs. I really do suggest you not download this game and don't make any in-game purchases, because this game sucks so much money out of you it's not funny.”
- “Microtransactions are overwhelming, as if anyone wants to succumb to this 'premium account' nonsense.”
grinding
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and frustrating, as resource collection is limited and often leads to repetitive cycles of farming and dying. The lack of information available for newcomers exacerbates the experience, making it difficult to find effective farming spots and navigate the game world. Overall, the grinding feels more like a chore than an engaging part of gameplay.
- “It was a dreadful and tedious experience.”
- “It basically turns the game into farming for resources and dying and redoing everything.”
- “If I would say anything to be negative, it's that the forums are empty, no info to be found, so as a newbie like me, I have to ask people for the good farming spots and where certain weapons are.”
story
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The story aspect of the game is criticized for its lack of direction and objectives, leaving players wandering aimlessly without a compelling narrative. Users express frustration over technical issues like crashes and lag, which detract from any potential engagement with the story. Overall, the game fails to provide a meaningful or immersive storyline, making it feel incomplete and unsatisfying.
- “Bad graphics, horrendous lag, and frame drops while playing. You spend most of the time doing nothing, just walking and wandering around with no objectives and story at all.”
- “Besides that, I think there should be a tutorial or at least a beginner's quest. The game is crashing every 10 minutes. I try to run and sneak in different towns, I managed to get some equipment and guns, but after I killed some zombies, it would be a perfect time for the game to crash, right?”
- “The graphics and physics of the game haven't changed since the last release, 'Infestation Survival Story Classic,' which I can't believe I paid for. Maybe if it were possible to have a non-PVP mode, it would be more playable if you really don't have anything else to play!”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive survival elements, enhanced by a robust multiplayer experience that accommodates up to 100 players per server. Players appreciate the diverse community, with consistent server activity and the opportunity to connect with others from various backgrounds. Overall, the atmosphere contributes significantly to the engaging gameplay.
- “The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, making every moment feel intense and engaging.”
- “The game creates a captivating environment that draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
- “The survival atmosphere is well-crafted, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
Players express frustration with the game's lack of meaningful replayability, citing an overwhelming abundance of weapons and a persistent PvP environment that detracts from the experience. Many feel that the game would benefit from a non-PvP mode to enhance playability, especially for those seeking a more enjoyable experience. Overall, the game's repetitive mechanics and unchanged graphics contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction regarding its replay value.
- “The game lacks replayability due to the overwhelming number of players who chase you down after leaving the safe zone, making it frustrating rather than enjoyable. The abundance of weapons makes the gameplay feel unbalanced, and the graphics and physics haven't improved since the last release, which is disappointing.”
- “I can't believe I paid for this game. The lack of a non-PVP mode severely limits its replayability, and it feels like a chore to play when you constantly have to deal with aggressive players.”
- “The game offers no real incentive to replay, as the mechanics and environment feel stale. Without any significant updates or changes, it quickly becomes repetitive and unenjoyable.”