Infestation: The New Z
- November 22, 2016
- Fredaikis AB
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"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.
Reviews
- The game has improved significantly compared to previous versions, with better optimization and smoother gameplay.
- The beginner servers allow new players to experience the game without being immediately killed by experienced players.
- The Battle Royale mode adds a fun twist to the gameplay, providing an alternative to the standard survival experience.
- The game is plagued by frequent crashes and disconnections, making it frustrating to play.
- There are issues with balance, as players can easily spawn camp and kill new players without any consequences.
- The graphics and overall presentation are subpar, making the game feel outdated and less immersive.
- graphics53 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing them as outdated, poorly optimized, and reminiscent of games from over a decade ago. Players report significant performance issues, including low frame rates and flat textures, even on high settings, leading to a frustrating experience. While a few users find the graphics acceptable or decent, the consensus is that substantial improvements are needed to enhance the overall visual quality of the game.
“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.”
“My PC meets the game's recommended settings entirely, yet even on low graphics, I get FPS drops to 10 FPS.”
“The graphics are disgusting and look like they belong in a PS2 game.”
“Worst graphics I have ever seen, even on ultra. This game is half-finished, unbalanced, and constantly crashes and disconnects from servers.”
- gameplay49 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews for the game are mixed, with many players highlighting significant issues such as poor mechanics, balance problems, and frequent crashes. While some enjoy the PvP aspects and the potential for fun with friends, others criticize the lack of a proper tutorial, repetitive gameplay, and a toxic community. Overall, the game shows promise but requires substantial improvements to its mechanics and server stability to enhance the player experience.
“In almost 11 hours of gameplay, the only cheaters I saw were the ones getting banned in chat announcements; I never encountered one, and all I do is PvP in a major city.”
“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.”
“Much more could be added for gameplay rewarding and stackable achievements, etc., but for time killing and exploring a dangerous environment with open world capability, it is alright in my book.”
“The mechanics make absolutely no sense in the slightest, and are way too complicated.”
“The gameplay, the bugs, the forced beginner servers... I don't think I've played a game this bad in a very long time.”
“This game is so bad, from graphics to gameplay, don't waste your time playing this game.”
- stability28 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with users reporting frequent crashes, disconnections, and various bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players experience game freezes every few minutes, leading to lost progress and items, while others note issues with server reliability and a lack of effective anti-cheat measures. Overall, while some find the game enjoyable, the overwhelming consensus is that it is plagued by stability issues that need urgent attention from the developers.
“It's really buggy.”
“Servers are shit and everything is buggy as hell.”
“Now it's just a crashy buggy mess that can't even keep running for 5 minutes without dying.”
- optimization13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, optimization feedback is mixed; while some users report smooth performance and good frame rates, others highlight significant issues such as constant crashes, poor optimization, and lag. Games like "Infestation: The New Z" are praised for their better optimization compared to titles like "DayZ," which continues to struggle with performance issues even years after release.
“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 CSGO, 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.”
- humor8 mentions
- 88 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted for its amusing elements, such as funny animations and entertaining group play, which can enhance the experience despite technical issues like crashes and bugs. However, some players find the humor wears thin when faced with frustrating gameplay mechanics, leading to mixed feelings about the overall enjoyment. Overall, while the game has its comedic moments, it struggles with optimization and balance, affecting player satisfaction.
“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 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.”
- music7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, 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 uninspired and boring experience.
“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.”
“The world/map, the sound of the zombies, music, third/first person option, gathering/looting stuff,...”
- monetization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has been 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 bans related to in-game purchases, and a lack of support from developers, leading to a negative overall experience. Despite some players finding enjoyment in the gameplay, the aggressive monetization practices and technical issues have led to widespread dissatisfaction.
“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'. This again is treating non-streamers differently from the consumers.”
“All in all, if you download this, don't expect to be treated fairly by the devs or support if you don't stream.”
“Also, there are a lot of microtransactions that make it very 'pay to win'.”
“Microtransactions are overwhelming, as if anyone wants to succumb to this 'premium account' nonsense.”
“I've lost so much time playing this game, and so many items, due to crashes and bugs. I really suggest you not download this game and avoid making any in-game purchases, because this game sucks so much money out of you it's not funny.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and frustrating, as resource collection is limited and often leads to repetitive farming and dying. The lack of information available for newcomers exacerbates the experience, making it difficult to locate good farming spots and essential items. Overall, the grinding can detract from the enjoyment of the game, turning it into a chore rather than an engaging experience.
“Walking can feel tedious (unless you have a vehicle).”
“It was a dreadful and tedious experience.”
“It basically turns the game into farming for resources and dying and redoing everything.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
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 experience feels disjointed and unsatisfying, with many players feeling that the game fails to deliver a meaningful storyline.
“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. Now, after I killed some zombies, I'm just moving on. 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!”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its immersive survival elements, enhanced by the presence of a large player base, with up to 100 players per server and a vibrant community that includes diverse nationalities. Players appreciate the engaging gameplay that fosters social interaction and collaboration.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, creating a sense of survival that keeps you engaged for hours.”
“With up to 100 players in one server, the dynamic interactions enhance the overall atmosphere, making every moment feel unique.”
“The game features a diverse player base, which adds to the rich atmosphere and community experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the game's replayability, citing an overwhelming abundance of weapons and aggressive player interactions that detract from the experience. Many feel that the lack of meaningful changes since previous titles limits enjoyment, suggesting that a non-PVP mode could enhance playability for those seeking a more relaxed experience. Overall, the game seems to offer limited replay value for players who are not interested in constant conflict.
“The game lacks any meaningful replayability; once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to return.”
“After finishing the game, I found no reason to play again. The side quests feel repetitive and uninspired.”
“The lack of variety in gameplay mechanics makes replaying the game feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.”
