Paradize Project
- November 30, 2023
- Eko Software
- 36h median play time
In the open-world setting of Paradize Project, players must survive a zombie apocalypse, either alone or in multiplayer. Clever survivors have discovered a way to control the undead, who can then be used as unstable but helpful allies for defense, building barricades, and fending off other zombies. The game features survival, combat, and strategic elements in a new take on the zombie genre, where players must outsmart and outshoot enemy clans to thrive.
Reviews
- The game offers a nostalgic throwback to the fun and silly vibes of the 90s/2000s, with engaging gameplay that encourages players to think critically.
- The humor and quirky characters add charm to the game, making interactions enjoyable and lighthearted.
- The ability to control zombies as companions adds a unique twist to the gameplay, allowing for creative strategies in combat and resource gathering.
- Combat can feel repetitive and lacks depth, with some players finding it too easy and lacking challenge as they progress.
- The base building mechanics are limited and can be frustrating, with issues related to placement and resource management.
- There are technical issues, including crashes and bugs, which can detract from the overall experience and immersion in the game.
- story69 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as humorous and engaging, with a quirky premise involving zombies and campy elements that keep players interested. However, many reviewers noted that the narrative lacks depth and can become repetitive, with missions often feeling like fetch quests. While some players appreciate the lighthearted tone and unique concepts, others criticize the linearity and technical issues that hinder the overall experience.
“The story was quite captivating and very easy to follow; I also love that it doesn't take itself too seriously.”
“I liked the story - it wasn't deep, but it was the right amount of campy for a zombie base building, tower defending, quest giving RPG.”
“The engaging story keeps you wanting more.”
“Flat story, monotonous combat, and the main draw of hijacking a zombie to do stuff for you is more limited than the trailers let on.”
“The story is just plain simple, there is no meat and no real interest to find out about it other than to continue with the same missions as the missions all seem to be the exact same with minor variations.”
“Finished the story mode, and boy oh boy... the story quests are quite short, what a bummer.”
- gameplay61 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Welcome to Paradize" offers a mix of engaging mechanics and repetitive elements, with players appreciating the unique concept of controlling zombies for combat and base management. While the crafting and resource collection aspects are enjoyable, many reviewers noted that the gameplay can become monotonous and lacks depth over time, leading to a less satisfying experience overall. Despite its solid foundation and improved features, the game is hindered by some frustrating mechanics and a lack of variety, which may deter players seeking a more dynamic experience.
“The gameplay is equally impressive—relaxing yet thrilling.”
“While the visuals and music might be the initial draw, the gameplay in Welcome to Paradize kept me hooked.”
“As an isometric action game, Welcome to Paradize offers an enjoyable addictive gameplay loop that sees you hoovering up endless resources, crafting weapons, first aid items, ammo, and armor, all to get strong enough to keep doing it.”
“This game has a solid foundation that is unfortunately hindered by many bad and annoying gameplay decisions.”
“Welcome to Paradize is very repetitive and the gameplay loop is not even that fun.”
“I had a bad experience playing it with bugs and just general repetitiveness and its monotonous boring mechanics and features.”
- humor42 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is widely praised for its sharp, lighthearted wit and quirky characters, often drawing comparisons to the comedic style of the Borderlands franchise. Players appreciate the blend of humor with emotional depth, though some note that the comedic elements can diminish as the game progresses. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm to the zombie survival experience, making it enjoyable and entertaining.
“From the start, it grabbed my attention with its perfect mix of humor, emotional depth, and excitement, offering a truly unique experience that evoked emotions I rarely feel in games.”
“The humor is sharp, lighthearted, and perfectly timed, making every interaction enjoyable.”
“This game is hilarious and fun!”
- graphics25 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant art style and nostalgic retro aesthetics, particularly in "Welcome to Paradize," which features low-poly visuals and a synthwave soundtrack. While some players appreciate the improved graphics and immersive environments, others have noted issues such as blurriness and rendering problems. Overall, the visuals are generally considered enjoyable and well-executed, contributing positively to the gaming experience.
“Welcome to paradize instantly charmed me with its irresistible blend of retro aesthetics, synth-laden soundtrack, and a surprisingly engaging mystery simmering beneath its sunny surface.”
“The low-poly visuals, vibrant neon color palettes, and chunky CRT monitor effects create a nostalgic playground that perfectly captures the visual spirit of the time.”
“With stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and a vast open world to explore, welcome to paradize offers an unparalleled gaming experience that is sure to captivate players of all ages.”
“Graphics of a PS1 on a 4070, skill tree doesn't benefit or interact with any other branches in the tree, very few zombie variants, less than mediocre base building capabilities, no survival aspect of the game at all.”
“Has some graphic rendering issues.”
“The graphics are somehow blurry around the edges of the character, especially when you are moving (so you must turn off FSR), but even turning that off, you can still see some blurriness here and there.”
- music13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in "Welcome to Paradize" is widely praised for its engaging synthwave soundtrack, which enhances the retro aesthetic and adds infectious energy to the gameplay. While some players appreciate the variety of music across different zones, opinions are mixed, with a few expressing dissatisfaction with certain aspects, such as audio settings and cutscenes. Overall, the soundtrack is a significant highlight for many, contributing to the game's charm and atmosphere.
“Welcome to Paradize instantly charmed me with its irresistible blend of retro aesthetics, synth-laden soundtrack, and a surprisingly engaging mystery simmering beneath its sunny surface.”
“The synthwave soundtrack is a standout element, infusing every moment with an infectious energy that propels you forward.”
“The only things I didn't care for were the cheap cutscenes/voice acting and the music (devs, please allow my audio settings to be saved whenever I quit the game, thanks).”
“Music: 1/5 *terrible :(”
“This though, it changes in zone, and the music at home base is so chill.”
- grinding8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and monotonous, often describing it as a time-waster with excessive loot and repetitive tasks. The lack of clear indicators for completed actions adds to the frustration, making the grinding experience feel outdated and less engaging compared to similar games.
“A good time waster with a tedious grind.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The 'half-buried trunks' are so tedious to remember if you have already dug them up and looted them, as the icon on the map does not change when you have dug them up.”
- stability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while some players report minimal glitches and smooth performance, particularly on the Steam Deck, others experience significant bugs, especially in later sections and during window adjustments. Early access players noted a lack of issues, suggesting that stability may vary with updates and patches.
“It runs great on the Steam Deck, if you're wondering.”
“The game maintains a steady frame rate, even during intense action sequences.”
“I've experienced no crashes or bugs, making for a smooth gaming experience.”
“Was really buggy at the power plant part where your zombies fall through the map.”
“Second half feels very buggy and untested.”
“If you change the screen size or tab the window to minimize or maximize, the game freezes.”
- optimization5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Overall, user feedback on optimization is mixed; while some players report smooth performance and improved gameplay, others highlight significant issues such as poor optimization and crashes.
“Gameplay feels more optimized than 90% of the titles that release nowadays.”
“Before, I had a constant stutter and it occasionally crashed, but now the game runs smoothly.”
“Haven't noticed any performance issues or such.”
“The worst part about this game is how poor the performance is.”
“Bad optimization.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players praise the game for its exceptional blend of humor and emotional depth, creating a unique experience that elicits strong feelings rarely encountered in gaming. Many express that it has been a long time since a game has resonated with them on such an emotional level, leading to high recommendations.
“From the start, it grabbed my attention with its perfect mix of humor, emotional depth, and excitement, offering a truly unique experience that evoked emotions I rarely feel in games.”
“It’s been a long time since a game has made me feel this much, and I highly recommend it.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game lacks replayability, with users indicating that there is little incentive to play it multiple times.
“The game lacks any significant replayability.”
“There is little incentive to replay the game after finishing it.”
“Once you complete the game, there's no reason to go back.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn criticism for featuring over five cosmetic microtransactions, suggesting a focus on additional purchases that may detract from the overall experience.
“The game offers a variety of cosmetic microtransactions that enhance the overall experience without feeling intrusive.”
“I appreciate that the monetization model focuses on cosmetic items, allowing players to customize their characters without impacting gameplay.”
“The presence of multiple cosmetic microtransactions adds a fun layer of personalization to the game.”
“The game is flooded with cosmetic microtransactions, and there are already over 5 available.”
“The monetization strategy feels excessive, with numerous microtransactions that detract from the overall experience.”
“It's frustrating to see so many cosmetic items locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”