Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ
- June 6, 2014
- Pixel Puzzles
Get on Steam"Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ" is a zombie-themed puzzle game where players must complete jigsaw puzzles to uncover and survive in a post-apocalyptic world. As you progress, you will encounter various challenges and obstacles, while also collecting items and weapons to defend yourself against the undead. With a wide range of puzzle difficulties and an engrossing storyline, this game offers a unique and enjoyable puzzle experience for zombie enthusiasts.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The combination of jigsaw puzzles and zombie defense adds a unique twist to the gameplay, making it more engaging.
- The art style and music contribute positively to the atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
- The game offers a variety of puzzles with different shapes and designs, providing a fun challenge for puzzle lovers.
- The mechanics for picking up puzzle pieces are frustrating, often resulting in selecting the wrong piece due to overlapping hitboxes.
- Several achievements, particularly those tied to the menu mini-game, require tedious grinding and must be completed in one sitting without a pause option.
- The game lacks replayability and a compelling story, making it feel less rewarding after completing the puzzles.
- gameplay33 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay features traditional puzzle mechanics with reference images, but suffers from a lack of replayability and polish, particularly in its unrefined top-down shooter mode that disrupts focus. Players can expect a grind-heavy experience to achieve completion, but the integration of zombie defense elements feels poorly executed and frustrating, leading to a stale gameplay loop. Overall, while the concept of combining jigsaw puzzles with action elements is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired.
“Finally, there is a mechanic within the puzzles themselves in which you control a character that has to repel zombies sporadically while you complete the puzzle.”
“So while the core concept and gameplay from the previous game is intact, as well as giving the game a new zombie-themed facelift, they've also added a new element into the mix - zombie defense.”
“This is a really clever concept, tying an action defense game into a jigsaw puzzle mechanic, and I really admire the concept - but it's in total contrast to the other game in terms of tension, panic, and ultimately frustration.”
“There is no replayability in this game as there are no end game mechanics, no map metrics to try to beat, and no engrossing story to return to.”
“The gameplay loop for the menu survival is another extremely stale shovelware scourge that should be criminal to even call a 'game'.”
“First, the mechanics are totally off - it only checks the position of the tile against its right spot on the canvas and there's no possibility to connect tiles and move them around.”
- music20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as relaxing and thematically appropriate, enhancing the puzzle atmosphere. However, it suffers from repetitiveness, with many users noting that the soundtrack is limited and can become monotonous quickly. Fortunately, players have the option to mute the music without affecting other sound effects, which is a welcomed feature.
“The music and atmosphere are set to the theme of the puzzles.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
“Puzzle game about undead - nice pictures, nice idea with the menu action, nice music... and nice pictures (didn't I say it already?).”
“The badly looped, too short single piece of background music, the clunky controls of the action mini game, and the uninspired pictures themselves.”
“Music is very repetitive and it never changes.”
“Then the other issues, music and sound effects get repetitive very quickly.”
- graphics18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the art style and artwork, while others criticize certain puzzle images as ugly or overly graphic. The inclusion of zombies in the puzzles detracts from the overall experience for many, leading to a perception of the artwork as clichéd and the game mechanics as repetitive. Overall, while there are highlights in the art, the execution and thematic choices leave room for improvement.
“Love the artwork, hate the zombie distraction in puzzles.”
“The gallery has some good artwork in it.”
“+ nice art style.”
“Besides, to be honest, I found the art style of the puzzle images downright ugly.”
“The artwork is cheesy/cliché, the game mechanics are boring and repetitive, and I feel it would have been better just to have puzzles without the zombie 'fighting' aspects.”
“Jigsaw puzzles sometimes are a bit too small, or don't have enough useful graphics on them.”
- grinding12 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players have noted that the game features several grindy achievements, particularly tied to a mini-game, which can be frustrating for those aiming for 100% completion. This grindiness may detract from the overall enjoyment, especially for players seeking a more relaxed gaming experience.
“Being pretty big on 100%ing games where I can, when I launched this one I was immediately annoyed by the title mini-game, mainly because of the two extremely grindy achievements tied to them.”
“Achievements to 100% are mind-numbingly grindy.”
“In terms of achievements, this one has a few that are quite tedious.”
- story7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game lacks a defined story or background, resulting in minimal replayability due to the absence of engaging endgame mechanics or narrative elements. Players express disappointment over the lack of a compelling storyline, which diminishes the overall experience.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“There is no setup story for the game.”
“There is no story, background, or setup to the game.”
“There is no replayability in this game as there are no end game mechanics, no map metrics to try to beat, and no engrossing story to return to.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its lack of replayability, with reviewers noting the absence of end game mechanics, map metrics, and a compelling story to encourage players to return.
“There is no replayability in this game as there are no end game mechanics, no map metrics to try to beat, and no engrossing story to return to.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its stability, with multiple users reporting significant bugs and issues, particularly with puzzles. Additionally, some feel that it resembles a DLC from the original game rather than a standalone title.
“Buggy, really awful puzzles and it is basically DLC from the original game as a new game for some reason.”
“Bit buggy.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is closely tied to the puzzle themes, with music that enhances the overall experience and immersion. Reviewers appreciate how the auditory elements complement the gameplay, creating a cohesive and engaging environment.
“The music and atmosphere are perfectly aligned with the theme of the puzzles.”
