Bloody Zombies – Page 3 – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

May 10, 2017

Watch VRFocus Beat Up Some Bloody Zombies

nDreams and Paw Print Games recently announced a new title coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC later this year: Bloody Zombies. As part of a preview event for the title, VRFocus was able to get hands-on with the videogame and capture a playthrough of a full level.

Bloody Zombies allows for up to four players simultaneously, however for the sake of visual clarity this footage was captured from a two-player playthrough. As can be seen by the VR head-mounted display (HMD) depicted upon Rei’s in-game character, VRFocus played Bloody Zombies in VR while the second character, Teller, played on a traditional 2D television screen. The footage was captured as a direct feed from the 2D version.

In the video below you can watch VRFocus take on one full level set to be featured in the final version of Bloody Zombies, which will be available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC later this year. Be sure to check back soon as VRFocus has yet more coverage of Bloody Zombies on the way.

May 8, 2017

Preview: Bloody Zombies – Beatdown Bloody Zombies on London Bridge

Last year nDreams announced plans to not only continue their efforts to become the largest virtual reality (VR) videogame developer in the UK, but also to expand their repertoire to publish titles from other developers. Paw Print Games’ Bloody Zombies, announced today, is the first such title, coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC later this year.

Bloody Zombies Screenshot A side-scrolling beat-‘em-up, or ‘brawler’, Bloody Zombies sticks rather firmly to many of the traditions of the genre: light and heavy attacks, linked combos, air attacks, collectable/breakable weaponry and health items. It also throws together a selection of more modern mechanics such as a level-up system (unlocking new moves) and juggle bonuses. On the surface, Bloody Zombies looks set to deliver exactly what is promised by that genre label.

Inside however, there’s something much more interesting happening. When played with a VR head-mounted display (HMD), Bloody Zombies opens into a much more progressive experience. The viewpoint significantly changes, bringing with it not just a more interesting visual style, but also new gameplay opportunities.

Compatible with Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR and HTC Vive, Bloody Zombies with added stereoscopy casts a different light on the already interesting art style. Now, the characters appear as 2D cutouts in a 3D world; leaning into the scene allows them to be viewed from an angle where they appear to be paper-thin. Furthermore, you are given a much wider view of the landscape, able to see enemies approaching from a greater distance and even view hidden areas that may not be immediately recognisable when played on a 2D screen.

Bloody Zombies Screenshot You could suggest that this will give a player in VR an advantage over those on a monitor as, indeed; it does appear that way at present. However, Bloody Zombies’ wealth of multiplayer options takes this into account. Up to four players can join in the co-operative gameplay (given individual scores at the end of each level to encourage player rivalry outside of the action) and this can be any combination of local and online players, VR and non-VR. For example, two players could be on one PlayStation 4 system with one wearing a PlayStation VR whilst the other plays on the television screen, with two further players online also wearing a PlayStation VR. Or not.

The interesting camera perspective granted by VR is currently Bloody Zombies’ greatest unique selling point (USP). As an addition to a well worn genre it doesn’t particularly shine; there’s an interesting variety of enemies but the combat feels very rigid. What Bloody Zombies does have going for it is that, in VR, there’s very little competition. Insomniac Games’ Feral Rites felt very flat while Gang Beasts and Kite & Lightning’s forthcoming Bebylon are an altogether different style of brawling. With that, Paw Print Games has an opportunity to set a precedent for the genre when it launches later this year.

May 8, 2017

Paw Print Games Aims to Bring VR and Non-VR Players together in a Shower of Cartoon Zombie Blood

nDreams has today announced a publishing agreement for Paw Print Games’ Bloody Zombies, coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC later this year. The latter two versions of the videogame will include support for virtual reality (VR), through PlayStation VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

Bloody Zombies is a side-scrolling beat-‘em-up designed for multiplayer co-operative gameplay. Up to four players can join a game in any combination of local and online play as they battle through a version of London ravaged by zombie hordes. The videogame promises to delivery all of the usual brawler tropes with the added element of unique gameplay designed for those in VR.

Antony White, Co-Founder and Director at Paw Print Games, said: “Bloody Zombies combines irreverent British humour, exaggerated characterisation with an approach to over-the-top urban violence to create a new style of brawler. Team play is definitely key, but you’ll also need to beat your friends to compete for the highest score.”

In Bloody Zombies, the VR player(s) will benefit from an enhanced viewpoint, allowing them to find in-game secrets. Any combination of VR and non-VR players is allowed, either locally or online.

“Bloody Zombies transforms the classic co-op brawler into an original experience. Players team up to battle the undead in the streets of London, regardless of whether if they are playing in VR with its unique viewpoint or on console or PC,” said David Corless, VP of Publishing, nDreams.

Bloody Zombies Screenshot Set for release later this year, Bloody Zombies will launch on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. VRFocus has already been hands-on with the videogame and will bring you much more coverage soon.