Video Game Review – The Walking Dead: Aftermath

      Andrew Newton reviews The Walking Dead: Aftermath…

      The Walking Dead: Aftermath, created by Ares Interactive and Swift Games, introduces the beloved franchise to mobile players, taking a new approach by incorporating a Vampire Survivors-inspired roguelite design. This intriguing blend works well, even though some concepts may feel somewhat clichéd.

      The gameplay aligns with what genre enthusiasts would anticipate. You’re placed in a countryside or dilapidated town teeming with walkers, tasked with surviving for a designated period while leveling up and choosing from randomized enhancements. Soon, your character grows stronger, tougher, and faster as hordes of enemies close in from all sides. This formula has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, but there’s an undeniable thrill in witnessing your character transform into a walker-slaying powerhouse.

      Each character is equipped with a unique weapon, such as Rick Grimes’ legendary revolver. As you progress through the story, you’ll unlock additional characters armed with different weapons that can be deployed in combat or support roles.

      Fortunately, battles don't merely consist of waves of the same walkers; new enemy types emerge with each chapter, compelling you to adapt your strategy. Trick walkers explode upon defeat, larger zombies require more hits, and bloated charging walkers can inflict serious damage if you’re not cautious. Additionally, enemy survivors with rifles, shotguns, and melee weapons introduce a different dynamic, adding ranged attacks that increase the chaos of battles.

      The storyline is interspersed with various game modes that unlock as you advance, including Boss battles and resource runs, allowing you to collect materials for base building. While these additions aren’t revolutionary, they help prevent the chapter grind from becoming overly monotonous.

      Outside of combat, The Walking Dead: Aftermath resembles one of the many free-to-play 4X strategy games available on mobile. Between missions, you'll focus on expanding your settlement, upgrading structures, enhancing equipment, and recruiting survivors. These management elements work adequately, but they lack the excitement of the action. The roguelite combat is engaging and brings a refreshing burst of energy to an otherwise stale genre.

      Visually, the game effectively captures the essence of The Walking Dead, featuring recognizable characters (from the TV series, not the comic) and grim settings filled with walkers. However, the soundtrack is less impressive. The music quickly becomes repetitive, leading players to the settings menu to mute it.

      As a free-to-play mobile game, it's expected to have numerous purchasable items using real money. Various premium currencies, bundles, and characters vie for your hard-earned money. Nevertheless, these monetization opportunities don’t feel mandatory. You can enjoy the game without spending a cent, though making purchases can significantly speed up your progression if you’re the impatient type.

      The Walking Dead: Aftermath thrives on the addictive nature of the Vampire Survivors-style roguelite genre. The chaotic action, continuous upgrades, and ever-increasing hordes of enemies create an enjoyable experience that's easy to lose track of time with. The base-building aspects are less captivating and seem to be included out of obligation, but fortunately, they never overshadow the game’s strongest elements.

      If you're a fan of The Walking Dead, there's ample content here to keep you engaged, featuring familiar characters and plenty of walker-slaying action. Those who aren’t particularly invested in the franchise might still find enjoyment in the Vampire Survivors-inspired gameplay, even if the settlement management becomes tiresome.

      Rating – 7/10

      The Walking Dead: Aftermath is now available on Google Play and the App Store.