VR is having a seriously good run at the moment. The Walking Dead Onslaught, a game I’ve been waiting over a year for, is finally going to hit the virtual shelves on September 29th. In a little over a month, I’ll be clearing my schedule to slay zombies like there’s no tomorrow.
VR gaming has been around for a while, but it’s had a bit of a sputtering ride in the industry. It’s not taken off as people expected, but the tech has seen some serious improvements in recent years. And while it’s still somewhat of a niche market, it’s been gaining traction due to a series of upgrades to the gaming experience (including lower price tags, with the Oculus Rift running at around $400).
We’re fast approaching the era where the big hitters will be entering the market en masse. We’re going to be living in a world where the next Red Dead Redemption will have VR support, where you don’t have to use a mod to play the Witcher, and where you can hit the casinos and play Mega Moolah and feel like you’re in the real thing.
But that time hasn’t quite come yet. So you’re going to have to be satisfied with combating a zombie apocalypse. Hey, there are worse things…
The Walking Dead Onslaught’: Finally, We Have a Release Date
Insanely popular fictional characters? Check. Immersive VR experience? Double-check. Survival-shooter with streams of zombies ready to be chopped and shot to obliteration? Oh yeah, that’s a check.
The game was originally slated for a 2019 release but was unfortunately delayed by over a year. Issues with development and a little thing called COVID-19 put a spoke or two in the wheel. But considering what I’ve seen and read so far, it looks like the additional time has given developers the time to take this game to another level.
Seriously, just watch the trailer. If that doesn’t get you excited about VR, I don’t know what will. The game looks extra gory, full of fast-paced zombie action, and the trailer hints that it will be an incredibly immersive experience. It looks so promising and has a far higher caliber than earlier demos.
The game is based on the popular TV show, contrary to The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, which takes its inspiration from the original comic book. The developers have gone all-in on the story, sacrificing co-op support in favor of an immersive single-player experience.
I have to say I’m excited to play with familiar characters, weapons, and storylines. The game will use Alexandria as a central location, and experiencing something I’ve only known from television in VR will be a cool experience.
While I am slightly disappointed that co-op isn’t a part of this release, I do think that doubling down on the story mode is a better bet. The creators of Last of Us II did something similar, and while fans were torn about the direction of the actual story, no one can deny that the result was of epic proportions. I’m hoping that we’ll see a co-op release in the future, but no announcement has been made on that as yet.
So what’s included?
I’ve already put in a pre-order for the Deluxe Edition, as you get some in-game bonuses and exclusive discounts as part of the early deal:
The Deluxe Edition includes the range of the so-called Iconic Show Weapons Pack. If you’re big into the show, these will be familiar: Lucille, the Red Machete, Rick’s Mace, and Tyreese’s Hammer. You also get the Alexandria Crafting Starter Kit, as well as an exclusive Art Book and Mini-Soundtrack.
Those who decide to go via the PlayStation Store will get two extras: an Avatar Pack and an exclusive PS4 theme. They’re not exactly game-changers, but they’re nice little add-ons.
Personally? I can’t wait!
I should remain professional, but I have to admit it: I’m pumped about this game. VR has let me down in the past, but I have a good feeling about this release.
The developers seem like they have a home run on their hands. I seriously hope it lives up to the billing. My conclusion? Shut up and take my money. The countdown to September 29th has begun.
