Into the Dead 2 is coming to Nintendo Switch later this year, making the jump from mobile platforms. It was playable during Gamescom 2019 and we decided it was time to check out what happens when a zombie apocalypse game gets a baby with the endless running genre.
Impressive start
At the beginning of my hands-on session, I was guided through the first mission. Although it’s a rather easy mission to survive, it did set the right atmosphere right from the start. It’s clear that a lot of love and time went into this Switch version since it’s a great looking game. It combines a cartoony Cel Shaded look with the gore you would expect in a zombie game. Moving over to the story, you’re controlling someone who’s trying to save his family from the hordes of zombies. As you progress through the game, the story will also progress, giving you several different options and eventually one of the multiple endings after you survive the seven chapters, spread over sixty levels.
All of the content, all stages, all challenges are included right from the start. Although it makes the jump from mobile, Into the Dead 2 doesn’t feature any microtransaction whatsoever. However, the developer will release special DLC, with Ghostbusters being the first one, over the coming months after release. What you get on day one is an impressive amount of content for a fair price, you won’t pay too much and you won’t need real money to unlock the in-game gold. If you want to unlock new weapons or new companions, you’ll be able to do so with skills, not with money. All in all, my first impression of the game is very positive thanks to this.
Run to survive
Moving over to the gameplay side of things, this is an endless runner with a twist. Your character automatically runs forward and it’s your job to stay out of the bloodthirsty hands of the zombies. By strategically moving from right to left, you can confuse the zombies and slip right in between them when you’re feeling lucky. Of course, you’re also able to use a rather impressive arsenal of weapons, which you can unlock with in-game gold that you gather from completing challenges while running. Guns are great but ammo is scarce so you really have to pay attention and ask yourself if the situation can’t be saved without bullets. It’s a simple idea but the fact that you have access to multiple guns, including powerful mounted ones, really results in a thrilling game.
Into the Dead 2 really is addictive and even during my hands-on I was eager to go for ‘just one more run’. It’s a simple concept but it works extremely well. Also, note that you can get some help from a dog companion that can either help you find the needed ammo or even attack the zombies. There will be a couple of companions to choose from in the final version of the game and I want to check out their skills for sure, it’s a great little extra that makes this endless runner stand out of the crowd.
Early conclusion:
Although the game is still a bit rough around the edges, the gameplay element was already there. It’s a fun endless runner with a twist that will get you coming back for more instantly. It’s a highly addictive game and the story makes sure you’ll have a different experience every time you’re playing. It houses a lot of options, a lot of modes, a lot of guns, and a lot of zombies. It’s certainly a game worth checking out later this year!
