A few weeks ago we started large-scale testing for Pandemic Express, tinyBuild’s upcoming open world zombie shooter with trains. I made a short video explaining exactly how it plays, and want to share some of the highlights from recent playsessions. You can also check some amazing Let’s Plays popping up on Youtube.
Inspired by zombie escape mods
We originally set out to make an open world shooter that would capture the fun and craziness of “zombie escape mods” you can still find popular in games like Counter-Strike Source. The premise is that a team spawns with everyone being “friendly” (or humans). Shortly after the match begins, one of the players is randomly infected and turns into a zombie. His job is to infect all other human players as they try to get to a certain goal.
We took this concept, and expanded on it within CryEngine 5.
- 30 players spawn in a soviet post apocalyptic world
- They spawn in a train station
- One of the players is randomly infected
- Survivors scavenge for weapons and gear as they make their way to the train
- The train starts moving when survivors are on it
- Their goal is to escape by train
- Swarms of infected players’ goal is to turn all survivors into zombies
This results in unique gameplay situations, like 3 survivors fighting off 27 zombies.
