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Days of Doom attempts to mix things up. However, unfortunately, its tried and tested formula does little to impress you. Things are exasperated when you consider the zombie apocalypse theme. Accordingly, there is a distinct déjà vu feeling, even though some of the gameplay is unique.
This rogue-like tactical RPG was developed by Sneakybox and published by Atari. This fresh IP should make Atari fans jump with joy. Yet, I don’t think that will happen as the action falls flat far too often. Moreover, the gameplay loop is painfully repetitive, and getting the energy to try another round can be a step too far. Consequently, though there are some nice ideas, Days of Doom unfortunately falls short.
Days of Doom tells a familiar tale.
The world is over as we know it. Unfortunately, zombies run riot and the few surviving humans must fight one another and the zombie horde if they wish to survive. This is no mean feat, as danger is at every turn. However, if you wish to make it to the hallowed land, you must venture into the wilderness and put your life on the line.
The gameplay loop is familiar! You must pick from a range of characters and take on a journey that comprises 6 zones. Each area has unique zombies and other traps to overcome. If you somehow survive them, you’ll move closer to the end goal. Yet, there are many hurdles that stand between you and the finish line.
As you study each map, you must consider the fuel in your truck and the nodes that are on offer. Furthermore, you need to navigate each point to get to the final battle. Accordingly, you can deviate from the main route if you wish, but this could lead to dire consequences.
A rundown home and turn-based combat.
The action focuses on 2 distinct areas. First, there is your rundown base. Here you will recruit new people, improve your gear, and upgrade your abilities. This safe haven is the hub at which every playthrough starts. As such, you can select your team, upgrade your equipment, and prepare to slay the zombie hordes.
The main aspect of Days of Doom is the turn-based combat. Every battle takes on a traditional grid-based approach. Subsequently, you know the limitations of your team and that of your opponents. Additionally, there are barrels of oil, water, and radioactive waste that can be used to hurt your foes. Alongside this, there is debris to hide behind to improve your defensive stats.
Unfortunately, though, each of these environmental tools does very little to improve the gameplay. For reasons unknown, the zombies home in on you like a heat-seeking missile. Accordingly, it is nigh on impossible to use the barrels or debris to your advantage. This was frustrating as it removed a key tactical element of the gameplay.
Special abilities.
Talking of tactics, each character has skills and abilities that can be combined. This was a phenomenal idea that genuinely created a unique twist to a well-trodden genre. Furthermore, as new characters were inducted into your clan, there were new and interesting ways to tackle every problem.
On top of this, there were unusual events and encounters to keep you on your toes. Sadly, most of these events were predictable. However, if you wanted to gather resources to keep your clan happy, you needed to scour every node. Additionally, the more XP you earned and the further you ventured, the more renown you gained. This was essential, as upgrading your base is an arduous job. Consequently, this makes the gameplay repetitive and there is a distinct sense of mindless grind.
Days of Doom is grim and sombre.
Though the gameplay didn’t resonate with me, I loved the grim and sombre aesthetic. Days of Doom paints a wonderfully disgusting image of an apocalyptic setting. With decrepit buildings, a range of horrific zombies, and blood-thirsty bandits to overcome, there is always a sense of danger and despair. Alongside this, the action is helped by the excellent camera angle and the clean UI. Moreover, the simple grid system is easy to follow and understand.
The audio does an amazing job of enhancing the atmosphere. The minor-toned and oppressive music is complemented by some crunching sound effects. As such, the brutal gameplay will send shivers down your spine.
It is simple to play.
Though I didn’t like the heat-seeking zombies, I appreciated the excellent control layout. Subsequently, this is a tactical rogue-like that is easy to understand and simple to play. However, there are some nice tactical nuances that ensure it isn’t too straightforward.
Unfortunately, the replay value and longevity are impacted by the “grind” nature of the gameplay. The early stages are frustrating and underwhelming. As such, many newbies to the genre will be put off. If you can make it through the opening elements, there is some depth that makes you want to return.
Days of Doom is okay, but there are better titles.
I wasn’t blown away by Days of Doom. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough originality to make me sit up and take notice. Furthermore, the issues are compounded by the repetitive nature of the action. Consequently, many of you will switch off before the action gets going. However, despite these shortcomings, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you traverse the death-infused wilderness and make it to the safe haven? Pick your team, upgrade your base, and hope that luck is on your side.
