Welcome to ParadiZe is an action survival game with RPG elements set in a zombie apocalypse. Players arrive in the settlement of ParadiZe hoping for safety, only to find it overrun like everywhere else. The twist comes from hacking technology that lets survivors turn defeated zombies into controllable allies known as Zombots. These companions handle combat support, resource collection, and base defense while the player explores and crafts.
Gameplay
The game uses an isometric perspective for exploration and combat across varied environments including forests, deserts, snow-covered areas, and urban zones. Core loops revolve around scavenging materials, crafting weapons, ammunition, bandages, and armor, then using those tools to push deeper into hostile territory. Combat starts with basic melee options like bats or machetes before expanding to firearms, crossbows, and specialized tools. Zombies explode in satisfying ways when hit, and downed foes can be fitted with helmets to recruit them on the spot.
Zombots form the standout system. Once hacked, they follow commands to fight alongside the player, harvest resources automatically, or man defenses back at camp. Skill trees split into hacking for better Zombot control and abilities, combat for improved damage and mobility, and survival for health and utility upgrades. Base building requires setting up a camp with fortifications and traps to repel periodic zombie attacks, though Zombots can automate much of the maintenance and defense work. Progression involves completing quests from local characters, leveling up, and gradually expanding the settlement while preparing for larger threats.
Game Modes
Players can tackle the experience solo or team up with others. Local co-op supports two players on the same console, while online co-op allows up to four participants to share a world. In co-op, allies revive each other and tackle crowds more effectively, though enemy difficulty does not scale with group size. The main structure remains an open-world survival loop of exploration, crafting, base management, and story-driven objectives rather than separate competitive or arena-style modes.
Exploration and Progression
ParadiZe features a colorful cast of survivors and unusual wildlife that players encounter while traveling between biomes. Quests often involve fetching items, clearing areas, or assisting residents, leading to new crafting recipes and camp upgrades. Zombot customization grows through collected gear and skill unlocks, allowing roles like resource gatherers or frontline fighters. A later goal involves assembling components for a rocket to escape the planet entirely. Updates have added features such as additional turrets for base defense, a hard difficulty option that increases enemy health and damage, and refinements to Zombot AI and player controls.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception has been mixed, with critics noting strong humor, satisfying combat feedback, and the novel Zombot companion system as highlights, while pointing out technical issues, repetitive quests, and shallower base-building elements as drawbacks. The game suits players who enjoy zombie survival loops combined with companion management and light crafting in a co-op setting. Those seeking deep base-building simulations or polished open-world action may find the experience repetitive after the initial hours. It remains available on Xbox Series X|S with ongoing patches that address balance and add content, making it a reasonable choice for fans of the core concept who can tolerate some jank.
