Microsoft Announces Open-World Zombie Shooter Exclusively For Xbox 360

Microsoft Game Studios and Undead Labs have teamed up together to bring gamers a new zombie-horror franchise for the Xbox 360. The zombie-survival title will be released exclusively across Xbox Live Arcade, it seems to signal a new direction Microsoft is taking with the approach to first and second party exclusives.

Jeff Strain, founder of Undead Labs commented in the press release, saying…

“Undead Labs is thrilled to work directly with Microsoft to bring Xbox 360 players an outstanding zombie-survival franchise,” ... “Our mission is to create original online games that truly feel at home on the console platform, and Xbox 360 is a fantastic platform for online console gaming. We plan to create an ambitious open world XBLA game and use its gameplay, setting, and technology as the foundation for a full online world game.”

Sounds intriguing. One of the prime selling points is that players will be in an open-world zombie game…so there are no preset choke points, fleeing moments or standoff situations dictated wholly by scripts and level progression, but instead it’s based on player decisions, similar to the show The Walking Dead.

This definitely seems like the kind of zombie game I’ve been waiting to play. Let’s just hope Undead Labs can hone in a polished gameplay atmosphere while keeping the thrills and intensity in check. The game revolves around actually trying to survive by rescuing playable survivors in a third-person action game featuring melee combat, guns, and everything else in between as gamers strategize to raid stores for food, supplies and ammo.

Matt Booty, General Manager of Microsoft Game Studios commented in the press release saying…

“We are proud to collaborate with Undead Labs on the creation of a new game for Xbox 360,” ... “The Undead Labs team has a successful track record making innovative online games, and we are excited to support them as they bring their experience and talent to Xbox LIVE.”

Well, I can’t wait for the game. Be sure to hit up the Official Website to learn more about the upcoming project from Undead Labs.

Will Usher

Staff Writer at CinemaBlend.