Dead Effect is a science fiction first-person shooter for PC, AND and iOS, developed by the independent BadFly Interactive (formerly: inDev Brain) that employs people who previously worked on Cold War. What’s unusual, especially for a game of this genre, is that Dead Effect was made with mobile devices in mind and the PC version is a conversion from these platforms.
Plot
The action takes place in 2045 onboard the ESS Meridian spaceship that transports the new FTL technology to ‘Tau Ceti f’, the first planet outside the Solar System that is going to be colonized by humanity. We assume the role of an Unit 13 operator. Having awakened from a cryogenic sleep, he finds outs that something went awry on the board. Most people are dead, while those who are not turned into aggressive and bloodthirsty zombies. Wading through subsequent decks of the spaceship, the protagonist has to find out who or what is behind these mysterious events.
Mechanics
Dead Effect for PC, AND and iOS has relatively simple gameplay mechanics. In the game, pure, lively action is more important than extensive plot. In the single player campaign, we traverse 12 levels where our primary task is to eliminate all encountered zombies. While playing, we’ll also be looking for collectibles such as PDAs and special holograms as well as ammunition and cash that lets us enhance our arsenal. The protagonist can also use and develop special abilities, including Bullet Time and Devastation. We can assume the role of a man or a woman, although the differences boil down only to the initial weapon set. Apart from the story campaign, the game features a survival mode where we fight for our life on special arenas.
As far as the atmosphere is concerned, the game can bring such classics as Mass Effect series, which is clearly visible even in the title. The graphics are powered by the Unity engine and presents a rather average quality that doesn’t allow the player to forget about Dead Effect’s mobile roots. However, the production features an original soundtrack that builds the atmosphere quite well.
