Dynafire has 132 chronicles

1. Great Games You've Probably Never Heard of: #2 - Zombies Ate my Neighbors
   

   Player Chronicle -- Posted on Apr 22 2009

   This game is one of the best zombie-themed games in existance, mostly because it's nothing like any other zombie game in existence. The objective is simple: rescue the survivors while blowing up zombies and other enemies, utilizing some of the most ridiculous (and fun) weapons ever devised. It's available on the SNES and Sega Genesis.
   
   First, a look at the characters. Their names are Zeke and Judy. Zeke is pretty much what Beavis would look like if he had a pair of 3D glasses. Judy on the other hand, is just a girl with a hat. I guess they didn't think girls were awesome enough to give 3D glasses or something. For gameplay purposes, they are the same character. They run the same speed, and have no special abilities, though I swear I get more lucky when opening containers for random items with Judy.
   
   The stages are set up like mazes, in which you will find survivors. The object is to get to them before the zombies eat them (a feat which is damn near impossible in certain spots). After the final survivor is either rescued or eaten, an exit door appears to take you to the next level. Should you lose a survivor, you can earn them back every 40,000 points. If you already have the maximum number of survivors (10), you get an extra life instead. There are over 50 levels of zombie-slaughtering fun, playable solo or with a friend. Each level has tons containers which can hold random weapons, nothing at all, or a monster that hits you for a point when you open it. (protip: the monster will never appear in trashcans if you open them from the top.)
   
   Now let's discuss the "weapons". You initially have an uzi squirt gun that can make zombies explode in a giant mass of gore in a single shot. That doesn't really make sense, but who cares. It's awesome. then you have even more random stuff like 6-packs of pop that explode like grenades, weedwackers, silverware and dinner plates, popsicles, fire extinguishers, etc. In fact, the only "real" weapon is the bazooka, which is ironically one of the worst weapons in the game. However, there still isn't a "best" weapon. Each one has their own special uses. Silverware is a one-hit kill vs. werewolves for example, and the fire extinguisher can kill fire-type enemies quickly. The only problem with having all these weapons is having to cycle through them to find what you need. On the SNES, the control is more streamlined, allowing one button press to move to the next weapon. On a standard Sega Genesis controller though, you need to hold down A and press either B or C in tandem to cycle through to the next weapon. It's really inconvenient, and almost requires you to have a 6-button controller to play it. Also, if you accidentally pass a weapon you want, you have to cycle all the way back through your entire inventory to select it again.
   
   You may be wondering why you need to press either A+B or C when it seems like you could just press A to switch and B to shoot. That's because there are actually a second set of items you have access to. These are not weapons per se, they're more like "extended survival" tools. First Aid Kits, inflatable clown decoys (which are extremely useful, and extremely annoying at the same time), and magic potions fall into this category. The first aid kits will restore your life while the potions have varying effects. The blue one will turn you invisible and allow you to walk across water. The unfortunate side effect of this is that you can't open doors or use trampolines (which are absolutely necessary to get around some areas) while in "ghost" status. This can result in several dead survivors if you don't plan ahead. The red potion turns you into a hulking brute that packs a punch equivalent to a bazooka blast. You can punch open doors and walls, and are invincible while effected. Again, the downsides; you can't use trampolines, and once you revert back to a human, you are stuck in place for a couple seconds while you change back. If a survivor is nearby, they become easy pickins for the baddies while you're stuck in the animation. There are other items too, such as pandora's box which destroys everything on-screen, and can also do multiple-hit damage on some of the tougher enemies, and the sneakers which practically quintuple your speed for a short time.
   
   I'm glad I have both versions of ZAmN, because had I never played the SNES version, I would have assumed both carts are the same. They're not. The SNES version is far, far superior due to better controls, as well as better sounding music and graphics. Also, there is a hidden flamethrower in the SNES version that is not in the Genesis version.
   
   One of the more unique aspects of ZamN is the final credits. Instead of the traditional "scrolling names" style, they turned them into an actual stage you can play through. It's definitely more fun than just sitting there and watching names scroll by. The game can be beaten in roughly three hours, and is fun for the entire thing. Grab a friend and have a blast, and be sure to play the far-superior SNES version if you can.

   
   

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Dynafire has 4 comment s on this chronicle.

1. BEN
   Posted On Apr 23 2009

   Quite the response here
   
   I'm on this embarrassing list of not playing this game before, so thanks for the review! I love using household items to destroy zombies and it sounds like this game did a nice job of that. I think the credit level idea at the end is great as well.

2. rareultra
   Posted On Apr 23 2009

   that was my favorite game when i was younger i know maybe one person who never played it!

3. JackDaniels624
   Posted On Apr 22 2009

   Wha? I don't know a single gamer who never owned Zombies Ate My Neighbors as a kid...Except for me...But I own it now...What I'm saying is I was caught completely off guard when you said this was a game I've probobly never heard of, since it seemed quite popular...

4. Gvirus05
   Posted On Apr 22 2009

   The game that sparked my interest in Zombies...Oh how I miss you childhood.