The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct – A Prequel to the TV Series

If you are a fan of The Walking Dead TV series, you might be interested in playing The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, a video game that acts as a prequel to the show. In this game, you will take on the role of Daryl Dixon, one of the most popular characters from the series, and experience his journey with his brother Merle during the early days of the zombie apocalypse. You will have to fight or avoid the walkers, meet other survivors, make tough decisions, and scavenge for resources as you travel across Georgia to reach Atlanta. In this article, we will give you an overview of what this game is about, how to play it, what are its features, and what are its reviews.

What is The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct?

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct is a first-person shooter video game developed by Terminal Reality and published by Activision in 2013. It is based on and canon to The Walking Dead TV series, in contrast to the video game by Telltale Games, which is based on and canon to the comics.

A first-person shooter game based on the TV series

The game uses the Infernal Engine and features realistic graphics and sound effects that create a tense and immersive atmosphere. You will have access to various weapons, such as knives, crossbows, guns, and explosives, that you can use to defend yourself against the walkers. However, ammo is scarce and noise can attract more enemies, so you will have to be careful and strategic when choosing how to deal with them.

A prequel to the TV series that follows Daryl and Merle Dixon

The game’s story is set before the events of the first season of the TV series and focuses on Daryl Dixon (voiced by Norman Reedus) and his half-uncle Merle Dixon (voiced by Michael Rooker), two brothers who are trying to survive in the Georgia countryside. You will control Daryl as he encounters various characters from the TV series, such as Jimmy Blake, Andrea, Shane Walsh, Glenn Rhee, Hershel Greene, Maggie Greene, Carol Peletier, Sophia Peletier, Dale Horvath, Amy Harrison, Lori Grimes, Carl Grimes, Rick Grimes , as well as original characters created for the game. You will also learn more about Daryl’s backstory and personality as he interacts with his brother and other survivors.

A survival game that requires strategic choices and resource management

The game is not just about shooting zombies; it is also about surviving in a harsh world where resources are limited and choices matter. You will have to manage your fuel, ammo, food, and supplies as you travel across Georgia. You will also have to decide who to help or leave behind among the survivors you meet along the way. Your decisions will affect your relationships with other characters, your reputation among different groups of survivors , and your chances of survival. You will also have to deal with the consequences of your actions, as they can lead to different endings.

How to play The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct?

The game is divided into several levels, each representing a different location in Georgia. You will have to complete the main objectives of each level, such as finding a vehicle, reaching a safe zone, or meeting a certain character. You will also have the option to explore the surroundings and look for optional objectives, such as rescuing survivors, finding collectibles, or clearing out walker infestations.

Fight or sneak past the walkers

The walkers are the main threat in the game, and you will encounter them in various numbers and situations. You can choose to fight them head-on or sneak past them using stealth and distraction techniques. You can also use environmental objects, such as cars, doors, or fences, to block their path or trap them. However, you should be aware that the walkers can sense your presence by sight, sound, and smell, and they will react accordingly. If you make too much noise or get too close to them, they will attack you and try to bite you. If you get bitten, you will die instantly and have to restart from the last checkpoint.

Meet other survivors and decide who to help or leave

Along your journey, you will meet other survivors who have their own stories, personalities, and skills. Some of them will join you as companions, while others will ask for your help or offer you something in exchange. You will have to decide who to trust or distrust, who to help or ignore, and who to take with you or leave behind. Your choices will affect your reputation among different groups of survivors, such as the police, the military, the bandits, or the civilians. Some survivors will be grateful for your assistance and reward you with useful items or information, while others will be hostile or ungrateful and try to betray you or steal from you.

Travel across Georgia and choose your route and vehicle

The game allows you to travel across Georgia using different vehicles, such as cars, trucks, vans, or motorcycles. Each vehicle has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as speed, durability, fuel efficiency, storage capacity, and noise level. You will have to choose wisely which vehicle to use depending on your situation and preference. You will also have to choose which route to take between each level, as there are multiple paths available with different risks and rewards. Some routes are shorter but more dangerous, while others are longer but safer. Some routes have more opportunities for scavenging or meeting survivors, while others have more obstacles or walker encounters.

Scavenge for fuel, ammo, food, and supplies

The game requires you to scavenge for various resources that are essential for your survival. You will need fuel to keep your vehicle running; ammo to reload your weapons; food to restore your health; and supplies to craft items such as bandages, molotov cocktails, or flares. You can find these resources in various locations, such as houses, shops, gas stations, or military bases. However, you will also have to face the risks of scavenging, such as encountering walkers, traps, or hostile survivors. You will also have to manage your inventory and decide what to keep or discard, as you have limited space and weight capacity.

What are the features of The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct?

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct has several features that make it unique and appealing to fans of the TV series and the zombie genre. Here are some of them:

Authentic voice acting by Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker

The game features the original voice actors of Daryl and Merle Dixon from the TV series, Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker. They deliver their lines with the same accent, tone, and emotion that fans are familiar with. They also add more depth and personality to their characters, as they reveal more about their past, their relationship, and their thoughts on the apocalypse. The game also features other voice actors who portray the characters from the TV series or the original characters from the game.

Original story and characters by the writers of the TV series

The game’s story and characters are written by the same writers who work on the TV series, such as Scott M. Gimple, Angela Kang, and Evan Reilly. They create an original plot that is consistent with the TV series’ timeline and canon, as well as new characters that fit into the world of The Walking Dead. They also include references and Easter eggs that fans of the TV series will appreciate and enjoy.

Multiple endings based on your choices and actions

The game has multiple endings that depend on your choices and actions throughout the game. Your decisions will affect not only your survival, but also the fate of other characters and groups of survivors. You will also see how your choices impact the world around you, as you witness the consequences of your actions in different locations and scenarios. The game encourages replayability, as you can try different routes, vehicles, companions, and strategies to see how they affect the outcome of the game.

Varied environments and locations from the TV series

The game features a variety of environments and locations that are inspired by or taken from the TV series. You will visit places such as Daryl’s home town of Cabot Ridge, Merle’s drug dealer’s house in Sedalia, a police station in Pemberton, a hospital in Cleburne, a farm in Lemon Hill, a motel in Barksdale, a power plant in Fontana, a train station in Oakview, a campsite in Taggart, a highway in Archer Creek, a school in Sherwood, and the city of Atlanta. You will also see familiar landmarks from the TV series, such as the Greene family farm, the CDC building, and the Atlanta skyline. You will experience different weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or night, that will affect your visibility and gameplay.

What are the reviews of The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct?

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct received mixed to negative reviews from critics and players. The game has a Metacritic score of 32/100 for the PC version, 38/100 for the Xbox 360 version, and 39/100 for the PS3 version. The game also has a user score of 4.6/10 for the PC version, 5.0/10 for the Xbox 360 version, and 5.1/10 for the PS3 version. Here are some of the common criticisms and praises of the game:

Criticisms of the game’s graphics, controls, and plot

One of the main criticisms of the game is its poor graphics quality, which was considered outdated and unpolished by many reviewers. The game suffers from low-resolution textures, bland colors, repetitive models, clipping issues, and glitches. The game also has a lackluster animation system, which makes the characters and walkers move stiffly and awkwardly. The game’s controls are also criticized for being clunky and unresponsive, especially when aiming or meleeing. The game’s plot is also considered weak and uninspired by many reviewers, who felt that it did not live up to the standards of the TV series or the comics. The game’s story is seen as shallow and linear, with little character development or emotional impact. The game’s dialogue is also seen as cheesy and poorly written, with many clichés and inconsistencies.

Praises of the game’s atmosphere, voice acting, and survival elements

One of the main praises of the game is its atmospheric and immersive gameplay, which was appreciated by some reviewers. The game creates a tense and realistic environment that captures the essence of the TV series and the zombie genre. The game’s sound design is also praised for its authentic and effective use of music, sound effects, and voice acting. The game features original music composed by Kevin Riepl and voice acting by Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker, who deliver convincing and engaging performances as Daryl and Merle Dixon. The game’s survival elements are also praised for adding challenge and strategy to the gameplay. The game forces you to scavenge for resources, manage your inventory, choose your companions, and make decisions that affect your outcome. The game also offers some replay value with its multiple endings and routes.

Comparison with other games based on The Walking Dead franchise

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct is often compared with other games based on The Walking Dead franchise, such as The Walking Dead by Telltale Games, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners by Skydance Interactive, and The Walking Dead: Onslaught by Survios. These games are generally considered superior to The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct in terms of graphics, gameplay, story, and reviews. The Walking Dead by Telltale Games is a critically acclaimed and award-winning episodic adventure game that focuses on the narrative and the choices of the player. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a virtual reality action game that features a dynamic and interactive world where the player can fight, scavenge, craft, and explore. The Walking Dead: Onslaught is another virtual reality action game that allows the player to play as the characters from the TV series and experience their stories. These games are more faithful and respectful to the source material and the fans of The Walking Dead franchise.

Conclusion and FAQs

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct is a video game that acts as a prequel to the TV series and follows the journey of Daryl and Merle Dixon during the zombie apocalypse. The game is a first-person shooter that also incorporates survival elements, such as scavenging, managing resources, choosing companions, and making decisions. The game features authentic voice acting by Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker, original story and characters by the writers of the TV series, multiple endings based on your choices and actions, and varied environments and locations from the TV series. However, the game also suffers from poor graphics quality, clunky controls, weak plot, and negative reviews. The game is often compared unfavorably with other games based on The Walking Dead franchise, such as The Walking Dead by Telltale Games, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners by Skydance Interactive, and The Walking Dead: Onslaught by Survios.

If you are interested in playing The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, you can find it on Steam for PC, or on Amazon for Xbox 360 or PS3. You can also watch gameplay videos on YouTube or Twitch to see if it suits your taste. Here are some frequently asked questions about the game:

Q: How long is The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct?

A: The game’s length depends on your playstyle and choices, but it can be completed in about 6 to 8 hours on average.

Q: Is The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct multiplayer?

A: No, the game is single-player only.

Q: Is The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct canon?

A: Yes, the game is canon to the TV series and follows its timeline and continuity.

Q: Is there a sequel to The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct?

A: No, there is no sequel to the game as of now.

Q: What are the system requirements for The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct?

A: Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for the PC version of the game:

bc1a9a207d

Minimum	Recommended
OS: Windows XP SP3/Vista/Windows 7	OS: Windows 7
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 @ 2.00 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ @ 2.0 GHz processor or better	Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 2.66 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ @ 2.60 GHz processor or better
Memory: 2 GB RAM	Memory: 3 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 4670 512MB or Nvidia Geforce 8800 GT 512MB or better	Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 5850 1024 MB or Nvidia Geforce GTX 460 1024 MB or better
DirectX®: 9.0c	DirectX®: 9.0c
Hard Drive: 9 GB HD space	Hard Drive: 9 GB HD space
Sound: DirectX® Compatible Sound Card	Sound: DirectX® Compatible Sound Card
Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection	Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection

The Walking Dead Survival Instinct

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Meta