[tab:Content]When we look back at this console generation, one thing is going to emerge as the predominant theme: Zombies. From full retail games to downloadable titles to bonus modes, the walking dead are everywhere, just waiting for us to shoot, burn, and run them down.
When the first promotional video for Dead Block hit I was immediately drawn to its aesthetic and quirky sense of humor. I took the opportunity to speak with Roger Joswig, Managing Director of Candygun Games to find out more about Dead Block.
Michael Futter (MF): It’s no secret that gamers love zombies. What makes Dead Block stand out in the crowd of games featuring the undead.
Roger Joswig (RJ): Dead Block is completely different to other zombie titles. Our game is a wild genremix between action and strategy. Players need to fortify inside a building like in a zombie movie. Players can destroy shelter to gain wood, with which they can build blockades. Since blockades don’t hold forever, players can set crazy traps. Lure zombies through traps to easily kill them or to use them to your advantage. You can distract them, make zombies kill each other, let them smash pieces of furniture for you, or even make them dance!
MF: Tell us a little bit about the gameplay. What can players expect when they get their hands on Dead Block? What are the core components of the game play?
RJ: Dead Block is a wild mix of action and strategy. Players need to use strategy to keep the zombies outside the house. They can gather resources for setting up blockades and traps. If zombies break in, the action starts with melee fighting, traps and smart bombs to fight the intruders. In most levels the player controls more than one character. This adds an additional layer of strategy, as players can directly control each character and need to make use of the characters skills. Other characters do support you, but do need some attention from time to time.
MF: What modes will be available (competitive, co-op, a blend of both?)
RJ: Dead Block features a single player campaign and a co-operative splitscreen mode for up to 4 players. It is pure co-op where you need to work together to achieve the level goal.
MF: In the teaser trailer, we’re introduced to three characters. Do Jack, Mike, and Foxy have their own sets of skills? Will they play differently?
RJ: Yes, entirely. Each character has a unique skillset which you do learn while playing the game. Each character can build specific traps, which no other one can build. On top of that, each character has it’s own unique smartbomb. Smartbombs and melee weapons have character specific upgrades as well.
MF: We saw a couple of environments in the trailer including a house and a diner. How many different environments will Dead Block feature?
RJ: There are 10 different environments for single player, and another 8 environments for co-op multiplayer.
MF: Will there be any significant differences between the console and PC releases?
RJ: Besides the controls the PC and console releases are basically the same. The PC version has specially adapted mouse and keyboard controls, and with maximum details it has slightly sharper textures.
MF: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Roger. We’re looking forward to getting our hands on Dead Block.
Dead Block releases this Wednesday, July 6, on Xbox Live and on Wednesday, July 20, on the PlayStation Network. A PC release is coming later.
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