Surviving More Than Just Zombies in 'The Day Before'
A tumultuous start for an ambitious post-apocalyptic MMO attempt.
Early Access Review
last updated Dec 07, 2023
It's a game not without its merits, occasionally shining through technical turmoil with glimpses of what might be a solid survival experience—if only it could survive its own shortcomings.
Zombie Tango in Tweaked Reality
Strap in folks, for a ride through 'The Day Before', where the dangers aren't just shuffling zombies but also server slots more elusive than an honest politician. In theory, this post-apocalyptic playground is rife with opportunities for looting and shooting amidst the eerie quiet of humanity's vacancies. Combat dances the line between reasonably satisfying and a depiction of a caffeine-addled marksman with more spray than a graffiti artist. And when supplies run thin, don't bother with your fists; apparently, in this world, melee's as absent as a unicorn.
Stifled Groans and Gunshot Serenades
On the audio front, 'The Day Before' doesn't miss a beat—or should I say, a groan? The undead chorus occasionally mingles with the staccato rhythm of gunfire, crafting a soundtrack more nerve-racking than a dinner with your significant other's parents. However, one can't shake the feeling that the dedication to audio fidelity, like a neighbor's noisy party, sometimes hammers through walls when it should be tiptoeing on the floorboards.
Graphic Glitches Galore
Graphics-wise, it's like the developers didn't get the memo that the apocalypse happens in-game, not on the performance charts. When the game's running smoother than a politician's spiel, it's actually quite the looker—a shiny testament to post-apocalyptic sightseeing. But the moment you encounter performance stutters, it's akin to hitting a pothole at high-speed in your pixelated getaway car. And let’s not delve into the servers full of crash-landing players who find themselves ushered back to the desktop wasteland quicker than you can say 'apocalypse now'.
Bugs: More Than Just for Protein
Speaking of crash landings, if bugs were a currency, 'The Day Before' players might as well be millionaires. Reports of involuntary dips through the map are frequent enough to make you consider whether this was an attempt at innovative subterranean gameplay. Alongside these geological explorations, players also face wait times that make a sloth look like a speed racer. While bugs in Early Access are as surprising as finding out water is wet, the extent here can sometimes make you ponder if the game is playing you instead.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer
FNTASTIC
Publisher
Mytona Fntastic
Early Accesss Release Date
December 07, 2023
The Verdict
While 'The Day Before' tantalizingly whispers promises of survival MMO glory, the current reality is less seductive and more akin to an awkward first date. With a launch as smooth as sandpaper lingerie, optimism is the meal of choice for those with patience. It's a game not without its merits, occasionally shining through technical turmoil with glimpses of what might be a solid survival experience—if only it could survive its own shortcomings. As it stands, 'The Day Before' is a post-apocalyptic promise waiting on redemption's dawn.