Frima Studios first released a real-time strategy game called Zombie Tycoon back in 2009 for the PSP as a minis title. A few years later, we see another release by the same company this time as a sequel playable on both the Playstation 3 and Vita. Looks like the zombies are at it again in Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov’s Revenge.
We have an interesting character named Orville Tycoon who happens to unleash a virus called “Formula-Z†to FinkleVille. There’s also Professor Brainhov Orville who also will be unleashing chaos to the city. Both will employ an army of zombies to do their bidding.
In Zombie Tycoon 2, players will be building and directing zombies according to the objectives needing to be executed. There are various locations you’ll be placed in, thus keeping the game fresh and exciting during progression. As you begin, you’ll be taken through a tutorial where you’ll learn to control your map and your zombies. The left analogue stick is used to shift the map while the right stick serves to zoom as well as rotate. Now the control scheme so far may take a little time to get used to as it feels kind of awkward. Luckily, you have the left shoulder button that allows you to do a quick zoom out to view the world map. This lets you switch between the army of zombies at different locations using the Square, Circle and X buttons.
When it comes time to controlling the zombies, the feeling is fluid and responsive. Each army of zombies possesses different skills or abilities. You’ll have three armies as well as your main character, either Orville or Brainhov. Depending on who you choose, you’ll come across a different plot line and content.
In each episode you engage in, there a list of objectives you must complete in order to progress to the next level. For example, you may need to activate certain doors or blocked paths. But this must be done by training your zombies to be engineers. Most of the objectives will inform you of detail pertaining to your next set of encounters or even hidden missions. The further you progress, the more difficult the enemies you face. There are even specific traps that can lead to instant death for your zombies. While the gameplay experience does remain exciting and uplifting, it does seem that the difficulty level ramps up way too quickly near the end.
In terms of Zombie Tycoon 2’s visual, the degree of detail implemented in pretty high. The cartoon style is a good approach in giving a sense of humor. It’s actually a great way to make zombies, who are supposed to look scary and disgusting, to appear presentable and tasteful. The frame rate remains running at a fluid pace on the Playstation 3, while there were moments of stuttering on the Vita.  In terms of the audio, the implementations are executed pretty well with the music helping to add some adrenaline to gamers’ blood veins. However, players could feel the soundtrack being a bit limited in terms of variety, thereby feeling somewhat repetitive.
A great feature added to Zombie Tycoon 2 is the ability to challenge a friend via multiplayer through ad-hoc. There’s also cross-play support between the Playstation 3 and Vita. Such features allow the game to maintain its replay value, especially when you can take on a friendly competition with another individual.
For some nice thrills and chills, in a comical sense, Firma Studios is here to deliver with Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov’s Revenge. For a single price of $9.99 at the Playstation store, you can get both versions on the Playstation 3 and Vita. It’s a good value that’s worthy of your BRAINS!!!
