Outbreak Company: Zombie Mayhem With a Dash of Corporate Greed!
Hold onto your hats, fight fans, because today we’re diving into the delightfully macabre world of Outbreak Company, a fighting game that blends undead brawls with the darkly humorous satire of corporate greed. Developed by the talented team at Witch Beam, this indie gem challenges players to step into the bloodied shoes of “zombie hunters” who are actually employees of the titular Outbreak Company, a corporation profiting from staged zombie outbreaks for entertainment and profit.
Yes, you read that right! In Outbreak Company, the undead aren’t the real villains; they’re just actors in elaborate spectacles designed to thrill audiences. Your job? To utilize the “zombie horde” as your weapon of choice while navigating the murky ethics of this monstrous business model. Think The Walking Dead meets Office Space, with a healthy dose of over-the-top, anime-inspired fighting game action.
Unveiling the Gruesome Gameplay: A Feast for Fighting Fans
Outbreak Company’s combat system is refreshingly unique. It combines traditional 2D fighter mechanics with a dynamic “zombie horde” element. Instead of simply facing off against other fighters, you also command a swarm of undead minions, utilizing them to overwhelm opponents, create distractions, and execute devastating combo attacks.
Think of it like having your own personal zombie army at your beck and call. You can order them to charge forward, unleash hordes upon unsuspecting foes, or even use them as shields. Mastering this “zombie horde” mechanic is crucial for success in Outbreak Company.
The game features a diverse roster of playable characters, each with their unique fighting styles and backstories, all intricately tied into the twisted corporate narrative:
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Akira “Akane” Ito: A former special forces operative forced into Outbreak Company due to a dubious debt. Akane wields katana-like blades infused with spectral energy, slicing through zombies and opponents with deadly precision.
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Viktor “Vlad” Petrov: A burly ex-wrestler who uses his brute strength and grappling skills to dominate the battlefield. Vlad’s zombie horde consists of hulking brutes that he can toss at enemies like human bowling balls.
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Luna Flores: A former nurse with a tragic past, Luna channels her grief into healing powers for herself and her zombie horde. She utilizes bio-luminescent plants and potions to buff her undead allies, turning them into nigh unstoppable forces.
Beyond its quirky cast of characters, Outbreak Company boasts a vibrant art style reminiscent of anime classics. The backgrounds are meticulously detailed, showcasing the gritty urban landscapes and dilapidated laboratories where the Outbreak Company stages its gruesome spectacles.
The Story Unfolds: A Morally Gray Narrative
Outbreak Company’s narrative is as captivating as its gameplay. The story unfolds through a series of interweaving character arcs, each offering a glimpse into the motivations and struggles of the individuals caught within this macabre corporate machine.
While the initial premise may seem lighthearted, Outbreak Company delves into deeper themes exploring the ethics of entertainment, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the dehumanizing effects of corporate greed.
As you progress through the story mode, you’ll face increasingly challenging moral dilemmas. Do you side with Akane, who seeks redemption for past sins? Or do you embrace Vlad’s ruthless pragmatism? The choices you make will shape the narrative, leading to multiple endings that reflect the complex nature of the world Outbreak Company inhabits.
Beyond the Single-Player Experience: Online Mayhem Awaits
Outbreak Company’s fun doesn’t end with its captivating story mode. The game features a robust online multiplayer experience where you can test your skills against other zombie hunters from around the globe.
Engage in intense ranked matches, climb the leaderboards, and prove your dominance as the ultimate zombie-wielding warrior. Outbreak Company also supports local multiplayer, allowing friends to battle it out on the same console for some good old-fashioned couch co-op fun.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Combat System | 2D fighter with zombie horde control mechanic |
| Character Roster | Diverse cast of playable characters, each with unique abilities |
| Story Mode | Morally gray narrative exploring corporate greed and ethical dilemmas |
| Multiplayer Options | Ranked online matches, local multiplayer |
Final Verdict: A Bloody Good Time for Fighting Game Fans
Outbreak Company delivers a refreshingly unique experience that blends the thrills of zombie-infested combat with the dark humor of corporate satire. With its engaging story mode, diverse roster, and addictive gameplay mechanics, Outbreak Company is sure to leave a lasting impression on fighting game enthusiasts seeking something beyond the norm. Prepare for blood-soaked battles, moral quandaries, and hours of undead mayhem!