Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Indie, Role-playing game (RPG), Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Screwfly Studios
- Publishers: Screwfly Studios
Safehouse: Diaries (2013): A Deep and Innovative Zombie Survival Strategy Game
Introduction
Safehouse: Diaries is a refreshing take on the zombie survival horror genre, offering a deep and innovative strategy experience. Developed by the two-man Australian studio Screwfly Studios, the game is the spiritual successor to their highly-regarded 2007 title, Zafehouse.
Gameplay
Safehouse: Diaries is a turn-based strategy game in which the player controls a group of survivors during a zombie apocalypse. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player must manage their resources, build and defend their safehouse, and scavenge for supplies in order to survive.
One of the things that sets Safehouse: Diaries apart from other zombie survival games is its focus on realism. The game’s mechanics are designed to simulate the challenges of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, and the player must carefully consider their every decision in order to stay alive.
For example, the player must manage their survivors’ hunger, thirst, and sleep, as well as their physical and mental health. The player must also scavenge for supplies, such as food, water, and medicine, and build and defend their safehouse from the constant threat of zombie attacks.
Setting
Safehouse: Diaries is set in a small town in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. The town is overrun by zombies, and the player must find a way to survive and rebuild.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, which means that it is different every time the player starts a new game. This ensures that the player will never have the same experience twice.
Characters
The player controls a group of survivors, each with their own unique skills and abilities. The player must carefully manage their survivors in order to survive, and each survivor’s strengths and weaknesses must be taken into account when making decisions.
For example, one survivor may be a skilled fighter, while another may be a skilled medic. The player must decide how to best use each survivor’s skills in order to maximize their chances of survival.
Graphics and Sound
Safehouse: Diaries has a dark and atmospheric visual style. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and they create a sense of dread and isolation.
The game’s sound design is also excellent. The sound of zombies moaning and groaning in the distance is truly terrifying, and the player will always be on edge, waiting for the next attack.
Conclusion
Safehouse: Diaries is a deep and innovative zombie survival strategy game that offers a unique and challenging experience. The game’s realistic mechanics, procedurally generated world, and diverse cast of characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Pros
- Deep and innovative gameplay
- Realistic mechanics
- Procedurally generated world
- Diverse cast of characters
- Dark and atmospheric visual style
- Excellent sound design
Cons
- Can be difficult for new players
- Some of the game’s mechanics can be unforgiving
- The game’s ending is somewhat anticlimactic
Overall
Safehouse: Diaries is a refreshing take on the zombie survival horror genre that offers a deep and innovative strategy experience. The game’s realistic mechanics, procedurally generated world, and diverse cast of characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
