Rated Excellent Based on 491 Reviews
Days Gone is an action-adventure survival horror game, initially released on PlayStation 4 in 2019 and later ported to Windows in 2021. Developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Days Gone takes you through the post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest, filled with zombies, known as "Freakers," and hostile humans alike. As a game reviewer, I've had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in this gritty world, and I'm excited to share my thoughts on Days Gone for Windows.
A Gripping Storyline
Days Gone follows the story of Deacon St. John, a former outlaw biker turned drifter and bounty hunter, as he navigates a world overrun by zombies. Deacon's primary motivation is to find his wife, Sarah, whom he lost during the initial outbreak. Throughout the game, players will learn more about Deacon's past and the world around him, all while fighting off hordes of Freakers and hostile human factions.
The game's narrative is engaging and full of unexpected twists and turns. As you progress through the story, you'll be captivated by the emotional depth of the characters and their relationships. The voice acting is top-notch, and the dialogue feels realistic, making it easy to become invested in the characters' struggles.
A Vast Open World
Days Gone boasts an expansive open-world environment set in the Pacific Northwest. The game's world is stunningly beautiful, with diverse landscapes that include lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and arid deserts. The dynamic weather system and day-night cycle add to the immersion, forcing you to adapt your strategies based on the changing conditions.
In addition to the main story missions, Days Gone offers a plethora of side missions, activities, and collectibles. Exploration is encouraged and rewarded, with hidden NERO checkpoints, ambush camps, and infestation zones providing valuable resources and upgrades. The game's world feels alive and lived-in, thanks to the attention to detail and the variety of wildlife and enemies that populate the environment.
Intense Combat and Strategic Gameplay
Days Gone features intense and satisfying combat, combining melee, ranged, and stealth tactics. Players can choose to take a more aggressive approach by charging headfirst into battle, or they can opt for a more stealthy playstyle, utilizing the environment and distractions to their advantage. The game's skill tree allows you to customize Deacon's abilities to suit your preferred playstyle.
The enemies in Days Gone are varied and challenging. Freakers come in different types, each with unique behaviors and vulnerabilities, forcing you to adapt your tactics accordingly. Human enemies from hostile factions are intelligent and relentless, making for some heart-pounding encounters.
One of the standout features of Days Gone is the horde mechanic. Hordes are massive groups of Freakers that move and feed together. Taking on a horde requires strategy, planning, and skill, as you'll need to use the environment and your arsenal of weapons to survive the onslaught. These encounters are both thrilling and terrifying, providing a unique challenge not often seen in other games in the genre.
Motorcycle Customization and Survival Mechanics
Deacon's motorcycle is an integral part of Days Gone, serving as both a mode of transportation and a lifeline in the treacherous open world. The motorcycle can be customized with various upgrades to improve performance, durability, and appearance. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new parts and paint schemes, allowing you to create a truly personalized ride.
Survival mechanics play a significant role in Days Gone, as players must manage their resources carefully to stay alive. This includes maintaining Deacon's motorcycle, ensuring it has enough fuel and is in good condition. You'll also need to scavenge for materials to craft weapons, ammunition, and health items, which adds an additional layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Technical Performance and Graphics
Days Gone for Windows is a visually stunning game that takes full advantage of modern PC hardware. With high-resolution textures, realistic lighting, and impressive draw distances, the game is a feast for the eyes. On a capable PC, the game runs smoothly, with minimal performance issues.
It's worth noting that Days Gone also supports a wide range of graphical settings, making it accessible to players with various hardware configurations. The game's optimization for Windows ensures that even those with modest systems can enjoy the experience without significant performance sacrifices.
One potential drawback is the occasional bug or glitch that some players may encounter. While these issues are relatively rare and generally non-game-breaking, they can be momentarily immersion-breaking. However, the developers have been responsive to player feedback and have released several patches to address these concerns.
Bottom Line
Days Gone for Windows is an action-packed, post-apocalyptic adventure that delivers an engaging storyline, a vast open world, and intense, strategic gameplay. With its captivating narrative, memorable characters, and challenging combat scenarios, Days Gone is a must-play for fans of the survival horror and action-adventure genres.
The game's stunning graphics, customizable motorcycle, and survival mechanics add layers of depth and immersion that set Days Gone apart from its competitors. While the occasional bug or glitch may detract slightly from the experience, the overall package is well worth the investment for those looking for a thrilling and emotionally charged journey through a beautifully realized post-apocalyptic world.
