Nation red is a top down twin stick arcade style shooter where you’re placed in an open yet claustrophobic arena. You then have to fend off against never ending waves of incoming zombies. But to help you there is a selection of different weapons to use. To add to this there is a plethora of perks to unlock after scoring enough points to earn a level.
Gameplay wise it is a very simple game to pick up as the controls are very easy to understand. The main objective is to survive no matter what. The best way of this is to run around the map to dodge zombies/pick up power ups. Whilst simultaneously taking down as many zombies as you can and choosing a perk every time you level up.
But it does have a more difficult side to it as you can alter the difficulties to make it easier/harder. This mostly affects the amount of zombies that are sent out on each horde and how rugged they are. On tougher difficulties, this especially noticeable on later waves.
There is also tactical planning as you have to figure out your play style. Granted it based on various factors in the game. Firstly what perks selected in the moment play a part as they each have their own purposes. Although you get a choice of 5 different perks to choose from each time you level up. This does make things easier as you can cherry pick the perks that suit your play style. You also need to plan what weapons to use at each time based on what is available for you to use. Whether, you like to use weapons with high damage and a low fire rate. Alternatively you can use slow and heavy weapons that are only for close quarters.
If you can play with a friend then I recommend doing so. Since, it will make things in this game a lot easier. That’s if you can get anyone who is willing to play with you. Since the online mode more often than not doesn’t have anyone you can play with.
However, the style of the game varies as you have 4 different modes to play on. Firstly, you have free style which is a mode in which you are in a level. The objective is to survive for as long as you can. Whilst simultaneously defeating as many as you can but you do get to use perks which will assist you.
Secondly, there is barricade in which you do have to protect and you cannot allow a single zombie to cross it. But you do get a couple of sentry turrets and some barricades which can slow down the zombies when they come at you. I particularly liked this mode as it was addictive particularly trying to beat previous records and climbing up the leaderboards. However it is hard playing this mode alone especially on later waves. Then there is survival mode which is a harder version of free style mode. The only difference is that there is no perks and you can only rely on what weapons you are carrying, your reactions and skills.
Lastly, there is the mission mode which is a mode that acts a story mode (without a story). The game starts with a simple intro cutscene of zombies swarming a place (such as the asylum or warehouses). Generally the missions involve defeating a pre determined amount of zombies in order to succeed. But it isn’t always the case as some missions do offer different objectives even if it isn’t always so clear. Taking one mission as an example it says that you have to take a boss on. If you defeat the boss it won’t end the mission as you still have to fulfil the (unspecified) quota. This is silly as if your mission is to defeat the boss and you do so the round should end.
Despite the fact that this game offers a small amount of content. The game modes present are very addictive by its repetition and the inclusion of score boards. Although this game is designed to be played in short bursts. Sometimes games can last from a few minutes to a few hours depending on if you can last that long.
In the end I can recommend Nation Red if it is on sale. Particularly, if you are after a mindless, all out shooter that is best played in short bursts. I especially recommend it if you have a friend who is willing to play alongside you.
