Zombie Infection (iPhone) Review

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then consider Gameloft king of the copycats. The publisher does an excellent job creating mobile games clearly inspired by console hits, including N.O.V.A (an obvious Halo clone) and Modern Combat: Sandstorm (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare). Now we have Zombie Infection, a fun to play and attractive iPhone App that bears a striking resemblance to Capcom's Resident Evil 5, except the company traded Africa for South America, and heroes Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar for a guy named Damien Sharpe and a female reporter, Alex Rayne. All similarities aside, it's a thoroughly enjoyable romp through zombie filled villages and even a zoo, complete with diseased animals.

Zombie Infection's story, what there is of it, centers around Sharpe diving into South America in search of his brother, while uncovering clues behind the out break. Between chapters, you'll enjoy a decent selection of cut scenes, complimented by some of the corniest voice acting we've heard; everyone, especially the guy who plays Sharpe, overacts. It's so cheesy that we can't decide whether Gameloft didn't bother to hire great actors, or intentionally wanted everyone to sound ridiculous.

Of course, you don't purchase a game like this to enjoy a Shakespearean performance. Zombie Infection is all about blowing zombies' heads and limbs off. Played from a third person, over the shoulder perspective, you maneuver Sharpe and Rayne through different locales using an on screen analog stick, walking up to crates and smashing them (you'll find health packs and ammo), as well as slaughtering tons of enemies. To kill something, just press the weapon icon, line up the gun sight by dragging a finger across the screen and tap the fire button to unleash hell.

In addition, and at certain points, you'll be able to perform a devastating finishing move by hitting a red button when it appears on the screen. Do it successfully, and the game will treat you to Sharpe/Rayne mashing a zombie's head or something equally cool.

It's a cool experience for the most part, especially when the developers allow you to snag a shotgun, automatic rifle or man a gun turret, shredding zombies and obliterating them by hitting exploding barrels. Unfortunately, you'll probably run into trouble during the hairier moments, particularly against hordes of flesh eating monsters and bosses, including an oversized alligator. The game lacks a run button and Sharpe plods along, making him an easy target for brain munching zombies.

We also have an issue with the automatic weapon switching. After a cut scene or chapter, the game puts the default pistol in Sharpe's hand. Switching back to the desired gun is easy (just drag a finger over the weapon icon), but again, that's a bit tougher to do with creatures in hot pursuit.

Aside from those complaints, Zombie Infection's another hit from Gameloft and a must play on the iPhone. The solid controls, entertaining gunplay and zombies make it a brain splattering good time.