There is a certain sense of freedom with the way that No More Room in Hell is laid out, the fact that there are not really much in the way of persistent worlds means that you get to experiment around with different scenarios and the vast multitude of servers available to play in makes each play experience something unique. From the various maps, server settings, and the complete strangers (or online friends) you meet, there's a chance for a great gaming experience behind every corner (sure, there's also a bit of trolling and griefing, but not enough to spoil the fun).
No More Complications
So what exactly is No More Room in Hell? This is an FPS game that pits players against hordes of the undead using a variety of melee and ranged weapons, as well as making use of tools and devices in order to get around the world. The game is a mod from Half Life 2 but you don't need that game installed to play this, and the best part about it to many gamer's surprise is it's totally free to play with no micro transactions!
Perhaps the most curious feature of the game is it was created as a homage to the George A. Romero series of movies such as Night of the Living Dead (1968) and Dawn of the Dead (1978).
As a multiplayer title, players will find a wide range of host servers to join into - each with it's own unique approach to the game. So whether you are looking for some fun with run and gun mechanics, or prefer to go about surviving by being strategic and stealthy, it all boils down to finding a server that suits your play style.
Some servers offer objective based maps - which mean that aside from the usual "kill as many zombies while avoiding getting bit" rule is always in play, there are also various tasks to be accomplished so that the player party can proceed with the game.
Other servers simply offer basic survival rules. This means that you go around the map scavenging supplies, securing doorways with planks, and teaming up with other players in order to survive. Then there are also servers that have infinite ammo, access to all weapons and items, and an unlimited supply of zombies to shoot down. Sure, that last one does feel like a dose of senseless fun (and it is pretty entertaining), but it also makes for a great starting off point for players who want to learn about the game's controls and combat mechanics without having to be the only newbie on a server where everyone is already a pro and relying on each other to survive.
No One Left for the Dead
Getting a good room with great players is still a chance factor (unless you have made friends and are already organising parties), but when you do, the game experience literally quadruples in fun. Of course there's already a bit of enjoyment to be had bashing in a zombie's brains with a giant hammer as you skulk around in the middle of the woods. But teaming up with others is way more fun. It's the thrill of knowing that someone has your back when your carefully barricading passageways, or the satisfaction of bringing over a much needed medi kit to an injured ally. Players can pick up, drop, and share supplies with one another - guns, ammunition, tools, and even precious health items. Also during objective runs where time becomes a critical factor, it can spell the difference between winning or losing.
No More Bloom
Visually, there's something very dated about the visuals in No More Room in Hell. There is not any one specific thing however, it is a combination of flat textures, simplified character models, functional map designs, and of course, not-so interactive environments. That said, there are just too many things to do in the game for these little visual blips to be noticeable. In fact, the simplified graphics mean that more people actually get to play the game which increases your chances of being able to join a good server. It also means players like me who are partially colour blind get to play without struggling to spot the enemies, I am actually rather fond of the more simplified visuals, they remind me of my old favourites such as Golden Eye's multiplayer for N64.
Conclusion: No Need for Fuss
Thanks to No More Room in Hell's simplistic graphic approach, this free to play title is made more accessible to a wider range of players. While function should never exclusively rule out the need for good form, the way the old-school character models complement the overall feel of the game gives it a sense of composition.
However, the feel of the game is one that states: buggy, multiplayer, undead fun. The buggy part does feel a little too pronounced in many instances with the camera work, clipping, and most importantly with the collision mechanics for shooting (which is going to mess up with some FPS players), and this gives the game a slightly amateurish approach.
It's good to know that that you do not have to pay anything for it though, which allows considerable leeway for such imperfections. Speaking of payment, being completely free means that there are no micro-transactions forced on players nor there incentivised payment options in order to get an edge over other players. This evens out the playing field quite a lot for everyone.
The bottom line is that No More Room in Hell is still a far cry away from either DayZ's open world survival game-play or Left 4 Dead's high-action FPS approach. At the same time, it manages to provide an experience that somehow straddles the line between the two blockbusters and yet still keeps a unique voice of its' own.
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