Quarantine Zone: The Last Check puts moral choices at the heart of fresh zombie game

The zombie genre is usually about survival with weapons in hand, but Quarantine Zone: The Last Check deliberately opt for a different approach. Instead of shooting hordes of undead, players crawl into the skin of a controller at the gateway to a safe settlement. There, every decision literally determines the difference between life and death.

The core of the gameplay strongly reminiscent of Papers, please, but gives it an exciting zombie twist. Players check identity cards, measure the body temperature of refugees and look for symptoms of infection. On the basis of that information, it is necessary to decide who will have access to the safe zone and who will be refused.

That setup creates a constant moral tension. A false rejection could mean leaving an innocent person to his fate, één incorrect permission may be sufficient to cause a new zombie outbreak. Doubt and responsibility are therefore the main thread of experience.

As the threat increases, players will be given more advanced medical equipment and scanners to investigate suspicious cases better. In addition, the administration of the settlement plays a role. There may beïnvest in new facilities, better defenses and upgrades for the control system. That management element adds extra depth, although according to the review it remains too limited to become an extensive building or simulation experience.

When night falls, the gameplay changes. Then the focus shifts to the defense of the settlement against zombie attacks, where players control an armed drone to disable the enemy remotely. Although this ensures variety, this part is less convincing than the intensive inspection work during the day.

On Xbox Leave Quarantine Zone: The Last Check also play well with a controller, although mouse and keyboard remain the most accurate way to perform the many controls. The presentation is done and the atmosphere is enhanced by a convincing sound design. Small technical imperfections and a lack of depth on some parts prevent the game from exploiting its full potential.

Nevertheless, Quarantine Zone: The Last Check to clearly distinguish themselves within the crowded zombie genre. Thanks to the original approach, the constant moral dilemmas and the emphasis on careful research, the title offers a refreshing experience that largely fulfills what he promises.