Well...DayZ is back, and what a long, strange trip it's been. While the Arma2 Mod has come a long way since it's original incarnation, the new standalone Alpha doesn't feel like much has changed at all. Despite being a new engine and new game in and of itself, this feels like the DayZ of old, albeit perhaps a tad more stable. However, even though a full year+ has gone into the game, it's a bit disappointing that it doesn't feel more polished even in the Alpha state. Zombies still pop up unexpectedly, mechanics are still tuned awkwardly, commands/menu system are still too beholden to their Arma roots, etc. Buyer beware - this is very much an Alpha product, so be prepared for all that entails. That said - if you liked the old DayZ mod, despite all it's quirks and tribulations, then you'll be happy to have the standalone game finally out and available...where every successive server and client patch should bring better and better functionality and improved gameplay as it makes its way towards inevitable full-release. Personally, I can't wait and even the first-day build was fine by me. It's great to be back, minor bugs and all.

Well...DayZ is back, and what a long, strange trip it's been. While the Arma2 Mod has come a long way since it's original incarnation, the new standalone Alpha doesn't feel like much has changed at all. Despite being a new engine and new game in and of itself, this feels like the DayZ of old, albeit perhaps a tad more stable. However, even though a full year+ has gone into the game, it's a bit disappointing that it doesn't feel more polished even in the Alpha state. Zombies still pop up unexpectedly, mechanics are still tuned awkwardly, commands/menu system are still too beholden to their Arma roots, etc. Buyer beware - this is very much an Alpha product, so be prepared for all that entails. That said - if you liked the old DayZ mod, despite all it's quirks and tribulations, then you'll be happy to have the standalone game finally out and available...where every successive server and client patch should bring better and better functionality and improved gameplay as it makes its way towards inevitable full-release. Personally, I can't wait and even the first-day build was fine by me. It's great to be back, minor bugs and all.