Today, we will be taking a look at Gala Games’ The Walking Dead Empires, which is one of their AAA blockchain game projects. This post-apocalyptic MMORPG, which incorporates blockchain technology, allows players to scavenge, craft, fight, and earn real-world money through NFTs and Play to Earn mechanics.
The game, which is currently being developed by Ember Entertainment, will soon be available on PC gaming platforms under the Gala Games brand. The ultimate goal of the game is survival, and players must do everything they can to achieve it, including scavenging for supplies, building their own homes, teaming up with allies, competing against opponents, and striving to become the best.
Preview
The game combines elements from Diablo 3 with creation and building mechanics similar to those found in Animal Crossing, but with the added twist of zombie-infested surroundings.
TWDE, a highly anticipated video game based on the popular AMC TV series and comic book, is set to be released on both Windows PC and Mac, and will be available for purchase on Gala Games.
This release coincides with a renewed interest in zombie-themed entertainment, as demonstrated by the success of HBO’s adaptation of “The Last of Us” video game and the recent launch of the Web3 shooter game Undead Blocks.
While navigating the open-world map, players must be mindful of the roaming zombies, also known as “walkers,” but can also engage in peaceful activities such as gathering resources. However, as a level-one player in the beginner’s zone, avoiding enemies was too easy, and collecting resources posed no real threat.
In fact, during the demo, players were able to level up to 12 using only the mouse, which made the gameplay experience feel different from that of other PC or Gala Games titles, and perhaps a bit too simplistic.
Gameplay and Graphics
Regarding the gameplay, the initial levels of the game are extremely smooth and easy. At first, you won’t have any weapons, but as you scavenge, you’ll discover many weapons ranging from pistols to machine guns, automatic rifles, and melee weapons like baseball bats. The sound design, which includes zombie growls and howls, adds to the overall game experience.
The zombies in the game have a health bar at the top of their heads, which indicates how much damage you still need to inflict to eliminate them. Additionally, there is a mini-map in the upper right corner of the screen that players can use to navigate the area and locate their friends or allies.
The game features cool graphics that are more on the cartoonish and comic side, with minimal gore and grotesque elements. Despite being a zombie game, the gameplay experience during the demo was surprisingly mild due to the game’s wide third-person perspective, generally bright lighting, and lack of gory audio effects. Additionally, the game’s ease of leveling up made it feel less like a survival game and more like a typical RPG.
Alliance and Empire Systems
The game developers are planning to introduce empires and alliance systems that will formalize the team structure within the game. This new system will give players the ability to pledge their loyalty to stronger players or factions for protection and also allow them to assert their dominance and gather pledges from other players.
NFT and Play-to-Earn Mechanics in The Walking Dead Empires
One of the unique features of this Web3 game is its utilization of NFTs. Within the game, Gala Games provides players with various in-game assets for purchase as NFTs, including gear packs that contain character apparel and supplies, indestructible weapons, and even characters themselves.
For example, Gala’s store currently offers a “Legendary” character pack that unlocks three characters for nearly 1.2 ETH, which is equivalent to around $2,000. Additionally, a single top-tier “Ancient” handgun is being sold for a staggering 17.3 ETH, or roughly $29,800.
While some NFTs are indeed expensive, not all are priced extravagantly. For instance, the OpenSea secondary marketplace showcases NFT hero cards for the game, which are priced at under $25 worth of cryptocurrency. However, as the rarity of the NFT increases, so does its price.
Conclusion
The Walking Dead Empires, an upcoming MMORPG on Gala Games, has garnered attention with its successful playtest and impressive graphics. The game centers around scavenging, crafting, and battling zombies, with the added feature of building bases and structures using the aerial-view Build Mode tool. As players level up their home base, they must fend off new waves of zombie attackers.
The game boasts well-developed skill trees and offers flexibility for players who prefer to avoid zombies or engage in combat. Playing with friends enhances the experience, and the game world is divided into zones, making it less overwhelming.
While the early stages of the game may feel tedious, as players scavenge, build, and kill, the game becomes increasingly challenging and engaging as levels progress.
Fans of the hit TV series will appreciate the opportunity to play as their favorite characters, including Rick Grimes, Michonne, Daryl Dixon, Maggie, and Negan. The game also features beloved characters from past seasons, such as Shane, Hershel, and Glenn. The game’s storyline and voice acting talent of the show’s actors add to the immersive experience.
One notable aspect of the game is its utilization of NFTs, providing various in-game assets for sale such as gear packs, indestructible weapons, and characters themselves. The Gala Games store offers a range of NFTs, from lower-priced hero cards to top-tier items priced at thousands of dollars.
The Walking Dead Empires offers a unique blend of decision-making and world-building, set in a post-apocalyptic version of New York City. The game is set to release on June 18, providing players the chance to scavenge, craft, and fight their way to the top of The Walking Dead Empires.
