Review: Xbox Game Pass Shooter World War Z Delivers Fun The Walking Dead Shenanigans In Latest DLC

The Walking Dead doesn't have the best track record when it comes to video games, does it? Sure, you've got the fantastic Telltale series with its unique approach to storytelling in this medium, but as for more action-oriented experiences, the options are pretty thin for anything remotely enjoyable. Well, Xbox Game Pass shooter World War Z aims to change that in its latest crossover DLC - and it mostly succeeds, even if the experience feels a little generic overall.

World War Z x The Walking Dead offers up three unique story chapters set across some of the most iconic locations from TWD's TV adaptation; the prison, the hospital and the fortified town of Alexandria. All are well-realised here in the Saber Interactive title, and all do a good job at immersing you in that "The Walking Dead" universe.

You've got four characters from the show playable too; Rick, Daryl, Michonne and Negan. The former two are voiced by their original actors, whilst the latter two employ stand-in replacements. Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus deliver decent if a little uninspired performances for Rick and Daryl, but I must say the Michonne and Negan swaps are a little jarring. They just don't sound right sitting alongside the other OG actors.

Naturally, then, I stuck with Rick and Daryl during my playtime, and had a pretty good time doing so. The standard WWZ zombies are adapted to act more like TWD's 'Walkers' throughout, while new special zombies are also introduced here. Just like the famous TV show, you've gotta aim for the head to take out these Walkers, which adds a slightly different spin on the usual World War Z shenanigans.

Unfortunately, most of the objectives you complete in these DLC chapters don't differ quite so much. It's been a long time since I played through those original World War Z campaign levels (almost seven years ago now!) but back then, I remember them featuring lots of 'plough through tons of zombies to hold out at this location' type deals - and that still takes up most of this DLC as well. The objectives feel a little uninspired, especially for something with as much material to pull from as The Walking Dead.

Things do spice up a little bit by the final Alexandria mission, mind you. Part of this chapter sets you on a 'find the fuse' section that slows things down slightly, while special weapons are replaced with fire extinguishers at one stage as you make your way through a burning building. Again, these aren't anything revolutionary, but they at least feel a little different to the rest of the DLC's more combat-heavy objectives.

Tech wise, I played through this one on Xbox Series S, and the action felt like it stuck close to 60FPS throughout. I did notice the odd bug or two where zombie torsos simply wouldn't load, but aside from that, everything ran pretty smoothly. At £7.99 this DLC is quite cheap too, so I can forgive those missing voice actors and things being a little rough around the edges at launch.

World War Z x The Walking Dead is a fun little adventure into the TWD universe, and compared to the likes of The Walking Dead: Destinies, will at least satisfy that itch to mow through the undead in some of your favourite TV locations. It's nothing ground-breaking, and it does feel a little low-budget at times I must admit, but I'm glad I hopped into this one and gave it a go. It also reminded me how much fun World War Z can be in general; which is now available in every tier of Xbox Game Pass including Essential!

Are you tempted to pick this up and give it a go? Talk to us about World War Z x The Walking Dead down below.