A new contender has emerged in the survival horror space, offering a unique take on the zombie-slaying formula. Fright Train, a B-movie-inspired shooter, casts players as Doug Barker, a dog soldier trapped on a runaway train hurtling through the Antarctic. This procedurally generated experience combines frantic combat with elaborate inventory management, positioning it as a surprisingly compelling alternative to established titles like Call of Duty's Zombies mode.
The premise of Fright Train places Doug in a perilous situation. He must contend with not only a train teeming with zombies but also recurring paranormal energy explosions that trigger lockdowns and further spawn the undead. Adding to the danger is a massive iceworm pursuing the train; if the vehicle sustains too much damage, the sharkbot overseer will initiate an emergency stop, allowing the iceworm to consume the entire train, including the section Doug occupies.
Adding a layer of tactical depth is Fright Train's emphasis on inventory management. Doug possesses 15 tactical pockets, each with associated item types and access speed percentages. Players must meticulously arrange weapons, ammunition, health items, and other gear to optimize quick access during high-pressure situations. Unlike many games, Fright Train does not allow pausing during inventory management or item usage, forcing players to make critical decisions under duress. The act of reloading is equally involved, requiring players to manually insert individual bullets into magazines while evading enemies.
Combat in Fright Train involves dispatching zombies with varied body armor configurations, necessitating strategic aiming. A powerful kick move can interrupt enemy attacks and dislodge bonus currency, but it consumes stamina vital for evasion. The game also features a currency system, "vidyacoins," obtained through combat and environmental interaction, which are required for purchasing items from vending machines, opening locked doors, and reinforcing the train against the cold and incoming threats.
The overall experience is compared to Call of Duty's Zombies mode, particularly in its single-player focus and the constant scramble for resources. However, Fright Train is noted for its aggressive pacing, which prevents the collection of currency from becoming tedious. Players must constantly assess what can be ignored or discarded due to time constraints.
Currently, Fright Train's first two acts have been evaluated, showcasing its demanding gameplay loop and engaging mechanics. The game is available on Steam, with a demo also available for a similarly survival-focused title, Casualties: Unknown. Find Fright Train on Steam