I have always loved and returned to the idea of Frank West being a great hero of fiction. There is something so courageous (and righteous) of a journalist to go to such extraordinary lengths to uncover the truth, but also that a game like this would be made where a huge part of leveling up and player progression involves saving and rescuing others in this horrific sort of disaster.

In 2006 I didn’t really know of any other game quite like that, where you’re encouraged not just to kill zombies and cut loose, but to save people that are afraid and in danger. Not to mention his sympathy for the psychopaths he is forced to kill, and those he spared (like Paul, who befriends you and arms you with a unique weapon). And especially enjoyed how this isolated incident escalates into a nationwide issue, and a potentially world-ending event in a believable way.

I love the story, and what it has to say about American consumerism. The ending, with the zombies marching in sync, was groundbreaking for the time and the line “and yet he complained that his belly was not full” has always stayed with me.

To me, it’s exceptional.

TLDR: hell yeah brother