There have been a few base building, RTS, or other type zombie games, but Infection Free Zone really looks like the first true city builder set in a post-zombiepocalypse world. Even games I've reviewed like They Are Billions incorporates some city building elements but the core of the game is an RTS tower defense. Unlike Infection Free Zone, which really appears to lean in to the city building - with the zombie (or "Infected" as the press materials are trying to steer clear of the z-word) element playing second fiddle to the reclamation of society element.
One of the neat things about Infection Free Zone, is that it uses OpenStreetMap and real world data to generate its locales. So you can actually pick a real place you know well, maybe even your own neighborhood and use the real world knowledge you have of the place to give you a leg up on surviving what comes after. Set up your shelters and production buildings by adapting real world buildings; scavenge for resources using the locations of real grocery stores, pharmacies, and places to find weapons; and prepare for the nightly raids by the hordes. That last bit is the part that annoys me ever so slightly. They Are Billions used the same tactic - ticking down to a horde event to power gameplay. One the one hand I think the tactic is important to implement, but making it a planned event loses some of the immersion for me. I'd prefer a more random event timing on that one myself. Rant aside, there are also other settlements to consider in your exploration. You're not alone in the brave new world, but are they friend or foe...
Infection Free Zone's is set for a 2023 release but there is not a specific date. You can wishlist the game now on Steam, and there is a demo planned for Gamescom next week, if you happen to be in Germany.
