Review: Yet Another Zombie Survivors | Xbox

The zombie apocalypse has arrived on Xbox, and this time you’re not fighting alone. Yet Another Zombie Survivors (YAZS) brings squad-based survival action to Xbox Game Preview, and after spending hours mowing down the undead hordes, I can confidently say this is one of the most addictive experiences on the platform.

Three’s Company, Zombies Are a Crowd

What immediately sets YAZS apart from other survivor games is its clever squad system. You start with a lone SWAT soldier, but as you explore each map, you’ll find other survivors to rescue. Stand next to them, and they’ll join your team, creating a three-person squad that moves as one unit. This simple twist completely changes how you approach each run.

Each character brings unique abilities to the table. The SWAT soldier provides steady damage with his assault rifle, while the Pyro torches crowds with flame attacks. My personal favourite is the Engineer, whose electric powers light up the screen like a disco of destruction. The Ghost with their katana adds melee mayhem to the mix. Finding the perfect trio becomes an obsession as you discover which combinations work best together.

Simple to Play, Hard to Master

The controls couldn’t be more straightforward – you move with the left stick while your squad automatically aims and shoots at the nearest threats. This simplicity is genius because it lets you focus on positioning and strategy rather than wrestling with complex controls. Whether you’re 8 or 80, you can jump right in and start having fun.

But don’t mistake simple controls for a simple game. As zombies flood the screen in ever-increasing numbers, you’ll need quick reflexes and smart positioning to survive. Do you circle the horde to keep them bunched up? Rush for that experience gem across the map? Or play it safe near the edges? Every decision matters when hundreds of zombies are converging on your position.

Level Up Your Way

The progression system keeps you coming back for “just one more run”. As you collect experience during battles, you’ll level up and choose new abilities for your squad. Maybe you’ll boost your SWAT soldier’s fire rate, give your Pyro wider flame coverage, or unlock ultimate abilities that turn the tide of battle.

Between runs, you spend your hard-earned currency on permanent upgrades that make your survivors stronger. The skill trees offer meaningful choices – do you focus on health and defence, or go all-in on damage? The best part is you can reset and try different builds whenever you want, encouraging experimentation.

Early Access Excellence

While YAZS is still in Game Preview, it already feels incredibly polished. The game runs smoothly on both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, with satisfying visual effects as zombies explode into showers of experience gems. The developers at Awesome Games Studio have been actively updating the PC version for over two years, and that experience shows in this console release.

The current version includes five different stages, each with unique challenges. The desert level throws giant sandworms at you (very Dune-inspired!), while other areas test your survival skills in different ways. With ten playable characters, multiple difficulty settings, and even a prestige system for the truly dedicated, there’s plenty of content to keep you busy.

Room for Growth

Being in Game Preview means there’s still work to be done. The skill trees could use more variety to give each character additional build paths. Some players might also wish for online co-op, though the current single-player focus works well with the squad mechanics. The developers have promised regular updates, with version 0.9 coming soon to bring us closer to the full release.

More fun than you might expect!

Yet Another Zombie Survivors successfully carves out its own space in the crowded survivor genre. The squad-based gameplay adds strategic depth without complicating the controls, making it perfect for quick sessions or marathon survival runs. At £12.49, it offers tremendous value, especially with the free trial available to test the waters.

For Xbox players looking for their next gaming obsession, YAZS delivers an incredibly satisfying loop of zombie-slaying action. The simple premise of “survive as long as possible” becomes endlessly engaging thanks to the squad mechanics and progression systems. Whether you’re a fan of games like Vampire Survivors or just enjoy blasting zombies, this is one apocalypse worth experiencing.