Initially released on the PlayStation 4 as an exclusive, Days Gone almost immediately fell into the realm of mediocrity. While many wouldn't agree with that idea, its middling reception says otherwise. However, the game offers quite a bit to chew on in terms of content. From a gameplay perspective, the world offers a lot to do and a massive map to support it. However, much more can be found in the story.
At its heart, the game is about a person maintaining their humanity when all seems lost. It features the main character, Deacon St. John, and his quest to find his wife and ultimately a place in a world. Sadly, that world has been overrun by infected humans known as Freakers, and the humans less are more dangerous than hospitable. Through its emotional story, players are forced to confront the difficult life lessons that it teaches.
Years ago, zombies were a massive phenomenon that spread like wildfire around the world. Movies, TV shows, games and comics were filling the shelves for eager fans. However, as its interest started to wane, whatever stories were left struggled to stay on top. Days Gone offers a unique perspective on the zombie game by focusing more on aspects like loyalty.
Over the course of the game, players will encounter various camps willing to let Deacon in so long as he works for them. While the story takes the players to these camps, it's hard not to feel attached to at least one of them. Those who play the game may feel more inclined to tie their loyalties to a camp that feels right to them. It is a running thems that lasts throughout the game as Deacon learns that loyalty is hard to earn. He burns and rebuilds bridges along the way, but Deacon understands the importance of remaining true to the people that do right by him.
While most zombie games focus on the action, Days Gone balances the action with layered characters. Through that, players learn that people can change for better or worse. Certain people from Deacon's past return in the game worse than they were before. His decisions come to haunt his reality, and because of that, he sees how someone who was his friend could become his enemy. On the other hand, he also meets people who only became more honorable and driven in the time since he last saw them. It's important to give people a chance but even more important to understand that they may not do the right thing with it.
Possibly the most important lessons taught in Days Gone are being strong for others when they can't be for themselves. One of the best examples of that is when Deacon's best friend, Boozer, suffers a serious injury that leaves him feeling depressed to the point of suicide. To set him straight, Deacon reminds him that he is going with him if Boozer wants to die. Not only is that a perfect example of his loyalty it also shows how he remains strong for his friend to show him there is more to live for.
As the zombie genre finds its footing in popular culture, Days Gone serves as a peek at the next generation of the survival horror genre. Human stories that teach hard but valuable lessons are the backbone. While the game is underrated, it makes for a hard-hitting story that teaches its players to value what's most important in the world.