Anyone remember those flash games where you had to kill hordes of zombies and try to survive as long as you could to escape? Those were my means of surviving boring computer classes in school and when I got home, I’d occasionally boot up one just to pass the time. Many of these simple games have become relics of the past, but some developers still want to bring those survival shooters back. That brings us to Deadly Days: Roadtrip. This is the second game in the franchise, and developer Pixelsplit clearly listened to fans when crafting this sequel. The original Deadly Days was a simple roguelike that didn’t try too hard to be anything more. Deadly Days: Roadtrip, however, takes what worked in the original and enhances it. The result might be exactly what was needed for the series. Is Deadly Days: Roadtrip a trip worth taking, or should you save your money for another ride? Let’s find out in my review for PC.

Gameplay

While I mentioned flash zombie games earlier, Deadly Days: Roadtrip plays differently. You take on the role of a survivor in a zombie apocalypse, trying to move across the map by refueling your bus and gathering supplies—all while shooting down endless hordes. Shooting is simple: aim with your mouse or controller and fire, while dodging attacks with a single button. Controls are easy to learn and accessible. However, every day is timed, and when night falls, zombies not only increase in number but also strength. Thankfully, you have plenty of tools to fight back.

Like any roguelike, every run is unique. You start with a tiny backpack—smaller than Jill’s in Resident Evil—and gradually expand your storage while unlocking new gear. Runs begin by choosing one of three starting locations, then advancing across maps to gather fuel and supplies. Loot is scattered across cars, bins, and random stashes, offering weapons, tools, or food. Fuel is vital for your bus, but exploring larger maps increases risk, as more zombies spawn and overwhelm you. The game’s risk vs. reward system forces you to decide: search the entire map for possible upgrades, or cut your losses and move on?

Weapons determine survival. Your starting pistol is nearly useless past the first few days, so you’ll need to find stronger options like SMGs or shotguns. As you progress, loot quality improves, and soon you’ll be mowing down zombies more effectively. Alongside firearms are melee weapons, throwables, and special gear. Shoes that leave fire trails when dodging or grenades that trigger bonus explosions give depth to loadouts. Each item feels valuable, but backpack space forces tough decisions, making inventory management a crucial survival mechanic.

Graphics

Deadly Days: Roadtrip nails its aesthetic. A mix of pixel art and 2D animation, it balances retro charm with modern flair. Character sprites are quirky, zombies are creative, and environments—though simple—feel distinct. From highways to abandoned suburbs, each map has personality. It won’t demand high-end hardware, but its pixel-perfect charm fits the gameplay style and delivers a nostalgic throwback to the golden era of arcade gaming.

Sound

Many zombie survival games recycle the same two tracks endlessly, but Deadly Days: Roadtrip offers varied music per location. Each area introduces a fresh tune, keeping gameplay lively and immersive. The energetic OST matches the frantic pace of looting and shooting, ensuring the sound design enhances rather than distracts. It’s a welcome surprise for a roguelike indie title.

Overall Impression

Deadly Days: Roadtrip struck me with a wave of nostalgia. For older players, it echoes the fun of browser-based zombie survival shooters, while younger players will enjoy its roguelike twists. It’s fun, affordable, and addictive—a perfect pick-up-and-play title when you want a quick zombie fix without the heavy investment of larger games.

Conclusion

Deadly Days: Roadtrip isn’t a deep or complex game, but it doesn’t need to be. Its nostalgic gameplay is fun, challenging, and rewarding. While it has flaws like sharp difficulty spikes and limited onboarding, its charm and addictive roguelike design shine through. With early access updates ahead, this game has the potential to grow even better. For the low $15 price tag, it’s an easy recommendation for zombie and roguelike fans alike.

—Aaron