Arc System Works America has launched River City Survivors: Downtown of the Dead, a zombie-themed action game available exclusively on Apple Arcade.
According to a release, the game is a Survivors-like, a genre in which players hold out against huge waves of enemies while picking up upgrades along the way. The company said players will 'mow down screen-filling zombies and rampage in all directions'. Apple Arcade is Apple's game subscription service, which gives subscribers unlimited access to more than 200 games.
The game uses characters and moves from the River City series. Players can unlock over 20 characters as they progress, including Kunio and Riki, and each one comes with its own stats and skills. The series' 'Special Moves' also feature and, according to the release, give players a large boost in both visuals and firepower.
How progression works
Players earn experience points (EXP) by defeating zombies, and each level up offers a set of upgrade options chosen at random. Skill attacks, projectile attacks and stat boosts can be combined, so a player's build changes from one run to the next. The release calls this system 'Explosive Growth'.
Players can also equip gear across six slots to raise their stats permanently. The slots are Gakuran (a school jacket), Bontan (baggy trousers), Belt, Shoes, Accessories and Inner Buttons. Gear can roll with special effects, which the release ties to 'classic hack-and-slash fun' as players hunt for better equipment.
Up to two non-player character (NPC) allies can join a player in battle. These companions can be powered up with equipment too, and players can pick which allies make up their team.
Daily rewards for returning players
The game gives out a daily bonus for clearing the first play of each day. Rewards include money, equipment EXP and items used to evolve equipment, which all go towards character growth and gear upgrades. The number of days in a row a player clears is tracked as a 'Consecutive Survival Record', and according to the release, the rewards become more valuable the longer the streak runs.
About Arc System Works America
Arc System Works America is the North American branch of Arc System Works. The company describes itself as 'the premier publisher and developer' of the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue franchises, both of which are fighting game series. It said further updates on River City Survivors: Downtown of the Dead will be shared through Arc System Works' official website and social channels.
