If you have played zombie games like Dead Rising or Left For Dead, then you know some great quality undead apocalypse simulators. Sadly, these are missing the true feeling of the zombie apocalypse. If you want a game like this but with more of a isolated feeling and deeper attachment to one’s character, then you will absolutely love Nether, a new post-apocalyptic game by Phosphorous Studios.

Nether, set in the destroyed city of Chicago, is a first person survival shooter game available on the PC for $30. As you start the game, you are able to customize your character to look as you want him to by setting his clothes and facial appearance. Afterward, you are thrust into the open world with just a backpack and a small kitchen knife.

To get better materials, you will need to scavenge for them around the city in destroyed buildings, gas stations and other places of interest. Beware, as you do this, because there are monsters that wander the streets known as Nethers. Coming to close to one or making to much noise will attract their attention and they will proceed to attack you. What makes them harder to fight off is that they have a type of short distance teleportation that allows them to pop-up behind you and drain your health quickly.

Nethers aren’t the only beings that you have to fear, though. Other players are also a threat when it comes to this game, as player vs. enemy and player vs. player are both put into one game mode to keep people on edge in their surroundings. People can easily sneak up on you, kill you, take your things and leave you in a crumpled heap on the ground.

What makes this even worse is that death is permanent in this game. This means that if you die, you lose everything and you have to start your character over from the beginning. Again, this keeps players aware of their surroundings and actually afraid of death in a video game because you can’t just simply respawn with all your belongings.

After playing the current beta version of Nether, I have surprisingly found no glitches, bugs, or any other technological mishaps to report. I have also experienced no hackers in the game or people who are just there to get on your nerves. The game is nuisance free in its’ current state, and has a lot of unique features to offer players. Based on my wonderful experience with this game, I give it a 5 out of 5 in my review.