ZPC is a first person shooter that is an acronym for Zero Population Count. Zombie Incorporated developed Zero Population Count for release by GT Interactive Software. It saw its commercial debut in the middle nineties and was also converted for play on the Macintosh. The entire game plays from the first person perspective, and it features a cool futuristic theme that is complete with a ton of science fiction violence, earning it a rating suitable for mature audiences only.
ZPC has a dark, macabre, underground comic book style to it.
The game takes place in a post apocalyptic society and has some deep and eerie undercurrents that include religious, as well as Nazi commentary. The user will play the part of a carefree, yet undeniably violent, hippie named Arman. Arman has taken it upon himself by restoring the Republic, which was undermined when it was overrun by an evil empire. The Black Brethren have taken over the Republic. As it turns out, Arman is actually the reigning prince of the land and the rightful heir to the lands. His father was slaughtered by the Black Brethren. Arman returns as the world’s messiah, intent on saving the world and claiming his rightful heritage. There are a lot of baddies to stand in his way, however,
and there is an endless string of propaganda blaring across the loudspeakers in the ruined cities, converting more and more people to the cause of the enemy.
The plot of Zero Population Count is a driving force behind this game. There is a lot going on, and the user will become deeply immersed in Arman’s goals. He will have constant reminders of his importance in the world as he moves through the cities. The graphics are great and the game is very artistically done. There are a lot of videos and cool cutscenes to keep the user engaged. The enemies are also very well done and are quite imaginative and symbolic. Each baddie, be it the dominatrix, bureaucrat, or Nazi-foot soldier, represents some form of lost soul that needs to be saved.
ZPC is a very violent game, but in many instances, the game gives the player the opportunity NOT to kill, and rewards him for making the right choices. It will also show a nasty cutscene if the user makes the wrong choice. The art work is so well done, that the user will actually feel some degree of guilt if he screws up. It is a little bit above and beyond the standard first person shooter. This is a game that users will either love or hate…most likely love.
