Ground Zero Hero review – A wacky Survivors-like by way of The Simpsons

Forget guns, rocket launchers, whips and plasma rifles. In Ground Zero Hero, a balls-to-the-wall survivors-like from solo dev Rowan Edmondson, you are the weapon. Well, you and a whole load of nuclear waste that’s out to mutate you. Want to run faster? Grow a third leg. Also, how about a laser eye? Or a stretchy arm that can reach out to whip people? One of the most humorous and unique survivors-likes to date, I’ve had a huge amount of fun playing this.

Its various mutations are entertaining, sure, but it takes a good few upgrade cycles before things start getting really entertaining in Ground Zero Hero. Wait until your laser eyesight gets overpowered, obliterating everything on the screen. Or when the vulture that flies around you as protection goes wild and attacks hundreds of enemies at once. It’s chaotic, and it’s glorious.

Ground Zero Hero sets itself apart with its bright and bold art style, mimicking the character styles of Matt Groening. There’s the sense that the game takes place in a world where Homer Simpson has had a terrible accident at the Nuclear Power Plant, and it’s just one of the things I love here. There’s nothing dry or boring, and its art style alone is enough to keep you playing.

It’s not the only thing that makes Ground Zero Hero stand out, though. There’s a day-and-night cycle, and when the sun goes down, the night brings out different, more dangerous enemies. You can stay and fight, and you’ll net greater rewards for doing so, but if you’re not up for the task you can find a nearby bunker and hide out until the sun rises again. The bunker acts as a rest point, and also heals you a little – a boon for a game of this type, even if it does feel a bit like the easy way out. But when things get truly chaotic, you’ll be glad it’s there.

There are several levels to play through, all offering a slightly increasing difficulty level and a new range of enemies and threats to fight against. Permanent upgrades are available which you’ll gradually unlock over time, making you stronger and more survivable. Ultimately, though, your success on a run will depend on the abilities you pick up.

There’s of course a touch of luck involved; with a sizeable amount of upgrades available to you, it’s random as to which you’ll be offered. Fail to get your favourite ones – for me, that’s the laser eyes and the hammer fist (which transforms your hand into a giant hammer) – and you might find yourself an easy target. But when you do get into a good groove, decimating enemies with ease, it’s impossible not to play Ground Zero Hero with a massive grin on your face.

The only downside is, really, that it’s all over a bit too soon. Completing all of the levels offered in Ground Zero Hero didn’t take more than a few hours, and while each one can be played in endless mode, once your permanent upgrade tree is full, it feels a bit empty to continue. Still, given the game’s asking price of around £7.99, there’s still a lot to enjoy. Even if you don’t go back to it after five or six hours, you’ve still got your money’s worth – and had an absolute blast while doing so.

This review of Ground Zero Hero is based on the PS5 version of the game, with a code provided by the publisher. It’s available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 and PC.