Bridge Constructor: The Walking Dead is primarily a logic and puzzle game, in which the objective is to construct bridges from different elements at set starting points in the level, to let the characters escape from hungry walkers. But it's also about directing objects like containers, hand grenades, cable reels, or barrels over wooden and steel structures to crush the zombies. Later, jumps for vehicles or convoys may also be built. Interactive elements are conveniently highlighted in color throughout the levels, which helps, especially in the later and larger levels, to make a plan for how the characters can reach their target area or complete their task.
Away from constructing bridges, ramps, and traps from just three components, the heroes with their special actions are a new element in the series. On some maps, there are action points where the heroes can perform certain actions. For example, Daryl can change his running direction at these points, or use his crossbow to destroy a barrier and get a cable reel going. Other characters can still throw zombie decoys or grenades, and the throwing angle can be specified. Daryl can also automatically defeat individual walkers in close combat, as long as they don't attack him from behind. Thus, more puzzles and coordination elements come into play, as actions can be chained per waypoint and character. However, the characters can't be controlled directly, they just start walking at the beginning of the simulation and stop at waypoints - you can either plan their actions beforehand or do it during the game in an appropriate pause.
Bridge Constructor: The Walking Dead is primarily a puzzle game with physical construction elements and not a building simulation. As with the Portal predecessor, the game increases in complexity from the middle of the second of five chapters, whereby the difficulty level can vary greatly from mission to mission. But that's usually also up to the person in front of the monitor - depending on how fast the penny wants to drop. After all, sometimes several objects have to be moved, triggered, or destroyed in parallel. Unfortunately, there is no optional help system with tips if you get stuck. Apart from bonus challenges in the form of component limits or maximum zombie body count, there are unfortunately no other modes.
CONCLUSION
The cross between the familiar Bridge Constructor and The Walking Dead also works quite well, but doesn't come close to the creative energy of Bridge Constructor: Portal. The bridge, trap, and jump construction has been sensibly transferred to the zombie universe and has been supplemented with special actions by the heroic characters - and in between, there are always undead to be dealt with. At least this way the limited building elements are somewhat concealed. In places, the challenges are even really creatively designed and require thinking around corners. All in all, solid, but narratively and visually only poorly staged entertainment for puzzle fans.
