Recent reviews by 8-Bit Bootcamp

Let me break it down for anyone who hasnt played ARK.
This game is a time pit with a toxic community. Every server has the same 3 types of people on it:
1) the new player, who constantly asks for free stuff, and refuses to use google to answer any question they have
2) the land barons, who simply build huge bases all over the map, drop pillars to lock down decent building areas, and tell you to ♥♥♥♥ off if you ask them to remove any of their structures
3) the solo player / small tribe, who complains constantly in chat about how difficult the game is for them, but has 1000+ hours played

On top of how annoying that is, you have Wild Card Studio, who doesnt understand how to optimize a game and crams broken content down players throats instead of making the game functional. To top that off, Wild Card also cant focus on one thing at a time and constantly splits it dev team between doing what it needs to (balancing the game) and creating new maps/dinos to momentarily distract players from how broken the game is.

Now lets talk about this price hike to $60. I could honestly say the game isnt that bad if it was still like 15-20 bucks, but $60?! The dev's are insane to think they can say "close enough" and launch the game all screwed up like it is, and attach that price to it.

I had high hopes for the game, and to be honest, it still has potential. Until they stop kicking out new garbage, get the game running smooth, and fix problems with mechanics abuse/griefing... I cant suggest this game to anyone.

DayZ Standalone started production in somewhere around late 2012 I believe. I bring this point up because the game has made painfully slow progress to move forward since its start. The slow progress made by the development team and numerous glitches have been the bane of every player since the game released in Alpha.
Please keep in mind that the game IS indeed in the infant stage of production, despite the time and effort that has been put into it. Anyone curious to play DayZ SA should be aware that the game is buggy and will continue to have problems as production moves forward.

Now, lets talk about the game itself

The game places you in a sandbox style map of what I believe to be a post apocalyptic Russian territory called "Chernarus", and you simply have to survive. Now, that being said, the game is at times fun and at times incredibly frustrating.
Upon makign a character, your "survivor" spawns with nothing but a flashlight and a battery. From that moment on, your experience is what you make it. Will you search nearby buildings for potential supplies? or do you head into the hills to avoid human and zombie contact? Either way, dont get to attached to any gear that you do happen to find. The game has what is known as "perma-death". Thats right gents, upon death, that childs backpack and can of beans you worked so hard for are gone forever. Some people do not enjoy the idea of losing all the gear they have worked so hard for, but thats what puts your heart through the roof at times. The adrenaline and dread that washes over you as a round splits the air by your head, the absolute joy of finding water while suffering from dehydration. The possibility of losing everything and hours of work will certainly keep you on your toes.
Speaking of gear, have you seen people play this game yet? Clown masks, aviator sunglasses, track suit pants, and cowboy hats... I have been held up at gunpoint by a girl in her underwear. The development team is always adding some new item of clothing, which adds a great deal of creativity when your walking around.

The biggest downfall for this game right now is, its infested with terrible people. I dont know what it is about this game that attracts the absolute WORST players. Most people will simply shoot you on sight, but whats that you say? "But I only have my starting clothes and a pitchfork" doesnt matter. If your not shot on sight, your marched away like some prisoner of war, usually to fight someone to the death or so someones girlfriend can kill you.
Not everyone you meet is going to try and rob you of your soul though. Every now and then, you run into the "Heroes of Chernarus". Players that have dedicated their hard earned time and items to saving every poor soul they meet. They dont wear capes or have a Bat signal, but when your lost and starving, having someone give you food and show you to a nearby town makes them someone your would die for... and to be honest, you just might.

Lets wrap this up, shall we
PRO's:
-the game is gritty looking and gives off a good "apocalypse" feeling
-easy to use inventroy/crafting system
-controls are simple enough that most players will find them familiar and friendly
-limitless exploring gives you the potential to go anywhere and do nearly anything
-perma death mechanic will cause your heart to race at times

CON's:
-game has constant bugs/glitches (remember, its an early access Alpha)
-playing with friends can be frustrating, the game currently has no group/party system
-players new to the game will need to read wiki's or play with a friend that can teach them the ropes
if you are such a player, I will try and save you some time
general info wiki: http://dayz.gamepedia.com/DayZ_Standalone_Wiki
Chernarus world map: http://dayzdb.com/map/chernarusplus
-due to the fact that their is no karma or reward system, people roam the game constantly killing each other for little to no reason

This was simply written to give a very rough idea of what DayZ is for players that have not played it. I dont intend for anyone to read this and learn anything or proclaim myself an expert on any subject matter related to the game.
Well everyone, see you in Chernarus and good luck