Humans vs. Zombies, or HVZ, has become a staple at Shepherd University with dozens of students coming out every semester to play the zombie apocalypse-themed game.
The upcoming game on Nov. 2 is Halloween-themed with an Edgar Allen Poe twist. Zombies are a Halloween and horror movie classic. The undead, brain-eating creatures inspire terror.
With Halloween right around the corner, it is the perfect time to run around with a Nerf gun shooting at a chasing zombie horde.
For the past two years, the Shepherd Active gaming club has been in charge of running the HVZ games. Before this, games were organized by various students who wanted to play the game.
The game starts with several players designated as original zombies who start the game as zombies. All other players begin as humans divided up into several teams. Humans use Nerf guns, Nerf darts and socks. Humans must survive a series of missions that range from defending a position to finding boxes of supplies for lunch.
These games were different than the games of the past two years. Usually, they lasted for a week and took place alongside classes. All kinds of weapons were allowed. However, after players got hurt, melee weapons like Nerf swords and axes were banned.
Now games are one-day events, usually on a Saturday or a Sunday so players can stay for the entire day. This also ensures that students and teachers who are not playing are not caught in the middle of the game.
The game is open to anyone who wants to play, and the Active Gaming Club has a sign-up form on their Facebook page. All someone needs to play is a bandana and good shoes. Players are on their feet all day so good, strong shoes are a must.
Members of the club also bring a large number of extra Nerf guns and darts just in case someone does not have any.