Zombies on a Plane - Santa is an action indie survival shooter set entirely aboard a commercial airliner at cruising altitude. Players take control of Santa Claus to battle waves of zombies that threaten to bring the plane down, using firearms and close combat tools while managing the aircraft itself. The Santa character provides clear advantages through boosted gun damage, greater health, faster movement speed, and quicker repair rates, allowing more aggressive playstyles focused on clearing hordes and maintaining critical systems.
Gameplay
The core loop combines shooting hordes of zombies with aircraft management. Inside the cabin, players move through aisles and compartments to eliminate threats using an assortment of weapons and traps. Zombies exhibit different behaviors and can be dismembered to slow their advance. Outside on the wings and fuselage, combat shifts to knocking infected passengers off the plane while the aircraft maneuvers. Repairing damaged components such as engines and control surfaces keeps the jet airborne, and sealed doors limit new zombie spawns. Santa's enhanced repair speed and mobility make these tasks more efficient during intense sequences.
Progression ties directly to performance. Higher scores from survival efforts unlock additional weapons and upgrades. A combo system rewards sustained action with temporary boosts like increased plane speed that helps dislodge zombies. The environment supports vertical movement through multiple decks connected by an elevator after the Resurrection Edition update, expanding the playable interior with a first-class area and cargo hold. Zombie AI routes toward the player's current floor, adding pressure during longer sessions.
Game Modes
Six distinct modes test different skills. Defend the Cockpit emphasizes holding a key area against advancing zombies. Flight of 10 Waves focuses on surviving successive enemy surges while keeping the plane stable. Other modes blend survival elements with flying challenges, such as using the aircraft as a weapon to shake off threats or maintaining altitude through targeted repairs. Each mode supports character selection, so Santa's stat bonuses apply across the full set for varied runs.
Replayability comes from choosing among five characters and three planes, each with unique abilities that alter how repairs, combat, and movement feel. Score-based weapon progression encourages repeated attempts to access stronger tools and traps. The smart gore system and variety of zombie types further differentiate playthroughs.
Characters and Progression
Santa stands out among the available characters for his balanced offensive and utility improvements. Gun damage increases allow faster horde clearance, while extra health and movement speed support riskier positioning on the exterior surfaces. The repair speed bonus directly aids the aircraft management side of gameplay. Unlocking proceeds through performance in the modes, with weapons and traps becoming available as scores climb. This system rewards consistent survival rather than one-off achievements.
Is It Worth Playing?
The game delivers a focused single-player experience centered on zombie survival mixed with plane maintenance. Mixed overall reception reflects its niche appeal and dated presentation from the 2016 release, with the base title sitting at 43 percent positive from 152 reviews and the Santa content at 60 percent positive from a smaller sample. The Resurrection Edition added meaningful improvements to the interior layout, controls, and AI, but no further major updates have followed.
Players who enjoy contained survival shooters with repair mechanics and character-specific advantages will find the Santa variant a solid entry point. It suits short sessions or attempts to master the wave-based and defense modes. Those seeking ongoing content or multiplayer features should look elsewhere, as the title remains a self-contained experience without active seasons or expansions beyond the initial DLC options.
