Even at this early stage I can see the design flaws everyone complains about. The BG ramp, excessive pop time, random exits from pops, zombie head hits not always registering. But I think it's these things that will make the game a keeper. The design is unique. The shots feel completely different to almost anything else. And it's hard. But when you do nail the tower shot or get a blinding fast railroad loop through the pops, it is so satisfying. I don't think quirky is the right word, but it's so different yet feels so right.
Combine this with fantastic dots, and lighting and sound (except the callouts) better than I've seen on any other Sterns and it's a classic. Josh Sharpe was talking about how feedback sounds can make a game on a C2C interview. This game is the perfect example of how to do it. Like clearing the Prison Yard and the rifle shots with each successful hit.
And to top it off a unique and complicated rule set that will take years to master (for me anyway).
I get it was not intentional, but it's the physical design "mistakes" that make me feel like I really am in this dysfunctional post apocalyptic world when I play. Just when you think you are in control, one mistimed shot or random airball or incomplete ramp shot and it's all over.
Start again.