You can see them everywhere with their bright yellow dart guns, fingers ready at the trigger. Hiding behind bushes, staking out elevators, or jumping out of dark corners, are those that for a week become more than just your average human. These brave young men and women risk their theoretical lives as mortals, along with their dignity, to become players in a game called “HVS” also known as “Humans vs. Zombies.”
Although a majority of the members of Humans Vs. Zombies are male, a few courageous young women step out onto the dangerous battlefield. The game starts with three people who are secretly “zombies”, and whose job is to tag those who are humans. After the second day of play, the zombies and humans must wear bandana’s. Those that wear the bandana on the arm are humans, while ones who wear one on their head are zombies. Throughout the week zombies must try to tag the humans, while humans must try to kill the zombies with their dart guns. Some call it real-time preparation for the possible upcoming “Zombie Apocalypse”, while others find it an entertaining role playing game. However, it is very plain to see that those who are involved seem to take it very seriously.
Freshman Lin Lu, is one of those girls who craved the fast-paced thrills and action packed adventures of Humans vs. Zombies. At first glance, this quiet, little Asian girl would not seem like the type of person to be wielding a gun and chasing after boys in pink bandana’s, however, looks can be deceiving.
How would you describe yourself?
Lin: Well I feel like there are two sides to me. When you first meet me, you’d think I was just a quiet little normal Asian girl. However, as you get to know me, my dorky-ness comes out. An example would be the fact that I’m trying to download Windows on my Mac right now so I can play more videogames haha
What got you into Humans vs. Zombies?
Lin: I heard about it from a friend, and it seemed like a lot of fun so I decided that I wanted to try it out.
What was the hardest part about playing Human’s Vs. Zombies?
Lin: Being paranoid 24/7, walking to the bathroom, and having to check left and right before I went anywhere.
Were you ever afraid of what people thought about you as you ran around the streets of Oakland with dart guns, wearing pink bandana’s?
Lin: Kinda, but not really. A lot of people were actually intrigued and complimented us on our guns and headbands haha
How did being female affect the game which is mostly played by boys?
Lin: Actually, the boys would always try and take care of the girls. When we would walk in groups they’d try to put us in the middle to “protect” us. But my friend Tamra and I would always say no because we didn’t need anyone taking care of us just because we were girls! I know how to use a dart gun.
Do you think you’ll be prepared in the event of an actual zombie apocalypse?
Lin: Yes, very much so, I’m so much more aware and cautious of my surroundings. I also learned a lot of tactical skill building. I learned a lot from this game, which will make me really prepared for the next one.
When will Humans Vs. Zombies happen again?
Lin: It occurs once a semester, and the next one will be in Spring.