The co-op first-person shooter indie game Lazy River takes a simple idea and makes it into an entertaining game that requires teamwork and some skill to avoid zombies infiltrating your lazy river ride. We had a chance to test out the indie game at Summer Game Fest.

Don’t Pee in the Pool

When someone decides to pee in the pool that mixes with space water, the waterpark in outer space becomes infested, turning guests into zombies. Yikes! To reach safety at the end of the park, you and your friends must navigate the water park. Players will need to ride the lazy river while avoiding the zombies.

When they see you, they charge, but the water is your ally, as zombies explode on contact. However, staying in the water won’t always be a safe zone. Some zombies will learn to adapt by plunging towards you, and you’ll need to find a way to get down the river fast, as the waterpark will deploy self-defense despite you not being a zombie.

If You Build It, They Will Come

You and your friends, four players total, will need to build a raft. Gather objects from small huts along the shore or near the lazy river while evading zombie ambushes. The game is where teamwork comes in, as a friend can fend off zombies with squirt guns and pool noodles, and another helps build the raft and other objectives. Playing it solo will certainly become challenging, and having at least one person playing with you will make the ride easier if the team cooperates. Injured? You can grab food items like burgers and onion rings to replenish your health gauge.

Use your paddles, and adding a motor to your raft will make it go quickly. You’ll need to destroy blockades thanks to the water park’s security if you want to get through the lazy river. There are four lazy river rides to go through, and each one will become more challenging. Water becomes toxic, making it unwise to stay in the lazy river too long. Additionally, the water park’s security will launch a laser that, once it reaches you, means it’s game over. You’ll be on a time limit if that isn’t enough to avoid the zombies.

Looking Fabulous

The visual design is fun and goofy with its simplistic shapes and variety of bright colors. The user interface is clean, with minimalist icons that explain enough what they mean, such as a face icon holding air underneath a gauge that dictates your air quantity when diving underwater. The physics are loose but enjoyable for how goofy the game is presented. Overall, it’s shaping up to be an entertaining time at the waterpark with no sunscreen needed.

Lazy River is set to launch on PC (Steam) with a launch date yet to be confirmed. A Steam early access set for summer 2027. Fans can wishlist the game now on Steam and visit the game’s official website for more information. We appreciate Day of the Devs team for giving us the opportunity to ride the river at the Summer Game Fest.