My vision of a perfect zombie game would be comprised of these elements:
1) Freedom to choose your playstyle (stealth, gunplay, melee, etc.). However, the game must not force you into one aspect exclusively. A stealth player would still use guns or a large pipe in a pinch, a melee character would often use stealth or pull out a pistol when he's low on health, and a gunman would switch to an axe or run and hide when low on ammo, but the player would have the option of specializing. Also, choosing between different starting characters with various strengths and weaknesses would be desired as well.
2)You Are Weak. This is a big one, which is becoming even more rare these days. Introducing the character not as a Rambo clone who can take on hordes of zombies, but instead as just another survivor is very important in forcing the player to think before acting. Ammo is scarce, a lead pipe can only get you so far before you get overrun, and sneaking into a heavily populated areas would be suicide. Alternative solutions should be provided to overcome tough challenges, as well as the option of running like hell, but otherwise the player should feel a certain amount of helplessness while playing this game.
3)Varied enemies. A zombie game about normal zombies would get old after awhile. Adding fast zombies, special zombies, and even zombies that have retained a certain amount of intelligence would add much needed variety.
4) Darkness. Not that psuedo darkness where there is no light but you can see just fine anyway, but actual darkness. This is absolutely essential in setting up the proper atmosphere and forcing the player to decide between being able to see and not being seen. This works nicely with points 2 and 3 in fostering a sense of terror.
5)Open world with a focus on scavanging. The game should force you to explore to some extent, in order to find food, water, and temporary shelter for a good rest. Learning to balance carrying capacity with sound generation (more weight = more sound) and movement speed would be vital. Also, the inclusion of hidden gems, like experimental weapons, explosives, unique armor/clothing, and hidden bunkers (for player housing) would make exploration more enjoyable.
6)A core questline, but also a ton of side quests. The Fallout series is a good example of the questing system I prefer, but less hand-holding with regards to quest waypoints. Part of the character development would be tied to these quests, which leads to point 7...
7)"Realistic" character development. While abstract leveling systems, where you gain xp and pull new abilities out of thin air are ok, I prefer character development that stems from the environment and from quest givers. For instance, helping an assassin find an old friend would allow you to choose between either lessons on stealthy movements (improved stealth) and a silenced pistol or proper gunmanship (better gun accuracy) and a more powerful but unsilenced rifle. A former wrestler's quest reward may be a new throwing move to shake off clingy zombies or tips for carrying more gear without making noise.
Additional development would come from cutscenes where the character stumbles upon an effective tactic or overcomes a failing that was hindering the player, or from entrenched survivors for the cost of food, water, or ammo. By the end of the game, you would know exactly why your character is zombie smashing beserker, a dead-on gunman, or a silent ninja. However, regardless of how much the character progresses, point 2 should always be true.
I'd better quit now before I write a book...
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