Frustrating is definitely the word that describes Dead Alliance the most. Great ideas that just weren't implemented correctly, with the core game itself being dull and uninspired. It screams of the developers just having little experience and wanted too many features at once. There is potential here, but it would require a lot of work to overhaul the game and turn it into something truly unique in terms of zombie games and multiplayer shooters.
Technical issues aside, Aven Colony still draws you in for more. With little conversations between characters on missions propelling an intriguing little story forward, there's a lot of potential here. It's an engaging and satisfying experience, and gives you a different experience from the Sim Cities of old.