Z-Sec

The Z-Sec (Zombie-Security) is a closer recreation of the classic former humans, as they carry firearms; Doom 3's civilian Zombies do not.

Unlike the classic variations, all Z-Secs wear black uniforms and armor, excluding the pistol guard, possibly as reference to the classic Shotgun Guy. In contrast to the classic former humans, which were previously government marines, Z-Secs were originally Mars-Sec personnel (private security contractors) that were possessed and mutated by evil demonic spirits. In trailers and early in the game, an in-game monitor shows a guard being possessed by a ghostly skull, which causes his skin to turn white and his eyeballs to explode.

There are four types of Z-Secs, each with its own distinct characteristics and firearms. These are the Pistol Guard, Shotgun Guy, Machine Gunner, and the Riot Shield Trooper.

Combat characteristics
In comparison to the former classic humans, Z-Secs possess better artificial intelligence. They can rely on tactics such as securing and maintaining their position, dodging and taking cover, or closing in on the player to engage an attack. They also display more proficiency with their weapons than the classic former humans, firing more frequently with better accuracy. Z-Secs also do not suffer from slow movement like the regular Zombies, as they possess the same speed and agility as a normal human soldier, although they are not as mobile as the player.

Z-Secs mostly patrol around solo, although they can occasionally come in small squads of two to four. Z-Secs also appear to use radio chatter, although this is used more as an auditory cue to warn the player of their presence, rather than them relying on group tactics or teamwork through radio communications to take down the player.


 * Pistol Guard: Similar to the Zombieman from the Classic Doom games. He is a bald man with no helmet and glowing white eyes, armed with a pistol. They have the unique ability to dodge by rolling sideways, and always retaliate with a few pistol shots after a successful dodge. They occasionally fire multiple shots in rapid succession and are generally decent shots, but of all three Z-sec types, these are the ones that are the most likely to miss. They have about half as much health as the other Z-sec types. Drops a Pistol when killed.


 * Shotgunner: Similar to the Classic Doom Shotgun Guy, but he wears a helmet with a broken visor, and completely hollow eye sockets, armed with a shotgun. If he spots the player from a distance, he will rapid-fire multiple shotgun blasts before momentarily pausing to take cover. On occasions however, he can rush towards the player to fire a shotgun blast at point blank range. Unlike the player's shotgun, the Z-sec shotgunner's weapon has narrower spread, but is considerably less powerful than the player's version. Drops a Shotgun when killed.


 * Machine Gunner: A rough equivalent to the classic Heavy Weapon Dude, he wears a fully intact helmet with a blood-spattered visor (obscuring his eyes) and a breather, and relies on the machine gun. These zombies will often maintain their position from a distance upon spotting the player, firing multiple bursts before momentarily pausing to take cover. On occasions, if the player closes in, he will approach the player's position. This Z-Sec type is the only one that can fire and run straight at the player at the same time. Drops a Machine Gun when killed.


 * Riot Shield Trooper: The rarest Z-Sec type, appearing only in one level (Central Communications Tower). Has the same appearance as the Machine Gunner. In addition to the Pistol, this type carries a large riot shield, which is impervious to any firearm projectiles. This Z-Sec will also occasionally kneel down while holding it's shield to make itself less available as an easy target. Drops a Pistol when killed.

Tactical analysis
Although Z-Secs serve as cannon fodders in Doom 3 when compared to the game's tougher demonic enemies, they are comparatively tougher than the classic former humans, due to their better AI, allowing them to behave and fight competently like enemy soldiers.

Fortunately being former humans, they are defensively weaker than the most basic demon like the Imp, and they can be quickly taken down pretty quickly, especially with headshots. Using cover is extremely important when fighting these enemies, as their hitscan weapons cannot be dodged as easily as most plasma based projectiles fired by most demons.


 * Pistol Guard: The Pistol works well against this type, as it take four bullets to the body to kill him. It is often a good idea to keep a good distance as he is more likely to miss his mark when the player is far away. Other weapons like the Shotgun and Machine Gun are also effective are taking them down from close range or long range, respectively.


 * Shotgunner: This type should be brought down as quickly as possible, as he is capable of dealing a great deal of damage if left unchecked. Using the machine gun to soften him up at range and then finishing him off when he gets in close is an effective strategy, but caution should be taken to only come out of hiding after he has fired a shot. More powerful weapons should be considered. Running straight at him is definitely not recommended, as you risk yourself from his point blank shots from his weapons. Alternatively, you can hide behind a doorway and wait for him to charge then blast him with the Shotgun. This works most of the time, but be prepared to fire again if they survived the first shot.


 * Machine Gunner: Although he fires more than the other types, his bullets are less powerful. Patience is a good tactic, as he tends to pin down the player with prolonged sprays. It is effective to wait for him to come out of hiding, shoot and quickly duck down behind cover before he opens up. It is a bad idea to fire prolonged bursts at him, as he is tough enough to recover swiftly from hits, often enabling him to retaliate swiftly. Machine Gunners do not fire and move at the same time, and so they are vulnerable to return fire when advancing forward towards the player's position. Alternatively, you can use the same doorway tactic as with the Shotgun Guy. This tactic works better against Machine Gunners because even if he survives the first shot, he will take the time to kneel before shooting you, allowing you to get in a finishing shot.


 * Riot Shield Trooper: While this guy's riot shield makes him impervious from any attacks, his shield does not fully protect his entire body, even when he kneels. The best target is to go after his exposed body parts, such as his legs, or his head where the shield does not protect him. The Machine Gun can make this a very helpful strategy to take him out from afar. Alternatively if you want to take him out through close range, the best way is to run into him with the Chainsaw, as it will damage him even when the shield is hit. This strategy works better if you can hide behind doorways to lure him into your corner and unleash your Chainsaw. Another possibility is to hit him with a grenade or with a rocket.

Trivia

 * When you pick up the PDA of Seamus Blake in Communications, one of his E-mails is a receipt for a CD of music called "Champagne Tomiko" by "The ZSecs".
 * The Riot Shield Trooper's Pistol uses the same gunshot audio as the player's Pistol. Curiously, this doesn't apply to the Pistol-wielding Z-Sec's weapon, despite being the same thing.