Zombie games have been around for quite some time now, but they have never lost their appeal. From classic survival horror games to fast-paced, action-packed shooters, zombie games have a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide. In this article, we will take a closer look at five of the best zombie games ever made.
1. The Last of Us
The Last of Us is an adventure game created by Naughty Dog and released for PlayStation 3 in 2013, followed by a remastered version for PlayStation 4 in 2014. The story takes premise in a world ravaged by a fungal infection that has turned most of the population into aggressive, zombie-like creatures known as “Infected.” Players control Joel, a grizzled survivor, who is tasked with chaperoning a young girl called Ellie through the qurantine zone in the hopes of finding a cure for the infection. The game combines stealth, action, and survival horror elements to create an immersive and emotional experience.
The game’s story is one of its strongest points, and the relationship between Joel and Ellie is the heart of the game. The two characters start off as strangers, but over the course of their journey, they develop a deep bond as they face numerous challenges and dangers together. The story is emotionally charged and explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice, making it one of the most memorable narratives in gaming.
2. Dying Light
The game is set in the city of Harran, Turkey, which has been infected by a deadly virus. Players take on the role of Kyle Crane, an undercover agent sent into the city to recover a stolen file containing sensitive information. Upon arriving in Harran, Crane is bitten by an infected individual and must now work to survive in a world overrun by zombies known as the infected. The game’s plot centers around Crane’s attempts to find the stolen file while also helping survivors, who have formed settlements in the city, to combat the infected and find a cure for the virus. Along the way, Crane must deal with various factions vying for power, including the military and the Ministry of Defense, who are responsible for the virus outbreak.
Dying Light is a game that combines elements of survival horror, action, and parkour-style movement. Players must scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and tools and use parkour to traverse the city and avoid or engage with the infected. The game also features a day and night cycle, with the infected becoming more aggressive and dangerous at night.
3. Resident Evil 2
The story takes premise in the fictional town of Raccoon City, where a deadly virus has infected the population, turning them into zombies and other mutated monsters. The game follows two main characters, rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield, as they try to escape the city while fighting off hordes of infected creatures. The story is told through two separate campaigns, each with its own unique perspective on the events unfolding in Raccoon City. One of the most notable changes from the original game is the shift from fixed camera angles to a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective, similar to the more recent Resident Evil 4. This change, along with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, adds a level of immersion and intensity to the game.
The game also features a new crafting system, which allows players to combine items to create more powerful weapons and ammunition. This adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must decide which items to use and when to use them in order to survive. Overall, Resident Evil 2 is a fantastic remake that grasps the spirit of the original masterpiece while bringing it into the modern era.
4. Left 4 Dead 2
The game follows four survivors: Coach Ellis, Nick, and Rochelle, as they make their way through various locations in the southern United States, such as New Orleans and Savannah, to reach a safe haven. The survivors are immune to the virus that has turned most of the population into zombies, and they must fight through hordes of infected as they travel to their destination.
The gameplay of Left 4 Dead 2 is fast-paced and intense, with players constantly on the move and fighting off waves of zombies with a variety of guns, including pistols, shotguns, and AR. The game’s unique “AI Director” system ensures that each playthrough is different, with the placement and strength of zombies and other enemies changing based on the players’ actions. Overall, Left 4 Dead 2 is a thrilling and immersive zombie shooter that offers hours of fast-paced, cooperative gameplay.
5. The Walking Dead: Season One
It is a point-and-click adventure game that follows the story of Lee Everett, a former university professor and convicts criminal who finds himself in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. The game starts with Lee being transported to prison after being found guilty of murder. Suddenly, the police car he is in hits a walker, and chaos ensues. Lee finds himself free and wandering around until he stumbles upon a little girl named Clementine. From this point on, Lee’s primary objective is to keep Clementine safe and survive in a world overrun by the undead.
The gameplay is heavily focused on dialogue and decision-making, with the player’s choices affecting the story’s outcome. The player must make difficult choices, often with limited time to decide, that can have consequences that affect the characters around them. This element of decision-making adds emotional weight to the story, and the relationships and interactions between the characters drive the game’s plot.
The Takeaway
Zombie games have been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, and these five games are some of the best ever made. From the immersive world of The Last of Us to the co-op fun of Left 4 Dead 2, these games offer something for every type of player. Whether you’re a fan of survival horror or fast-paced action, these zombie games are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
