There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to games about zombies. From adrenaline-pumping FPS games to large zombie-infested sandbox titles, there’s enough here to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Left 4 Dead (Series)
One of the first games you’ll think of regarding zombies is Left 4 Dead. Despite releasing in the late 2000s, this game boasts a fabulous online community that’s worked on numerous mods to make your experience fun and memorable. Each game has different protagonists with the same goal. That goal is to make it out alive.
You’ll combat zombies with three other players or AI companions. The game features numerous zombie adversaries that vary in size, strength, and appearance. Some zombies can be taken out alone, but the game’s muscular threat, the Tank, will require everyone to put in a solid effort. This game is lively and full of incredible blink-and-you-miss-it details that’ll add to your immersion.
While future games like Back 4 Blood attempted to recapture Left 4 Dead’s magic, it didn’t live up to many people’s expectations. If you’re looking for a team-based FPS game that’ll make you laugh, scream, and smile, check this series out.
Dead Rising (Series)
Dead Rising is a fun-filled open-world action game where you’ll uncover the truth behind its zombie apocalypse setting. While the early games have you traverse a mall-like environment, later entries open the world up. The story tends to digress in certain areas, but for those who like playing these games for their gruesome aspects, you’ll be left satisfied.
Although you’ll be combatting zombie hordes with powerful weapons, the game features some amazing bosses for you to overcome. Many of which aren’t zombies. They’re deranged psychopaths that hold a personal vendetta against each game’s protagonist. These bosses are wonderfully-voiced and add to the game’s comical and horrific nature.
Zombie-slaying fans will adore Dead Rising for its weapon-crafting elements and nifty costumes. If you’re looking for an enjoyable open-world zombie game with decent storytelling, humor, and gruesome visuals, check this one out.
Resident Evil (Franchise)
Resident Evil is one of Capcom’s beloved properties that’s cherished for its characters, gameplay, and horrific tone. While the series saw some decline after the release of Resident Evil 4, it picks itself back up again with Resident Evil VII: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village. These games, alongside the remakes of its treasured entries, restored fans’ faith in the franchise.
For those curious, Resident Evil is an atmospheric, story-rich zombie game that has you exploring several spooky locales. The earlier games featured tank-like movement options to make players feel vulnerable. While this annoyed many players, others found this gameplay approach immersive as limiting players’ movement options can instill fear in their minds.
The game’s enemies have varied designs and play their roles well. There are moments in the Resident Evil series where you’ll be genuinely spooked by their horrid appearances. Furthermore, Resident Evil knows how to build tension and make players feel like someone’s glaring at them from the shadows. If you’re looking for a chilling game that evokes survival and angst, check out the Resident Evil franchise.
Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid is an open-world zombie survival title where you’ll engage in numerous extracurricular activities to survive. You’ll find yourself looting houses, building strong defenses, and doing whatever it takes to defy your demise on a daily basis. It gives fans a taste of what life would be like if zombies roamed the streets.
The game’s activities may sound simple, but you may find yourself getting too into them. It’ll remind folks of various craft-heavy titles like Minecraft where players devote hours to building a farm or creating their dream home. For example, you may find yourself spending hours looking for an item to help you finish a task.
The zombies in the game are threatening, despite the game having a top-down perspective. Even after you’ve become well-acquainted with the game’s zombies, one little mistake can cost you everything. You can enjoy this game alone or with a party of friends in co-op. If you’re looking for a refreshing zombie survival game with great developers and a passionate following, check it out.
State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 places players in control of a character with no zombie-slaying experience. You’ll traverse through multiple lit and dark environments and encounter countless flesh-eating creatures. The gameplay feels more stealth-like compared to other zombie shooters and encourages players to avoid interacting with its zombies.
Exploring your surroundings and hunting for materials is your goal in this game. However, when you’re put in a tight spot, it’s beneficial to let loose on your opponents with everything you got. This game has beautifully, mesmerizing locales for you to immerse yourself in. You can defend yourself from zombies with pistols, rifles, and other weapons, but your best option is to flee.
State of Decay 2 can be experienced with a buddy in co-op. Your partner can provide you with meaningful assistance in completing the game’s multiple missions and dealing with its monstrosities. Nonetheless, if you’re clamoring for a more bond-chilling time with State of Decay 2, it’s best to traverse its wide landscapes alone.
Killing Floor 2
Killing Floor 2 is a great follow-up to the first game. It contains immaculate graphics, outstanding shooter gameplay, and a great amount of content for everyone to enjoy. It takes place amidst an outbreak happening in continental Europe. This was caused by an institute’s failed experiment. A month passes but the country’s still engulfed in endless madness.
You’ll control one of Europe’s remaining survivors and combat the specimens running amok in the area. Killing Floor 2’s shooter gameplay will fill you with exhilaration. Shredding through countless enemy hordes and seeing their bones snap and limbs fly across the map will make you speechless. The game’s jam-packed with an enticing survival versus mode.
It’s similar to Left 4 Dead and has players control zombies or humans. Players will be placed in a match with 11 other players and split into two teams. These teams consist of humans and Zeds (the specimens you encounter in the main game). You’ll end up on either team, and you’re tasked with helping your allies eradicate the enemy team. It’s an entertaining mode that can lead to a bunch of mind-numbing chaos that’ll make you crave more.
Dying Light (Series)
Dying Light is a wonderful first-person survival action game. It harbors an expansive setting that’s fun to explore and takes many creative liberties on the combat front. Accompanied by a fun 4-player co-op online mode, you’re bound to have loads of fun while playing this gem. It’s from the same people who brought you the chaotic Dead Island game.
The game’s setting captures the beauty and horrors you’ll find in a zombie-driven universe. The maps aren’t too linear and offer breathing room for you to do whatever you please. Whether you want to run straight toward a foe or leap off buildings in a dramatic fashion is up to you to decide.
The combat is equally entertaining and gives you a lot of options on how you want to deal with the zombies. If you’re looking for a zombie shooter with great maps, beautiful locales, and riveting gameplay, check out Killing Floor 2.
Dead Island
Dead Island is a 4-player zombie shooter that redefined the zombie genre. Its gameplay will have you laying waste to zombie enemies while exploring a rich and vibrant environment. Fans of shooters like Borderlands and Fallout: New Vegas will enjoy the game’s RPG mechanics. It includes enticing skill trees, weapons with special effects, and a robust character progression system.
The journey is gripping and emotionally taxing too. Dead Island’s set on Banoi Island where a group of friends is throwing a party at a hotel. However, an infectious plague and zombie threat crash the party. With the hopes of surviving, you must traverse a large open environment with a plethora of fun-filled side quests.
If you’re interested, I’d suggest purchasing the game now. A sequel is on the way, and it’s in your best interest to experience this game before that one eventually releases.
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
Red Dead Redemption is one of Rockstar’s best IPs to date. This game gave fans a wonderful western setting to venture through and many compelling characters to interact with during their travels. Red Dead Redemption was such a hit with fans that its developers pushed out a horror-themed expansion called Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare.
This expansion gives players a new campaign, two multiplayer modes, and some cosmetic additions to enjoy. It’s set in an alternate timeline that derives from the base game’s premise a bit. It still follows the game’s protagonist John Marston, though. This time he embarks on a mission to locate a cure for the zombie plague that affects his wife and son.
During his quest, he’ll meet various NPCs asking him for help. Many praised the expansion for the content it delivered and some went on record saying it set the bar high for DLC.
Zombies Ate My Neighbors
Zombies Ate My Neighbors is the oldest game on this list and one that’s worth your time. It’s a run-and-gun title developed by LucasArts and features colorful graphics and amusing gameplay. The game can be played alone or with a partner. You’ll control the game’s protagonists Zeke and Julie and help them rescue their neighbors from monsters.
The monsters featured in the game come from all types of retro horror films. From decrepit zombies to bizarre mummies, there’s no telling who you’ll run into in this world. Zeke and Julie aren’t vulnerable humanoids, though. They’ll battle these fantastical creatures with various weapons and power-ups that will make slaying them fun and easy.
The game has numerous locales for you to traverse through like shopping malls, pyramids, haunted castles, and others. It holds up to 48 stages worth of content, so it’s set time aside to delve into this one. If you’re looking for a comedic and lively zombie game that will bring you back to the SNES and Genesis era of gaming, check this one out.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best zombie-themed video games through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!