Zombie games have been a popular genre in the gaming industry for years. With the rise of zombie movies and TV shows, it's no surprise that gamers have been drawn to the thrilling and terrifying experience of battling hordes of undead. As a graphic designer, I have always been drawn to the aesthetics and design of zombie games, and I have played my fair share of them. In this review, I will share my thoughts on the best zombie games out there.
Before we dive into the best zombie games, it's important to note that there are two main types of zombie games: survival horror and action. Survival horror games focus on creating a tense and scary atmosphere, with limited resources and a focus on stealth and strategy. Action games, on the other hand, are more fast-paced and focus on combat and movement. Both types of zombie games have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and it's up to personal preference which type you prefer.
Survival Horror: The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a masterpiece in the survival horror genre. Developed by Naughty Dog, the game tells the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a world ravaged by a fungal infection that turns people into zombie-like creatures. The game's graphics are stunning, with incredibly detailed environments and character models. The sound design is also top-notch, with eerie music and sound effects that add to the tension of the game.
Gameplay-wise, The Last of Us is a mix of stealth, combat, and exploration. The player must scavenge for resources and carefully navigate through environments, avoiding or taking down infected and hostile human survivors. The game's story is also a highlight, with well-developed characters and emotional moments that will leave players invested in the world and its inhabitants. The Last of Us is a must-play for any fan of survival horror games.
Graphics and Sound Design
The Last of Us is a visual and auditory masterpiece. The game's graphics are some of the best in the industry, with incredibly detailed environments and character models. The sound design is also top-notch, with eerie music and sound effects that add to the tension of the game. The attention to detail in both the graphics and sound design make The Last of Us an immersive and terrifying experience.
Gameplay and Story
The gameplay in The Last of Us is a mix of stealth, combat, and exploration. The player must scavenge for resources and carefully navigate through environments, avoiding or taking down infected and hostile human survivors. The game's story is also a highlight, with well-developed characters and emotional moments that will leave players invested in the world and its inhabitants.
Action: Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2 is a classic in the zombie genre, and the remake does not disappoint. Developed by Capcom, the game follows Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they navigate through a city overrun by zombies. The graphics in the remake are stunning, with highly detailed character models and environments. The sound design is also great, with eerie music and sound effects that add to the game's atmosphere.
The gameplay in Resident Evil 2 is a mix of combat and exploration. The player must carefully manage their resources, as ammo and healing items are limited. The game also features puzzles and environmental obstacles that add to the game's challenge. The story is also well-written, with memorable characters and a plot that will keep players engaged until the end.
Graphics and Sound Design
The graphics in the Resident Evil 2 remake are stunning, with highly detailed character models and environments. The sound design is also great, with eerie music and sound effects that add to the game's atmosphere. The attention to detail in both the graphics and sound design make Resident Evil 2 a terrifying experience.
Gameplay and Story
The gameplay in Resident Evil 2 is a mix of combat and exploration. The player must carefully manage their resources, as ammo and healing items are limited. The game also features puzzles and environmental obstacles that add to the game's challenge. The story is also well-written, with memorable characters and a plot that will keep players engaged until the end.
Top-Down: Dead Nation
Dead Nation is a top-down shooter developed by Housemarque. The game takes place in a world overrun by zombies, and the player must navigate through levels and survive against hordes of undead. The graphics in Dead Nation are great, with a dark and gritty aesthetic that fits the game's tone. The sound design is also solid, with music and sound effects that add to the game's atmosphere.
The gameplay in Dead Nation is fast-paced and action-packed. The player must use a variety of weapons and tactics to take down zombies, and the game features upgrades and power-ups that add to the game's replayability. The story is simple but effective, with a focus on survival and the lengths people will go to in order to stay alive.
Graphics and Sound Design
The graphics in Dead Nation are great, with a dark and gritty aesthetic that fits the game's tone. The sound design is also solid, with music and sound effects that add to the game's atmosphere. The game's attention to detail in both graphics and sound design make it an immersive experience.
Gameplay and Story
The gameplay in Dead Nation is fast-paced and action-packed. The player must use a variety of weapons and tactics to take down zombies, and the game features upgrades and power-ups that add to the game's replayability. The story is simple but effective, with a focus on survival and the lengths people will go to in order to stay alive.
Open World: Dying Light
Dying Light is an open-world game developed by Techland. The game takes place in a city overrun by zombies, and the player must navigate through the environment and complete missions to survive. The graphics in Dying Light are great, with a detailed and immersive world that is fun to explore. The sound design is also solid, with music and sound effects that add to the game's atmosphere.
The gameplay in Dying Light is a mix of parkour, combat, and exploration. The player must use their agility to navigate through the environment and avoid or take down zombies. The game also features a day-night cycle, with more dangerous zombies appearing at night. The story is also well-written, with interesting characters and a plot that will keep players engaged.
Graphics and Sound Design
The graphics in Dying Light are great, with a detailed and immersive world that is fun to explore. The sound design is also solid, with music and sound effects that add to the game's atmosphere. The game's attention to detail in both graphics and sound design make it an immersive experience.
Gameplay and Story
The gameplay in Dying Light is a mix of parkour, combat, and exploration. The player must use their agility to navigate through the environment and avoid or take down zombies. The game also features a day-night cycle, with more dangerous zombies appearing at night. The story is also well-written, with interesting characters and a plot that will keep players engaged.
Co-Op: Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is a co-op game developed by Valve. The game follows four survivors as they navigate through levels and fight off hordes of zombies. The graphics in Left 4 Dead 2 are solid, with a cartoonish aesthetic that fits the game's tone. The sound design is also great, with music and sound effects that add to the game's atmosphere.
The gameplay in Left 4 Dead 2 is focused on co-op, with players working together to survive and complete objectives. The game also features a variety of special infected zombies, each with their own unique abilities. The story is minimal, with a focus on gameplay and replayability.
Graphics and Sound Design
The graphics in Left 4 Dead 2 are solid, with a cartoonish aesthetic that fits the game's tone. The sound design is also great, with music and sound effects that add to the game's atmosphere. The game's attention to detail in both graphics and sound design make it an enjoyable experience.
Gameplay and Story
The gameplay in Left 4 Dead 2 is focused on co-op, with players working together to survive and complete objectives. The game also features a variety of special infected zombies, each with their own unique abilities. The story is minimal, with a focus on gameplay and replayability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best zombie games offer a variety of gameplay experiences and styles. Whether you prefer survival horror, action, top-down, open-world, or co-op, there is a zombie game out there for you. From the stunning graphics and immersive sound design of The Last of Us to the fast-paced co-op action of Left 4 Dead 2, there is something for everyone in the zombie genre.
| The Last of Us | Survival Horror |
| Resident Evil 2 Remake | Action |
| Dead Nation | Top-Down |