There are few sub-genres in gaming as satisfying, thrilling, and gruesome as zombie games. The adrenaline-inducing experience of killing hordes of enemies is something that can make a title feel so good, that TV shows adapt to the source material.
The Last of Us, for instance, is one of those games that combines the thrill of the undead with a heartwarming story. Similarly, many zombie games have taken the industry by storm, and here are 8 of the best games that should be on your list if you’re someone who can’t wait to shoot, dodge, and shed a tear against the undead.
8. Dead Rising 2
While the franchise itself is great, Dead Rising 2 has one of the goofiest mechanics in a zombie game, while a story that has a clock ticking makes things equally tense. Set in a shopping mall (out of all places), this one lets players feel the true freedom of how they want to enjoy killing zombies.
Plus, borderline psychotic individuals give out some of the best quest lines, and it’ll be a little challenging for players to manage their time as they go about the campaign.
7. Dying Light
Mixing parkour with melee combat, Dying Light launched as one of those games with a concept that boggled with a lot of preconceived notions. How can a sane person run and evade zombies without ever using fancy guns? Well, this game is the answer.
Set in an unforgiving open world, this game follows the story of Kyle Crane who is doing his best to not only survive, but live for the right things. The game’s day and night cycles make it increasingly challenging, and this one’s for everyone with an appetite for running from and against zombies.
6. Dead Island 2
Fans had no clue what to expect from the sequel to one of the grittiest and wittiest zombie games to date. Fortunately, Dead Island 2 took the formula of not taking itself too seriously and came out as a game that mixes open-world gameplay with some sick melee combat.
Set in ‘HELL-A‘, the game may be mindlessly fun, but tests the player’s creativity and appetite for some of the most gruesome graphics and animations you’ll ever experience in a first-person survival game.
5. Days Gone
Despite garnering all the attention and success it deserves, Days Gone still feels like an underrated gem that hasn’t reached all zombie game lovers across the globe. The game’s setting alone makes for a tranquil adventure that blends different tones.
Unlike The Last of Us, this title’s narrative can feel non-linear at times. There are several people who need your help in post-apocalyptic Oregon, and your worthy companion is a cool motorcycle and a lot of traps you can set up.
4. The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series
There are no fancy combat mechanics in this one. No hordes of zombies fight or multiple weapons to work with. Instead, the selling point of this one lies in its immaculate storytelling. It makes you laugh, cry, and re-look at all the decisions you’ve made through its different seasons.
The Walking Dead is a well-known franchise, and Telltale’s take on it is nothing short of brilliant. This is one of the games that will stay in your memory long after you’ve completed the story.
3. Left 4 Dead 2
This one’s easily one of the most fun you’ll have with friends. And luckily, it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where hordes of the undead are ready to tear you apart. From chainsaws to shotguns, the incredible gameplay makes Left 4 Dead 2 an unforgettable experience.
There’s the usual campaign with different maps to play on, and then there are ways of playing as zombies against your friends. It’s up to you how you choose to enjoy this one.
2. Resident Evil 4 Remake
It came as a surprise to many when a blockbuster zombie game happened to be a fresh remake, rather than an original story. Still, the remarkable art direction and revised gameplay makes Resident Evil 4 Remake one of the best zombie games till date.
It follows the story of the original one, where Leon is tasked with saving the President’s daughter. However, this time, it’s made for a new generation of gaming systems.
1. The Last of Us Part 1
Naughty Dog’s impressive storytelling never missed the mark with The Last of Us. It was so great that HBO directed an entire show based on the game, and the franchise remains popular as over. The story of Joel and Ellie is one that made gamers (and viewers) feel deeply connected with this universe.
The game has been remastered for several generations of platforms, and at the time of writing, easily remains one of the best games ever written and developed.
What are some of your favorite zombie games? Let us know in the comments below.
