Zombies, zombies, zombies. The iconic shambling corpses can’t seem to stay dead, literally. But that’s not a bad thing for those who are into survival horror games focused around them. And with another year means another round of awesome zombie games to sink hours into.
Despite the challenges facing the world these days due to a real pandemic (not zombie-related, thankfully), gamers are undoubtedly enjoying their time spent under house arrest. So here’s a list of zombie-infested titles that will keep them occupied until the quarantine is lifted.
‘ILL’ (TBA)
This first title on the list isn’t from a major developer. Rather, “ILL” is the unholy poster child of CLOUT, a startup consisting of 3D film animators trying to break into game design. Their ambitious title is a visceral first-person survival horror game about a zombie infection of extremely grotesque origins. And what’s happened so far proves the studio isn’t pulling any punches. Game features include an advanced physics system, dismemberment-focused combat and story that’s easy to follow.
‘The Day Before’ (PlayStation/Xbox/PC)
Zombie-themed MMOs aren’t new but they're so few to look forward to. Fortunately, developer FNTASTIC and publisher MYTONA have answered the call with “The Day Before.” The game is set in a post-pandemic America ravaged by its very inhabitants. Some have formed into hordes of flesh-eating infected while others have become desperate survivors killing each other for food, weapons, and vehicles. Players will explore dead cities, join colonies, trade resources, and cooperate to survive this hell.
‘The Last Stand: Aftermath’ (PC)
Thanks to publisher, Armor Game Studios, Developer Con Artist Games is finally breaking into mainstream gaming with the third entry to its popular zombie game franchise. Like its predecessors, “The Last Stand: Aftermath” is a single-player top-down shooter set in zombie-infested locales. But it trades the usual flash design for a more triple-A aesthetic. The player casts as a survivor that’s been stricken with the zombie virus must perform some necessary tasks while the clock winds down.
‘Back 4 Blood’ (PlayStation/Xbox/PC)
“Left 4 Dead” fans were left wanting a third outing of the popular co-op zombie shooter when its developer Turtle Rock Studio splintered off from Valve. Fortunately, the studio is now developing a spiritual successor called, “Back 4 Blood.” The game draws heavily from the concepts of the last two games to sculpt a new franchise. As such, the gameplay features some fairly familiar zombie types and a brand new card system that dynamically shifts playstyles and challenges in the campaigns.
‘Dying Light 2’ (PlayStation/Xbox/PC)
Techland is bringing “Dying Light 2,” its highly first-person open-world survival horror classic later this year. The first game set many standards for the genre and its sequel is on the verge of setting even more. Everything's bigger in this game where the events are set in a post-pandemic Europe that’s four times the size of the original map. Players will have access to more parkour abilities, tools like grappling hooks and gliders, and more choices to affect the outcomes this time around.
