Top Classic Zombie Games Every Fan Must Play

Do you remember the days when the zombie genre was just beginning to take over the gaming industry? The chilling and thrilling experiences of classic zombie games still hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. As newer zombie titles hit the market, it's worth taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting the classic zombie games that have shaped the genre as we know it today. This article lists some of the must-play classic zombie games that every zombie and survival game enthusiast should experience.

Table of Contents

1. Resident Evil Series
2. Left 4 Dead & Left 4 Dead 2
3. Dying Light
4. Dead Rising Series
5. Plants vs. Zombies
6. Zombie Army Trilogy
7. Killing Floor
8. Dead Island

Resident Evil Series

The Resident Evil series is arguably the most iconic and influential name in the zombie gaming genre. Developed by Capcom and first released in 1996, the series quickly gained a massive following, thanks to its horrifying atmosphere, grisly imagery, and consequential gameplay. Players were tasked with exploring and uncovering mysteries in dangerous environments filled with undead adversaries and dangerous creatures.

Some of the many innovations the series brought to the table include:

• Fixed camera angles that created a sense of claustrophobia and tension
• Survival horror gameplay that placed emphasis on conserving resources and decision-making
• Memorable characters such as Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, and Claire Redfield

Notable titles within the series include Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3 (the original trilogy), as well as spinoffs and remakes such as Resident Evil: Code Veronica and Resident Evil 4. The impact that the Resident Evil series has had on modern zombie games and the wider horror genre cannot be understated.

Left 4 Dead & Left 4 Dead 2

Developed by Valve Corporation, both Left 4 Dead (2008) and Left 4 Dead 2 (2009) are first-person shooter games that offer fast-paced, action-packed co-op gameplay. Players control one of four survivors, working together to overcome waves of the undead and achieve various objectives. The iconic special infected, such as the Witch, Tank, and Hunter, provide unique and challenging obstacles to overcome while testing players' teamwork and strategy.

Some of the key features that made the Left 4 Dead series a fan favorite are:

• Four-player cooperative gameplay, encourages teamwork and communication
• AI-driven "Director" system that constantly adapts to players' performance, leading to a different experience each time you play
• An array of selectable characters with unique personalities, relationships, and voice lines
• Varied environments ranging from urban streets to creepy forests

Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 are perfect for those who want to work together with friends to battle through hordes of snarling zombies and terrifying supermutations.

Dying Light

Dying Light (2015) is an open-world first-person survival horror game developed by Techland. Set in the city of Harran, the game follows protagonist Kyle Crane as he navigates a dangerous, zombie-infested world. Dying Light introduced a unique parkour-based gameplay mechanic, allowing players to traverse the environment seamlessly with acrobatic movement.

One of the game's standout features is its day and night cycle, which significantly affects gameplay. During the day, players scavenge for resources, create weapons, and set traps while at night, they must avoid or confront powerful and more aggressive predators that only come out when the sun goes down.

In addition to its innovative gameplay, Dying Light brings RPG elements, such as:

• Character progression in a skill tree system
• Choices and consequences impacting the story's outcome
• Side quests and challenges to immerse players in the game world

With its parkour mechanics, day-and-night gameplay, and RPG elements, Dying Light offers a fresh take on the classic zombie game formula.

Dead Rising Series

Developed by Capcom, the Dead Rising series is an open-world zombie game that manages to strike a balance between gory horror and lighthearted humor. The first game, Dead Rising (2006), took place in a mall, allowing players to explore and use a variety of everyday items as weapons against the undead hordes. The series expanded on this gameplay concept with crafting, enabling players to combine items to create even more outlandish and powerful weapons.

Key characteristics of the Dead Rising series include:

• Zany humor offering dark comedic relief in the midst of an undead apocalypse
• Time constraints that require players to strategize on how to save survivors and uncover the story
• Unique boss battles against humans known as psychopaths, who have lost their sanity amidst the chaos

Dead Rising and its sequels, Dead Rising 2, 3, and 4, have garnered a loyal fan following due to their unique approach to the zombie genre and the opportunities they provide for creative and brutal gameplay.

Plants vs. Zombies

Plants vs. Zombies (2009) is a tower defense game developed by PopCap Games, offering a fresh, colorful take on the zombie genre. Players are tasked with defending their garden from waves of brain-hungry zombies using an arsenal of powerful plants with unique abilities. The game boasts simple, addictive gameplay that appeals to a wide range of audiences, making it one of the most successful casual games of all time.

Some of the notable aspects of Plants vs. Zombies include:

• Strategic gameplay that requires players to choose the right combination of plants to counter various zombie types
• An engaging art style featuring amusing and memorable character designs
• Fun and challenging mini-games that provide a break from the main gameplay loop

Plants vs. Zombies spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, such as Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time and Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare, even expanding into other genres like third-person shooters.

Zombie Army Trilogy

The Zombie Army Trilogy (2015), developed by Rebellion Developments, is a third-person tactical shooter set in an alternative World War II scenario. Players take on the role of fearless soldiers attempting to thwart a zombie apocalypse, orchestrated by none other than Adolf Hitler himself. The game combines strategic sniping mechanics from Rebellion's Sniper Elite series with visceral, over-the-top zombie action that creates a uniquely thrilling experience.

There are several different aspects of Zombie Army Trilogy that set it apart from other zombie games:

• X-Ray kill cam that showcases brutal bullet impacts on your undead enemies
• Various playable characters with unique abilities and traits
• A combination of Nazi zombies and supernatural occult forces

Zombie Army Trilogy offers a refreshing spin on the genre, blending historical settings with supernatural horror and satisfying gameplay.

Killing Floor

Developed by Tripwire Interactive, Killing Floor (2009) is a cooperative first-person shooter focused on wave-based survival gameplay. Players team up with others to hold off hordes of "zeds," monstrous creatures that were once human. The game encourages teamwork and strategy, with players having the option to choose a "perk" or class, each specializing in different weapons and abilities.

Some notable features of Killing Floor include:

• Class-based gameplay that encourages players to work together and utilize their strengths
• Progression and customization allowing each player to personalize their experience
• Intense, fast-paced action that keeps players on their toes

Killing Floor and its sequel, Killing Floor 2 (2016), provide frantic, cooperative gameplay that challenges players to work together and strategize in order to survive waves of terrifying creatures.

Dead Island

Dead Island (2011) is an open-world survival horror game developed by Techland, set in a beautiful yet deadly tropical island resort. Players must scavenge for weapons, resources, and allies to survive the zombie threat while unraveling the story behind the outbreak. The game features a melee-focused combat system and elements of role-playing games, such as character progression and crafting.

Highlights of Dead Island include:

• Immersive, open-world environment that offers a variety of quests and activities
• Character progression through skill trees that cater to a variety of playstyles
• Weapon crafting and modification that enables players to create their zombie-slaying arsenal
• Cooperative gameplay for up to four players

Dead Island and its sequel, Dead Island: Riptide (2013), mix elements of first-person shooters, role-playing games, and survival horror to create a unique, gore-filled experience.

Conclusion

These must-play classic zombie games showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of the undead as the perfect adversaries in our digital worlds. Each title has contributed to the zombie genre in its own way, making a lasting impact on the gaming community. Whether you're a veteran zombie hunter or new to the genre, these classic zombie games are worth picking up and experiencing firsthand.