Zombie Games: Why We Love Them and How to Play Them
If you are a fan of video games, chances are you have played or heard of zombie games. Zombie games are video games that feature zombies as the main enemies or protagonists. They are usually set in a world where a zombie apocalypse has occurred, or where zombies are created by some scientific or supernatural means.
Zombie games are one of the most popular and diverse genres of video games. They can range from horror to action to comedy, from realistic to cartoonish, from single-player to multiplayer. They can appeal to different tastes and preferences of gamers.
But why do we love zombie games so much? What makes them so fun and engaging? And how can we play them effectively and enjoyably? In this article, we will explore these questions and more. We will look at the history of zombie games, the types of zombie games, the benefits of zombie games, and the best zombie games to play right now.
The History of Zombie Games
Zombie games have a long and rich history that dates back to the origins of horror
movies and literature. The word “zombie” comes from Haitian folklore, where it refers to a reanimated corpse controlled by a sorcerer or a spirit. The concept of zombies was popularized by the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead, directed by George A. Romero, which depicted zombies as mindless, flesh-eating creatures that spread their infection through bites. The film spawned several sequels and inspired many other zombie films and media.
The first video game to feature zombies was Zombie Zombie, released in 1984 for the ZX Spectrum computer. It was a 3D action game where the player had to use various weapons and objects to fend off zombies and escape from a city. Since then, zombie games have evolved and diversified, incorporating elements from other genres such as adventure, role-playing, stealth, puzzle, and sandbox. Some of the most influential and successful zombie games include Resident Evil, Dead Rising, The Walking Dead, Dying Light, and The Last of Us.
The Types of Zombie Games
Zombie games can be classified into different types based on their gameplay, tone, and theme. Here are some of the most common types of zombie games:
Survival Horror
Survival horror games are games that emphasize survival against zombies and other threats in a hostile and frightening environment. They usually have limited resources, such as ammo, health, and weapons, and require the player to use stealth, strategy, and exploration to survive. Survival horror games often have a strong narrative and atmosphere, creating a sense of tension and dread for the player. Some examples of survival horror games are Resident Evil, Silent Hill, The Evil Within, and Outlast.
Action Shooter
Action shooter games are games that focus on combat and action against zombies and other enemies. They usually have abundant resources, such as ammo, health, and weapons, and allow the player to use various skills and abilities to fight their way through hordes of zombies. Action shooter games often have a fast-paced and exhilarating gameplay, creating a sense of excitement and adrenaline for the player. Some examples of action shooter games are Left 4 Dead, Dead Island, Call of Duty: Zombies, and Doom.
Strategy Simulation
Strategy simulation games are games that involve managing resources, building defenses, and leading survivors in a post-apocalyptic world infested by zombies. They usually have complex systems and mechanics, such as crafting, trading, farming, and diplomacy, and require the player to make strategic decisions and plan ahead. Strategy simulation games often have a realistic and immersive gameplay, creating a sense of challenge and responsibility for the player. Some examples of strategy simulation games are State of Decay, Fallout Shelter, Rebuild, and They Are Billions.
Comedy Parody
Comedy parody games are games that make fun of zombies and other aspects of the genre in a humorous and lighthearted way. They usually have absurd and exaggerated scenarios, characters, and dialogues, and require the player to use creativity and humor to solve puzzles and complete objectives. Comedy parody games often have a casual and enjoyable gameplay, creating a sense of amusement and laughter for the player. Some examples of comedy parody games are Plants vs. Zombies, Stubbs the Zombie, Zombie Army Trilogy, and Death Road to Canada.
The Benefits of Zombie Games
Zombie games are not only entertaining but also beneficial for your mental and physical health. Here are some of the advantages of playing zombie games:
Stress Relief
Zombie games can help you cope with stress and anxiety by providing you with an outlet for your negative emotions. By killing zombies or escaping from them in a virtual world, you can release your anger, frustration,
fear, and sadness in a safe and controlled way. Zombie games can also distract you from your worries and problems by immersing you in a different reality. Zombie games can thus reduce your stress levels and improve your mood.
Cognitive Skills
Zombie games can improve your memory, attention, and problem-solving skills by challenging you to remember details, focus on tasks, and overcome obstacles in the game. By playing zombie games, you can train your brain to process information faster, recall information better, and solve problems more efficiently. Zombie games can thus enhance your cognitive abilities and prevent cognitive decline.
Social Interaction
Zombie games can foster communication, cooperation, and friendship with other players by allowing you to chat, collaborate, and compete with them in the game. By playing zombie games, you can meet new people, share your interests, learn from others, and have fun together. Zombie games can thus increase your social skills and social support.
The Best Zombie Games to Play Right Now
Zombie games are constantly being developed and updated, offering new and exciting experiences for gamers. Here are some of the most popular and recommended zombie games available on various platforms:
Plants vs. Zombies
Plants vs. Zombies is a casual tower defense game where you use plants to protect your house from zombies. You can choose from a variety of plants, each with their own abilities and weaknesses, and place them strategically on your lawn to stop the zombies from reaching your brains. You can also collect coins, suns, and other items to upgrade your plants and unlock new levels. Plants vs. Zombies is a fun and addictive game that can be played by anyone of any age. It is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and online.
Resident Evil
Resident Evil is a classic survival horror game series where you fight against zombies and other biohazards. You can play as different characters, each with their own backstory and skills, and explore various locations, such as mansions, laboratories, cities, and islands. You can also use different weapons, items, and puzzles to survive and uncover the secrets behind the zombie outbreak. Resident Evil is a thrilling and terrifying game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is available on Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, iOS, Android, and online.
Left 4 Dead
Left 4 Dead is a cooperative action shooter game where you team up with other survivors to escape from zombie-infested areas. You can choose from four different survivors, each with their own personality and voice, and fight your way through various scenarios, such as a hospital, a subway, a farm, and an airport. You can also use different weapons, items, and tactics to deal with different types of zombies, such as the Tank, the Witch, the Boomer, and the Hunter. Left 4 Dead is a fun and exciting game that can be played with your friends or with other online players. It is available on Windows, Xbox, and online.
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is an episodic adventure game based on the comic book and TV series of the same name. You play as Lee Everett, a convicted criminal who becomes the guardian of a young girl named Clementine in a zombie apocalypse. You have to make choices that affect the story and the relationships with other characters, as well as perform quick-time events and explore the environment. The Walking Dead is an emotional and immersive game that will make you care about the characters and their fate. It is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo.
Conclusion
Zombie games are one of the most popular and diverse genres of video games. They have a long and rich history that stems from horror movies and literature. They can be classified into different types based on their gameplay, tone, and theme. They can also provide various benefits for your mental and physical health. And they can offer you some of the best gaming experiences that you can enjoy right now.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your controller, keyboard, or smartphone, and start playing some zombie games today. You will not regret it. You will have a blast.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about zombie games with brief answers:
What are some tips for playing zombie games?
Some tips for playing zombie games are:
- Know your enemy: Learn the strengths and weaknesses of different types of zombies and how to deal with them effectively.
- Know your weapon: Learn the features and limitations of different weapons and how to use them efficiently.
- Know your environment: Learn the layout and secrets of different locations and how to use them to your advantage.
- Know your team: Learn the roles and abilities of different characters and how to cooperate with them.
- Know yourself: Learn your own skills and preferences and how to improve them.
What are some challenges for playing zombie games?
Some challenges for playing zombie games are:
- Resource management: You have to balance your use of ammo, health, and other items with your need for survival.
- Risk assessment: You have to weigh the pros and cons of different actions and outcomes with your goals and objectives.
- Moral dilemma: You have to make tough choices that affect the story and the characters with your values and ethics.
- Emotional stress: You have to cope with the fear, sadness, anger, and guilt that come with playing zombie games.
- Addiction: You have to control your time and energy spent on playing zombie games with your other responsibilities and interests.
What are some myths about zombie games?
Some myths about zombie games are:
- Zombie games are violent and gory: Not all zombie games are violent and gory. Some are more subtle and psychological, while others are more humorous and lighthearted.
- Zombie games are mindless and boring: Not all zombie games are mindless and boring. Some are more complex and challenging, while others are more varied and creative.
- Zombie games are antisocial and isolating: Not all zombie games are antisocial and isolating. Some are more cooperative and interactive, while others are more social and community-based.
- Zombie games are unrealistic and irrelevant: Not all zombie games are unrealistic and irrelevant. Some are more realistic and immersive, while others are more relevant and meaningful.
- Zombie games are harmful and unhealthy: Not all zombie games are harmful and unhealthy. Some are more beneficial and therapeutic, while others are more educational and inspirational.
What are some trends in zombie games?
Some trends in zombie games are:
- Open world: Zombie games are becoming more open and expansive, allowing the player to explore and interact with a large and dynamic world.
- Procedural generation: Zombie games are becoming more procedural and unpredictable, creating different and unique scenarios and events for each playthrough.
- Virtual reality: Zombie games are becoming more immersive and realistic, using virtual reality technology to enhance the visual and auditory experience.
- Cross-platform: Zombie games are becoming more accessible and compatible, allowing the player to play on different devices and platforms.
- User-generated content: Zombie games are becoming more customizable and creative, allowing the player to create and share their own content and mods.
What are some future possibilities for zombie games?
Some future possibilities for zombie games are:
- Artificial intelligence: Zombie games could use artificial intelligence to create smarter and more adaptive zombies and allies, as well as more complex and realistic stories and dialogues.
- Augmented reality: Zombie games could use augmented reality to overlay zombies and other elements onto the real world, creating a more immersive and interactive experience.
- Haptic feedback: Zombie games could use haptic feedback to simulate the physical sensations of zombies and other objects, such as touch, temperature, pain, and vibration.
- Brain-computer interface: Zombie games could use brain-computer interface to connect the player’s brain to the game, allowing them to control the game with their thoughts and emotions.
- Biometric data: Zombie games could use biometric data to measure the player’s physiological responses, such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweat, and pupil dilation, and adjust the game accordingly.
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