Zombie Games With Better Stories Than The Last Of Us 2

by

The Last of Us Part 2 built upon the emotional story of the first game, delivering a darker, revenge-driven narrative within the same zombie-filled world. Though many praised its bold storytelling choices, some fans were disappointed with how certain storylines and Ellie’s character unfolded. Despite being a leading title in the genre, other zombie games prioritize the relationships between surviving humans over simply fighting the undead, focusing on the human element in a world falling apart.

These games are both scary and deeply moving, focusing on how a country-wide disaster affects the lives of those trying to survive. Some offer large, open worlds to explore alongside compelling character stories, while others create a more focused, story-driven experience with close relationships and intense action. Though The Last of Us Part II is well-known, many other games prove they can deliver equally strong narratives and well-crafted stories.

Days Gone

A More Fulfilling Journey

Days Gone takes place in a dark and desolate Oregon after a pandemic has ravaged the world. The game centers on Deacon St. John as he searches for his wife, Sarah, and tries to find purpose in a broken world. It’s a story about surviving against hordes of dangerous creatures, but also about dealing with loss and finding hope. The game masterfully balances intense action with peaceful moments, and focuses on Deacon’s relationships and his unwavering belief that Sarah might still be alive.

While The Last of Us Part 2 also explores finding meaning, it’s a much grimmer story focused on revenge and loss. Days Gone differs by carefully building emotional connections with its characters. Instead of constantly subjecting players to despair, it lets them gradually care for the cast and appreciate their determination to survive, rather than seek vengeance. This more optimistic approach to the post-apocalyptic world keeps the threat of the infected ever-present, consistently showing the lasting effects of the disaster and highlighting the importance of never giving up, even when things seem hopeless.

Dying Light: The Beast

Revenge Fully Served

Dying Light: The Beast continues the story of Kyle Crane, dropping him into a dangerous and chaotic countryside. He’s fighting the infection while trying to defeat the Baron, who has been experimenting on him for years. This installment puts a greater emphasis on the stories of supporting characters and how they fit into the game’s world. Driven by a desire for revenge, Kyle must confront the emotional and physical toll his journey takes on him as he fights to survive.

Unlike the revenge story in The Last of Us Part II, Kyle’s journey is more focused on his own growth as a person, rather than just causing destruction. While Ellie’s quest for revenge transforms her into someone who loses sight of her own humanity, Kyle is constantly aware of his inner conflict and strives to represent hope for survival, not just become another threat. Dying Light: The Beast also encourages players to consider bigger questions about what it means to be human, allowing for a more expansive understanding of the world beyond a single character’s personal motivations.

Telltale’s The Walking Dead

More Emotion And Deeper Consequences

As a huge fan, I still think Telltale’s The Walking Dead is one of the most emotionally powerful games I’ve ever played. What really grabbed me was how well-developed the characters were and the relationships between them. The first game, especially, tells this incredible story of Lee and Clementine meeting right when the zombie apocalypse begins. Everything revolves around their struggle to survive, and it’s so realistic and intense. You genuinely never feel safe, whether it’s from the walkers or from other people just trying to get by. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

What makes this game’s story better than The Last of Us Part II is how much more realistic and believable it feels. Lee and Clementine’s journey is slow and constantly throws obstacles their way, even when things seem hopeful. In contrast, Ellie’s path in TLOU2 is relatively direct, with setbacks that are impactful but don’t truly derail her. The key difference is that choices in The Walking Dead have real weight, leading to drastically different outcomes for characters. TLOU2, however, feels very linear, limiting player agency and forcing them along a predetermined story, whether they like it or not.

Resident Evil 2: Remake

Struggles On A More Human Level

The remake of Resident Evil 2 revitalized the survival horror genre for the Resident Evil series, reimagining classic characters in a stunning and improved Raccoon City. The story closely follows the original, placing players in the middle of a terrifying viral outbreak where they must fight their way through claustrophobic hallways and eerie laboratories with little hope of safety. A standout feature is the game’s dual narrative, allowing players to experience the story from both Leon and Claire’s perspectives in two unique campaigns.

The way The Last of Us Part II tells its story feels somewhat imposed on the player. While it tries to show things from different characters’ viewpoints, you have limited control over when you switch between their paths. Resident Evil 2 handles things differently, clearly separating the storylines and never switching control between characters. Because both Leon and Claire are working towards the same goal, their stories feel more connected. Plus, RE2‘s journey is full of unexpected twists and terrifying locations, keeping players on edge until the very end.

The Last Of Us

Consistency And Deep Character Development

Although it was the first game in the series, The Last of Us is frequently praised for having a stronger and more focused story than its follow-up. The heart of the game is the developing relationship between Joel and Ellie, and players connect with how their bond changes and affects their journey. Players control Ellie at times, and are consistently fighting to keep her safe. Joel’s clear purpose is complicated by a difficult moral choice at the end – he must decide whether to prioritize saving Ellie or potentially saving humanity.

The second game shares a theme of fighting for others, but shifts from the emotional journey of love and bravery seen in the first game to a story fueled by anger. Ellie transforms into a relentless character, brutally overcoming any obstacle. While her actions echo Joel’s violent behavior from the original game, this sequel focuses more on the endless cycle of violence and the senselessness of killing. Despite Ellie’s strong motivations, the revenge story feels surprisingly detached, and the game offers little hope or optimism for a potential future installment.

Read More

2025-11-10 08:35