Best Games That Channel B-Movie Energy

Key Takeaways

Cult classics like Night Of The Living Dead originated as B-movies, showcasing charm in their low-budget origins.
Earth Defense Force 5 and Destroy All Humans offer B-movie-inspired gameplay full of campy fun and chaotic action.
Huntdown, Chop Goblins, and Maximum Action pay homage to 80s and 90s B-movie aesthetics with retro style and immersive gameplay.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that diving into the world of B-movie-inspired games has been quite the rollercoaster ride. One game that instantly transported me to a cinematic experience of my childhood was none other than Left 4 Dead 2. The game’s charming characters, over-the-top violence, and old-school movie poster aesthetics harkened back to the classic zombie films I grew up watching.

While numerous blockbusters have graced our screens over time, it’s interesting to note that some of cinema’s dearly loved films originally started as B-movies. For instance, films like “Night of the Living Dead” (1968), “Evil Dead” (1981), and “Big Trouble in Little China” (1986) – these cult classics that have garnered immense popularity are actually B-movies.

As a gamer, I’ve come across films often labeled as B-movies – not always, but usually. They’re crafted with mass appeal in mind, fitting neatly into a specific genre and, at times, serving as companions to the main feature (the “A” movie). Over time, they’ve evolved to encompass a broader definition, often being low-budget productions. Despite their limitations and less stringent demands for success, B-movies maintain a unique charm due to their formulaic nature. You’ll find quirky dialogue, exaggerated action sequences, and plenty of slapstick humor in them. It’s no secret that video games have taken notice and have paid tribute to these elements that make B-movies such an entertaining experience.

1 Earth Defense Force 5

An Exaggerated Third-Person Battle Against Alien Hordes

The Earth Defense Force series is frequently praised for its likeness to classic alien invasion flicks, often due to its B-movie ambiance. Within the game, players engage in battles against a variety of extraterrestrial beings, assuming roles from among four unique character categories.

Earth Defense Force 5 is a game that can be played individually, but it also offers both online and local cooperation for those who wish to experience the over-the-top chaos in a group. The game stands out due to its expansive scale and fast-paced action, though it may not boast the most visually stunning graphics compared to other titles.

2 Destroy All Humans!

A Tongue-In-Cheek Action Sandbox Inspired By 50s Invasion Films

2020 saw the launch of an exciting new take on the game “Destroy All Humans” on Steam, making it a perfect moment for me, as a fan, to dive into this delightfully cheesy, B-movie universe. This game captures the spirit of classic alien invasion movies with a wink and a nod, bearing a strong resemblance to Tim Burton’s “Mars Attacks” from 1996.

In terms of gameplay, “Destroy All Humans” offers an action-packed sandbox filled with numerous amusing activities. By placing you in control of a mischievous alien adversary on 1950s Earth, the game provides an offbeat, nostalgic, and fittingly absurd experience. Essentially, “Destroy All Humans” is a throwback to classic gaming, offering third-person action that’s bolstered by its sandbox settings, a peculiar array of weapons, and a distinctive power fantasy.

3 Huntdown

A Side-Scrolling Run-And-Gun Platformer Inspired By Action Cinema

This vintage-inspired indie game offers a classic run-and-shoot gameplay mechanics, complete with numerous shooting battles and 2D platform navigation. Huntdown boasts a compact and engaging design that spans multiple stages for gamers to conquer, but it’s the game’s obvious B-movie aesthetic that truly sets it apart as an enjoyable playthrough.

John Carpenter’s “Escape From New York” and Roger Corman’s “Death Race 2000” (1975) serve as significant influences for the setting in “Huntdown”, along with the larger-than-life action films of the 80s. The game offers a blend of gritty, humorous characters, grand bosses, thematic adversaries, and atmospheric sci-fi landscapes that create an exhilarating tribute overall. Moreover, “Huntdown” distinguishes itself with its nostalgic run-and-gun gameplay, which includes a strategic cover system that enhances the gaming experience and sets this throwback title apart.

4 Chop Goblins

A Micro Boomer Shooter Inspired By Gremlins

Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
Released: 2022
Developer(s): David Szymanski
Genre: FPS

Emulating the spirit of economical action-horror films like “Gremlins,” “Chop Goblins” is a compact yet satisfying first-person shooter from the minds of the “DUSK” creators, David Szymanski. The game is strategically crafted to be completed within a single gaming session. Despite its brevity, “Chop Goblins” whiskks players through various environments, leveraging time travel as its primary storytelling mechanism.

What makes the game “Chop Goblins,” with its title characters emitting shrill screeches and displaying quirky behaviors, stand out as a unique low-budget gem is its blend of horror and humor, executed flawlessly. The narrative, though presented in brief text snippets between missions, is filled with whimsical elements that provide some context for the first-person action. Yet, it’s the traditional FPS gameplay and focus on brevity that are among “Chop Goblins” most compelling aspects.

5 Maximum Action

A B-Movie Action Sandbox

Platform(s): PC
Released: 2018
Developer(s): George Mandell
Genre: FPS

If you’re a fan of fast-paced action games like Max Payne, FEAR, and the cinematic works of John Woo, then you’re sure to appreciate the thrilling first-person shooter, Maximum Action. This game offers an exciting sandbox environment where you can fight your way through numerous missions modeled after iconic gunfights from 80s and 90s action movies. As you progress, you’ll have access to a diverse arsenal of heavy weapons and slow-motion, bullet-time effects.

In this game, players will encounter numerous rapid-fire gun battles, stylish action sequences, and pixelated graphics. Titled Maximum Action, the game delivers a simple experience devoid of any significant storyline or deeper meaning. However, it compensates for its lack of narrative with an expansive sandbox gameplay mode, urging players to showcase their flair in every mission they undertake.

6 Left 4 Dead 2

A Timeless Co-Op Experience With A B-Movie Atmosphere

If they haven’t played it yet, fans who appreciate B-movie zombie films like “Night Of The Living Dead” would probably enjoy “Left 4 Dead 2.” The game’s style, featuring a set of charismatic, stereotypical characters, excessive violence, and the representation of each campaign through old-school movie posters, all draw heavily from the world of B-movies.

Regardless of its advancing years, Left 4 Dead 2 remains remarkably ageless. Its exceptional AI director, diverse array of distinct campaigns, and thrilling first-person gameplay continue to impress, while the way it promotes teamwork through an assortment of unique special enemies makes it a fantastic multiplayer experience.

7 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Over-The-Top Espionage And A Relentless B-Movie Narrative

In a playful tribute to over-the-top action movies and classic spy flicks like those featuring James Bond, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater delivers an unending B-movie storyline brimming with absurd scenes, characters, and actions. The game’s unique mix of deep stealth mechanics and purposeful action sequences creates a varied gameplay rhythm that may initially seem challenging, particularly in today’s gaming landscape, but it can prove to be deeply engaging once you get the hang of it.

Those seeking non-stop action or a serious storyline might find Metal Gear Solid 3 disappointing, as it offers an elaborate experience that frequently integrates gameplay with extended cutscenes and character dialogues. But for patient gamers who appreciate stealth-oriented gameplay and the over-the-top charm of B-movie narratives, this timeless classic is bound to deliver enjoyment.

8 Resident Evil 4

A Careful Blend Of Action And Horror, Elevated By B-Movie Charm

It’s widely believed that other Resident Evil games offer a more terrifying experience. The release of Resident Evil 4 significantly altered the gameplay dynamics, stripping away many elements that made the earlier games captivating while enhancing others, thereby steering the series towards an entirely new path. Yet, it’s undeniable that Resident Evil 4 injected fresh energy into the franchise and pushed boundaries in its creation. While some appreciate Resident Evil 4 for its unique fusion of action and horror, a significant factor contributing to its popularity is its B-movie appeal.

The over-the-top ambiance and humorous tone of “Resident Evil 4” mirrors that of B-movies, offering a stark contrast to its inspirations like “The Wicker Man” (1973) and the chilling “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974). If you’re a fan of campy, budget-friendly horror films such as “The Evil Dead” or appreciate over-the-shoulder action scenes, then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy both versions of “Resident Evil 4”.

2024-10-29 12:04