Which Zombie Type Do You Prefer? - Slow and Shambling or Fast and Furious?

[Al]

There's two classic zombie types:

The slow, shambling, classic zombies inspired by George A. Romero which appear in Dead Rising and the fast, horde zombies of Left 4 Dead. Which one do you prefer to play against? The classic zombie is always, to me, much more menacing, but the fast movers, like in World War Z, present much more of a challenge.

Which do you prefer? Do slow zombies add more tension to games? How do the speed and behaviour of zombies impact combat, strategy and survival in zombie games?

 

[Mr. X]

As a staunch traditionalist I'm content with Romero's shuffling zombies. I feel they bring a different kind of character and ambiance to a setting. Their slow speed can often lull a player into a false sense of security as there is little threat from an adversary you can simple run away from. This instils confidence in a player and encourages them to take risks - only to be overwhelmed when facing The Horde.

They allow for a slow burn, constant, oppressive fear that builds as they gradually close in. You're forced to think ahead, plan your route, and make tough calls about how to conserve limited ammunition. They require thoughtful planning and a consideration for one's surroundings. Slow zombies take on an almost puzzle-like element whereas the faster zombies are more likely to feature in action heavy titles.

A really good example of slow zombies done well is the early access title, Project Zomboid. Early encounters with the undead are deceptively simple since the zombies move slowly and can often be evaded or led away. It’s easy for players to feel confident and push boundaries. But taking these risks can quickly attract a horde that builds gradually and persistently, overwhelming players who aren’t carefully watching their surroundings.

Project Zomboid really captures the slow-burn dread, requiring players to respect the zombies' gradual but inevitable advance rather than mowing them down.

 

[Daedalus]

Depends on the game. I've been exposed to both. There was a fun custom game mode in Halo 3 and some of the latter modes where the zombie was fast. It was a lot of fun dodging them while trying to survive and more so when you were turned and joined them.

Most other scenarios, I prefer the slow, shambling kind. I prefer the kind where they try to overwhelm you with sheer numbers.

 

[Al]

Depends on the game. I've been exposed to both.

This is the right answer. Both have their plus points. I really enjoyed Left 4 Dead when it was released and the zombies in that were entirely different to what I had previous experienced in, for example, Resident Evil. There is a time and a place for both types of enemy. But I guess that is the point. Action orientated games are better with faster zombies whereas more atmospheric games such as survival horror or psychological horror will naturally fall into a more classic zombie style.