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

Al

Al

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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?
 
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.
 
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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.
 
Daedalus said:
Depends on the game. I've been exposed to both.
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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.
 
Both have their pros and cons but I will go for the slow and shambling zombies because they create a sense of tension, anticipation and dread, and also creating fears of the unknown for the players
 
Fast hordes are my thing. Let's get that adrenaline going and reduce the amount of time required to make decisions. This really puts me in the middle of the game and makes it more exciting, IMHO.
 
DarkNight said:
Fast hordes are my thing. Let's get that adrenaline going and reduce the amount of time required to make decisions. This really puts me in the middle of the game and makes it more exciting, IMHO.
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I may fail to keep up with the tempo, and that is the reason I would always go with the slow zombies and not really bother much about the fact paced ones. It is a choice, but I understood what you meant as well.
 
In my case, I prefer a slow and shambling pace because I tend to be more traditional. To me, slow and steady feels more conventional than fast and furious. I recall watching the movie "Night of the Living Dead" when I was in elementary or high school when playing slow and shambling zombie games.
 
In some games, I prefer the slow, shambling kind and in other games, I will like to see the zombies running so fast. I have played games that I witness these two kind and it was fun.
 
I prefer them moving slow as it gives more time to focus and kill them off. You can barely have that luxury with the fast and furious ones because they will move fast and mount pressure on me.
 
It depends on the game, I really like fast zombies more in general terms, since for my taste they are a greater challenge, but for example in RE it is not that they are fast and still have an acceptable difficulty.
 
I like fast zombies not meaning I hated playing the slow and shambling zombies. The fast ones create huge tension and fears especially when they are marching faster to eat you.
 
I tend to lean toward the fast zombies. I agree that slow zombies definitely add a sense of looming dread and tension, but I think the fast ones bring an intense, adrenaline-pumping challenge that forces you to think on your feet and strategize quickly. The speed changes the dynamic of combat, requiring more rapid decision-making skills.
 
I feel it depends on the game I am playing as to whether I prefer zombies to be slow or fast. I do find that when zombies are fast and furious in games though, I get quite the adrenaline rush and it does immerse you in the game as well.
 
I prefer a mixture of both, the slow ones gives me time to positive myself for the kill, while the fast ones gives me this rush of danger and adrenaline push. It makes the game a lot more fun.
 
I will mostly prefer fast but having a mixture of both will be nice, but talking about the fast, it gives me more room to express my skills, although there is more danger, I like getting tends while play the game.
Know more of the weapons makes it more lively and fun, my recent experience on zombies' game has been excellent after several stage one failed mission.
Zombies' games are just fun.
You must be on the lookout for any attack from any angle. because the moment the get closer you are gone.
 
Sometimes it could be really hard to deal with flow zombies as well, especially when you find it hard to kill them. Certain zombies are quite hard to kill. They might be quite slow. However, weapons or ammunition simply do not have any kind of major effect on them. So, you have to shoot them for long periods of time. This can add suspense to the game.
 
I prefer the slow zombies. They make the zombie horror gaming more interesting for me. Their slowness to attack you always keeps you guessing and drawing strategy on what kind of attack to expect from them when they eventually do. That is another layer of horror.
 
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