Resistance Series
Continuing the asteroid theme, Resistance provides an alternate history that sees an impacting asteroid bring the Chimera, a hostile species, to Earth. Fighting off the Chimeran forces as Nathan Hale and Joseph Capelli (not including the handheld heroes) is an adventure well-worth experiencing. The combination of the brutal Chimera and the War of the Worlds styled machines should provide ample amusement. Not to mention, the Chimera are a threat unlike any other. If battling them doesn’t prepare you for the horrific monstrosities of the apocalypse, I’m not sure what will.
Metro 2033
With the world ending Friday, Metro: Last Light will never see the light — THQ’s financial issues may have prevented it from hitting store shelves anyways — but that shouldn’t stop you from sitting down with its immersive, FPS predecessor, Metro 2033. Spend some time getting acquainted with frequent filter changes and the importance of ammunition, as both a means of defense and currency. You may even adopt a Russian accent by the time it’s all over (although you’ll most likely end up sounding like FPS Russia). At the very least, Metro 2033 teaches you that a metro station is a good alternative for those of you who don’t have a vault.
Alternative: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl
Darksiders 1 & 2
I know there have been quite a bit of FPS games on this list, so let’s mix things up a bit. Vigil Games’ Darksiders games are wonderful post-apocalyptic titles that really stand out from the rest, and it’s not because they’re action-adventure/role-playing titles. Instead of taking control of a weak human trying to survive day to day in the aftermath, you’ll be given command of two Horseman of the Apocalypse. In the first Darksiders, you’ll follow War as he tries to clear his name following the early arrival of the apocalypse. Darksiders 2 runs alongside this story with Death looking to provide his brother with a clean slate as well. These unbelievably powerful, mythical beasts deserve your attention and you surely won’t be disappointed. Although, you may not walk away from these games with an optimistic outlook on mankind’s ability to survive during the end of the world, especially when a war between demons and angels is involved. So, what lesson is learned here? Basically, you’re screwed.
Left 4 Dead 1 & 2
We’ve seen the bird flu and the swine flu spread rapidly, leading us to believe it might not be unlikely that Left 4 Dead’s “Green Flu” could be the end of the world culprit, which is why it’s here on this list. This title’s lesson is as follows: the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. If you want to increase your lifespan, grab some hands-on time with Left 4 Dead 1 and/or 2 and you’ll learn the power of cooperation. Turtle Rock Studios’ successful co-op FPS should help you find reliable friends to party up with to overcome the trials of the apocalypse. Not to mention it’s addictive nature may cause you to forget that the world is even ending, leaving you in a state of ignorant bliss as everything you’ve ever known ceases to exist.
Dead Rising 1 & 2
Not everyone has military-grade weaponry to help them survive Armageddon, which is why it’s important to take notes from Capcom’s Dead Rising games. While you may not be in possession of a firearm, you may find that you have useful items, such as a paddle and chainsaws, lying around. Frank West and Chuck Greene teach us that everyday, household objects can be used with deadly efficiency when taking on the undead hordes (that are sure to follow the world’s end) and can even be combined to become even more useful. Spend your last day running through malls and casinos and you’re sure to have a few creative ideas for self defense when the time comes. Plus, you’ll know exactly which beverages and food to blend together for those ultimate, power-endowing concoctions.
Motorstorm Apocalypse
The title says it all. One of the main reasons Motorstorm Apocalypse makes the list simply because, well, I didn’t feel like adding another first-person shooter. That’s the riveting tale of why this title is laid before your eyes. It may not show you how to handle a zombie attack or survive nuclear fallout, but it does give some detailed insight on how to maneuver a vehicle on unstable terrain. Whether the end times force you to drive around crumbling buildings or avoid the high-speed debris of a tornado, Motorstorm Apocalypse will show you how to become a post-apocalyptic Jason Statham.
That’s all I have for you. I have provided you with the tools, so it comes down to how you use them. Good luck to you all tomorrow!