Resident Evil Zombies vs. The Last of Us Zombies

Attribute	Resident Evil Zombies	The Last of Us Zombies
Origin	Created by the T-Virus	Infected by Cordyceps fungus
Appearance	Varies depending on the virus strain	Clickers have fungal growth on their heads
Behavior	Slow-moving and typically attack in groups	Clickers are blind but have heightened hearing
Weakness	Headshots are most effective	Fire can be used to kill them
Intelligence	Generally mindless and driven by instinct	Retain some human-like behaviors and memories

Origins

Resident Evil zombies, also known as "Bio-Organic Weapons" (BOWs), are the result of a virus created by the Umbrella Corporation. The T-virus is responsible for reanimating the dead and turning them into flesh-eating monsters. On the other hand, The Last of Us zombies, known as "infected," are the result of a mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus that infects the brains of their hosts, causing them to exhibit aggressive and violent behavior.

Behavior

Resident Evil zombies are typically slow-moving and clumsy, often stumbling towards their prey with outstretched arms. They rely on their numbers to overwhelm their victims rather than speed or agility. In contrast, The Last of Us zombies come in different stages of infection, each with its own unique behavior. Runners are fast and aggressive, while Clickers are blind but have heightened hearing, making them deadly in close quarters.

Appearance

Resident Evil zombies often exhibit signs of decay and decomposition, with rotting flesh and exposed bones. They have a more traditional zombie appearance, with pale skin and sunken eyes. The Last of Us zombies, on the other hand, have a more fungal appearance, with growths protruding from their bodies and a distinct clicking sound that gives them their name. They are more visually unsettling and unique compared to traditional zombies.

Weaknesses

Resident Evil zombies are typically vulnerable to headshots, with a well-placed bullet to the brain being the most effective way to take them down. They can also be incapacitated by destroying their limbs or setting them on fire. In contrast, The Last of Us zombies are more resilient and require more strategic approaches to defeat. Some infected types are immune to traditional weapons and require stealth or environmental hazards to eliminate.

Evolution

Throughout the Resident Evil series, zombies have evolved and mutated into different forms, becoming more dangerous and unpredictable. From the lickers in Resident Evil 2 to the regenerators in Resident Evil 4, each new game introduces new types of zombies with unique abilities. The Last of Us also features different stages of infection, with the infected becoming more dangerous as they progress from Runners to Clickers to Bloaters.

Impact on Gameplay

Resident Evil zombies are often used as obstacles to overcome in the game, requiring players to conserve ammo and carefully plan their movements to avoid being overwhelmed. The slow pace of the zombies adds tension to the gameplay, as players must navigate through hordes of undead while managing their resources. In The Last of Us, the infected play a central role in the game's narrative, with encounters serving as both combat challenges and opportunities for stealth and exploration.

Conclusion

While both Resident Evil and The Last of Us feature zombies as central elements of their gameplay, the two franchises approach the undead in different ways. Resident Evil zombies are more traditional in their appearance and behavior, relying on numbers and brute force to overwhelm their victims. The Last of Us zombies, on the other hand, are more diverse and nuanced, with different stages of infection and unique abilities that require players to adapt their strategies. Both types of zombies offer unique challenges and experiences for players, making them iconic elements of their respective franchises.