Rock of the Dead, the cult classic rail shooter developed by Epicenter Studios, has been a fan favorite since its release in 2010. If you’ve exhausted the game’s original title but still want to experience a new take on this genre, then you’ve come to the right place. From modern-day remakes to faithful recreations, this list features 10 great games like Rock of the Dead that will satisfy your craving for another rail shooter.
1. Typing of the Dead: Overkill
Developed by Modern Dream, Typing of the Dead: Overkill is a remake of the classic Sega Dreamcast title, The House of the Dead: Overkill. Unlike the original game, which had you blast away at hordes of zombies with a light gun, this remake puts a new twist on the concept by requiring you to type in words to kill off the undead. Despite the drastic change in the game mechanics, the game stays true to the original in its presentation and humor. If you’re looking for a game that’s just as funny and irreverent as Rock of the Dead, then this is an excellent choice.
2. Shoot Many Robots
Developed by Demiurge Studios, Shoot Many Robots is a run and gun action game with a wacky cartoon-like art style. You take control of a robot-fighting hero and shoot your way through a horde of robotic enemies. You can customize your character with tons of different weapons and perks and team up with three of your friends for some four-player co-op fun. If you’re looking for a game that’s more action-oriented than Rock of the Dead, then this is the perfect choice.
3. Zombies Ate My Neighbors
Developed by LucasArts and released in 1993, Zombies Ate My Neighbors is a top-down shooter that has you fight against zombies, aliens, and other monsters. You take control of two teenagers, Zeke and Julie, who must rescue the citizens of their neighborhood from an onslaught of monsters. With its classic 8-bit style visuals and fun cooperative multiplayer mode, this is the perfect game for those who are looking for a game that pays homage to classic video games.
4. The House of the Dead: Overkill
Speaking of classic games, The House of the Dead: Overkill is the predecessor to Typing of the Dead: Overkill and is considered by many to be the best game in the series. Developed by Headstrong Games for the Sega Dreamcast, this rail shooter has you take control of Agent G as he battles an army of undead in order to save his partner, Detective Isaac Washington. Like Rock of the Dead, The House of the Dead: Overkill features a campy and irreverent story, as well as a unique take on the rail shooter genre.
5. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
Developed by Bizzare Creations, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a remake of the classic Xbox Live Arcade title. This top-down shooter has you control a small ship traverse a geometric arena while shooting enemies and dodging obstacles. With its fast-paced action, vibrant visuals, and simple yet addictive gameplay, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a great game for those who want to experience a classic shooter in a modern package.
6. Dead Nation
Developed by Housemarque and released for the PlayStation 3 in 2010, Dead Nation is a top-down shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been overrun by zombies. You control one of two survivors and must battle your way through hordes of the undead in order to find a cure for the zombie plague. With its compelling story and intense gameplay, Dead Nation is a great game for those looking for an action-packed shooter set in a deep and engrossing world.
7. Dead Rising
Released in 2006, Dead Rising is an open-world zombie survival game developed by Capcom. You take control of a photojournalist named Frank West and must battle a horde of the undead in order to survive. With its brutal melee combat and tongue-in-cheek humor, Dead Rising is a great game for those who want to experience a more mature take on the zombie apocalypse.
8. Rez
Released in 2001, Rez is a rail shooter developed by United Game Artists and published by Sega. You take control of a hacker as they make their way through a virtual reality world in order to defeat the artificial intelligence that controls it. With its stunning visuals, hypnotic soundtrack, and imaginative gameplay, Rez is a great game for those who want to experience a more abstract take on the rail shooter genre.
9. Alien Swarm
Developed by Valve and released in 2010, Alien Swarm is a top-down shooter that has you battle against hordes of alien bugs. You control a team of four marines and must make your way through a spaceship infested by aliens. With its intense action, cooperative multiplayer mode, and addictive gameplay, Alien Swarm is a great game for those who want to experience a more modern take on the top-down shooter genre.
10. Shadow Complex
Developed by Chair Entertainment, Shadow Complex is a side-scrolling action-adventure game that has you take control of a lone soldier in order to uncover a secret government conspiracy. With its non-linear game structure, deep story, and intense action, Shadow Complex is a great game for those who want to experience a more in-depth and story-driven take on the side-scrolling genre.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for some great games like Rock of the Dead, then this list should have you covered. From classic rail shooters to modern top-down shooters, this list has something for everyone. So next time you’re in the mood to blast some baddies, make sure to check out this list and find the perfect game for you.