Although it may seem like it is, it’s not always an easy job to create an end-of-the-world scenario. Be it maleficent forces or a nuclear holocaust, there’s a lot more to simply thinking up the near-extinction event. In that same vein, all of the subsequent games have told their own unique tale, and more importantly, have done it right.

The end is nigh, so grab a few bottle caps and rations, and set forth into the apocalypse brave gamer.

Darksiders’ apocalypse is a very different kettle of fish

Darksiders

Neither Darksiders’ cover art nor its in-game environments, for that matter, tell the full story. But Darksiders actually takes place during the end of the world. Angels and demons have invaded the peaceful earth and the war between them has destroyed humanity and everything we built.

Darksiders successfully created a blend between a human world and a world inspired by the creatures of heaven and hell. It was a risky move, but it worked. Hopefully we will see more of the series from the new owners of the franchise, Nordic Games. Sadly, THQ went under in 2013 which forced them to sell the franchise. At least someone bought it. And there have certainly been rumours of a Darksiders 3.

Our favourite contemporary apocalypse game to date

Fallout 3

Have you ever spoken to someone who genuinely hated, or even dislike, Fallout 3? I think not. Bethesda’s open-world take on the apocalypse was not only one of the greatest Fallout titles in the series, but it was also the game that defined the modern end-of-the-world genre.

With a Fat Man in one hand, a pocket full of bottle caps, we set off into the wilderness to find out exactly where our father got to. Fighting brutes, giant ants and deathclaws along the way while avoiding crazed mutants and reducing towns to rubble, or rather back into rubble. There was nothing like watching a limb leave a recently, or formerly to be pedantic, breathing body thanks to a well placed pocket grenade.

Some disliked how it ended, but what an apocalypse it was.

Mass Effect 3

The Reapers have arrived on Earth and they’re ready to end humanity’s existence, taking the lives of millions in the process. Sheppard needed to assemble a galactic army made up of different races, overcome a variety of political and moral issues and all to help save the world.

BioWare’s take on the end of the world was not the usual “zombie eats human” story. This time it focuses around a force threatening humankind. It was predicable given the series’ past, but it was nice to fight something else other than a bunch of rebellious survivalists or brain eating creatures.

Not just another generic zombie survival game.

State of Decay

Say what you want about zombie games, State of Decay takes the cake when it comes down to who can pull off the most realistic zombie apocalypse in a video game.

State of Decay is the closest thing you can find to an episode of The Walking Dead in a game. Besides waiting for six episodes before something actually happens that is. Sure, Telltale has their award winning franchise, but this was more than just clicking on a few icons and making a few decisions. Survival was key.

GTA meets DayZ, with its own building mechanics, permadeath and a deep character progression system. Moving from base to base, looting other safe havens along the way, and all the while working together with your fellow survivors. Your actions determine the fate of your fellow survivors, and sometimes you even cared.

What are your favourite end-of-the-world titles? Let us know in the comments and forum.