From Ants to Zombies provides a comprehensive look at the development of horror in video games over the past six decades, showcasing the genre’s immense variety. Spanning more than 130 games and 70 hardware platforms, from early systems like the ZX Spectrum to modern consoles like the Xbox Series X, the book covers everything from rail shooters to open-world RPGs, haunted mansions to outer space horrors, and subtle dread to visceral violence.
Divided into thirteen chapters, the book doesn’t just focus on games; it also contextualizes them within their eras, showing how each title reflects the technological and creative boundaries of its time. Readers can explore titles like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and System Shock 2, while also discovering lesser-known gems like Ant Attack and It Came from the Desert.
What truly sets this work apart is the commentary from legendary developers, offering behind-the-scenes insights into some of the genre’s most iconic and influential titles. Keiichiro Toyama, creator of Silent Hill, shares his experiences shaping psychological horror, while Ken Levine, the mind behind System Shock 2, delves into the nuances of blending science fiction with horror. Developers like Jane Jensen (Gabriel Knight) and Graeme Devine (The 7th Guest) further enrich the discussion, offering perspectives on storytelling and technical challenges faced during their time.
With more than 600 beautifully illustrated pages, the book also emphasizes the artistry of horror games, featuring detailed visual breakdowns and analysis of iconic design elements. From the blocky, pixelated aesthetics of early gaming to the lifelike graphics of contemporary titles, the book charts how advancements in technology have shaped the visual and atmospheric impact of horror games.
For fans of the genre, From Ants to Zombies is not just a nostalgic journey through horror gaming’s greatest hits but also an opportunity to rediscover overlooked titles that contributed to the genre’s growth. Whether you’re interested in the evolution of jump scares, the intricacies of survival mechanics, or the psychological depths explored by these games, this book is a definitive guide to video game horror’s long and complex history.
