The horror genre of video games has always had a pretty consistent streak of quality. Of course, many attempts to give players the interactive creeps fell flat. However, there has been an abundance of horror-oriented games that have truly hit the mark enough to keep us up at night with the lights on.
With the much-anticipated remake of Resident Evil 3 on the horizon, some gamers may be looking for something to scratch that spooky itch until April 3. Well, if you do so happen to be in that situation, then look no further than these 10 games.
Alien: Isolation
There is something absolutely unsettling about the feeling of being hunted, the feeling of something creeping up behind you, ready to strike. No other game delivers that feeling better than Alien: Isolation. The titular alien is eager to find you and will ruthlessly pursue you until the credits eventually roll… if you survive that long. Any fan of the classic horror film series or sci-fi horror in general should absolutely give this game a try.
Dead Space
Dead Space is a really unique mixture of horror subgenres. You have your Resident Evil 4-style survivalist gameplay. A healthy dose of cosmic horror. Plus, the creators felt it appropriate to toss in some psychological terror, as well. It’s all stirred together and dumped into a creepy, claustrophobic setting to be stranded in, one that is sure to keep players on the edges of their seats for the entirety of the game.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
As scary as Dead Space and Alien: Isolation are, those games actually do give you various ways to fight back when a monster attacks. Players will enjoy no such luxuries in Amnesia: The Dark Descent.
Taking the fight away from players and dropping them into a dreadful old castle is a great way to build tension. This is an gameplay experience that is sure to leave an impression on you for weeks.
Alan Wake
While Alan Wake is not purely horror, it certainly does a good job of utilizing horror elements. Players can expect to face lots of great content in this mysterious third-person shooter, as both the gameplay and story hold up quite well nearly a decade later. Plus, there’s a good chance that Alan Wake may have deep connections to the surprise hit game of 2019, Control by Remedy Entertainment.
Until Dawn
Until Dawn is a lovingly-crafted homage to classic horror films featuring dumb teenagers. All of the basic character archetypes are there, yet the game is fully aware of what they are. This means it can take chances with those expectations as the story does some unique things with tired clichés.
The gameplay is perfectly fine for what it attempts to achieve. However, the greatest danger to the player comes from the decisions you make along the way and the consequences that follow.
Outlast
When it comes to settings for horror games, it’s difficult to get more horrific than Outlast’s Mount Massive Asylum, with its dark history of abusive practices, dead staff, and freely-roaming inmates. Then, you the player are armed with only a camera and the ability to hide.
It makes for a horror game that is sure to give even the most seasoned horror fans the creeps. Nothing can adequately prepare players for the challenge ahead of them, though.
Resident Evil VII: Biohazard
The Resident Evil series has always been a staple of the horror genre. However, Capcom decided to switch things up with Resident Evil VII: Biohazard. This great game came with a new perspective for the series, a cast of fresh characters, and a setting that players could become fully immersed in.
This was the first Resident Evil game that utilized virtual reality via PlayStation VR. While the game itself is good, the VR aspect absolutely brings things to a new level of uncomfortable. Anyone with a PSVR or with a love for all things spooky owes it to themselves to at least try this one out.
Condemned: Criminal Origins
Condemned: Criminal Origins doesn’t lean on grotesque monsters or otherworldly beings to scare players. This game simply makes you fear the people around you. Granted, these are very bad people who could be easily viewed as monsters. However, they’re still just people.
Most games throw human enemies at you as minor obstacles to overcome. But Condemned makes every encounter a tense, anxiety-driven moment.
Silent Hill 2
No horror fan’s journey is complete without a trip to Silent Hill. For those not in the know, Silent Hill is a small town of horrific secrets and unending curiosity. While the series has seen many troubled entries, Silent Hill 2 is surely one of the best that this franchise has to offer.
Players will spend many hours wandering the streets of Silent Hill. During these times, you’ll encounter some rich storytelling and top-notch horror design. In the end, though, you’ll be left with a thought-provoking trip to a town that will stick with you for years to come.
Resident Evil 2 (2019)
2019 greeted gamers early in the year with a reimagining of one of gaming’s most beloved horror games. Originally released in 1998, Resident Evil 2 allows players to get a close look at Racoon City, and the monsters found within.
The remake of this game, though, is arguably the best that the Resident Evil series has been so far. Gorgeous visuals, tense gamplay, and wonderful characters make this one of the best horror games you can find today.
What horror games do you think do the genre justice? Sound off in the comments below!
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