GAMERS DECIDE - alien: isolation

[Top 15] Best First Person Horror Games

albertomrn15 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 22:04:03 +0000

Everybody knows that horror games come in all different shapes and forms. There’s an entire buffet out there for folks who want nothing more than to soil their best jeans and maybe hug a squish mallow or two after playing some terrifying video games. There are third-person horror games. 2D horror games. Puzzle horror games. Horror games in regular video games–hell, the butler in Tomb Raider still gives me goosebumps every time, and the man is just doing his job! But undoubtedly, the best way to experience horror games, in my opinion, is in the first person. So, today we’ll be counting down the best 15 first-person horror games that maybe you shouldn’t play in the dark. No, I’m not speaking from experience; let’s just move on.

15. GTFO - 2019 (PC)

This GTFO Raid Was Extremely Close! - GTFO Gameplay

GTFO is a first-person cooperative shooter that, as of writing this, is only available on the personal computer. You and a bunch of your buddies go through some intense-looking environments while you try to accomplish tasks given to you by the Warden. Ooh, that’s not an ominous name at all.

Why GTFO Is Terrifyingly Awesome

If even the developers of the game suffer from crippling stress while playing GTFO, then you can rest assured that you will, too. Though you aren’t completely helpless, you don’t always feel like you know the lay of the land. Yes, you might be armed to the teeth, but the genius of GTFO is its ever-changing obstacles that get thrown at you at a moment’s notice. Not to mention, the creatures in the game are some of the most grotesque-looking things you’ll fight off. I wouldn’t be surprised if the developers watched Cabin in the Woods, saw the scene where the SWAT guys were annihilated by hellspawns, and thought that that would be a good idea for a video game.

Still, you’re going to want to play GTFO for hours on end. The game doesn’t feature a leveling-up system, so gameplay is king here. If you’re a fan of Left 4 Dead, you’ll feel right at home—well, I wouldn’t say you’ll feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket or nothing—but you’ll understand the kind of game you’ll be getting into. GTFO is still played by fans and is still supported by the developers, so now is a great time to jump in and get out. Preferably, fast.

Fun Factor: 80/100

It may not look like it, but these guys are wearing their brown pants.

14. Soma - 2015 (PS4/Xbox One/PC)

SOMA | 4K 60fps | Game Movie Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary

I’ll be honest; I never got around to finishing Soma. But I did play enough to understand that if I played any more of it, I’d probably break my streak of not soiling my pants since 2020. You might be thinking, “That’s pretty recent”, and you’d be right. Moving on. I am familiar with Soma’s developers, Frictional Games, who created the Amnesia series, and they are masters of first-person horror. In Soma, you take on the unfortunate role of playing Simon Jarret. I say unfortunately because Simon isn’t a Chris Redfield or a Joel Miller, and therefore he’s already screwed after finding himself in an underwater facility with machines that have gained consciousness, which is never a good thing. I mean, look at Ultron.

Why You Should Play Soma

Despite never finishing the game, I’d still recommend playing Soma. Frictional Games flexed their mastery over first-person horror on this one. The atmosphere is dripping and oppressive, and the excellent sound design makes this title worth playing with some decent headphones just to experience the ambiance alone. And that’s the real horror of Soma. It may not have the “in your face” type of scares you’d find in their previous titles, but Soma forces you to settle with something much more horrifying, and that is the desolate and disturbing consequences of the last people on earth’s attempt at keeping their collective sanity together and failing. Soma is a slow burner and asks a lot of patience out of players, but if you’re daring enough to tread forward, you’ll be treated to a great first-person horror game.

Fun Factor: 85/100

I’m sure she’s fine. Just resting her eyes.

13. Phasmophobia - 2020 (PC)

Phasmophobia 4K/60fps Gameplay No Commentary

Kinetic Games took the gaming world by storm when it released Phasmophobia. And it came at the right time, when the rest of society had shut down. It let people play out their fantasy of being a part of a ghost-hunting team without having to deal with the consequences of leaving a haunted house with a new visitor by your bedside at the end of an investigation. And if you’re thinking to yourself that you’ve never had that fantasy, then clearly you’ve never watched Zak Bagans from Ghost Adventures try to lure a spirit to lay in bed with him. It’s both the creepiest and funniest thing ever, and dammit, it makes me want to be a ghostbuster.

Go Big Mode

This truly is a ghost hunter’s wet dream. You start out preparing for the investigation in your van, looking over your objectives and discussing among friends on how to complete them. You’re given access to equipment like a spirit box, an EMF reader, a ghost writing book, etc. You and your friends must identify the type of spirit—which there are over twenty of them—without provoking it into a hunt, which can result in some hilariously terrifying moments in which the ghost can track and kill you off one by one. There’s even speech recognition, which the players can use to speak to the spirits. As you progress and document your findings, you’ll be earning money you can use to purchase more tools to add to your arsenal.

Though you can play this game by yourself, much like attempting to investigate a real haunted location by yourself, it’ll only end badly for you and your sanity. Phasmophobia is definitely meant to be played among friends, and it’s even better if you can round them up for a Halloween play session. Yes, it is a bit janky, and there is no real story here to keep you intrigued, but it’s the addictive feeling of forcing yourself to confront these sinister spirits in an inevitable chase that makes this game worth playing.

Fun Factor: 82/100

Hello. Would you perhaps want to lay in bed with me?

12. Devotion - 2019 (PC)

Devotion | 4K/60fps | Walkthrough Longplay Gameplay Lets Play No Commentary

On a previous list, I mentioned Red Candle Games’s excellent Detention. On that list, I briefly touched on Devotion and how terrifying that game was as well. Now that we’re talking about the best first-person horror games, I can shed some light on why I think Devotion should be on this list. Devotion sees you play as screenwriter, Du Feng-yu, who, after his daughter falls ill with a mysterious illness, becomes increasingly obsessed with trying to cure her, even if it means going to some dark places.

Why Devotion Will Leave You Shook

Much of Devotion’s gameplay is centered around exploring Feng-yu’s apartment, switching to different time periods, and examining various objects and notes of interest, which better flesh out the story and its characters. Certain objects must be collected to solve puzzles, often by traveling through different time periods to obtain them. There isn’t much in the way of gameplay here; instead, Red Candle Games immerses the player in its world and themes. The game is also rather short, clocking in at about three hours, but the pacing is done well, and ultimately the player’s enjoyment will hinge on the plot of the game. Still, I enjoyed Devotion, and it left me with the same empty, crushing feeling Hereditary did all those years ago. And that’s a good thing.

Fun Factor: 80/100

The atmosphere is top notch, putting the Unity engine to good use.

11. Zombi - 2012 (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Wii-U)

ZOMBI | FULL Gameplay Walkthrough No Commentary 4K 60FPS (NO DEATH) GOOD ENDING

Zombi, or ZombiU, was originally supposed to be a spin off of the Raving Rabbids universe. Can you believe that? Somehow they went from creating a title in the same world as the Rayman franchise to a straight-up first-person survival horror video game. In it, you play as a survivor in a modern-day zombie apocalypse set in London. What makes this game unique is what can make it frustrating at the same time. Let’s get into it.

What Makes Zombi Unique

Zombi is unique in that it was originally launched on the Nintendo Wii-U during a time when the whole zombie craze was beginning to stagnate. In spite of this, Ubisoft decided to release a zombie game with, well, mixed results. I personally played Zombi on the Xbox One when it was later ported from the Wii-U instead of how it was originally intended. Yet, there’s no denying that some of its more unique features came from playing it on the Wii-U.

For example, playing ZombiU allowed for the use of the gamepad to access inventory, which forced players to look away from the game screen and manage items while the game still played. It added to the stress of paranoia that you could be attacked by a zombie at any time. And when said zombie is as powerful on their own as they are in a horde, it could make for some pretty intense moments. Also, Zombi had a permadeath mode, so death really had some consequences in this one. Of course, this would seem to work well on paper, but in execution, it could result in some pretty frustrating moments. Zombi has some jank that can make your experience needlessly tedious.

Combat is rather clunky, so making your shots and hits count is a must. On top of that, the lighting is not great, so getting attacked by zombies is pretty frequent and unavoidable by default. The permadeath system can also deter casual players, but it can also make your playthrough a rather satisfying one once you get the hang of things. In the end, you’d be hard pressed to find a game like Zombi, and for all its flaws, this is still an atmospheric survival horror game worth trying at least once through.

Fun Factor: 70/100

Zombi can be quite the atmospheric game at moments like these.

10. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm - 2021 (PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X and S/Nintendo Switch/PC)

Happy's Humble Burger Farm : ALL BOSSES + Happy Ending 【 No Physical Damage 】

Anyone who has worked in the fast food industry knows that it can be a nightmare. Rude customers, even worse bosses, and terrible pay. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm captures the stress of working in this kind of environment, adding a horror twist to the mix. You play as a new recruit for Happy’s Humble Burger Farm, and not all is what it seems in this place and the city surrounding it. It’s up to you to flip burgers, figure out the sinister secret behind this twisted world, and find a way out of the monotony that’s slowly killing you from the inside out. Too much? Okay.

What Makes Happy’s Humble Burger Farm Fun

It’s quite possible you’ll break down from the stress of playing a horror cooking sim like Happy’s Humble, and that’s a compliment to the developers. From the moment you start your first shift, you’ll have to manage the fryer, create burgers—all tailored to each customer’s needs—and operate the soda machine. Each night, the game will add another task you must complete on top of the already overwhelming list of work-related activities, and that’s what makes the game fun.

When you aren’t working, you’re heading back home and diverting away to some story-related content, completing tasks like breaking into your restaurant’s locked rooms and finding out why New Elysian City is akin to a glitch in the matrix, creating bombs to defeat the insane fast food mascots, etc. And New Elysian City truly feels like a simulated place, with character models all resembling one another, machines with the same products sprouting around town, and even your co-worker, Toe, being a mindless soul. It’s all quite unnerving.

The game can have occasional bugs here and there, sometimes even hard crashing during certain pivotal moments, but it weirdly adds to the experience and, if nothing else, gives you an excuse to play a good-bad game. I totally recommend this one to anybody wanting to play a horror adventure game that’s also a cooking sim; it’s worth the money in my opinion.

Fun Factor: 75/100

Um, sir, you’re not supposed to be back here.

9. Blair Witch - 2019 (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/VR/PC)

BLAIR WITCH Walkthrough Gameplay Part 1 - INTRO (FULL GAME)

Blair Witch, developed by Bloober Team, sees you play as police officer Ellis Lynch, who goes off on his own search investigation for a missing boy, accompanied by his trusty canine, Bullet. Fans of the film franchise will know two things: One, don’t go into a forest that’s home to an evil witch, and two, if the game is anything like the films, you’ll be begging to go home with snot running down your nose and regret in your eyes.

Blair Witch Is A Scary Good Time

Well, for the most part anyway. Anyone familiar with Bloober Team’s previous titles will be familiar with the developer’s gameplay structure. You’ll have to solve puzzles to progress throughout the game, some of which include the use of a video camera that lets players manipulate time to create openings where there once were. It’s pretty run-of-the mill stuff, and most of your enjoyment will come from whether or not the story is engaging enough for you to see through the game’s roughly six-ish hour campaign. The inclusion of a dog companion definitely helps break up the monotony of exploring a rather creepy but empty forest.

The game doesn’t see an uptick in horror until the last hour of the game, when you are finally thrusted into the infamous Blair Witch house, seeking a way out as the home literally changes its structure on you. It’s by far the best part of the game, in my opinion. If you’re interested in trying it out, there are worse horror games out there than Blair Witch. The game offers up multiple endings, so there is incentive to replay through the title. Usually, video games adapted from films tend to be a bit shaky, but Blair Witch is a solid first person survival horror title.

Fun Factor: 70/100

Blair Witch captures the spirit of the films and its iconic setting.

8. Layers of Fear - 2016 (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/PC)

Layers of Fear [Full Game Longplay Walkthrough No commentary PC HD]

Staying with Bloober Team once again, Layers of Fear is another psychological first-person horror game in which players take control of a disturbed painter who returns home to start work on his masterpiece, but when he begins to lose his grip on his sanity, players will have to explore a demented mansion and piece together the unnamed painter’s troubled past.

What Makes Layers Of Fear A Good First Person Horror Game

It’s made very apparent with Layers of Fear that Bloober Team prioritizes its stories above gameplay. Though you won’t be fighting off any creatures or gathering resources to better your chances at survival like most other horror titles on this list, Layers of Fear is intent on making the player feel violated by its dark tone, from the minute you boot it up to the very bitter end.

Yes, you will be completing puzzles like most horror titles of the same vein, but where the game lacks in innovative gameplay, it more than makes up for it with its almost photorealistic graphics, sinister atmosphere, and harrowing sound design. Above all else, Layers of Fear is more remembered for its gripping story than its gameplay, and it's clear where Bloober Team’s inspirations lie, with its main influence being the Silent Hill series. If you’re as excited as I am for the SH2 remake, prepare yourself by playing Bloober Team’s best title in their lineup. You won’t regret it.

Fun Factor: 80/100

Bloober Team made sure to create a terrifying mansion for players to explore in.

7. Outlast - 2013 (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/PC)

OUTLAST | Full HD 1080p/60fps Longplay Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary

Outlast is about a journalist who travels to an asylum to discover the dark truth behind its recent reopening and, I don’t know, make some friends along the way. In truth, the game’s simple setup is just a way to get you to explore a demented asylum and document footage of the goings-on, while parkouring around some terrifying monstrosities. Yeah you heard right, parkouring around monstrosities. No, this isn’t Skate.

Why Outlast Is Terrifying

I’ll be honest, my playthrough of Outlast took about twice as long as it was supposed to because I kept pausing the game whenever I heard even the slightest sound come from my television. That’s how terrifying Outlast was. I hate—as I’m sure many other players do, too—the fact that for the majority of the game, it’s a toss of the coin on whether or not you should leave your hiding spot and continue exploring, or stay there for the rest of your life. Red Barrels understood how to slowly ratchet its tension up to eleven each time people played through the game.

The sounds of screams and cries in the asylum make Outlast a haunting experience, with earned jumpscares that will make your heart leap out of your chest. For some reason, this asylum has batteries scattered all over the place, because that, along with the documents you pick up, is the only resource you’ll be picking up to slap into your camera and keep the horror show going. By the end, you’ll have enough footage to release onto the dark web and trauma to go along with it. Was it worth it? Yes. Yes, it was.

Fun Factor: 87/100

Outlast has some iconic stills. This is one of the more tamer images.

6. Under: Depths of Fear - 2020 (Nintendo Switch/Android/PC)

UNDER DEPTHS OF FEAR Full Gameplay Walkthrough (iOS, Android)

Under: Depths of Fear is a rather simple first-person horror title that sees you play as a traumatized World War I veteran attempting to escape a sinking ship while being stalked by unknown entities. If you’re claustrophobic, maybe avoid this one.

Under: Depths of Fear Is A Little Horror Gem

Though it won’t win any awards, Under: Depths of Fear is still a game worth experiencing, despite its short runtime. I personally played this game on the Nintendo Switch and had a fun time exploring the haunted, sinking ship. Its presentation is top-notch, with its developers creating an almost realistic-looking game with beautiful lighting and superb sound design. With that said, it isn’t going to be for everyone. You’ll be juggling finding a way off the ship while finding bits of lore that elevate its story. There are claims of the game being a bit buggy, and though I didn’t experience anything game-breaking, it is something to be aware of. If you find Under: Depths of Fear on sale for a few bucks, it’s well worth checking out.

Fun Factor: 60/100

Oh yeah. Nightmare fuel right there.

5. F.E.A.R. - 2005 (PS3/Xbox 360/PC)

FEAR | 4K/60FPS | FULL GAME Gameplay Walkthrough

In F.E.A.R., you are Pointman, the newest recruit in a fictionalized military group that specializes in the paranormal. You, along with the rest of your squad, are sent in to investigate an incident that released a powerful psychic who has turned the city of Fairport into a hellish landscape. As you descend further into madness, you realize there’s more to your mission than was led on, and you, as the player, must uncover what’s really happening.

Why F.E.A.R. Is A Masterclass In Video Game Horror

Monolith Productions took inspiration for F.E.A.R. from Japanese horror like Ringu and Ju-on: The Grudge, as stated by Kevin Stephens, one of the lead programmers on the game, according to the game’s Wikipedia page, and it shows. The main antagonist, Alma Wade, a supernatural young girl, shows up throughout the game to psychologically torment the player, leaving them suspended in dread as they play. F.E.A.R. understands what makes a horror game truly terrifying by not always shoving jump scares in your face at every turn. Instead, as you explore the levels, you’ll be at the ready, waiting for something to come out and scare you, but it rarely ever does. Often times, it's the silence in between gunfights that truly leaves you in suspense.

And there is combat here, unlike most other games on this list so far. You’ll be fighting against enemy soldiers who are quite tactful in their approach. You’ll feel like you are in a real firefight each time you get into encounters, with enemy AI attempting to flank you or flush you out with grenades. It’s as overwhelming as it is fun to try to survive each combat scenario unscathed. To even the playing field, Pointman has the ability to slow down time and take out enemies more precisely as a result.

If you’re looking for a first-person shooter with psychological horror elements, F.E.A.R. is an excellent choice. Though the graphics are a bit dated now, the gunplay feels tight and fun to play, with an array of weapons at your disposal. This game has the whole package. A fun thrill ride that you won’t soon forget.

Fun Factor: 90/100

Pointman dispatching some equally as lethal enemies.

4. Doom 3 - 2004 (PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Xbox One/Xbox Original/Nintendo Switch/VR/PC)

Doom 3 - Full Game Walkthrough - No Commentary

Doom 3 was the half-sequel half-reboot entry in the series, attempting to fully flesh out the story of the Doom franchise. In Doom 3, you play as a space marine who lands on Mars at a UAC base just before a teleportation portal unleashes the forces of hell on the red planet. You, being the badass space marine you are, are tasked with defeating the armies of hell before they reach earth.

Why Doom 3 Is Still A Great Game Today

At the time, Doom 3 was controversial for its move to go for a slower-paced, first-person survival horror experience, a complete departurefrom the gameplay structure fans were used to. Since then, Doom 3 has helda special place in the hearts of fans for being the black sheep of the franchise, and though it's missing the frantic arena shooter gunplay, it more than makes up for it by being one of the most atmospheric horror games to date.

In Doom 3, you’ll be dispatching demons with an arsenal of weapons that fans of the series will be familiar with. From standard pistols and machine guns to shotguns, chainguns, plasma rifles, and the iconic BFG 9000. Playing on harder difficulties will make ammo conservation a priority, as will having precise aiming, so to really get the best experience, I’d recommend playing the game on its higher difficulty.

You aren’t completely invulnerable either, with demons spawning from various areas—sometimes even jumping up behind you—and the emphasis on using your flashlight to navigate through dark areas on the original Xbox made for some pretty tense moments. The sound design also keeps you on your toes, with doors opening from far off in the distance, followed by demonic growling getting closer to your position. The futuristic sounds from the technological equipment you’ll be interacting with immerse you deeper into the world of the UAC, as will the oppressive and hellish hums from the underworld, which will leave you impressed even to this day.

I can’t recommend Doom 3 enough. Though the latest entries in the franchise are the best Doom has ever been, it’s strangely cool to know that the series makes for superb horror games in Doom 3 and even Doom 64. It still holds up today and is an amazing survival horror game.

Fun Factor: 95/100

Doom 3 can be a looker, even to this day. Say goodbye to that face, sir.

3. Alien: Isolation - 2014 (PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/IOS/Android/PC)

Alien: Isolation 1080p Full HD Longplay Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary

Alien: Isolation follows up after the events of the first film in the franchise. You play Amanda Ripley, daughter of the iconic film action heroine Ellen Ripley, who agrees to board the Sevastopol, a space station that might hold answers to her mother’s disappearance. Hoping to get some closure, Amanda quickly realizes the station has an unexpected guest. The lethal apex predator itself, a Xenomorph.

What Makes Alien: Isolation A Nailbiter Of An Experience

Many developers have tried—and failed—to capture the essence of the Alien franchise, but Creative Assembly has since broken the curse with their survival horror title. Though it has received mixed reviews during its initial release, I can safely say that Alien: Isolation is one of the most intense horror video games I’ve played, even if it does overstay its welcome.

In Alien: Isolation, you take control of Amanda Ripley as you complete various objectives, from retrieving items that help you progress forward to evading defective androids and steering clear of the Xenomorph itself, through hazardous environments. Unlike games like Outlast or Layers of Fear, you won’t just be escaping the grasps of enemies; you’ll also have weapons to defend yourself with. Though most everything—save for the flamethrower—is useless against the alien, you can smartly outmaneuver your enemies if you can think strategically.

Adding to the gameplay is Isolation’s fantastic score and sound design, which masterfully recapture the spirit of the Alien franchise. From subtle music that plays as you explore the Sevastopol to intense chase sequences away from the alien, Creative Assembly also went as far as to faithfully recreate the world of Alien with some of the best-looking graphics you’ll find in video games. Though it does suffer from some pacing issues, repetitive tasks, and some frustrating combat sequences, nothing beats the dread of exploring a seemingly normal room and hearing shuffling from the vents above you, knowing your next moments can be your last.

Fun Factor: 85/100

Whenever the Xenomorph comes on screen, you’ll be sweating bullets.

2. Ghostwire: Tokyo - 2022 (PS5/Xbox Series X and S/PC)

GHOSTWIRE TOKYO PS5 Walkthrough Gameplay Part 1 - INTRO (FULL GAME)

Ghostwire: Tokyo is Tango Gameworks’ attempt at creating a first-person survival horror game completely based on Japanese urban mythical creatures and folklore, and in my opinion, it delivers on that promise perfectly. In it, you play as Akito Izuki who, after being in an unfortunate collision accident, awakens in a distraught Shibuya that is now overtaken by evil spirits. Akito becomes the sole survivor due to his possession of a spirit named KK, who tasks Akito with taking down Hannya, the man responsible for Shibuya’s demise.

Why You Should Play Ghostwire: Tokyo

Ghostwire: Tokyo had the unfortunate pleasure of releasing a month after the massively praised Elden Ring and was—I feel—overlooked by a lot of critics and players alike. Though I tend to agree that the game feels a bit undercooked, I still had a blast playing through Ghostwire. What makes this game so unique is its approach to combat. In Ghostwire, you fight off vengeful spirits by using paranormal abilities granted to you by KK in the game. By using Kuji-Kiri hand gestures, you can cast spells that are akin to using weapons in the game. Some are more devastating than others, but nonetheless, they are all viable in combat.

Though some might argue that combat can become repetitive really fast, I found it addictive and almost craved a fight with hordes of enemies just so I could flex my John Constantine/Doctor Strange powers. Early in the game, you’ll be utilizing stealth to get by, but towards the end of the game, you’ll be more than equipped to take on seemingly endless waves of enemies. There is also a huge collection of cosmetic items you can find throughout Shibuya to customize Akito’s appearance, with some even making him look like John Constantine. It’s so damn fun.

Ghostwire: Tokyo might not be the scariest game on this list, but there is a feeling of uneasiness as you explore Shibuya, seeing headless schoolchildren and slenderman looking monsters roaming about with no sign of life other than yourself. Side missions keep things fresh, with you helping trapped souls and fighting off waves of enemies to upgrade your abilities. Trust me when I say, Ghostwire: Tokyo will be a cult classic in years to come, and here’s hoping Tango Gameworks revisits the world of Ghostwire in the near future.

Fun Factor: 90/100

This lady is by far one of the toughest, and scariest, enemies in the game.

1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard - 2017 (PS5/PS4/Xbox One/Xbox Series X and S/Nintendo Switch/VR/PC)

RESIDENT EVIL 7 Biohazard Full HD 1080p/60fps Longplay Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary

It seemed for the longest time that the Resident Evil series was never going to be able to return to its former glory. A lot of the titles that came before 7 were fine, but it seemed clear that the series needed a breath of fresh air. That breath of fresh air came in the form of Resident Evil 7, which was released in 2017. In RE7, you play as Ethan Winters, a new playable character in the RE universe who receives a message from his missing wife, Mia, and is compelled to find her in a seemingly abandoned home in Louisiana.

Evil Comes Home

Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about Capcom returning to the long-respected horror franchise with a new perspective. First person. Even the addition of a new character, a brand new storyline, and a new setting seemed to deter fans initially, but after having played the game—multiple times—I can happily say that Resident Evil 7 is a RE game through and through. Capcom laid the foundations for what would later come down the line, with Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, Village, and even Resident Evil 4 Remake. All of it wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the success of Resident Evil 7.

So why should you play this game? For fans of survival horror—especially RE fans—players will feel right at home (no pun intended) with this title. Everything from resource management to puzzle solving, backtracking, and subsequent playthroughs makes this one a masterpiece in first-person horror video games. Though it lacks a bit in enemy variety and design, the presentation is flawless, with the Baker home feeling like a modern day Spencer Mansion, with secret rooms leading to entirely new areas, and some neat environmental storytelling that will have you feeling like you’re actually in someone’s home when you shouldn’t be.

Resident Evil 7 begs to be played with the best resolution settings and the best pair of headphones to truly immerse yourself in its atmosphere. From footsteps being heard above or below you, the creaking of doors opening, to faint whispers coming from seemingly nowhere, you’ll never feel safe while exploring the Bakers’ estate. Resident Evil 7 faithfully keeps its combat roots intact, with scarce ammo for some of the best weapons in the game, like the shotgun or magnum, being a commodity.

I can’t think of a better first-person horror game than Resident Evil 7. It ticks all the boxes. Engaging gameplay, terrifying moments, even scarier boss fights, and an intriguing plot to thread it all together. This is the reason why horror games live on and why you should play them. They are the reason why I fell in love with video games in the first place, especially the Resident Evil series, and this is why the best way to experience horror games is in the first person.

Fun Factor: 98/100

Oh these things are a pain in the…

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[Top 15] Best Horror Video Games Based on Movies

SadisticServantFromOuterSpace — Thu, 19 May 2022 10:45:38 +0000

Horror movies never fail to give a thrilling experience, but nothing compares to the way video games can completely immerse you. But what if you could combine the two to produce one of the most horrifying and immersive experiences ever? Well, that's exactly what these developers try to answer.

And with the recent announcement of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Evil Dead games, we thought that this might be a great time to take a look at the 15 Best Video Games Based on Movies.

15. Ju-On: The Grudge (NINTENDO WII)

Ju-On: The Grudge is a game adaptation of one of the best Japanese horror films ever made. It follows several characters as they wander through dilapidated locations while being hunted by the vengeful curse of Sadako and Toshio.

The Ju-On films are filled with genuinely terrifying moments that will leave you scarred for life. Although this video game adaptation may not be as scary as the films, it is nonetheless a fun game that forces you to explore numerous unsettlingly dark places like a real haunted house ride, hence the name. However, instead of laughably jump scares seen in those rides, Ju-On has a few scary scenes that will make you shiver.

It may not be a perfect game but Ju-On fans will definitely appreciate its existence.

14. Saw: The Video Game (PC, PS3, XBOX 360)

In this adaptation of the Saw franchise, we take control of Detective David Tapp of the first Saw film as he wakens in an abandoned asylum and is forced to play a series of deadly traps set by the infamous Jigsaw.

The Saw movie franchise has an interesting concept that might have worked well as a video game, although this adaptation may not be what we all expected, it does have a few redeeming qualities. It has many elements from the films, including creative death traps, mind-boggling puzzles, and even Tobin Bell himself as Jigsaw. Whilst it may not live up to the movies, what's here is still a thrilling gaming experience.

Sure, Saw The Video Game has its problems but it is still a promising game that every fan of the movies should try at least once.

13. Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick (PS2, XBOX)

Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick is a sequel to the 2000’s game Hail to the King. It sees you take on the role of Ash Williams as he battles deadites to save the town of Dearborn.

Fans of the Evil Dead films will surely get a kick out of this one due to Bruce Campbell lending his voice for his character Ash in the game, and its insane over-the-top writing that will put you in different time periods fighting a lot of deadites.

The game undeniably has its flaws but if you can get past it then you’ve got a great game that’s just waiting to be played.

12. The Mummy: Demastered (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH, AMAZON LUNA)

In Mummy: Demastered, you take on the role of a Prodigium soldier under the command of Dr. Henry Jekyll, as you try to defeat the forces of Princess Ahmanet.

The Mummy film featuring Tom Cruise may not be a good film, but this video game adaptation at least delivers an exhilarating and action-packed experience. Boasting a gorgeous art style and gameplay reminiscent of a Metroidvania game.

Its death mechanic, in which your character is taken over by the Mummy's enthrallment after death and you must kill it to reclaim your weapons, makes for a challenging but rewarding game. Although it has more thrills than chills, it is still a fun and exciting game that’s deserving of your time.

11. Alien: Resurrection (PS1)

Alien: Resurrection takes place after the events of Alien 3 and you play as Lt. Ellen Ripley as she seeks to escape the xenomorph-infested research spacecraft USM Auriga along with a crew of mercenaries.

The Alien: Resurrection film is widely considered to be the worst of the original lineup, but this video game adaption manages to surpass its source material by creating an amospheric shooter that revolutionized the FPS controls.

Despite being an old game, its graphics hold up surprisingly well, and even if it is still blocky, it actually made the game more effective. Its environments are dark and gloomy, making each encounter with the xenomorphs an exhilarating scare.

10. Blair Witch (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH, OCULUS QUEST, AMAZON LUNA)

Blair Witch puts you in the shoes of Ellis Lynch, a former cop who found himself lost in the same woods where the first film took place while searching for a missing boy.

The original Blair Witch film was a terrific found footage, however, its sequels never manage to live up to it, thus fans of the original were skeptical when this game was announced, but what we got definitely lived up to the expectations of many.

This game will take you on one horrifying journey that’s full of tension due to a fantastic audio work and an unnerving setting that makes you feel like you're being watched at all times. But you won't be too stressed because you'll have the company of Bullet, an adorable dog that will accompany you on your terrifying journey.

9. Blair Witch Vol 1: Rustin Parr

In this video game adaptation, we follow Elspeth "Doc" Holliday in the town of Burkittsville in 1941 as she investigates a strange event that may be connected to the Blair Witch legend.

Long before 2019’s Blair Witch, there was another video game based on the terrifying movie. Instead of a found footage game however, Blair Witch Vol. 1 is a classic-style survival horror game that aims to expand the lore of the movies.

It not only has an eerie atmosphere but it also features a rather strange crossover with another game called Nocture. It even spawned two sequels, both of which are equally good and expands the lore further. If you're looking for an underappreciated survival horror game, then this is a must-play.

8. Aliens Versus Predator Classic 2000 (PC, MAC OS)

In this classic shooter game, you’ll get to play as three different species: the Aliens, Predator, and Humans as they battle it out until only one remain.

If you love the two franchises then make sure to try out Aliens Versus Predator. It’s a game that will please both franchises’ fans thanks to the three scenarios that it provides that offer each with its own set of mechanics and atmospheres.

Despite its age, it's still chaotic and scary at times, making it a worthwhile game to play.

7. Sweet Home (SNES/FAMILY COMPUTER)

Sweet Home revolves around a movie crew exploring an old mansion in search of valuable frescos, only to uncover its many sinister secrets.

Of course, who could forget about Sweet Home? Well, actually almost everyone, but that’s why I’m here to remind you of its existence. It’s the game that served as a foundation for the survival horror classic Resident Evil.

It’s a game that mixes RPG with horror elements to craft a unique romp that's both creepy and delightful. The game may not be as effective as it once was, but it is still an entertaining game that every horror fan should play.

6. Evil Dead: Regeneration (PC, PS2, XBOX)

Evil Dead: Regeneration puts you back into the shoes of Ash Williams in an alternate reality where the events of Army of Darkness never happened and he was instead put in an asylum.

Despite being released just a few years after A Fistful of Boomstick, this game instead took a soft-reboot approach which means it's unrelated to that game. However, it does still include a few improvements that make it a better game overall.

The combat is much more polished, the humor is better and you’re even partnered up with the charming deadite Sam who brings variety to the gameplay. If you only had a chance of playing one Evil Dead game then make sure it's this one.

5. Silent Hill: Homecoming (PS3, XBOX 360, PC)

In Silent Hill: Homecoming, you assume the role of Alex Shepherd, a soldier who returns home after serving in the military to find a mysterious fog covering the entire street of his hometown, and his younger brother missing.

The Silent Hill franchise has proven to be an effective psychological horror game, and the first movie adaptation did a good job of capturing the game's atmosphere. Homecoming then took a few inspirations from the film to create an underrated Silent Hill experience.

The visually shocking other world transition, creative enemies, and haunting music were all translated from movies to games perfectly. And although the combat can be a bit of a mixed bag, what’s here is still a successful romp to the disturbing town of Silent Hill.

4. Ghostbusters: The Video Game (PC, PS2, PS3, PS4, PSP, XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO WII, NINTENDO SWITCH)

Taking place two years after the events of Ghostbusters II, you take control of a new recruit to the team as they eliminate ghosts that haunt New York City.

Although Ghostbusters was never really horror to begin with, it does have a few qualities to it that make it endearing for horror fans. This video game adaptation reunites the beloved cast for another adventure full of spooky ghosts waiting to be captured.

From the locations to the characters and to the story, everything has been meticulously adapted, resulting in a fun and rewarding game for both gamers and movie fans alike.

3. Friday the 13th: The Game (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH)

Friday the 13th: The Game is an asymmetric survival horror game set in the Camp Crystal Lake where you can play as the frightened counselors and even Jason Voorhees himself.

Although its servers may not be as active as it once were, Friday the 13th The Game remains one of the best adaptations due to it successfully adapting what made the film franchise great in the first place. Its numerous maps and characters based on previous film entries made for an immersive experience that will make you feel like an actual counselor at then infamous camp.

It was also satisfying to be able to control the iconic Jason Voorhees in all of his incarnations over the years and slaughter each of the counselors in a creative yet brutal fashion. If you want to play this fun game then make sure to try out the Switch version while you still can as it still has tons of player bases on that platform.

2. The Thing (PS2, PC, XBOX)

The Thing is a survival horror game that follows the story of Captain J.F. Blake, a member of a U.S. Special Forces team sent to the outpost where the film took place to investigate what happened to the research team.

The movie The Thing is one of the best horror films of all time, and this video game adaptation which also acts as a sequel manages to do the movie justice. It has a rather advanced trust system, as well as some genuinely scary moments that will make you jump out of your seat.

The game also answers some of the underlying questions left from the movie, making it a great game to experience after watching the fantastic movie.

1. Alien: Isolation (PC, PS3, PS4, XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, LINUX, NINTENDO SWITCH, ANDROID, IOS)

Experience the terrifying game in the eyes of Amanda Ripley as she investigates her mother Ellen Ripley's disappearance while being pursued by a xenomorph on a ship.

As soon as you finally get to control the game, it will impress you with its amazing visuals that perfectly capture the tone and set of the film that it’s based on. And with a name like Isolation, expect to be truly terrified even if you are alone exploring its gorgeous yet dark environments.

When you’re finally introduced to the xenomorph, that’s when the game finally never lets you go.

It’s clear that the game is made by fans who understand the source material, and as a result, they were able to craft such an intense and exhilarating game that will leave a permanent impression.

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[Top 25] Best Horror Games For PC That Are Really Good

DaWeed — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:38:06 +0000

It’s been 30 years since the PC horror game genre became popular with the release of “Alone in The Dark”. It’s near impossible to decide what 15 games deserve the title of THE BEST horror games. So we’ll look over some of the games I find the most polished and influential on the horror game scene. Keep in mind - It’s one game per franchise!

25. Imscared (PC)

Imscared is a first-person exploration horror game done with Playstation 1 graphics. The janky graphics and a VERY small field of view make the game feel quite creepy as you play it.

The game’s main attraction is the fact that it messes with your desktop. It will require you to pause playing the game and check your desktop for new files it may have created there, for you to solve a puzzle and progress the game. It’s a nice feature that can really take you by surprise if you’re playing the game for the first time.

Imscared has a simple progression. It’s a short game that takes around 2 hours to beat. You explore a dimly lit map, avoid bad guys that chase you and try to kill you and solve puzzles that aren’t too hard. And at the end, you can make a choice that will decide your ending.

24. Slender: The Eight Pages (PC)

Slender: The Eight Pages is one of the simpler horror games out there. Your task is to explore the creepy forest and find eight pages that have been scattered across the forest while escaping from the creepy elongated figure called Slenderman.

The game was released in 2012 as an indie title that was never meant to be a full game. But due to the influence caused by the Internet, it became one of the most played games at that time.

Slender: The Eight Pages is an iconic game that everyone should play through. It’s short and interesting and it’s the perfect humble beginning of the Slender franchise.

23.Visage (PS4 / PS5 / XBOX 1 / XBOX X / PC)

Visage is a first-person psychological horror game. You find yourself in a creepy house that is haunted by the many people who have died and suffered in it before. Death won’t help you escape this place. Will you run from it, or uncover the mysteries behind the ominous happenings?

Visage doesn’t let you fight your enemies. At best you can run from the antagonists and pray that they don’t find you. The game’s main strength, however, is in the atmosphere it sets. The horror in this game doesn’t get old since it’s always doing something different.

The game is divided into 3 chapters. Each chapter focuses on a person who lived in the house before. The horror and story for the chapters are VASTLY different from each other. The surroundings are very different, even though you are playing in the same house.

22. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call Of Pripyat (PC)

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call Of Pripyat picks up after the events of the first S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game. It improves upon the atmosphere greatly while focusing much less on the shooting aspect of the game.

The game is well regarded in its franchise due to it being the most complete experience of the three games that are currently out. I personally think that the game has amazing scenery and interesting enemies. The atmosphere and sound design will always keep you on edge, and exploring at night makes for a really tense experience.

21. Observer: System Redux (PS4 / PS5 / XBOX 1 / XBOX X / SWITCH / PC)

It is the year 2084. In a dark cyberpunk world, you are a detective with the ability to see into the jagged memories of victims to solve the case and apprehend the elusive killer. You are a slave of corporate tyranny. You hack into the darkest corners of your suspects' brains, fearful and loathed. You invade their dreams, uncover their fears, and extract whatever information you need for your investigation.

Observer: System Redux is a remake of the original game. It’s a psychological horror game with an emphasis on exploring the mysterious story and finding the killer in the dystopian cyberpunk world. The landscape is rich and detailed, and the graphics are highly realistic. Even the most ordinary portions of the map have a lot of detail.

20.Detention (PS4 / SWITCH / PC)

Detention is a game set in Taiwan in the 1960s. It takes place during the dark days of the White Terror. Two students become trapped in their high school and begin searching for a way out. They realize they're in more trouble than they thought after encountering some ghosts. The game has a monochrome graphic style and is a 2D puzzle-exploration game.

The game manages to set a unique atmosphere. You can really feel the unique eastern type of horror this game sets to achieve. It’s a great mood-setting point-and-click exploration game that can be finished quickly and enjoyed by anyone who likes great horror stories.

19.Dead Space 2 (PS3 / XBOX 360 / PC)

Dead Space 2 greatly improves upon the first game. The story is better since we are given a character that actually speaks and interacts with his surroundings, and we get to witness Isaac’s story as he goes through an internal struggle during the game’s story.

The combat in Dead Space 2 is great. It offers an interesting sci-fi setting with an over-the-shoulder camera and a lot of interesting weapons. The Dead Space franchise always did have very interesting combat, and Dead Space 2 is certainly no exception to that.

Dead Space 2 is probably the best game in the franchise currently. It’s a great mix of atmosphere, gunplay, and a great story. Even the sound design is great, and the guns are unique and enjoyable.

18.Darkwood (PS4 / XBOX 1 / SWITCH / PC)

Top-down horror games are usually unique and slightly different from other horror games. And Darkwood is no exception to that. It takes the survival horror genre, and it really focuses on making that premise work.

Darkwood is a roguelike game in which you have to explore the ominous forest by day and hide in a bunker to defend yourself from horrors that lurk in the dark.

During the day, you are always in a high-stakes setting, needing to find as many resources as possible, because you know that every night you will have to fight for your life. It’s a great mix between exploration and combat. And the roguelike aspect makes it so the game doesn’t get boring after a while since the map is always different.

17. World Of Horror (PS4 / SWITCH / PC)

World Of Horror is a roguelike RPG inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Junji Ito. Both Lovecraft and Junji Ito are big names in the horror scene. One indie developer decided to take inspiration from both of those two geniuses and make a unique horror gaming experience from that.

The game’s plot features Old Gods' reawakening and all of the chaos that comes with that. Although the game has a 1-bit art style and an 8-bit soundtrack, somehow, the graphics are amazing and the music works in setting the atmosphere.

The RPG element is intuitive and interesting. But the most captivating feature of this game for me is replayability. If you die, you can just boot up another run that is going to be vastly different than your previous. There are a lot of different ways the story can progress even though the game is still in early access.

16.Soma (PS4 / XBOX 1 / PC)

Soma is a horror game that will not only scare you with cheap scares when your guard is down or with a chilling atmosphere that makes you feel uneasy. It will also scare you with its story that will always make you feel uneasy and uncertain of your actions.

While Soma’s narrative asks some ethical questions that will have you thinking about it whenever you get some time off, it’s not the only upside this game has to offer. The enemies you meet during the game are all very unique in the way you need to avoid them. Each enemy type requires you to use a different strategy.

Soma tries to give everything to its players. There are puzzles you need to solve to progress the gameplay, intriguing enemies and combat, and the story which is in my opinion the game’s strongest suit.

15. Left 4 Dead 2 (XBOX 360 / PC)

Left 4 Dead 2 - Official The Last Stand Update Trailer

The left 4 Dead franchise recently got revived. And While the New Back 4 Blood remake isn't bad per se. Left 4 Dead 2 is still the game that sets the standard for co-op shoot 'em ups.

The Story and gameplay are quite simple and easy to get into. This game, unlike others in the genre, doesn't require you to strategize before you start a level. You just get thrown into a zombie-infested city to fend for yourself.

This game’s main appeal is obviously the co-op mode. You can play through the entire game with 3 other friends. There are some diverse non-fodder zombies you and your friends will always have to be thinking about to avoid getting wiped and having to start over. The game is challenging and teamwork is a necessary skill you will have to master.

14. Phasmophobia (PC)

Phasmophobia - Official Announcement Trailer

Phasmophobia is a staple in the co-op horror genre. It came out recently (in 2020) and it’s got an overwhelmingly positive rating with over 350,000 players.

You and 3 other teammates have to get together and explore haunted locations and gather evidence of paranormal behavior. You have multiple intricate ghost tools at your disposal to achieve this goal.

There are 20 different ghost types you will encounter in the game, and each one requires you to have a strategy in advance to figure out who they are. The game is still in early access so it’s bound to be improved upon, but it’s still a fun game to learn and explore ESPECIALLY if you’ve got a few friends that are willing to try it out with you.

13. Metro Exodus (PS4 / PS5 / XBOX 1 / XBOX X / PC)

Metro Exodus - E3 2017 Announce Gameplay Trailer [UK]

Metro Exodus is the 3rd entry into the franchise, and it offers a visible and great improvement in quality to its predecessors. It’s a slow-paced first-person shooter set in post-apocalyptic Russia. This game’s atmosphere is extremely novel for the franchise since it offers a lot of open spaces to roam while keeping the old underground setting as creepy and claustrophobic as the games that came before it.

The game has succeeded in making the NPCs feel real and interesting and the story is fleshed out and impactful. Since the gameplay revolves around you fighting mutants and humans it’s important to point out just how thoroughly it was done. Every type of mutant (and you will meet A LOT of different types) is unique in design and in the way to beat it. The shootouts never get boring since you’re always thinking of specific strategies for every enemy.

12. Pathologic 2 (PS4 / XBOX 1 / PC)

Pathologic 2 - Launch Trailer | OᑌT ᑎOᗯ!

Pathologic 2 is a horror story-driven RPG. That may sound weird at first, but actually, Pathologic is a game about making tough choices in a small plague-ridden town.

This game really tries to make you feel immersed in its world. During the game, you will have to drink water and eat which slows down the already slow gameplay. This is nice because the game makes you feel like your choices actually matter and thus you will really have to think over your every decision.

You are a doctor in a small weird town. You have to help the people deal with the plague and you’ve got 12 days to do so. The game offers many dialogue options with many NPCs, and every decision you make matters. The game slowly builds up tension and by the end has you completely immersed in its world.

11. Five Nights at Freddy’s (PS4 / XBOX 1 / SWITCH / PC)

Five Nights at Freddy's - Trailer

Five Nights at Freddy’s is a franchise well known for its deep story that connects multiple games, locations, books… It’s also well known for its tense gameplay that requires an enormous amount of concentration and game knowledge.

The first game in this franchise is the simplest one, yet I believe that’s what makes it the most endearing. You won’t figure out much about the story, yet the game throws you many hints that seem random until you connect them to the other games.

I think this game, although it gets a bad rep for being only jumpscares, is nonetheless a big part of the horror game history because when the first few games were coming out the internet was blowing up with theory-crafting. The franchise is still going strong and it still has a big community.

10. Layers of Fear (PS4 / XBOX 1 / SWITCH / PC)

Layers of Fear - Launch Trailer

Layers of Fear is a game in which you play as a mad painter desperately trying to finish his magnum opus. The game takes place in a Victorian-era mansion. The painter is walking around the house trying to finish his piece while the ghosts of his past haunt him.

This game’s story is slowly revealed through reading notes and paying careful attention to the scenery, while you delve deeper into the mansion. While playing you uncover really just how deranged our “protagonist” is.

This game has a unique mechanic - the same door doesn't always lead to the same room. This creates tension since you never know where you are, you cannot orient yourself based on anything, and it leads to some interesting puzzles which this game did amazingly.

9. Blair Witch (PS4 / XBOX 1 / SWITCH / PC)

Blair Witch - Official Reveal Trailer | E3 2019

In Blair Witch you play as Elis, a former cop with a troubled past as he joins a search party for a missing kid, with his (customizable) support dog. Oddly enough the kid is lost in a grim forest that slowly becomes more and more sinister as the game goes on.

The entire game takes place in a forest. You would expect that the same setting would get boring after a while, but somehow even though it’s all in the same forest, the game offers a huge amount of visual diversity. At some times you are walking around admiring the beauty of the forest, while at other times the game will have you panicking while running away in the dark trying to find the correct path through the woods.

The game’s main upside is the well fleshed out story. Elis and his dog Bullet venture through the forest, slowly uncovering the mysteries behind the kid’s disappearance and the ghosts of the paranormal forest.

8. Alien: Isolation (PS3 / PS4 / XBOX 360 / XBOX 1 / SWITCH / PC)

Alien: Isolation - Launch Trailer

There were more than a few games taking place in the Alien franchise, but Alien: Isolation is regarded as THE best Alien game. The game takes place 15 years after the Alien movie. You play as Amanda, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, as she goes to Sevastopol to try and solve the mystery of her mother’s disappearance.

The game’s setting takes place on a decaying space station that is roamed by the well-known xenomorph. Amanda is under-experienced and under-prepared so she must quietly travel through the Sevastopol to avoid encountering the alien.

I find that the sci-fi setting is fairly unique and a nice change of pace from the rest of the games in the survival horror genre. The xenomorph is as scary as always and you can’t do much except hide from him which is always an unnerving experience. The game succeeds in making you feel helpless against a bigger threat which is an excellent thematic approach.

7. Doki Doki Literature Club (PC)

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! - Official Launch Trailer

Doki Doki Literature Club is a free anime-style dating simulator game with a twist. If you’ve never heard about it, I recommend checking it out as soon as possible while you still know as little as possible about the game.

Our main character joins a literature club and can try to hook up with girls Yuri, Natsuki, and Sayori. The game is pretty carefree and light until a certain point in the game where a big twist happens. The whole tone of the game changes and then it becomes apparent why it has a horror tag.

Doki Doki is one of the rare games that are so simple and so fleshed out at the same time. The story is morbid and disturbing and near the end the game can only be beaten if you figure out to open the game files and alter them, which to me, is just mind-blowing.

6. The Evil Within 2 (PS4 / XBOX 1 / PC)

The Evil Within 2 – “Survive” Gameplay Trailer | PS4

The Evil Within 2 is a game that takes the survival horror genre and focuses on making it as blood-curdling and gruesome as possible. We follow the story of the protagonist from the first game - Sebastian Castellanos as he descends into the nightmarish world of STEM to save his daughter.

The Evil Within 2 introduces the open world mechanic. This lets you play the game at your own pace and rewards players who like to explore with skill tree upgrades. The settings of the game are also a bit more open than most games which is a nice change of atmosphere from the claustrophobic corridors.

Now that’s not to say this game doesn’t show a fair bit of cramped spaces. The game will have you running and shooting at enemies in a tight spot quite often. Still, the most fascinating thing about this game to me is how detailed and gruesome the enemies are. Every enemy type is unique and morbidly detailed, and that also translates to bosses - which are some of the most nicely designed bosses I have seen in horror games.

5. Dead By Daylight (PS4 / PS5 / XBOX 1 / XBOX X / SWITCH / PC)

Dead by Daylight | Launch Trailer

Dead By Daylight is THE most popular asymmetrical horror game, and for a good reason. Dead By Daylight’s match consists of 2 teams. One team consists of 4 survivors whose goal is to stealthily fix the generators and escape from the killer. To master playing the survivor you will have to learn to play together with your teammates for a greater cause. The other team, however, consists of 1 player - The killer.

The most interesting thing about this game is the wide range of killers available in the game. There are 26 killers from the best slasher horror movies. Every killer has unique gameplay that GREATLY differs from one another.

The game is well-balanced and entertaining. The community for it still hasn’t died and for a good reason. This is the kind of multiplayer game that if you enjoy - You can sink a lot of hours into it, mastering all kinds of different playstyles.

4. Half-life (PC)

Half-Life Gameplay (PC HD) [1080p60FPS]

It may be very controversial but I decided to put the original Half-Life on the list instead of its sequel, but hear me out. Half-Life 2 is an amazing game, but the original one has a way darker level design and a more mysterious story tone. In my eyes, the original succeeded in being a better horror game.

Half-Life is a science fiction first-person shooter following our main character Gordon Freeman as he tries to escape from his workplace - the Black Mesa research facility. During his escape, he will have to fight a sizable amount of monsters and humans alike.

Half-Life came out more than 23 years ago, so it’s bound to be a bit outdated, but it’s still one of the most influential and polished games I’ve seen. The amazing sci-fi world is built and the fact that everyone has at least heard of this game makes it a masterpiece with a lot of replay value.

3. Outlast (PS4 / XBOX 1 / SWITCH / PC)

Outlast Full Official Trailer

Outlast is one of the 2010s most memorable horror titles we all know and love. You play as a journalist Miles going into an asylum to find out if the allegations of them doing immoral tests on the patients are true. However, your goal quickly changes from collecting evidence - to trying to survive.

Outlast isn’t a game that tries to slow down the pace with puzzles and such. The game’s goal is to make you feel like you are completely helpless and vulnerable and as such the gameplay largely consists of you avoiding danger and hiding from madmen looking for you. One of the main mechanics which greatly sets the mood is your trusted camcorder. A great part of the game takes place in the dark and your only savior is a camcorder with built-in night-vision.

2. Resident Evil Village (PS4 / PS5 / XBOX 1 / XBOX X / PC)

Resident Evil Village Trailer | Resident Evil Showcase

Resident Evil Village is a sequel to Resident Evil 7. The story's continuation is thrilling, to say the least, with some huge things happening at the start of the game. Ethan’s wife Mia gets killed by Chris Redfield, and his daughter Rose gets kidnapped and goes missing. Ethan finds his way into an ominous village where he soon learns that the 4 monstrous lords watching over that village each have a piece of his daughter.

The thing that I like the most about this game is the beautiful setting it takes place in. Each segment of the game is unique and beautifully creepy at the same time. The game’s pacing is great and you will have a wonderful time exploring every corner of the creepy village.

1. Amnesia: The Dark Descent (PS4 / XBOX 1 / SWITCH / PC)

Amnesia: The Dark Descent - Trailer

Amnesia is one of those franchises everyone has heard of before. It was released in 2010 and it still hasn’t been forgotten because of just how innovative and exciting it is.

The game builds on a simple premise - you wake up in a mansion not being able to remember anything. You slowly walk through the empty victorian-styled setting and realize that you aren’t safe. During the game, you will slowly piece together your memories - if you can survive that long.

The game’s story mixes very well with the extremely tense gameplay. The tense feeling of always needing to pay attention to your lantern, while keeping track of hostile monsters easily builds up over time and makes taking every step feel extremely dreadful. The monster’s design has become well known and it’s a staple of its era.

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Possibly the most epic horror game list ever!

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[Top 15] Best Alien Games To Play Today

CassaundraCluth — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 22:35:29 +0000

15. The Bureau: XCOM Declassified (PC)

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified Gameplay

During the Cold War, a top-secret government group called The Bureau are the only ones that can stop the mysterious terrorist attacks that have started coming from outer space. You play as William Carter, the leader of this nearly rogue unit of agents fighting the good fight. Released in 2013, this game is a wild third-person tactical shooter with high-stakes.

Redacted means so much more when you’re in the middle of a Cold and Intergalactic War...

14. Aliens: Colonial Marines (PC)

Aliens: Colonial Marines Gameplay

Your friends will follow you into Hell and fight by your side, but will they help you fight off one of the largest infestations of xenomorphs in the entire Alien series? Setting up a dark, terrifying environment that the creatures will come out of every vent and hallway; so be prepared, because if you’re not- you and your team won’t last very long!

Something tells us “Space Marine” didn’t have this in the job description...

13. Gears of War 4 (PC | XBOX )

Gears of War 4 Gameplay

While this game stands as the fifth in the Gear saga, humanity has now slowly started to rebuild from the ashes. Twenty-five years later, a new set of Gears are now on the path to rescuing their friends and family from new and old enemies. Never fight alone, leave a man behind, or leave your flank unprotected.

When will they learn that running headfirst into the saw blade is the wrong thing to do...

12. Phoenix Point (PC | PS4 | XBOX)

Phoenix Point Gameplay

This turn-based game has great graphics, a mixture of tactical and interesting touches that make it a fun addition to your game arsenal. With every shot with a motion model, you can see the work the developers put into a unique ‘Attack from Red Lobster’ game-. Factions are important in this game and keep in mind, the objectives in this game often go uncompleted with their difficulty.

It’s best not to ask why the monster has such a humanoid head, and what’s about to happen to your character.

11. Gears Tactics (PC)

Gears Tactics Gameplay

This game takes place twelve years before the first game of the Gears of War saga, though the idea hasn’t much changed. It’s time to fight for your life in impressive cutscenes and follow the stories of several background characters throughout the series. With a wide variety of new and old enemies to fight, you can get a feel for the new type of turn-based strategies that are in this game.

One would think it was the end of the world fighting these monsters… it’s your day job.

10. XCOM 2 (PC | PS | XBOX)

XCOM 2 Gameplay

While turn-based gameplay is the primary function, this game incorporates the environment in an interesting parkour element while maximizing stealth. While older but very similar to the Gears Tactics game released in 2019, it has its own special XCOM touch with design and enemies.

Save yourself and your friends from a crushing demise.

9. Alien: Isolation (PC | PS | XBOX)

Alien: Isolation Gameplay

You can’t capture the entirety of this game unless you play it alone in the dark. Everything wants to kill you, make no mistake- but the alien hunts you with a specialized AI that tracks your movements throughout the entire game. Turn your game controller on and it will hear you breathing while hiding in your locker… which by the way, only works so many times as it learns the places you like to hide. Fear the alien, hide often, and don’t make a sound while you discover the fate of the Nostromo.

In all her glory, Xenomorphious (Internecivus Raptus), a terrifying creature of the galaxy beyond.

8. Stellaris (PC | PS | XBOX)

Stellaris Gameplay

This beautifully designed game is a heavy management game around diplomacy, spacefaring, and warfare. Exploring new and unknown universes, making alliances and peace treaties to help your people grow while you are stunned by top quality graphics and sound.

Exploring the galaxy comes at a price… and make sure you don’t anger other civilizations often.

7. Rebel Galaxy (PC)

Rebel Galaxy Gameplay

You travel the galaxy, following up a lead a strange distant aunt left you. Now you’re out of your depth and exploring the incredible graphics this game has. Space has rarely been more terrifying or beautiful. The people you meet will guide you on mercenary missions, chasing treasure, and much more.

Make sure you keep an eye on your surroundings, you never know who’s out there.

6. EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair (PC | PS | XBOX)

EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair Gameplay

This remastered game was released in 2015. You play as a civilian who decides to take the defense of the planet into their own hands. Your fully upgradable character will now run all over the city, defeating people from giant alien bugs and monsters that have decided to try to reclaim the world.

I knew I should have bought stock in RAID.

5. GTFO (PC)

GTFO Gameplay

GTFO is a 4 member team-based survival horror game. Some players have chosen to do it alone, but the onslaught of enemies makes this nearly impossible. Far into the future, a prison station is taken over by an unknown alien foe… it’s your job, and your fellow prisoners, to go in and find the objective. And of course, to get back out alive.

No doors stand in their way, no weapon can stop them, fight for your life!

4. No Man's Sky (PC | PS | XBOX)

No Man’s Sky Gameplay

This exploration-survival game is a breath of fresh air. With new, interesting environments- this game is built upon exploration, survival, combat, and trading. Explore the world and built your new civilization with friends or by yourself! Many updates and DLCs have been added in, continuing space missions, mech suits, and so much more!

A whole new world awaits you to explore and experience the places beyond your borders...

3. The Mass Effect Series (PC | PS | XBOX)

Mass Effect Gameplay

A game that has withstood the test of time and has made fans rabid for a remake since the last release. The Mass Effect series spans several games where you take on the persona of a male or female, fully customizable Commander Shepard, savior, or dictator of the galaxy depending on your playthrough. Make alliances, decide who lives and dies, and aim well. There have been several changes to the series graphics as new releases came out, but we all wait for the true trilogy remake.

This franchise stayed in our hearts for years, through several DLCs and games.

2. Warhammer 40K Space Marine (PC | PS | XBOX)

Warhammer 40K Space Marine Gameplay

You play as several different Space Marines, sent to tackle the rising ork infestation. With no cover system and special moves to bring back health- this game revolves around third-person shooting a variety of ‘hack ‘n slash’ gaming. The orks, or Forces of Chaos, plan to extinguish entire star systems by summoning daemonic horrors via the Warp. And it’s up to you to stop them.

Weapons and armor aren’t the only upgrades you can get the longer you play...

1. Destiny 2 (PC | PS | XBOX)

Destiny 2 Gameplay

Destiny is a free-to-play online shooter with very similar ties to Halo and other great hits by Bungie. Explore the many solar systems, upgrade and fully create a unique character, and unleash your abilities against never seen before enemies. With thousands of new character styles and environments, for a free game, you have nothing to lose to give it a try!

Each Guardian is fully upgradable and customizable- there are no limits here.

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Aliens are a wonder of the galaxy, what are the like- friendly or an ungodly monster?

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15 of the Best Horror Game Trailers Ever

Zombiesatemymailbox — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:07:06 +0000

Take a look at the 15 Best Horror Game Trailers

Love some good old horror? Let’s reminisce over some of the best horror game trailers ever.

15. Penumbra: Black Plague

We can’t pass up Penumbra, it’s a bit of an older game, but it is a classic.

This trailer shows Penumbra’s first person gameplay. The character uses a light stick to guide them in the darkness. Players learn that they need to pull and drag items around in order to navigate the environment and uncover clues.

A textual message tells the player that they need them to do something that only they can do. The message urges the player not to make the same mistakes that they did. A strange human looking creature emerges. It is entirely bone white except for its disturbing red smeared grin. When it attacks the player we can see that its eyes are sunken in and it looks painfully emaciated.

This trailer doesn’t leave us without plenty of dead bodies that are thrown around the area and actually falling from above. There’s even a huge and creepy worm out to get the character. This game has players covered on all fronts.

14. Silent Hill HD Collection

What’s scarier than one Silent Hill? Three Silent Hills, even if the poor original game didn’t make it into the trailer.

This trailer treats us to iconic cut scenes from Silent Hill 2 such as when James encounters an enemy for the first time and looks at himself in the gross bathroom mirror. The video swaps to Heather from Silent Hill 3 who wonders if what she is experiencing is a dream. She navigates Silent Hill’s amusement park that has become as rusty and blood soaked as the rest of the town.

We get plenty of disturbing visuals of the game’s monsters as they twitch and slither around. There’s even a clip of Pyramid head’s moment with the mannequins from Silent Hill 2, an image that is forever burned into our minds.

Let the Silent Hill nostalgia begin.

13. Daylight

In Daylight’s trailer a voice welcomes the protagonist, Sarah. We see her as she uses a smartphone in her right hand as a flashlight and map. Deeply concerned, she asks the voice where he is as she navigates the game’s various environments.

Sarah’s left hand alternates with various items, such as a torch, Bible, and possible voodoo doll. While her right hand constantly holds onto the smartphone. The game warns us not to look back. Perhaps Sarah did not listen to this warning as a twisted female ghost jumps into view.

We can only wonder what else this game has in store for players.

12. Alan Wake

This trailer feels like one that could be for a suspense horror movie. It opens with praises of Alan Wake as a writer. However, we learn that he has been in a writing slump for years and goes on a vacation with his wife. He hopes that this will be the mental break from his slump that he needs.

A creepy old lady in black hands him the key to the cabin he is staying in and things take a turn for the twisted. His wife goes missing and shadow like creatures attack. Alan finds pages of a book that he has no memory of writing, but is the author of them. He wonders if these pages are predicting a terrible prophecy or are rewriting reality.

Alan resolves to hunt down these pages in order to save himself from the chaos he is fallen into and find his wife. But this video couldn’t end without another image of the creepy old woman as she stands over Alan, then flashes directly over to us, consuming the screen.

11. Left 4 Dead 2

This iconic trailer gets to the point with what Left 4 Dead 2 is all about.

The trailer shows images of the Deep South. A voice over of one of the characters shares a conversation he had with his grandmother. She asked if he still prays, he tells her yes. She tells him to pray harder, since it’s not enough. But he tells us that he isn’t going to wait for salvation, he’ll fight.

Then there’s a shift to mass destruction, explosions, and tons of zombies. Gun shots fire at the endless army of zombies. Most importantly, the trailer ends with game’s party members showing up. This four person party is bringing the zombies down with chainsaws, axes, and even frying pans. They’ll fight with all of the zombie killing stables.

10. Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Once we get past the stellar reviews of this game, the trailer really starts. The protagonist wakes up in an empty castle and looks around confused. Then they emerge in a darker underground looking area. There are rooms filled with water, countless barrels, and mysterious sounds.

A strange sound follows the character and the tension builds. The character becomes frantic, running from room to room to escape this menacing sound. The area begins to warp and the character is on the floor once more. A fleshy creature approaches the character and strikes his face. For a moment the screen is marked with blood.

This trailer serves as a warning to future players, there are many mysteries and warped creatures that await them in Amnesia.

9. Dead Space 3

Return to the terrifying space horror that we all love with Dead Space 3. The trailer opens with the eeriness of deep space. Nightmarish creatures erupt from the darkness and devour carcasses. We hear that a crew member and their team went missing as they went to check out an uncharted planet and it’s the player’s job to rescue them from the hell they’ve fallen into.

As the characters navigate a frozen tundra, we see hulking space monsters tear up the environment and people. The trailer ends on an ominous note as a freakishly huge monster swallows the protagonist. We all want to know how to get out of that partially digested mess.

8. The Evil Within

A soothing instrumental song plays throughout this trailer. This song covers up the protagonist, Sebastian, as he painfully drags himself down a long hallway. A menacing voice follows him, belittling Sebastian and claiming that he knows all about him. He says that he will make Sebastian do terrible things.

This man is revealed to be heavily scared and burned, wearing a long, dingy white coat. There are quick flashes of bodies hanging in bags, twitching and bleeding. We are shown a decaying hospital room, city falling apart, and Sebastian held down in a chair and metallic device that is zapping him.

Strange zombie like creatures attack Sebastian along with large, bloated, bloody, and hulking monsters. This trailer ends with the scared man reminds us once more that he created this world and is in complete control. We are all subject to his will.

7. Outlast

Perhaps the mention of this game brings shivers down your spine. The Outlast trailer does not disappoint. It opens with strange Nazi descriptions and images as well as the history of an asylum.

The trailer shifts as we follow a man enter into a blood smeared elevator that takes him to a decrepit medical looking area. There are bodies limply hanging from the wall and more blood cakes the area. The tension rises with the sight of creatures running around in the distance.

As the man enters into a dark room he uses his video recorder to see in the darkness, unveiling more dead bodies and gore. Even better, we see a strange human looking entity that has the man in his sights. He quickly needs to navigate the environment, telling future players that there will be lots of climbing, diving, and running.

He finds a room empty except for a bed. The man hides under it and uses his video camera to look in the darkness once more. The creature is reaching for him under the bed and the video ends. On this note, players know what kind of twisted world they’re getting into.

6. Dead Island

Viewers have to piece together Dead Island’s trailer as they watch it, and maybe watch some edited versions of it online.

A young girl lies dead on the ground. But then we see her running throughout a hallway, chased by a horde of zombies. Then the video seems to go in reverse, her dead body that was on the ground is flying back to the window of a hotel.

When we reach a hotel room she’s on a man’s back, it’s clear that she is a zombie taking a bite out of his neck. More zombies are in this hotel room, attacking the man and woman inside. The video switches between the young girl, still a human, running down the hall, and the couple a few seconds later, dealing with zombies in their room.

The video takes us back in the hall with the human girl, she is on the floor and a zombie takes a bite out of her leg. In what we can consider to be the middle point in time of this video, the man enters into the hallway to save the girl.

It ends with him reaching his arm out to her’s, hope on his face. The two do not know what is to soon become of them. This trailer was made to stab us in the heart and let us know that this game is out to beak gamers apart.

5. Dying Light

Dying Light gets us going with a quote from Camus’ classic work, The Plague. This quote might not make too much sense to those who haven’t experienced the game yet, but it’s chillingly fitting.

We see a thick accented man talk to the protagonist. From the way he talks, we can tell he’s strong, in control, and letting the protagonist know who the boss is. Then we see a rag-tag group of “runners” who risk everything to save others.

Emotions run high as we see the characters as they travel throughout the city, trying to help others and fend of zombies. We learn that the protagonist is a parkour teacher and the trailer features lots of parkour action for future players to tackle.

Before the trailer ends the accented man tells us that chaos is the order of things. When we see the zombies at the height of their abilities at night, we know this to be all too true.

4. Alien: Isolation

This trailer opens up with some old fashioned VHS grain, a throwback to how watching the original Alien movie on VHS would be. This grain doesn’t take away from how extremely gorgeous the graphics are. The viewer’s tension and curiosity builds as Amanda Ripley is scavenging and picks up a toy robot.

We see a lurking entity flick its limbs and slither around in the background. Amanda knows she’s in trouble and quickly hides. As she hides she takes out the toy robot and tinkers with it until it becomes a kind of tracking device. But what it’s tracking is right above her, and it’s the Alien.

This trailer freaks us out in all the right ways, introducing some of the games elements, fantastic graphics, and most importantly enough screen time of the terrifying Alien.

3. The Last of Us

We are in for a real treat with this cinematic trailer. Despite coming out a few years ago, it holds up graphically with current game releases.

The trailer opens with dead, bloodied bodies in what seems to be an apartment complex. There’s a young human girl named Ellie and man named Joel. We see that this girl isn’t to be underestimated as she no problem searching the unconscious body of the man that Joel knocked out.

As they hear approaching zombies, the two flee the room. It’s clear that Joel is protecting Ellie. The zombie like entity that comes to attack them isn’t like the zombies we are used to. Its head looks like it has imploded. As Joel grapples with the zombie, Ellie comes from behind and stabs it. Joel gets in a good headshot and the two escape.

This trailer is only the tip of the iceberg for one of the best zombie games.

2. Lone Survivor

This is hands down my favorite trailer on this list. I feel inspired each time I watch this trailer.

We get treated to a totally amazing song throughout the video that begins when a pixilated character snaps his fingers.

A swarm of quick images and short clips fill the rest of the video. It isn’t easy to describe what is going on. This is the trailer’s way of enticing our curiosity and pushing us to play this game and uncover the truth from ourselves.

What we can tell from this game is that it’s a hardcore survival horror game, warped in a pixilated package. We see a man in a surgical mask who is subjected to the chaos of the world he is trapped in. There are fleshy monsters, abandoned buildings, messages written in red across walls, and a dying world.

How could anyone not what to play this game?

1. Dead Island 2

Apart from being freaky, this trailer is also really funny. We see an overly tan, bleach blond man about to begin a jog. He covers up a nasty looking bite, plays his mp3 player, and gets going. He’s utterly dim witted as he flirts with a passing girl and is blind to the zombie outbreak occurring behind him.

There are actual car accidents and plane crashes behind him, but this man is set on his run and looking good while doing it. His zombie bite catches up to him and he starts to decay, his wig and “good looks” fall off in the process. Even as a zombie this man won’t give up his run, and has some zombie pals to keep up with him.

Discover some great trailers? Have a favorite that isn’t listed? Comment below with your favorite horror trailer and check out the following horror articles!

11 Most Terrifying Video Game Monsters

10 Things Every Horror Game Needs to be Good

10 New Horror Games to Scare Your Pants off in 2015

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10 Things Every Horror Game Needs To Be Good

Zombiesatemymailbox — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 20:29:11 +0000

Check out the 10 things every horror game needs to be terrifyingly amazing

Who doesn’t love great horror games? There’s nothing like spending hours in the dark, glued to your TV, and wondering if that sound you heard was just your imagination or if something’s about to slice into your virtual (or maybe actual) head. Check out what makes the horror games we love so great and find why we are always coming back to them for some good scares.

10. Unpredictability

What’s truly horrifying is not knowing what’s lurking around you. For all you know in a moment Alien will pop down from the ceiling and rip right through you. That tension is painful.

The consistent unpredictability of a game is what separates good horror games from the bad. When you can’t memorize the enemies and their patterns you’ll always be on edge for a fatal strike. Once a horror game becomes predictable it becomes utterly boring and isn’t likely to scare you. A great game will reduce predictability by introducing new enemies and game play elements.

These creeps are ready to pick you off at any time

When playing a horror game for the first time you have no idea if the next door you open, item you pick up, or puzzle you solve will trigger a slew of enemies or other unsightly horrors. Many games will create fear through their enemies. A good set up will make an enemy introduction truly terrifying. A great horror game will build up the anticipation of an incoming horror with subtle sounds or images, rather than throwing it right at you.

Your mind will make everything that you can’t see scarier. The player’s greatest power in games is their knowledge of the game’s environment and enemies. Without this knowledge players are weak and vulnerable.

9. Puzzling Solving

Puzzling solving probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about great horror games, but it is a staple.

Puzzles force players to interact with the world they are in. These puzzles might give players a must needed break from the deranged creatures after them, or just tick them the heck off (get some Silent Hill 1 piano puzzle flashbacks). There’s also the stress of not knowing if completing the puzzle will thrust you into a hellish monster battle if correctly completed, or impale you to death on some spikes.

This puzzle destroyed lives

Players might also have to backtrack throughout the game to find any items or codes they might have missed to solve a puzzle. Fleeing from room to room won’t do players any good when there’s puzzles to be solved. Puzzles don’t care that you just sprinted from a horde of zombies across the map, missing key items and codes.

Don’t let puzzles stop you from making progress because you’re too anxious to throw yourself back into a realm of horrors.

8. Isolation

What is scarier than being split from your group and left alone with a bunch of nightmare inducing terrors? Not much. Isolation is a great and simple method for increasing terror in players.

Alien loves that you’re all alone

We find comfort in the presence of others and when we become isolated it’s natural to feel scared. Imagine exploring a rundown hospital by yourself like in Outlast or Silent Hill. The grime, rust, and decayed environment will keep players on edge. Knowing that players will have to face the monstrosities that lurk in these buildings by themselves is nerve-racking.

Many modern games feature cooperative game play, like with Resident Evil 5 and 6. Your gaming experience becomes way less scary with someone at your side. That is unless you’re playing with pretty incompetent AI and you’re scared that they’ll make you game over.

7. Threatening Scares

If the player can dismiss a game’s disturbing sounds, images, and enemies easily than that game is lacking. A good horror game needs actually threatening scares that make players worry.

Being forced to walk down a blood stained hallway or seeing enemies drag away and brutally kill NPCs is an indicator of what’s to come for the player. When seeing these things the player knows that they’re in for something awful.

The Keeper has no problem ripping his own head off, forget yours

What else could be more threatening than being trapped with Pyramid Head and his giant sword in a too small room? Knowing that he can end your horrified character’s life in one swing isn’t going to relax ny player.

Even the most hardened of horror gamers know a real threat when they see one and don’t underestimate it.

6. Vulnerability

When you’re all powerful in a game, what do you have to fear? But when you’re vulnerable, everything is immensely dangerous.

Vulnerability is a great tactic that good horror games utilize. In games that lack combat like Amnesia and Outlast, players don’t have any weapons to depend on. The player’s only chance for survival is running and hiding from whatever is out to get them.

The worst game of hide and seek

Games with very limited ammo like Silent Hill will keep players scared. However, modern Resident Evil games are practically over following with ammo and firearms, giving players tons of comforting resources.

Playing alone, with no weapons or extremely finite ammo, will keep any player wholly absorbed in the game so no baddy stabs them up.

5. Atmosphere

A surefire way to keep a player uneasy is through a game’s atmosphere. An unnerving atmosphere will flood players with the feeling of dread.

Everything looks cozy

What would Silent Hill be without the town’s iconic rust, metal, gore, and decay? A lesser town for sure. When the Silent Hill games take a visual shift from a normal creepy town to the traditional nightmarish atmosphere of the horrific Silent Hill, this is a terrifying change that shakes players to their core.

The game’s atmosphere sets the tone of what is to come for the player. A nice field of flowers is going to freak out players far less than an abandoned mental hospital will. Playing a first-person game will make things even more intense for players as they are forced to look through the eyes of the character and directly face the game’s terrors.

4. Tension

If a player is comfortable and confident as they play a horror game then this game has failed to be scary. But if a game creates enough tension the player will constantly be on edge.

Video games create tension in players through mental or emotional strain. This tension can be created in tons of ways. A game might have low resources, like heath and ammo, but is crammed with tons of dangers.

Think you’re safe up there from all those zombies?

Players will need to constantly search the game’s environment for supplies putting themselves at risk. It’s a tough call when deciding to open a door that might lead you to items you desperately need or a monster you’ll need to spend your last bullets on.

Perhaps a game will make players dump items due to limited inventory space. It’s not easy deciding if you should drop weapons, ammo, health items, or a key item by mistake. Forget about too few save points, one bad move and you’ll lose hours of progress. This is what nightmares are made of.

3. Iconic character

When we think of amazing horror games we’ll also be thinking about their iconic monsters that terrorized us in every game play session.

Our good old pal Pyramid Head

Iconic characters will leave a lasting image of the game in player’s heads. When we think of Silent Hill we are bound to think of Pyramid Head and his massive blade. Bioshock will bring back imagines of hulking Big Daddies. Alien: Isolation makes us cringe at the thought of hiding from the scariest creature in all of space.

These characters become figure heads of their respective games for players. Our time with these iconic baddies might have left us scared, but they’re what we love about our favorite horror games.

2. Promise of a good story

What good is a game if it lacks a decent story? Great graphics and combat can only support a horror game for so long.

This great story might just scar you for life

The promise of a good story will keep players sucked into any horror game. Many players will put up with lackluster combat and graphics if they’ve committed themselves to the game’s story. The need to progress from chapter to chapter to get a step closer to solving the mysteries in the game will keep players hooked.

Coming closer to figuring out what caused the game’s world to fall into chaos and to see what will remain of our characters once we reach the game’s end will have any player pour themselves into a game.

1. Psychological Horror

The scariest thing we face off with in video games might not always be a grotesque monster dripping with blood, but something that preys on the fears in our minds.

After tons of gory game play sessions we often get desensitized by most of the graphic violence. To keep the scare factor up great horror games will utilize psychological horror to scare players to their core. Horror games can create this discomfort in players by exposing common fears like self-doubt, distrust, and paranoia.

Ready to discover your biggest fears?

Psychological horror games focus on mental conflict. These games will build tension through atmosphere, creepy sounds, and exploitation of ours and our character’s fears. Psychological horror can exist in a game that deals with supernatural entities, but will generally keep the monsters hidden. Our innate sense of fear will create plenty of horrors.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a game that plays on our fear of the unknown, and rightfully so. We never know if the sounds we hear are an indicator of what’s to come or are from our character’s failing sanity. This uncertainty is what makes Amnesia excel, a constant state of unease will warp players’ minds as we transverse the game.

Agree with the list or do you have different criteria that you look for in great horror games? Comment below with that makes your favorite horror games amazing and check out the following horror articles!

10 New Horror Games to Scare Your Pants off in 2015

11 Most Terrifying Video Game Monsters

Don’t Turn Around: 5 Horror Games We’re Waiting For

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10 Best PC Horror Games To Play With Friends at a Sleepover

Zombiesatemymailbox — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 01:38:05 +0000

Ready for a fun night of horrors?

Friends who scream together, stay together. Isn't that how the old saying goes? Take your sleepovers to the next level with some horror games to keep you and your friends up all night

10. GoatZ

Zombie goat powers activate!

If you ever thought that you didn't want to be a goat taking on an army of undead you were wrong. So very wrong.

GoatZ is the DLC for Goat Simulator where players can live the goat survival dream. The zombie DLC is still as ridiculous as the original game but with 100% more zombie humans and goats. Players can unlock tons of different goats with unique powers and craft weapons such as a shotgun that fires gumballs. Don't forget to eat or you'll starve to death, zombie goats love to munch on lit campfires.

Just like in Goat Simulator, the game's physics are pretty broken, but that's just part of the game's charm. Zombies can get stuck running in place and bumping your goat into them may send them flying away. Choose if you want to wreak as much havoc as possible or try to save the world against the army of the undead.

9. Typing of the Dead: Overkill

The best typist to rule them all

Did you and your friends think that you were done with educational games? They're not just for kids anymore. Typing of the Dead: Overkill is an M rated typing game that plays as an on the rails shooter.

Players take control of an agent who is shooting their way through hordes of mutants in the Bayou. Damage is done through typing out the words the appear on screen. Critical phrases like "swamp donkey," "Big Bertha," and "sexual tyrannosaur" will be the key to destroying legions of the undead.

The game's dialogue sounds like it came straight from a low-budget horror movie, but in a good way. There's even a Shakespeare DLC to combine the classical and destructive. Players can pick the DLC that's right for them and enjoy the painfully hilarious ensuing dialogue.

8. Among the Sleep

Teddy bears add 5+ courage

Bond over reliving childhood nightmares with your friends in Among the Sleep.

Players take control of a two-year-old boy on the night of his birthday. Strange sounds disturb him throughout the night and he wakes up to a mysterious creature flipping over his crib. Players quickly need to search for his mother before unknown horrors get to him in the darkness.

There are various monster encounters in the game, but since players are in control of an actual two-year-old child, the only solution is to hide and escape from these beasts. Players can walk, crawl, and run for a short time until the toddler falls down. You wont be alone as your walking and talking teddy bear will be beside you and freaking out just as much as you will. Adapting to the nighttime world of a child again will be a nightmarish experience for players as they will remember former hopelessness and vulnerability from the terrors in the dark.

This game takes about two hours to beat and is a great choice for people who want a quick thrill.

7. Slender: The Arrival

A lovely addition for any home

How could any one not have played or known of this game yet, where were you in 2013? Find the weakest horror gamer of your group and set them through horror game initiation with Slender: The Arrival.

This game is the official video game adaption of Slender Man. Where Slender: The Eight Pages was a short and experimental game, Slender: The Arrival is a re-imagined expansion of the first game. The visuals are extremely improved compared to its predecessor and feel even creeper.

The game follows Lauren who is visiting the house of her missing friend Kate. She doesn't find Kate, but drawings of Slender Man all over the house. This is where things take a turn for the freaky. Lauren is equipped with just a flashlight and video camera, left vulnerable to whatever creatures are out to get her. Everything in the game is viewed though the video camera, giving off a Blair Witch Project vibe, especially since the player will be exploring the woods and abandoned buildings. When the player looks at Slender Man, the camera gets distorted with static, blurring, and strange sounds.

This is another short game that takes about three hours to beat, a great addition for those who want to complete as many games as possible in one terrifying night.

6. Lone Survivor

The store for all of your end of the world needs

Ever daydream about surviving through an end of the world scenario with your friends? Now's the time to live that dream and soon reconsider who you want with you when the apocalypse rolls around for real.

In Lone Survivor the player controls "You," the masked protagonist trapped in a city ravaged by a disease and monsters. As the player explores the city they'll encounter monsters who they can either kill or hide from as well as other bizarre humans who they can help or ignore. Every monster killed, human helped, and amount of care for the character, will result in different endings for players.

Pass around the controller and let each person make a choice in the game. Sure, there'll be disputes over what to do with the last piece of rotting meat and whether to give the remains of your water to the plant Chuck. But don't the greatest of friends fight over trivial things? The out come of this game will be everyone's hard earned Franken love child of an ending.

5. Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Appetizing

How about instead of watching YouTubers scream like crazy while playing Amnesia: The Dark Descent, you and your friends dive into the madness?

This survival horror game plays like a living nightmare. Players take control of Daniel, who wakes in a deserted castle, suffering from amnesia. This game is guaranteed to terrify players out of their minds. Amnesia: The Dark Descent doesn't rely on simple jump scares to freak out players like other survival horror games. Players' fear tinged imaginations might be their worst enemy in the game, apart from the creepy monster out for slaughter. Players will be left unsure and paranoid if the screams in the distance are an indicator of incoming terrors or just Daniel's mind deceiving him.

As there are no in game cut-scenes, players will always be in control. The controls are smooth as players can push and pull items around in an extremely interactive environment. The game makes an effective use of darkness, it will hide the player from terrors, but who knows what else might be hiding in it. Players are left helpless and must defend themselves by running and hiding from the dangers out to get them. Scavenging plays a big role in the game as well, as players will need to search for items such as oil to light their lamp and tinder to ignite torches. The game offers multiple endings, but if players want to get a grasp as to what's going on, they'll need to collect notes and journal entries scattered throughout the game.

If things get too scary, take a crack at a more lighthearted and fun mod of the game where you can get serenaded by the "Trololo" song and other delights.

4. Dead Space

Beautiful and utterly destructive

Dead Space is a great game for passing around the controller between you and your friends when someone dies in game, and there's going to be lots of death.

The game plays as a disturbing and gore coated survival shooter where players face off against fearsome necromorphs and try to survive amidst a blood bath. Players take control of Isaac Clarke, an engineer on a repair mission for a mining ship that goes missing after finding a mysterious artifact on a distant planet. This mission goes off the rails as the crew of the ship who Isaac was sent to repair was terribly slaughtered.

Dead Space makes good use of its creepy atmosphere to build up suspense in players and release that pent up fear at the best moments. There are no cut-scenes that remove the player's control of the character, giving an extra level of immersion. Players will have a variety of weapons to choose from and tons of things to upgrade.

Players can at least bask in the comfort of knowing that they are safe while upgrading, but that's just a temporary relief.

3. Silent Hill 2

Who wouldn't trust that face

Can you take on one of the best psychological survival horror games out there? Find strength in numbers as you and your friends huddle around the game in a transfixed state of fear and curiosity.

Silent Hill 2 holds up even a decade after its release for good reason and is considered one of the greats in survival horror. Players take control of James Sunderland after he receives a letter from his dead wife, Mary, telling him to come back to Silent Hill. Despite what an obviously terrible decision this is, he goes in search of Mary. James meets Maria, a more provocative seeming Mary look alike, who accompanies James throughout the town.

The game makes players feel constantly anxious and afraid. The designs for the monsters are utterly disturbing in how they wriggle and struggle with each movement. Don't forget the iconic Pyramid Head and all of the too close encounters players share with him. The game's fighting system is deliberately vexing in order to frustrate players and the game's fixed frame setting will only add to the tension. Players have plenty of weapons to choose from such as steel rods, rifles, and dependable wooden planks. There are also multiple endings depending on certain things that the player does in the game. Don't worry, all endings will be disturbing.

If you get lost in the fog it's okay to be scared, after all, you know what's out there.

2. Alien: Isolation

If you scream in space the Alien will hear you and rip you apart

Unsure if you and your friends want a scary movie to watch or horror game to play, how about both? Check out Alien: Isolation and discover what fear really feels like. The game takes place fifteen years after the first Alien film and feels like a cinematic installment in the series. The game perfectly recreates the original film's universe with early 1980's technology with large, clunky computer monitors and use of VHS gain.

Players take control of Amanda, the daughter of Ellen Ripley, as she searches for the truth of her mother's disappearance. Alien: Isolation will be the scariest game of hide and seek that you'll ever play. This game is more stealth oriented than action as Amanda needs to avoid the more violent members of Sevastopol who can turn on her and the ruthless Alien who is stalking her. Players need to scavenge for resources if they want to survive. Since ammunition is scarce players need to find safe areas and avoid any actions that could draw attention to them.

The Alien will adapt to gamers' play style so the key to survival might be passing (or tossing) the controller to a friend when the motion tracker picks up something moving in the player's vicinity.

1. Outlast

Worst doctor's visit ever

Are you ready for the scariest game of them all? Convince yourself you are as you take on Outlast.

Outlast is a survival horror game like you've never seen before. Play as journalist Miles Upshur who breaks into Mount Massive Asylum, an abandoned center for the mentally ill that was recently re-opened and had been operating in secrecy. Miles gets a message regarding the dangers of the facility and the company, Murkoff, that runs the place from an anonymous source from within the facility.

Stealth is key as players explore the asylum trying to uncover it's secrets, but this journalistic endeavor quickly turns terrifying as Miles gets hunted down by crazed human looking creatures and needs to escape the facility. Player's have no way to fight these creatures as Miles is equipped with just a camcorder that enables him see in the dark and will constantly need to flee from disturbing creatures and hide wherever is possible.

These unpredictable enemies can appear at any time and players need to be ready to run and try to shake them off at any instant. Player's never have a moment to mentally recover as horrors are literally everywhere in the game. Even more terrifying is that the game's setting and characters are inspired by actual asylums and instances of criminal insanity.

Do not play this game if you or anyone around you has a weak heart, also use a weak heart as an excuse to turn off the game and spend the rest of the night looking at cute animal pictures to cleanse your mind.

Think you're prepared for a terrifying night with friends? Or maybe all of these games feel like child's play to you.

Let us know in the comments what games you think are the best for a horror marathon with friends.

Main Image caption:

Listen to the teddy bear who looks ready to consume your soul

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