Summary
Horror is one of the most popular genres of video games, from big-budget franchises to popular indie gems. What exactly makes a horror game can be hard to define, as the genre can incorporate everything from action-packed single-player games to multiplayer co-op titles or story-driven narrative pieces. However, one style of game stands out as a pure horror experience more than any other.
At their best, survival horror games put players at a disadvantage to create a feeling of defenselessness. Through tight corridors, ancient ruins, or dark forests, thesegames favor survivalover fighting. While some may have combat mechanics, this is often only a last resort. Survival horror games are some of the most immersive titles on the market and are a refreshing change of pace from the many action-based games available today.
Still Wakes the Deepis a psychological, narrative-driven horror game where players control Cameron “Caz” McLeary, a man hiding out on an oil rig while being wanted by the police.
There are no weapons in the game, and the player only has a flashlight to find his way through dark areas. Players must either use stealth to evade the mutated monsters roaming the corridors or complete quick-time events. Caz is also able to look behind him while he is running away.Still Wakes the Deeptells a rich story with well-rounded characters in a horrific situation. The game is gory and brilliantly over the top. Fans of John Carpenter’sThe Thing(1982) will love this fun horror tale. While the game can be excessively linear, this is a recent standout horror release.
Amnesia: The Bunkeris the fourth installment in the acclaimed series and takes players to the trenches of the First World War. Here, players control French soldier Henri Clément, who is hunted by a terrifying monster through an abandoned bunker.
WhileAmnesia: The Bunkerkeeps many of the terrific elements the series has become known for, the game is a big departure for the developers. The game moves away from the narrative-driven gameplay ofDark DescentandRebirth, concentrating more on a single-locationsurvival experience. While the player has access to weapons, these do little damage to the monster. Players must find enough fuel to keep the generators and lights running. When the lights go off, the monster starts to hunt.Amnesia: The Bunkeris a claustrophobic, tense, and addictive gaming experience that is a must for all horror fans to play.
The Forestblends survival horror and hardcore survival mechanics in a large open world. In the game, while looking for his son, the player character crash lands on a mysterious island filled with cannibals and dangerous mutants. While players have access to weapons, such as axes and bows and arrows,The Forestis all about survival.
Enemies are fast and hard to kill and often roam in packs. It is often better to avoid them completely while exploring the game. Players canbuild complex bases for protection, set traps for enemies, and create armor necessary for survival. Players must also constantly forage and hunt for food and water while enemies stalk the surrounding woods.The Forestis an immersive horror game that is both addictive and challenging and will appeal to horror fans looking for a genuine survival experience.
This classic survival horror game puts players in control of Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, who, while on the trail of her missing mother, lands on the Sevastopol space station, only to find it near-deserted and in chaos. She soon discovers something big is killing people and is now hunting her.
Alien: Isolationperfectly follows the original 1979 movie, with the aesthetic, music, and sound design all lovingly recreated for the game. However, it’s the gameplay that really shines here. While Ripley has access to weapons, they do little damage to the Alien and will attract its attention if fired. The game isall about survivalby running, hiding, or crafting makeshift tools to escape the Xenomorph that is actively hunting the player. WhileAlien: Isolationis a little overlong, it is an extremely immersive game that never gets boring. Fans eagerly await any news of a long-hoped-for sequel to this classic title.
One of thescariest games ever made,Outlastis a psychological survival horror game that has become a genre classic. Players control Miles Upshur, an investigative journalist looking into Mount Massive Asylum. After gaining entry, Miles discovers the inmates are running the asylum, and all the staff have been killed and mutilated.
To escape, players must venture deeper into the building while avoiding the many deranged enemies prowling the corridors. Players only have their wits and a camcorder with night vision to help them. There is no combat inOutlast, players can only run and hide to avoid enemies. WhileOutlastrelies a little too much on jump scares, the game is a masterclass in survival horror.
Darkwoodis one of the most atmospheric horror games available and a cult classic that every horror fan should play. Played from a top-down perspective across a semi-open world, players control The Stranger, who has become lost in the mysterious woods, where evil things lurk in the dark. The game is set over many days, where players must explore in the day and then survive the night. The game only saves after each day has been completed.
While players have access to weapons,combat is difficultin the game. Fuel must be found to keep the generator running, while resources for health and other items must also be scavenged.Darkwoodisn’t about jump scares but a constant sense of dread that is always present. The sound, lighting, and music come together perfectly to create a truly unnerving experience.
From the developers of the classicAmnesiaseries,Somais a psychological survival horror game that, quite literally, goes deeper than any other title.Somafollows the story of Simon Jarrett, who, after having his brain scanned in 2015, wakes up in a ruined underwater facility in 2104.
Soma offers an engaging story, with excellent writing, that delves into subjects such as survival, identity, and what it means to be alive. The world is dark, atmospheric, and immersive, while the monsters stalking the facilities are always terrifying. Players have no weapons in the game and can only hide from enemies.Somais one of the best horror games ever made and a must-play for any fans of the genre.
Amnesia: Dark Descentbecame a cult classic that helped change the genre into what we know today. It was one of the first games to popularizesurvival gameplayover combat. In the game, players control Daniel, who wakes up in a windy, desolate castle with no memory. The game follows the character as he uncovers who he is and why he is there.
InAmnesia, the most dangerous enemy is the dark, which will cause the character to suffer hallucinations and lose sanity. Players must find tinderboxes and oil around the game to light torches, candles, and the lantern the player carries. The limited resources inAmnesiamean players must be careful when they use light sources. There are also no weapons in the game and players must run or hide from any enemies they find.Amnesia: Dark Descentremains one of the scariest games ever made and a genre classic.
