Halloween is that time of the year when fear becomes a form of entertainment for many. For gamers, however, it's a rather fitting opportunity to put themselves in the situation of a horror game that tests their nerves and wits. But you should know that not every scare is the same. Some games rely solely on scare tactics, some rely on tension, and some games attempt to balance narrative with atmosphere.
So, which games should you choose to make up for a perfect Halloween season? Let's find out.
Silent Hill f
Have you ever heard about the Japanese concept of "Yūgen", or let me make it easy for you, "beauty found in the subtle"? This basically means the more beautiful something is, the more likely it is to possess something deeply unsettling. Using the same Japanese concept of horror, Ryukishi07, a popular Japanese writer known for Higurashi When They Cry, contributed to the Silent Hill f plot. The story is set in Ebisugaoka, a rural town in 1960s Japan.
Now, our protagonist is a young high school girl named Shimizu Hinako. Struggling with her abusive family, she decides to get away; however, on returning, she finds that her entire town has been engulfed in thick and mysterious fog, overrun by creepy creatures.
She has to follow the Fox Mask, who will guide her in this journey, and it is up to players to decide how to build relationships with that Fox Mask. Gameplay blends exploration with puzzle solving, melee combat, and decision making. The game offers multiple endings with branching storylines.
Not to mention, the sound design also deserves a special mention. The creepy whispers and strange silence make your skin crawl in a way no jump scare could.
Resident Evil Village
If there’s one series that defines survival horror, it’s Resident Evil without a second thought. Continuing the same legacy, Resident Evil Village offers a perfect mix of action, puzzles, and terror, of course. Keeping the protagonist as Ethan Winters, Village served as a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, which was launched in 2017.
As for the plot, Ethan is following the trail of his daughter's abduction to a ruined village in Europe.
The environment setting in Resident Evil Village explores many different horror styles. For example, Lady Dimitrescu's castle touches on the gothic aspects of horror, and the Beneviento mansion brings the psychological nightmare side to life. Action elements have always been a staple in this series, and it delivered in that aspect, too.
In some instances, like sneaking through a tight corridor towards an unknown opening, it will always keep your heart racing. Overall, it’s confident horror from a studio that knows exactly what it’s doing, and that's why it definitely deserves your attention if you haven't tried it yet.
Little Nightmares 3
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Not every horror game has to be horrific in a traditional sense; for example, it doesn't necessarily have to focus on blood and gore. Little Nightmares 3 understands that horror can be unsettling, yet also just downright beautiful. You play as Low and Alone, two children who are escaping a place called the Nowhere.
Both protagonists will be tiny compared to monsters and creepy creatures. The game world will itself be massive, just like a nightmare that we have imagined as children.
Unlike the previous two editions in the series, this time the game offers a co-op mode where you can either play with your friend or even an AI companion.
The puzzles in the game are creative and flow seamlessly with the story and the environment, which is mostly designed around the survival theme. There is no dialogue, but the art design of the game steals the show.
Phasmophobia
If you have ever wished to star in your own paranormal investigation show, minus the comfort of a TV crew, Phasmophobia is the experience that you should not miss. What started as a small indie project from Kinetic Games has evolved into one of the most genuinely terrifying multiplayer titles of the decade. As it says, sometimes the scariest thing is simply something that cannot be predicted, and Phasmophobia delivers the same.
Here you and your friends can become ghost hunters investigating haunts with the help of tools like EMF readers, spirit boxes, and cameras. It features over twenty-four ghosts, and the twist is that there would be uncertainty in the behaviours of ghosts as well.
On top of that, the game uses voice recognition, so it is possible the ghost may even hear you if you talk too much. This concept, particularly by an indie developer, got wide praise from the community.
The developers have also made each update to the game add a plethora of ghosts, mechanics, and maps, providing yet another layer of depth that makes the game endlessly replayable.
Dying Light
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Zombies in horror titles aren't a unique concept as such, but very few games have actually made it terrifying. You take on the role of Kyle Crane, an undercover agent, sent into the quarantined city of Harran. The city will be full of danger as the infected exist just about everywhere.
During the day, you will gather supplies and craft weapons, but at night, everything changes. The infected become faster and more aggressive. This is why you will feel as if a modifying action game turns into a horror thriller as the day ends.
The parkour system is likely the game’s biggest strength. You can climb walls, vault across rooftops, and escape in ways that feel tense. But even with that fluidity and safety, you will not be freed from the fear of your situation. The moment the sun begins to set and you hear the Volatiles scream in the distance makes it an even more eerie experience.
If you enjoy the feeling of adrenaline, we are very confident that the day and night gameplay of Dying Light will deliver the rewards that you are looking for.
Additional Games Worth Playing
R.E.P.O
Developed by an Indie studio, semiwork, the co-op can feature up to six players. The objective of this game is to collect cursed antiques. Compared to other titles in this list, it is perhaps not as scary, but it's a fun game, especially when you play with your friends.
Poppy Playtime
Another Indie title, you go around an abandoned toy factory while piecing together the dark story behind the factory's sudden shutdown. Here you will be haunted by toy character Huggy Wuggy.
Look Outside
You play as a character who slowly notices disturbing events occur in an otherwise normal suburban neighborhood.
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