10 Horror Games That Should Be Scarier
Hey horror fans! Let's dive into a spine-chilling topic: games that had the potential to scare us silly but, for some reason, didn't quite hit the mark. We're not saying these are bad games, not at all! Some are actually pretty awesome, but when it comes to delivering pure, unadulterated terror, they left us wanting more. So, grab your blankets, turn off the lights, and let's explore 10 horror games that should be scarier.
1. Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil 6, guys, is a fascinating case. On paper, it has everything you'd want in a horror game: zombies, mutated monsters, global conspiracies, and a whole roster of returning and new characters. The sheer scale of the game is impressive, with multiple campaigns that intertwine and offer different perspectives on the overarching story. You've got Chris Redfield battling bio-terrorism in China, Leon S. Kennedy dealing with a presidential assassination and a zombie outbreak, Jake Muller (Wesker's son!) fighting alongside Sherry Birkin in Eastern Europe, and Ada Wong's mysterious solo mission. Each campaign has its own distinct flavor and gameplay style, which, again, sounds amazing. However, this is where the problem starts to creep in.
Instead of focusing on the slow-burn tension and resource management that made the earlier Resident Evil games so terrifying, Resident Evil 6 leans heavily into action. There are explosions galore, tons of ammo, and a constant barrage of enemies to fight. The characters are incredibly powerful, capable of performing acrobatic maneuvers and dishing out devastating melee attacks. While it can be fun to kick a zombie in the face, it also diminishes the feeling of vulnerability that's crucial for horror. The game throws so much at you that it becomes more of a thrill ride than a descent into dread. The atmosphere, which should be dripping with fear, is often replaced by bombastic set pieces and over-the-top action sequences. Even the monsters, while grotesque and varied, lose their scare factor when you're mowing them down by the hundreds. It's a shame because the core Resident Evil DNA is still there, buried beneath layers of action-movie tropes. We can't help but wonder what Resident Evil 6 could have been if it had embraced its horror roots more fully. A tighter focus on atmosphere, limited resources, and a greater sense of vulnerability could have transformed it from a decent action game into a truly terrifying Resident Evil experience.
2. Dead Space 3
Oh, Dead Space 3, where do we even begin? The original Dead Space was a masterpiece of sci-fi horror, a claustrophobic and gruesome journey through the derelict Ishimura spaceship. Dead Space 2 ramped up the action while still retaining the core horror elements. But Dead Space 3... well, it took a bit of a detour. The game starts promisingly enough, with Isaac Clarke, our trusty engineer, reluctantly drawn back into the fight against the Necromorphs. This time, the threat extends beyond space stations and onto the icy planet of Tau Volantis. The initial levels have a chilling atmosphere, with the frozen landscapes and abandoned research facilities providing a suitably creepy backdrop. The Necromorphs are as terrifying as ever, and the dismemberment-focused combat remains satisfyingly brutal. However, as the game progresses, things start to unravel. The story becomes convoluted and less engaging, with a greater emphasis on human antagonists and a somewhat predictable plot. The introduction of co-op, while offering a new way to play, also dilutes the tension. Playing with a friend can be fun, but it inevitably makes the experience less scary. Suddenly, you're not alone in the dark, desperately trying to survive; you're a team, cracking jokes and strategizing your next move. This shift in focus also affected the gameplay. The resource scarcity that was a hallmark of the series was toned down, making it easier to acquire ammo and health packs. Crafting was introduced, allowing players to create their own weapons and upgrade their gear. While crafting can be a cool feature, it also made Isaac feel less like a vulnerable engineer and more like a one-man army. The final nail in the coffin for many fans was the shift towards more action-oriented set pieces and less emphasis on psychological horror. There are still some genuinely scary moments in Dead Space 3, but they're often overshadowed by bombastic explosions and intense firefights. It's a shame because the Dead Space universe has so much potential for terrifying stories. We can only hope that a future installment will return to the series' horror roots.
3. F.E.A.R. 3
The F.E.A.R. franchise started strong, blending fast-paced first-person shooter action with Japanese-style horror elements. The original game was genuinely creepy, thanks to the unsettling atmosphere, the disturbing imagery, and the terrifying presence of Alma Wade, the psychic antagonist. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin continued this trend, building upon the lore and delivering some truly memorable scares. But F.E.A.R. 3... well, it took a different approach. F.E.A.R. 3 attempts to inject more narrative into the series, focusing on the twisted family dynamics of Point Man (the protagonist of the first game), Paxton Fettel (his psychic brother), and Alma Wade (their mother). The story revolves around Alma giving birth to a new psychic entity, and the two brothers must work together (or against each other) to deal with the consequences. The addition of co-op, with one player controlling Point Man and the other controlling Fettel, is an interesting concept. Each character has unique abilities and playstyles, which adds some variety to the gameplay. However, the emphasis on co-op also diminishes the feeling of isolation and vulnerability that was so crucial to the horror in the previous games. Playing with a friend makes the experience less scary, as you can rely on each other for support and crack jokes to lighten the mood. The horror elements in F.E.A.R. 3 feel more generic and less impactful than in the earlier games. There are still some jump scares and disturbing imagery, but they lack the psychological depth and unsettling atmosphere that made the original F.E.A.R. so effective. The game leans more heavily into action, with frequent firefights and set pieces. While the gunplay is solid, it often overshadows the horror elements. The enemies, while varied, are less frightening than the psychic soldiers and ghostly apparitions of the previous games. Overall, F.E.A.R. 3 is a decent action game with some horror elements, but it doesn't live up to the terrifying legacy of its predecessors. The shift in focus towards narrative and co-op, while interesting in theory, ultimately weakens the horror experience.
4. Alan Wake
Alan Wake is a game that divides horror fans. Some hail it as a psychological masterpiece, while others find it more suspenseful than outright scary. There's no denying that Alan Wake is a unique and atmospheric experience. The game tells the story of Alan Wake, a bestselling thriller writer who's suffering from writer's block. He and his wife, Alice, travel to the small town of Bright Falls for a vacation, hoping to reignite his creative spark. But their getaway turns into a nightmare when Alice disappears, and Alan finds himself caught in a surreal and terrifying mystery. The game's narrative is heavily influenced by the works of Stephen King and The Twilight Zone, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere, suspense, and psychological elements. The story is told in an episodic format, much like a television show, with cliffhangers and twists that keep you guessing. The setting of Bright Falls is beautifully realized, with its lush forests, quaint towns, and eerie nighttime atmosphere. The use of light and darkness is a central gameplay mechanic, as Alan must use light to weaken and defeat the Taken, shadowy figures possessed by a dark presence. The combat is unique and engaging, with players needing to use flashlights and flares to expose the Taken before they can be damaged with traditional weapons. However, despite its many strengths, Alan Wake doesn't quite deliver the scares that some horror fans might expect. The game is more focused on building suspense and creating a sense of unease than on jump scares or graphic violence. The Taken, while visually striking, aren't particularly frightening after you've encountered them a few times. The game's story, while intriguing, can also feel a bit convoluted and slow-paced at times. Alan Wake is a great game, but its horror elements are more subtle and psychological than visceral. It's a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but it might not leave you hiding behind the sofa. Perhaps this is why the sequel, Alan Wake 2, is being marketed as a survival horror game, promising a more terrifying experience.
5. The Evil Within 2
The original The Evil Within was a challenging and gruesome survival horror game, heavily inspired by the Resident Evil and Silent Hill franchises. It was a tense and terrifying experience, with limited resources, grotesque enemies, and a surreal and nightmarish world. The Evil Within 2 attempts to build upon the foundation of the first game, expanding the world, adding new gameplay mechanics, and further developing the story of Sebastian Castellanos, the protagonist. The game sees Sebastian returning to the STEM world, a shared consciousness system, in a desperate attempt to save his daughter, Lily. The game's story is more personal and emotional than the first game, exploring Sebastian's grief and guilt over his past. The world of The Evil Within 2 is more open and less linear than the first game, allowing players to explore the town of Union and complete side objectives. This open-world structure can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it provides more freedom and variety in gameplay. On the other hand, it can also dilute the tension and sense of claustrophobia that was so effective in the first game. The enemies in The Evil Within 2 are still grotesque and challenging, but they're not quite as terrifying as the creatures in the original game. The game also introduces more human enemies, which can be less scary than the supernatural threats. The resource management is still a key element of the gameplay, but it's not quite as punishing as in the first game. The crafting system allows players to create ammo and healing items, which can make the game feel less challenging. The Evil Within 2 is a solid survival horror game, but it doesn't quite capture the same level of terror as its predecessor. The shift towards a more open world and a more action-oriented gameplay style diminishes the horror experience. While the story is engaging and the characters are well-developed, the game lacks the unsettling atmosphere and relentless sense of dread that made the first The Evil Within so memorable.
6. Silent Hill: Homecoming
Ah, Silent Hill: Homecoming. This one's a bit of a sore spot for many Silent Hill fans. The Silent Hill series is known for its psychological horror, its disturbing atmosphere, and its exploration of complex themes like guilt, trauma, and repressed memories. The early Silent Hill games were masterpieces of the genre, delivering unforgettable scares and haunting stories. Silent Hill: Homecoming attempted to bring the series to a new generation of consoles, but it ended up straying too far from the formula that made the original games so special. The game follows Alex Shepherd, a soldier returning home from war to find his younger brother missing and his hometown of Shepherd's Glen shrouded in mystery. The story is loosely connected to the original Silent Hill lore, but it lacks the depth and complexity of the earlier games. The gameplay in Silent Hill: Homecoming is more action-oriented than in previous installments. Alex is a trained soldier, and he's more capable in combat than the average Silent Hill protagonist. This shift towards action diminishes the feeling of vulnerability that's crucial for horror. The combat is also less clunky and more fluid than in the earlier games, which, while improving the gameplay mechanics, also makes the enemies less threatening. The monsters in Silent Hill: Homecoming are visually disturbing, but they lack the psychological weight and symbolic significance of the creatures in the previous games. They feel more like generic horror monsters than manifestations of the characters' inner turmoil. The atmosphere in Silent Hill: Homecoming is still unsettling, but it doesn't quite capture the same level of dread and psychological torment as the original games. The game relies more on jump scares and gore than on building suspense and creating a sense of unease. Silent Hill: Homecoming is not a terrible game, but it's a disappointing entry in the Silent Hill series. It strays too far from the series' roots, sacrificing psychological horror for action and gore. The story is less compelling, the monsters are less frightening, and the atmosphere is less haunting than in the earlier games.
7. The Last of Us Part II
Okay, guys, this one's going to be controversial. The Last of Us Part II is a masterpiece of storytelling and character development, but is it really that scary? The Last of Us was a harrowing and emotional journey through a post-apocalyptic world, filled with terrifying infected and ruthless human survivors. The game was praised for its realistic and grounded portrayal of violence, its compelling characters, and its tense and atmospheric gameplay. The Last of Us Part II expands upon the world and characters of the first game, telling a complex and morally ambiguous story about revenge, trauma, and the cycle of violence. The game features stunning graphics, realistic animations, and a meticulously detailed world. The gameplay is refined and visceral, with brutal melee combat and tense stealth sections. The infected are as terrifying as ever, and the human enemies are intelligent and ruthless. The Last of Us Part II is a challenging and emotionally draining experience. It forces players to confront difficult moral choices and witness horrific acts of violence. The game is incredibly well-made, but it's not necessarily a scary game in the traditional sense. The horror in The Last of Us Part II is more psychological and emotional than visceral. The game focuses on the impact of violence on the characters and the toll it takes on their mental health. The infected are still a threat, but the human enemies are often more terrifying. The game's story is disturbing and unsettling, but it's not necessarily designed to make you jump out of your seat. The Last of Us Part II is a masterpiece of narrative and character development, but its horror elements are more subtle and psychological than outright terrifying. It's a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing, but it might not give you nightmares.
8. Dying Light
Dying Light is a fantastic parkour-infused zombie game, but when it comes to pure, pants-wetting terror, it kinda falls short. The game nails the feeling of being a survivor in a zombie apocalypse. The parkour mechanics are fluid and exhilarating, allowing you to traverse the rooftops of Harran with grace and speed. The day-night cycle is a brilliant touch, with the zombies becoming significantly more aggressive and numerous at night. The Volatiles, the nocturnal hunters, are genuinely terrifying... the first few times you encounter them. Dying Light excels at creating a sense of urgency and vulnerability, especially during the night. The sound design is excellent, with the groans and snarls of the zombies creating a palpable sense of dread. The first-person perspective adds to the immersion, making you feel like you're right there in the thick of the undead hordes. However, as you progress through the game, you become more powerful and resourceful. You unlock new skills, craft better weapons, and learn the zombies' patterns. The Volatiles, while still dangerous, become less of a threat as you level up and acquire better gear. The game's story, while engaging, doesn't quite reach the emotional heights of other zombie narratives like The Last of Us or The Walking Dead. The characters are likable, but they lack the depth and complexity that would make their fates truly resonate. Dying Light is a great action game with horror elements, but it doesn't fully embrace its horror potential. The focus on parkour and combat, while fun, overshadows the scares. The game is more about surviving the zombie apocalypse than being genuinely terrified by it. A greater emphasis on atmosphere, limited resources, and psychological horror could have elevated Dying Light from a good game to a truly terrifying one.
9. State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 is a zombie survival game with a unique twist: you control a community of survivors, not just a single character. This community management aspect adds a layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay, as you must scavenge for resources, build and upgrade your base, and manage the needs and relationships of your survivors. The game features a persistent open world, where resources are finite and zombies are a constant threat. The permadeath mechanic means that any of your survivors can die at any time, adding a sense of tension and consequence to your decisions. State of Decay 2 excels at creating a sense of community and camaraderie. You grow attached to your survivors, and their deaths can be genuinely heartbreaking. The game also does a good job of simulating the challenges of living in a zombie apocalypse, from resource scarcity to internal conflicts within the community. However, when it comes to pure horror, State of Decay 2 falls a bit short. The zombies, while numerous and persistent, aren't particularly scary. They're more of a nuisance than a terrifying threat. The game lacks the jump scares and psychological horror elements that are common in other zombie games. The atmosphere, while bleak and depressing, isn't particularly unsettling. State of Decay 2 is more of a simulation of zombie apocalypse survival than a horror game. The focus is on resource management, community building, and strategic gameplay, rather than on delivering scares. A greater emphasis on atmosphere, more terrifying zombies, and a more compelling narrative could have made State of Decay 2 a truly terrifying experience.
10. DayZ
DayZ, the granddaddy of the survival-horror genre, is a game that promises a brutal and unforgiving zombie apocalypse experience. And while it delivers on the brutality and unforgivingness, the horror aspect is often overshadowed by... well, other things. DayZ throws you into a vast and desolate open world, filled with zombies, other players, and scarce resources. The game is known for its permadeath mechanic, meaning that when you die, you lose everything and have to start from scratch. This creates a sense of tension and desperation, as every encounter could be your last. DayZ also features realistic survival mechanics, such as hunger, thirst, and disease. You must scavenge for food and water, treat your wounds, and avoid getting sick. This adds a layer of realism and challenge to the gameplay. However, the horror in DayZ often comes from other players rather than the zombies. The game is notorious for its player-versus-player (PvP) interactions, which can range from tense standoffs to outright ambushes. The fear of being killed and looted by another player is often more intense than the fear of zombies. The zombies in DayZ, while numerous, are often buggy and predictable. They can be easily avoided or exploited, which diminishes their scare factor. The game's vast open world can also be a detriment to the horror experience. The long stretches of empty landscape can make the game feel tedious and uneventful, rather than tense and atmospheric. DayZ is a unique and challenging survival game, but its horror elements are often overshadowed by its PvP interactions and its technical issues. A greater emphasis on zombie AI, a more atmospheric world, and fewer bugs could make DayZ a truly terrifying experience.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, guys! 10 horror games that should be scarier. It's not that these are bad games, but they all had the potential to be truly terrifying experiences. Whether it was a shift in focus towards action, a diluted atmosphere, or simply underutilized horror elements, these games left us wanting more in the scares department. What do you think? Are there any other horror games that you feel should be scarier? Let us know in the comments below! And remember, keep the lights on ;).
