The 6 Best Horror Games Out Today (2024)
Apr 18, 2024
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There are various ways to implement thrill in your life. Some people like rock climbing, while others prefer deep-sea diving. Whoever you are, you have a specific way to get your adrenaline pumping and feel an adventurous spark. However, there are some ways to achieve that thrill at home.
Many thrill seekers who want to stay in the comfort of their own homes seek excitement through horror movies. Trying to figure out the mystery of the story while experiencing gore and jump scares appeals to most. However, horror movies can become boring after a while. If you are seeking the thrill of a horror movie but want to be more hands-on, horror games might be the right choice for you.
What is a Horror Game?
Horror games encompass the same feelings a horror movie evokes, which are fear, panic, and anxiety. However, these feelings are more prevalent among those playing a horror video game. These games provide a dark atmosphere with suspenseful themes that may include fictional elements such as zombies, vampires, and ghosts. In contrast, other horror games may involve survival skills to complete a challenge.
Elements of a Great Horror Game
For a horror game to be successful and draw in players, there are some necessary elements that are proven to enhance gameplay and overall user experience. Essential horror game elements include:
Interaction
The interaction of a horror game plays an instrumental role in how successful the game can be. Through cinematic elements and fear-inducing characters, these interactive pieces, along with a strong narrative, help the gamer feel the fear of the game, which is the overall goal.
Design
The design and structure of a horror game make or break the user experience. Design is more than just the way the game is presented to the user; it also includes music and sound design that can indicate the beginning of a stressful situation or invoke panic that the gamer is seeking out.
Player Agency and Choice
Regarding horror games, a common theme is putting the gamer in a corner to channel their decision-making skills. The intense suspense and fear-inducing experience horror games promote allow the gamer to use their fight or flight instinct to determine their agency and critical thinking skills to move on to the next level.
It is essential to note that some horror games come with violent storylines that may include sniper shooting or disturbing body horror. When looking for a new horror game, look for warnings of intense violence or graphic details.
Popular Horror Games
The horror games genre includes different scare tactics and storylines. However, according to many horror game enthusiasts, the current top 6 horror games to play in 2024 include:
Resident Evil 7
The Resident Evil game series debuted in 1996 and is still engaging horror game enthusiasts. Resident Evil 7 is a first-person survival horror game set in America after the traumatic events of Resident Evil 6.
This game encompasses jump scares and body horror, making the gamer choose between fighting or running, but putting your decision making to the test.
Layers of Fear
Another popular horror game series is Layers of Fear, a first-person psychological horror game that follows the main character, the Writer. While playing Layers of Fear, players can explore eerie places such as an old Victorian mansion, which plays an instrumental role in finding answers to the storyline. This game provokes critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you navigate through jump scares and difficult terrain.
Alien: Isolation
First hitting the market in 2014, Alien: Isolation is a survival horror game set 15 years after an Alien event. The main character tries to survive while trying to learn more about her mother’s disappearance after the Aliens attacked the world.
As Amanda, the main character, navigates different obstacles in search of her mother, you embrace the challenge of staying alive while encountering Aliens, desperate people, and experiences that hinder your safety.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2 was initially available to the public in 1998, and with its increasing popularity, a remake was released for horror game enthusiasts in 2019. The remake follows a rookie cop and college student who fights a viral outbreak and tries to stay alive.
The 2019 update includes a terrifying feel, with the original storyline provoking survival against horrifying and hungry zombies infected by the viral outbreak in Racoon City.
Alan Wake 2
The psychological horror game Alan Wake 2 follows a bestselling writer, Alan Wake, who goes missing in 2010. Though many presume Alan is dead, he is alive and trapped in the Dark Place, where nightmares and fears come to life.
As a player in Alan Wake 2, it is your responsibility to help Alan fight his inner demons and escape the Dark Place. The game includes three significant locations, two of which are in the Pacific Northwest, and the third is the infamous Dark Place, where Alan has been trying to escape for years.
Silent Hill 2
In 2001, the release of the survival horror game Silent Hill 2 immediately gave its audience a shocking and thrilling gaming experience. The game follows the main character, James Sunderland, to Silent Hill after receiving a letter that his wife, Mary, died.
Through a third-person lens, the player navigates through various puzzles and obstacles to help James solve the mystery of his wife’s death. However, as you try to complete your quest, you must battle horrifying experiences that leave you making a quick decision to keep on with the game.
Experience the Best Horror Games on the Market
While looking at the popular horror games on the market, older games are still trending and significantly impact horror game fanatics. Though there are horror games set to be released throughout the remainder of 2024, it is apparent that nothing can be the original, jaw-dropping horror games listed above.
As you explore different horror game options, listening to your interests and what you can handle is essential. The horror game genre is vast and provides different perspectives and scares. Try the best-rated horror games to understand what interests you the most.
