It’s Halloween week, and that might mean you’re looking for a good horror game to play. Well, you’re in luck. I’m a professed horror fan who has played just about every noteworthy horror game in existence. So, I can help you a hand with this topic.
There have been hundreds of horror games over the years, some made by AAA developers, and others made by indie teams looking to make the next game that results in people losing sleep. But frankly, most horror games aren’t worth your time or attention. You’re going to want to stick with the tried and true releases for a quality experience.
Also See: 5 Ways The Evil Within Channels Resident Evil 4
I’ve outlined 10 games in the gallery below that I had a great time with, and feel confident recommending. They range in scare factor and design, so be sure to read why I recommended each to find one that’s a good fit for you.
Looking for Scares?: 10 Great Horror Games to Play This Halloween
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Alien: Isolation
Why you should play this game: Alien: Isolation is the first great Alien game ever. It's true to the spirit of the first film both in its presentation and design. You'll be hunted by an intelligent lifeform throughout the game, and will need patience and wit to survive.
Scare factor: 3/10
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
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Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Why you should play this game: Amnesia: The Dark Descent is one of the scariest games ever made. It was the first horror game to execute on the 'no weapon, hide from enemies' style of play. Using a sanity mechanic that requires you to seek light to avoid going insane, which makes you easy to spot by enemies, it's a must-play for horror fans.
Scare factor: 8/10
Platform(s): PC
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Condemned: Criminal Origins
Why you should play this game: In Condemned: Criminal Origins you have to face horrifying enemies face-to-face using melee attacks often, which makes it unique from other horror titles. With a creepy atmosphere, it's not for the faint of heart.
Scare factor: 6/10
Platform(s): PC, Xbox 360
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Dead Space
Why you should play this game: Dead Space is the only sci-fi game on this list. Dead Space is also arguably the most polished game on the list as well. It's a well constructed game with some relatively good scares, outstanding audio, and cohesive gameplay mechanics.
Scare factor: 2/10
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360
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Outlast
Why you should play this game: In Outlast you spend a good deal of time running from enemies. All it takes is one wrong turn or stumble for you to be killed. There's also a truly outstanding sequence toward the middle of the game that I won't spoil.
Scare factor: 6/10
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
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P.T.
Why you should play this game: P.T. is the scariest game of 2014, and it's not even a full game (it's free on the PS Store). Sure, it'll only last you a couple hours, but you'll never forget what it did to your brain.
Scare factor: 8/10
Platform(s): PS4
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Resident Evil IV
Why you should play this game: Resident Evil 4 earned widespread acclaim when it came out in 2005 meaning It's a fantastic game. It has a lot of variety in its settings, and memorable encounters.
Scare factor: 5/10
Platform(s): PC, PS3, PS2, GameCube, Wii, iOS, Mobile, Xbox 360
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Silent Hill 2
Why you should play this game: Silent Hill 2 has the best story of any horror game ever. It also has a couple of the best horror sequences. Basically, it's captivating, which is rare with horror games.
Scare factor: 7/10
Platform(s): PC, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox
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The Evil Within
Why you should play this game: It just came out, which means it's fresh, good-looking, and still popular in discussion. It's a game with some truly terrifying moments, and many say it has some Silent Hill qualities, which is a good thing.
Scare factor: 4/10
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
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Thief: Deadly Shadows
Why you should play this game: Thief: Deadly Shadows isn't a horror game by definition, but its Shalebridge Cradle map is considered one of the most unsettling of any level even 10 years after release.
Scare factor: 6/10
Platform(s): PC, Xbox
