I’m looking for very atmospheric, spooky games that don’t have a lot of bloodshed. I want to play it on Halloween, and I want it to be so spooky I will have to play with the lights on and won’t be able to sleep that night!
So far I’ve thought of: Silent Hill 3, Dark Fall and System Shock.
I once played a game that I forget the name of but it was REALLY COOL. You got this device that you took from room to room and it would go off when there was ghostly activity. Then you got to watch some seriously spooky stuff! It made my hair stand on end but I don’t remember what it’s called. If someone could help me with that I’d be grateful.
I think the horror/atmospheric genre is really nifty when applied to puzzle and adventure gaming.
The only game that actually scared me was Alone in the Dark way back in the day. It was based on the HP Lovecraft stories and had an excellent, creepy feel to it as you wandered around in this deserted mansion.
I’m a big fan of horror gaming- to me, games are maybe the best medium for horror. Here are a few picks:
Shivers 1 and 2- adventure games released by Sierra in the mid 90’s. The enemies are a bit cartoony, but the atmosphere and soundtrack can really start to get to you. Just be sure play for extended sessions so that you’re able to get immersed- otherwise it probably won’t be particularly scary.
Sanitarium was mentioned earlier- and while it’s definitely a fun game, don’t expect to be scared. The game cracks alot of jokes. But still, it’s a great game.
Dark Eye- this one’s abannonware, so don’t expect to find it in stores, but it can be found fairly easily elsewhere. The gameplay is rather subpar- but the atmosphere is wonderful. Very distinctive style
The Silent Hill and Fatal Frame games are fantastic and very creepy, but for the most part they’re console only.
Nocturne- good atmosphere with a nice use of shadows. Should creep you out a little. You may find the gameplay frustrating though.
Shadow of Destiny- kinda like Silent Hill but more “Twilight Zone-ish” than scary per-se
I had forgotten this, and I played it a couple months back. The whole tooth episode creeped me out when I played it from the brother’s POV. Good thing I didn’t read the story first, which makes it lose some of it’s impact because Poe explains what is happening.
The First Gaberial Knight game is quite creepy, particulary that guy who keeps a watch on the shop.
He actually gave me nightmares after playing the game for the first time.
Does anyone know where I could find Alone in the Dark? I’ve heard so much about this game but it doesn’t seem to be for sale or available for download.
I’m not exactly sure if talking about downloading abandonware is allowed on the site, but googling “dark eye” will give you what you want on the last item on the first page of search results.
Another vote for System Shock 2. Besides being the scariest game I’ve ever played, it’s also one of the best gameplay-wise. It blows games like Resident Evil out of the water in both respects.
You simply must get Clive Barker’s Undying. it is absolutely chilling. The first part of the game has you wandering around this huge forboding mansion, dark and eerie as hell. You’ll walk into a room and use a special ability and end up seeing and hearing deranged shit (like bloodstained beds and children crying), ghostly appearances happen all over the place, and the sound effects are just unreal. This game blew me away, it has tight controls, cool weapons and spells, satisfying length, and enough scares to give you a complex. Go buy this game and wet yourself.
