Summary
Horror games are among some of the most enduring titles in the video game industry. No matter what theme, whetherfrigid and desolatesurvival horror games or psychological thrillers, many of the best horror titles have been around for years, if not decades, and are still seen as exemplars of the genre and what it’s capable of.
But what do the best horror games have in common? What is it that draws togethersurreal horror JRPGswith uncanny classics likeResident EvilorSilent Hill? The answer is how every horror game plays on humans' primal fear and instinct. Tight spaces, weakness, powerlessness - these are all commonly utilized concepts in horror games to help evoke fear. Few things, however, have scared humans more than the dark. These horror games know how to effectively utilize one of humanity’s oldest fears and create some truly terrifying experiences.
Few games manage to illicit the same spine-tingling, disconcerting horror thatLittle Nightmaresdoes. This game’s fixed perspective and grim use of shadow make the darkness always feel oppressive and omnipresent in any level of the game.
In particular, however,the infamous leech roomis almost pitch black save for the player’s light source and the slick, greasy glint of hungry leeches in the dark, inching their way toward the protagonist.
It might be a bit of a hot take, but theAlienseries is at its best when the threatis a single xenomorph, a relentless and ever-adaptable natural killing machine against the wits, and perhaps the flame throwers, of one human.
This defunct spaceship inAlien: Isolationhas many lightless corridors and darkened floors where the xenomorph can camouflage perfectly. Players who don’t make good use of their tools in the dark will be swiftly and decisively reprimanded by the xenomorph.
While bothOutlasttitles make good use of darkness, there’s something about the stifling, cramped confines of the first game’s setting, Mount Massive Asylum, that truly makes the darkness feel like the player’s enemy.
Having to rely on the limited battery of a night vision camcorder is a genius way to make the darkness all-encompassing and a genuine threat, but still navigable for the player. Especially to get context for a rumored movieset to be in production, now is the best time to delve into the dark and play this game.
Amnesia: The Dark Descentmight have gained its popularity in part due to the explosive rise of YouTubers around the time of its release, but the game stands on its own two feet as one of the best and most atmospheric horror titles of all time - in no short part due to its fantastic usage of darkness and ambiance.
Utilizing a gas lantern that at times can be both the player’s ally and enemy, players must balance utilizing light to navigate the darkened halls of the castle while also strategically snuffing it out to avoid enemy detection. However, if players stay in the dark for too long, they will find their sanity slipping away.
Among the most atmospheric games available to date,Lethal Companyhas players exploring abandoned industrial moons for scrap. While it’s often daytime, or at least well-lit, in the exterior environments of these moons, the factories are dark and cramped spaces.
These factories are where the brunt ofthe fearsome monstersworking against the player can be found, and they actively utilize the darkness to prey upon workers in unique ways. Having to willfully enter these darkened factories just makes the experience of navigating them that much more frightening.
Devouris aterrifying co-op gamethat has players coordinating with each other to prevent demonic rituals on a variety of different maps. The use of proximity chat in conjunction with heavy darkness on each map is an excellent way to make players feel isolated and alone.
Isolation is the biggest enemy in this title, alongside the darkness and, well, terrifying demonic entities. Monsters will roam the darkness looking to pick off individual players one by one.
This classic gem of a title undersold at launch, but is a masterful horror game in its own right with a unique spin on Japan’s rich history of ghosts and paranormal lore. Darkness isn’t just used for ambiance inFatal Frame, it’s an oppressive force working against the player.
The flash of the camera obscura is used to capture hostile ghosts, but it’s also occasionally the only light source players have, forcing them to use fleeting glimpses of their environment to navigate the setting while avoiding the slew of hostile spirits lurking in the shadows.
