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The horror genre in the gaming world is like a roller coaster; you either scream in delight or steer clear. Well, I’m proudly waving my horror flag high — yep, I’m totally in the “love it” camp.
Now, when I first dipped my toes into the gaming world, I explored the usual suspects. I had fun building my dream home in “The Sims 4” and got hooked on the heart-wrenching story of “The Last of Us“. And, TBH, I’m still not over THAT scene in Part 2 (iykyk). Anyway, do you know what really lured me in? The world of horror multiplayer games. Trust me, there’s a treasure trove of hair-raising, heart-pounding interactive horror games out there.
So, whether you’re a fellow horror lover like me or you’re just looking to try something that’ll make your heart race, let me be your guide. Here are my top 5 picks for horror games that are an absolute must-try:
5 Must-Try Horror Games
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”
Kicking things off with a real scare, we have the recently released survival multiplayer horror game that’s got me hooked right now. “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is actually based on the 1974 film of the same name — talk about a classic coming to life in a whole new terrifying way. In this game, you find yourself in the midst of a chilling showdown between four victims and a family of cannibals.
The best part? It’s all online and multiplayer, so you get to decide — will you be the hunter or the hunted? If you dare to be a victim, you’ll need to outwit the killers by sneaking through haunting maps, dodging their traps, and making a daring escape. Or take on the role of the killer, and your goal is quite the opposite — track down and eliminate every last victim before they can escape. It’s a thrilling game of cat and mouse, where survival hangs in the balance and fear reigns supreme. And, if I’m honest, nothing quite gets my adrenaline pumping than trying to escape from Leatherface.
“Dead By Daylight”
Now, if you’re a fan of Twitch streaming, “Dead By Daylight” is likely no stranger to you. It’s that horror sensation that takes multiplayer gaming to a whole new level — much like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”.
Imagine finding yourself in an otherworldly environment, alongside four other survivors, all bound by the common goal of activating generators to unlock salvation’s gate. But here’s where the tension spikes: a fifth player takes on the role of the killer, whose sole aim is to eliminate the survivors.
“Dead By Daylight” often feels like a finely crafted blend of cooperative stealth and horror elements. However, what truly sets it apart is its ingenious licensing agreements that allow you to embody iconic horror villains, including Ghostface from “Scream”, Michael Myers from “Halloween”, and even the Nemesis from “Resident Evil”. You can even play as Nicolas Cage now.
“The Quarry”
Now, let’s delve into a game that’s clearly a labour of love for horror movie enthusiasts. “The Quarry“, a creation from the minds behind “Until Dawn”, sets the stage for an atmospheric journey that builds tension like a masterfully directed film. Right from the beginning, it’s all about slowly weaving an immersive atmosphere, drawing you in by putting you in the driver’s seat of seemingly small decisions that have weighty consequences. Every choice feels like a step closer to a disaster waiting to unfold.
The story revolves around nine camp counsellors stranded in the woods for one more night at summer’s end. A party is on the horizon, but so is something sinister lurking in the shadows — because of course there is.
Your decisions hold the key to their survival, determining which, if any, of the counsellors will make it through the night’s horrors. It’s a captivating experience that lets you shape the narrative and invites you to embrace the adrenaline-pumping thrill of survival.
And the best part? You can play it all over again and the outcomes will be different.
“Dead Island 2”
Ten years in the making, “Dead Island 2” defied all odds to become an epic zombie-slaying adventure. The stage? The sprawling streets of Los Angeles. Your mission? Clear out hordes of the undead with an arsenal of seriously cool weapons and abilities. Sure, the story might not be groundbreaking, but who needs an Oscar-worthy plot when you’ve got gloriously gory action? The game compensates with visceral action and a meticulously crafted environment that pulls you into its nightmarish world.
“The Callisto Protocol”
“The Callisto Protocol” thrusts players into the shoes of Jacob Lee, who unexpectedly finds himself imprisoned on Callisto, the dark moon of Jupiter. As he becomes entwined in a web of mystery and danger, Jacob embarks on a journey of escape and discovery, unveiling unsettling truths along the way.
The game is all about that claustrophobic horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You’ll be crawling through vents (yes, even if you’d rather not) and blasting tentacled foes, all while navigating through jump scares that’ll make your heart race. Oh, and did I mention it’s a visual treat too? Trust me, it’s the perfect recipe for some late-night horror gaming.
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