As the gaming industry continues to push the boundaries of technology and storytelling, horror games have become a thrilling and immersive experience for players seeking an adrenaline rush. In 2023, developers are set to unleash a new wave of spine-chilling titles that promise to redefine the horror gaming landscape. Here, we unveil the best 5 horror games to play in 2023, each offering a unique blend of atmospheric terror, gripping narratives, and heart-pounding gameplay.
System Shock
Nightdive, the mastermind behind the rejuvenation of numerous retro gems, including the stellar overhaul of Star Wars Dark Forces, has truly surpassed expectations with their latest venture—a complete remake of the ground-breaking 1994 immersive sim.
Picture yourself aboard the Citadel Station, where the vast emptiness of space is anything but lonely. The ship’s AI, SHODAN, plays puppeteer to a sinister orchestra. This virtual antagonist doesn’t hold human life in high regard, especially yours, and has repurposed the station’s crew into a legion of reanimated zombies and other vile entities, all on your tail.
Embark on a scavenger’s journey through the maze-like corridors of the joker123, and you might not only have a path to survival but also a means of escape. This timeless classic is a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted game design and immersive world-building.
Dracula Awakening
While traditional horror games often rely on intense narratives and heart-pounding gameplay, Dracula Awakening takes a unique approach by blending horror elements with the experience of a slot game. Developed by Nightshade Gaming, this eerie slot experience immerses players in the dark and mysterious world of Count Dracula.
The game features captivating visuals, atmospheric sound effects, and a great soundtrack, heightening the overall experience with every spin. Dracula Awakening offers a fresh take on horror-themed gaming, providing a unique and chilling experience in a more unconventional format for those who enjoy the horror genre. You can visit the online Lottoland Casino in Malta to find out more about this horror-themed slot game.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Embarking on a night-time adventure through Tokyo was initially exclusive to my cherished PlayStation 5. But now, the exclusive curtain has lifted, and enthusiasts with Xbox Series S and X, as well as PC, can finally immerse themselves in what I consider the most entertaining open world I’ve experienced in ages.
In this strange new Tokyo, humanity has vanished overnight, leaving behind only wandering ghosts and living embodiments of Japanese folktales in the deserted city. Yet, thanks to an unusual pact with a spirit, our protagonist Akito remains, striding through the streets, stylishly casting spells with his palms, and collecting assorted items.
Although the main storyline may lean toward predictability, the combat crafted by Shinichiro Hara from Doom Eternal and the game’s fresh take on familiar folktales keeps me hooked and eager to return for more.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard VR
Expanding on the acclaimed Resident Evil franchise, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard VR delivers an unparalleled horror experience in virtual reality. Developed by Capcom, this instalment plunges players into a nightmarish world filled with grotesque creatures, intense survival challenges, and a gripping narrative that unfolds in a first-person perspective.
The VR technology enhances the immersion, making every creaking floorboard and distant groan feel disturbingly real. That is what makes Resident Evil 7: Biohazard VR one of the best scary VR games. It is a testament to the power of virtual reality in intensifying horror, offering players an unprecedented level of fear-inducing thrills.
Alan Wake 2
The much-anticipated sequel has finally arrived; this time, it’s diving into the eerie world of survival horror. Alan Wake 2 is set to unleash its spine-chilling experience on October 27th, and based on my hands-on experience, it’s shaping up to be one of the year’s standout games. (Check out my chat with Alan Wake 2’s art director for an inside look at Remedy’s approach.)
Our main man, Alan Wake, a literary figure reminiscent of Stephen King in Remedy’s universe, finds himself trapped in a nightmare born from his own words, absent from the real world for over a decade. On the flip side, FBI investigator Saga Anderson is knee-deep in a series of ritualistic murders in the ominous Bright Falls.
With reality-bending mechanics and a narrative that literally jumps off the pages, the game seems to capture the solitude of the creative process, sprinkled with the occasional unexpectedly explosive twist. It’s a must-play for those who thrive on the creative edge—a perfect spine-tingle for the imaginative minds out there.
Alien Isolation
Alien Isolation is not just any Alien game; it’s hands down the best. Featuring the cleverest and most frightening enemy in gaming history, the xenomorph is not just a killer – it’s also incredibly curious. Over a nerve-wracking 12 hours, this extra-terrestrial menace learns the ins and outs of the space station Sevastopol, tearing doors off closets and peeking under tables in the relentless pursuit of its prey – that’s you.
Equipped with a motion tracker, you can try to evade the xenomorph’s deadly clutches, but be warned: the alien can hear the tracker’s sound and spy the soft green glow of its screen. Every peek at the device becomes a daring gamble. And if you find yourself forced into the vents, with the creature lurking alongside you, Alien Isolation transforms into one of the most heart-pounding and spine-chilling games ever crafted.
Outlast 2
Outlast 2, a stealth game of trial and error, might not suit every gamer’s taste, but thematically, it stands out as one of the most intriguing entries on this list. Picture this: you’re a journalist on a quest to find a missing woman in the depths of Arizona when, shockingly, your spouse gets snatched by a twisted cult. The game unravels the cult’s twisted origins through fragments of letters you discover along the way.
As you traverse through ominous landscapes, relying on your camera’s night vision mode, the fear factor is cranked up to the max. Picture a whole village out for your demise, coupled with some of the most intense and haunting visuals ever woven into a game. Outlast 2 isn’t just a game; it’s an immersive journey through darkness and terror.
