Best horror games 2024: the scariest games for Halloween

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As a seasoned horror game enthusiast who’s been through the haunted corridors and darkened hallways of countless games since the early days of Resident Evil, I can confidently say that 2024 has truly outdone itself with this lineup of terrifying titans.

This Halloween marks the spookiest time of the year, signifying that we’re entering the season when the most thrilling horror video games of 2024 will be released!

For this list, we’re zeroing in on more contemporary releases, as the horror genre has been somewhat overlooked by major big-budget publishers in recent times. Although games like Alien: Isolation are timeless classics in the scary game category, it’s important to note that it was released a decade ago.

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So let’s look at these five games which carry the torch for the horror genre in the 2020s.

Alan Wake 2 – an original horror game of the 2020s

It’s true that many games on this list are remakes. The reason for this is due to a current trend in the gaming industry, where there’s often reluctance to take risks with brand-new titles.

Though it’s a follow-up title, Alan Wake 2 presents a fresh, original narrative. With its strong focus on artistic expression and storytelling, Alan Wake 2 undeniably stands out. Its gameplay incorporates the flashlight, making use of the crucial lighting element that horror games rely upon as a fundamental mechanic.

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If you’re craving a gaming experience similar to Stephen King’s chilling horror novels, you shouldn’t miss out on playing Alan Wake 2.

Dead Space – zombies in space

In more straightforward terms, one of the terrifying horror series from around 2010 has come back after a decade with a fresh remake in 2023. The game Dead Space, known for its intense and horrifying action, has been updated to bring a modern touch to one of the best horror games available.

Primarily, it retains its distinctive combat method involving the amputation of limbs. Contrasting with traditional zombie tropes, the necromorphs from Dead Space can only be defeated by strategically severing their extremities.

The game offers an unusual element by requiring players to aim for the legs of these swift, screamingly undead creatures that resemble twisted bodies. This introduces pulse-racing, intense moments that create a stark contrast against the tense and chilling atmosphere within the confined, haunting spacecraft settings.

Amnesia: The Bunker – new sequel to one of the best indie horror games

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Moving on to the topic of claustrophobia, let’s discuss a confined space that induces intense fear and discomfort, quite unlike open spaces such as the cosmos.

The Bunker” transports players into an underworld setting – a network of World War I tunnels beneath the ground. This game serves as a precursor to the indie horror titles that currently rule the genre, with the original “Amnesia: The Dark Descent” having paved the way.

Instead of relying heavily on grandiose scenes, it cleverly utilized fewer resources, shifting focus towards immersive, atmospheric first-person gaming experiences that are driven by personal perspective.

In terms of gameplay, Amnesia: The Bunker surpasses its earlier version in many ways, yet it preserves the essence of terrifying helplessness. The player is tasked with exploring a constantly shifting maze-like environment, while being chased by a dreadful creature that they can merely delay, not defeat.

2024 saw some chilling horror games that got my heart racing, but none quite compared to the nerve-wracking experience of Amnesia: The Bunker. As a survival-oriented horror gamer, I can confidently say it’s one of the best in its class.

Silent Hill 2 – the newest release for the oldest horror masterpiece

Remarkably, it’s significant that the much-anticipated Silent Hill series is making a comeback after years of inactivity, with a 2024 remake of its second installment on the horizon.

Regarded as a timeless horror classic, the game Silent Hill 2 stands tall as a peak in psychological horror within the realm of video games. The climax of the storyline before the various endings is exceptionally effective at tying together the title town and its terrors, providing character development and thematic resonance.

The updated version shifts towards a more action-packed vibe compared to its predecessor, yet it continues to embody the essence of the renowned spooky town synonymous with horror gaming.

Resident Evil 4 – the grandfather of modern horror games

Resident Evil 4 stands out as a groundbreaking game, not only within the horror genre but across the entire spectrum of modern gaming. It was this game that first introduced the over-the-shoulder camera perspective, which has since become a common feature in many games today.

The camera allowed for tight action choreography. This was because it could accommodate a wide angle for spatial awareness of multiple enemies, coordination for melee combat, and pinpoint accuracy for ranged weapons.

Regardless of its action-packed elements and cheesy storyline, Resident Evil 4 remained true to its horror origins. It demonstrated that there’s another kind of chilling suspense in battling swarms of adversaries while conserving ammunition.

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2024-10-30 16:00