5 Cult Classic Horror Video Games Worth A Replay

Few genres have inspired more cult classics than the nerve-jangling world of horror. Such games, while not necessarily the biggest of blockbuster hits in their day, established loyal followings thanks to their ability to evoke fear in their players.

RELATED: The Hardest PS5 Horror Games, RankedWhile many cult classics out there might carry some technical limitations by the advanced standards of today, they also succeeded in delivering scares through atmosphere, sound design, and psychological elements, among other effective traits. What set many of them apart over the years is their willingness to push boundaries in terms of narrative and gameplay mechanics. Their enduring popularity among fans is a testament to their clever design and rewarding storytelling, allowing them to serve as memorable, seminal moments in the landscape of horror gaming.

5 Manhunt Is A Horrifically Violent, Unpredictable Thriller

Metascore: 76

Rockstar’s second-most infamous contribution to the gaming medium after Manhunt 2. The first entry in the series game garnered plenty of controversy and derision at the time of its initial November 2003 release. Players take control of James Earl Cash, a lethal death row inmate who finds himself at the center of a horrifying snuff film ring.

In order to gain his freedom, Cash must complete a variety of grisly escapades, taking down similarly dangerous criminal figures like himself, who are also hunting him. Goaded on by The Director, all of Cash’s murderous antics are being filmed. The brutally sadistic gameplay immediately throws players into a bleak, disturbing horror experience, as they must rely heavily on stealth in grimy, unpleasant environments en route to taking out numerous bloodthirsty enemies. With some of the most evil characters ever committed to gaming, an eerie score and sound design, and a steadily increasing sense of dread, Manhunt is one of the most violently effective horror games of its time for those who can stomach it.

4 The Suffering Is A Fearsome Thrill-Ride With Plenty Of Replay Value

Metascore: 77

Midway Games’ relentlessly grim, prison-set chiller The Suffering quickly turned some heads thanks to its brutal violence and bleak plot back in 2004. The game has players take control of Torque, an amnesiac death row prisoner charged with allegedly killing his wife and children.

Boasting a distinct blend of psychological horror and survival-action gameplay, The Suffering takes players on an increasingly wild, volatile trip. Sporting a litany of fearsome, grotesque creatures to contend with, the game frequently succeeds in creating nightmarish enemies. Many of the horrifying threats Torque faces revolve around different types of executions, contributing to the bloodthirsty, grim tone and atmosphere of the game. The narrative also showcases a surprising level of emotional depth and maturity, as it sifts through themes of redemption, guilt, and madness on the way to a selection of potential endings that will keep players coming back for more.

3 Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Provides A Chilling Journey Through A Ghost Town

Metascore: 81

Tecmo’s innovative horror gem first hit the stands back in November 2003 and took no time to establish itself as one of the scariest video games of all time. Set in a mysterious ghost town, the game quickly hooks players with its menacing, ghostly figures.

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The impeccable blend of captivating storytelling and atmospheric horror is summed up perfectly in the game’s inventive Camera Obscura mechanic. In order to fend off the many evil threats on display, players must successfully take photos of them with a supernaturally enchanted camera. This suspenseful, photography-based exorcism succeeds in providing effective jump scares in lieu of more standard combat mechanics. With tense, effective visuals and sound design, this endlessly creepy masterpiece remains a pivotal entry in the horror genre to this day.

2 Amnesia: The Dark Descent Is A Thrilling Piece Of Survivalist Suspense

Metascore: 85

This innovative survival horror game was a critical hit upon its 2010 release. Set in a spooky, bloodshed-heavy castle, the game sees players take control of the perpetually endangered Daniel as he makes his way through the deadly setting.

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Sporting highly detailed environment design and creative scare tactics, Amnesia: The Dark Descent emphasizes both exploration and puzzle-solving as key aspects of its suspenseful gameplay. In one of the game’s hardest, most scare-inducing features, players cannot adequately defend themselves from the numerous monstrous threats lurking in the corridors. Along with its suitably scary, unpredictable gameplay, the game succeeds in hooking players with a well-paced plot that keeps the survivalist action chugging along.

1 Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem Is An Imaginative Piece Of Horror Action Gaming

Metascore Rating: 92

This 2002 GameCube release successfully bowled over critics and audiences alike with its high-concept plot and action-packed gameplay. Taking place over a whopping 2000 years, the game’s wild narrative sees players contend with a mysterious, timeless evil.

Revered at the time of its release for its unique gameplay mechanics, the game sports a creative sanity meter by which its psychological horror can be measured. The lower the meter gets, the more players must contend with a litany of alarming issues such as vivid hallucinations. The nonlinear plot also provides thought-provoking, engrossing thrills, as players are introduced to a variety of colorful figures across multiple eras and locations. To top it all off, Eternal Darkness sports atmospheric sound design and high-quality voice acting to further flesh out its immersive appeal, which still holds strong more than two decades after it first hit the stands.

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