Horror games has gone through its fair share of challenges, trying to shake off the unfair stigma of being games full of jump scares with no inherent value. True fans of this genre know how immersive a horror game can be when it executes its gameplay elements well. The best horror games let players enjoy some of the scariest environments, most unsettling characters, and most unbelievable storylines that are as dark and menacing as they can be.
Most people assume that the true form of horror games doesn’t offer players any way to defend themselves against the threats that stand in their way. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, some of the best horror games manage to use the first-person perspective to give players a good scare, making them panic as they reach for weapons to take out their enemies in style.
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5 FEAR – First Encounter Attack Recon
Intense shooting action, complemented by intelligent AI
FEAR
- Released
- 18 October 2005
- developer
- Monolith Productions
It is a shame that the FEAR The series has not continued into the modern gaming landscape, especially considering the technical feat this series represented when it was first introduced. With amazing graphics and one of the medium’s most iconic antagonists, the first game was a landmark for horror games. Players couldn’t feel safe even with numerous weapons and a trained squad to assist them in their mission.
To this day, the sight of Alma sends chills down players’ spines. The atrocities this young psychic suffered at the hands of selfish adults made her a vengeful presence. Watching her make a devastating impression every time she takes center stage, it’s clear that no bullets can take her out. Fortunately, there are plenty of enemies for players to gun down with a wide range of powerful weapons. But the intelligent enemy AI keeps players on guard every step of the way.
4 Resident Evil Village
An action-packed game with scary horror elements
It cannot be denied that Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is one of the scariest video games of all time. Its sequel now focuses more on the action side of things. However, this also means Village with superior shooting mechanics, greater enemy variety, and more set pieces that make the FPS gameplay shine.
Anyone who thinks this game has given up on its horror character only needs to encounter the infamous baby to be sure that Capcom has not lost the ability to scare players. It is one of the scariest levels in a video game to date. Players who enjoy the claustrophobic environment of Biohazard will think differently after escaping the dangers of this deformed baby that will swallow players whole if Ethan gets his hands on it.
3 Metro: Last Light
An oppressive atmosphere makes the first-person gameplay more intense
The metro The trilogy is one of the best first-person shooter trios that gamers can get their hands on. Metro2033 was a breath of fresh air in a genre that placed more emphasis on spectacle than anything else. The first-person perspective can make for some of the most haunting horror experiences. 2033 was a great example, but it is Last light that improves the gameplay and atmosphere of its predecessor.
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The claustrophobic tunnels and heart-pounding mechanics make it even more intimidating each time players explore a new level. The spooky nature of this title, coupled with improved shooting mechanics, ensures that Last light is the perfect marriage of terrifying horror and satisfying FPS gameplay. Metro Exodus may be superior in gameplay and other aspects, but the focus on open-world environments loses much of the spooky atmosphere that made the first two games such a pleasure.
2 dusk
A boomer shooter that’s scarier than you’d expect
DUSK
- Released
- 10 December 2018
- developer
- David Szymanski
David Szymanski is one of the biggest names in the indie gaming scene. It is clear that this developer loves the early days of the FPS era, as many of his games can be categorized as part of the boomer shooter genre that is gaining momentum. Arguably the most popular game from this developer is duska classic first-person shooter that’s scarier than most people would imagine.
Players who want a short and engaging boomer shooter will be surprised by the nuances of eldritch horror that rear their ugly head throughout the game. The environmental design and fast-paced encounters are great and let players enjoy a horror FPS that deserves more time in the spotlight. Fans of Szymanski’s Iron lung will find a lot that you like duskespecially if they feel helpless in the former. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy a game where they can gun down the enemies that are giving them a bad time.
1 left 4 Dead
A cooperative horror FPS that can surprise players
left 4 Dead
- Released
- 17 November 2008
It would have been easy for left 4 Dead to make the horror less effective through cathartic first-person shooter gameplay and a focus on co-op. Fans who assumed that the company of their friends would make the horrors of this game easier to endure are in for a rough time, however. Numerous infected will pounce on them and tear them to pieces as they lie helpless on the ground.
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