Forget scary movies. Scary video games are where it’s at.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)
Why it's scary: Just as The Godfather must be included on any list of the greatest mob movies, so must Amnesia be included on any list of the greatest horror games. The game took survival-horror to new levels via a specific gameplay mechanic that forced players to run and hide instead of fight, but also prevented them from hiding for too long.
Combine the feeling of helplessness that Amnesia's gameplay instills with the game's excellent ambience and design, and you have an instant classic that will scare the pants off of just about anyone.
Available on: PC
Fricitonal Games / Via bloody-disgusting.com
PT — Silent Hills Teaser (2014)
Why it's scary: Those who were fortunate enough to have downloaded PT when it was available and not deleted it are treated to a truly tense and terrifying experience, walking down the same looping hallway but encountering slight differences each time. With each loop, a disturbing story unfolds that becomes richer — and scarier — as the player solves specific puzzles.
It's arguably the scariest game ever made, and it's only a demo — and sadly, that's the way it's going to stay. PT was released on the Playstation Store as a teaser to Silent Hills, but Konami pulled the plug on the project and now the game has been wiped from the store.
PT is a must-play for any horror fan. Hopefully you can get your hands on it.
Available on: Nothing right now, but the upcoming project Allison Road is inspired by PT.
Konami / Via digitalspy.com
Imscared (2012)
Why it's scary: At first, indie game Imscared doesn't seem like much. When you start playing, the game warns you that there might be a few bugs and glitches, then puts you through a sorta-scary story. There are a few jump scares and creepy goings-on, but when the game "ends" you might feel a little cheated.
The brilliance of Imscared is in what happens after you "finish" the game, however. You might find the creepy antagonist "White Face" on your computer in places you wouldn't expect to find him...
Available on: PC
Ivan Zanotti / Via giantbomb.com
Nevermind (2015)
Why it's scary: Nevermind might seem like standard first-person horror fare at first glance: There's plenty of spooky imagery, but nothing game-changing. However, there's one twist to the game that sets it apart from the rest.
It knows how scared you are.
Nevermind is one of the first horror games to use actual biofeedback through sensors to adapt the game to each individual player. You play while wearing a sensor that measures your pulse, and when your pulse increases due to fear, the game becomes scarier.
This is a surefire way to make freaked-out players freak out even more, but it serves a more helpful purpose: If you can learn to calm your heartbeat in the face of the game's most horrific moments, they'll be easier to handle. You might find that you're better at controlling your fear by the time you're done.
Available on: PC
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