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Best Horror Retro Games

6 Best Horror Retro Games To Spook You Out

Have you recently felt a yearning for retro games, especially the horror ones? If yes, then you have come to the right place, as we will walk you through the finest choices of horror retro games you can play. 

We left no stone unturned to bring you the best games in this genre. These picks will give you the nostalgic thrill and the ultimate retro gaming experience! 

Here’s what out today’s list includes, in case you’re in a hurry:

  • Resident Evil 4
  • Silent Hill 2
  • Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
  • Manhunt (2003)
  • BioShock (2007)
  • Dead Space

Let’s get started. 

6 Best Horror Retro Games To Play

There are plenty of options for horror retro games to choose from. However, here’s a list we have curated that you can enjoy for the next few days.

1. Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 is a classic which makes it to the top of our list for the 6 best horror retro games. Many people regard it as a horror and gore “masterpiece”. However, this game also introduced action and a cinematic vibe to this genre. 

Resident Evil 4 is considered by a few as the best one throughout the Resident Evil series. This opinion can be attributed to a few features. These include ghastly storyline and imagery, and the true fear and sheer helplessness that this game instills in the player.

This game tests your skills as a gamer and delivers its fear through a sequence of challenging levels. No matter how skillful you are, with Resident Evil 4, you can be horror-stricken. Especially, when a petrifying character with a chainsaw is following you! 

2. Silent Hill 2

Before we review Silent Hill 2, let’s first refresh our memory of Silent Hill 1. What comes to your mind when you are asked about this game? You’re not the only one if your answer is, “the fog”. We can attribute this “fog” also to the graphics and resolutions of gaming consoles and screens. However, this fog did bring a spooky vibe to the game. 

In contrast, Silent Hill 2 utilizes several other features besides the fog. It also builds an environment of lingering fear and uncertainty. This is achieved through a complex psychological plot and ominous visuals.

Silent Hill 2 is an intimidating horror game with terrifying creatures and eerie environments. Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat while you play this game. 

3. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem

Horror retro games with a cinematic gaming experience are considered the best. Such games become more special when the player is responsible for whatever happens next. In this regard, not many games cross the level that Eternal Darkness occupies. 

The level design of Eternal Darkness is noteworthy. The storyline spans back centuries with a notable crew of characters. The sanity system is another major feature of this game. As the game progresses, the main character loses their sanity. This phenomenon is supported by extraordinary visuals, such as shaking rooms and bleeding walls. This game depicts horror, fright, and madness in their truest form.

At one point in this game, the player is prompted to believe that their saves are auto-deleted. This moment of meta-horror clearly lifts the game up. The visuals and story of this game surely linger in your mind for a long while.

4. Manhunt (2003)

Undoubtedly, Manhunt is an exceptional masterpiece created by Rockstar Games. Plenty of other features besides the scariness of the game add up to the horror of this game. These features include its tense health sequences, remarkable environments, and its brilliant premise. Play this game with your lights out and you’ll get the jitters. Guaranteed.

In Manhunt, you are a participant in another person’s wicked sadistic fantasy. One where you will be forced to test your own boundaries as a human. And how far you are willing to go just for your own survival. The gameplay tempts you to perform gruesome murders in order to obtain better rewards. The disturbing visuals and gore tasks of this game will not leave your memory any time soon.

A manhunt is a game that falls under the category of horror in an unorthodox way. It will certainly experiment with your perception of gaming entertainment. 

5. BioShock (2007)

People often vary in opinion when deciding which game “falls” under the horror category and which “does not”. While some may categorize BioShock as horror, others label it as a thriller. However, gamers mostly enjoy the game, regardless of the labels.

In spite of the different opinions, BioShock is definitely among the most daunting and frightening games of horror in the gaming industry. The intro discloses the gory storyline of the game, in the wake of a madman’s delusions. BioShock’s interactive gameplay keeps you wide awake. Its stimulating game design also tests your problem-solving ability. You get all of this along with an element of gore.

This game may not terrify you to your very soul, but it certainly keeps you glued to the screen. It utilizes this genre’s best tactics to instill its plot and terrific world-building.

6. Dead Space

Similar to other sci-fi horror hits, Dead Space centers around the ‘terror of the unknown. This game is regarded as a brilliant masterpiece in the genre. It has received praise for its phenomenal game and sound design, combat, and exceptional storytelling. Its immersive gameplay is unforgettable and always keeps you on your toes.

The game begins with a bloodthirsty scare jump. It then swiftly transcends into a stronger feeling of apprehension and alertness for the player. The incredible sound design coupled with sharp art and graphics makes you feel a part of the game itself. The gameplay guarantees you hours of danger and thrill. You would never feel safe during the game. A necromorph could appear out of nowhere in front of you at any moment. So, be alert!

FAQs About Best Horror Retro Games

There may have been some questions in your mind about horror retro games. Thus, we have answered some of the possible frequently asked questions for you here:

What makes a good horror game?

A good horror game carries elements such as disempowerment, isolation, persistent fear, and many others. However, gaming experiences vary from person to person. Always read up on a game before purchasing it, so it suits your preferences.

How to choose the best horror retro game?

The first step in choosing the best horror retro game is to first identify your choice of preference. You can use the internet to explore sub-genres under this category. The next step would be to choose a few options. Read game reviews and watch gameplay videos to sift through the options. And voila, you have yourself the best choice of game.

What is the number one scariest horror game?

Resident Evil 4 is popularly regarded as the best horror game of all time. It set a new pinnacle standard for the survival horror genre. Not only did it bring a cinematic action feel to it, but also delivered intense gameplay. This game is truly terrifying and brilliantly delivers fright through its plot and characters. 

Which horror game should I start with?

BioShock is most assuredly an easy game to start with, for a newcomer to horror. The game is based on a brilliant narrative. It also features exquisite yet unnerving and dark gameplay. It is also really easy to pick up for beginners and non-gamers. 
Must read: Where to buy cheap retro games?

Which horror retro game is the hardest to play?

Dead Space, hands down. Several features of this game make it the hardest horror retro game. These include, the hard aim controls causing difficulty for gamers to aim at the monsters. The game also tests your skills by offering several different levels of difficulty. Impossible mode, the highest level of difficulty offers a very tense and gripping experience.

To Sum Up

This list comprises the highest quality horror retro games of all time. These games feature unparalleled visuals, sound effects, storylines, and all other important elements which make you jump out of your seat. 

More recently, the gameplay of horror games has evolved tremendously. This has rekindled this genre in the gaming industry. Nonetheless, it always feels good to reminisce on the classics, especially the best-rated ones which are listed here. 

Which of the horror retro games do you treasure the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Mus read: should I sell my retro games?

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