These horror games from the PlayStation 2 are the genre’s best titles from the console’s era.
The PlayStation 2 is one of the most popular consoles of all time, with over 157 million units sold worldwide. Due to its widespread success, Sony made sure to keep supplying the console with incredible games, and the PS2 now has one of the most beloved libraries in all gaming. From tactical JRPGs to EyeToy rhythm games, there’s something for everyone on the PS2, including horror fans.
There are a lot of horror titles available on the PS2, and players can expect anything when it comes to these titles. Some are popular stalwarts of the horror gaming universe, while others have slipped under the radar of many fans of spooky games. The monsters are grotesque, the combat is stressful (if available at all), and the scares are constant in these haunted classics.
Updated on March 4, 2023, by Amy Cowley: While this list is rather comprehensive and includes obvious classic horror titles such as Silent Hill, Fatal Frame, and Resident Evil, there are some titles that this list lacks, such as the incredible third installment in the Silent Hill franchise, as well as cult classic games that were overshadowed by horror giants. As such, this list has been amended to add more incredible titles to the original 10 to bring attention to these horror games that deserve to be introduced once more to modern audiences.
The Thing is from minds at Konami, and the game acts as a sequel to the cult classic horror film. The player controls Captain Blake, who is sent to investigate a strange facility where concerning events are taking place. This game can be fairly challenging, but there are many weapons available for Captain Blake to blast through Walkers and Scuttlers.
Captain Blake also relies on adrenaline injections to keep his mind from cracking at the horrific beasts he continuously comes into contact with. There’s a lot of nightmare fuel in The Thing, so it comes highly recommended for players that love strange, grossly held-together creatures.
A missing persons case, three concerned friends, and an overnight stay in a school—these are the main ingredients of this creepy survival horror title that plagues the PS2 to a somewhat tepid reception, but the game invoked enough scares to land it in the hall of horror game.
Five teenagers explore the dark hallways of Leafmore High School which is now plagued by mutated creatures at every turn while searching for missing friends and seeking an exit. As the game progresses, they soon uncover an ongoing conspiracy that the school is kidnapping students to transform them into mutated creatures. Each teenager has unique abilities to overcome the creatures, and there is even a co-op system to allow players to share the experience.
One of Capcom’s hidden gems, Haunting Ground offers a completely refreshing horror game experience compared to Resident Evil, placing a greater emphasis on the survival part of survivor horror. Players take control of the mostly defenseless Fiona, whose only option to escape encounters is through running, hiding, or sending her trusted canine companion Hewie on them.
While its gameplay is very derivative of titles such as Clock Tower, it still remains a well-established game with fantastic environments and an atmosphere that crushes the player with tension, wondering what new horror would await them around the corner. Even today, Haunting Ground still holds a special place in the hearts of its small but fond fanbase.
Resident Evil 4 is a favorite for many players, and arguably the most beloved game in the Resident Evil franchise. Leon Kennedy must find the president’s daughter, and he has to go through a lot of terrible trials to get to her.
