While some horror games rely on gore and jump scares, these games take a more psychological approach by slowly worming their way into players’ minds.
Given how massive the horror video game scene is, it’s no surprise that it doesn’t follow a ‘one-size-fits-all’ formula. Horror has always been a fan-favorite genre, with probably more game releases than most other categories, but despite how active developers are in creating horror games, only a select few titles really stand out and make a lasting impact.
Some of the best horror games in the industry don’t follow the typical horror format, which includes the most uncalled-for jumpscares, unnecessarily loud and generic horror music, and immensely predictable plot twists. Instead, they go with the more subtle approach and gradually aim towards a banging reveal as the game progresses. The understated nature of these games is exactly what messes with the player’s minds and is far more effective than some of the more traditional horror games out there.9 Reveil
Released
March 6, 2024
Platform(s)
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Developer(s)
Pixelsplit GmbH & Co. KG
Reveil is a 2024 first-person indie psychological thriller that tries to push the boundaries of all things psychological and ends up pulling it off pretty well. It follows the life of a circus stage builder, Walter Thompson, and his strange relationship with his family — which is essentially the central conflict of the entire game.
Reveil is what the artistic people would call a « surreal masterpiece. » It starts off in the most absurd, dream-like setting, and continuously shifts between reality and dream (or more appropriately, nightmare), making the player question what is real and what is not. The plot line related to the main character’s family, and his mysterious past as a part of a circus, somehow merge together for a grand reveal at the end. Everything the player interacts with, and every choice they make throughout the game, works towards an outrageously unexpected ending.8 Baby Blues Nightmare
Released
16 Sep, 2024
Platform(s)
PC
Developer(s)
Steelkrill Studio
Horror games are already, well, horrifying to begin with, but having a child protagonist just adds a deeper layer of vulnerability and helplessness that usually elevates the games’ psychological aspects. Baby Blues Nightmare is a first-person horror adventure played entirely from the lens of a toddler navigating through a world of horrors.
The game is very similar to Among the Sleep, and plays on the « everything is too big for the child main character » idea, where the toddler has to essentially work their way through their own nightmares. There’s a little stealth involved in the gameplay, where players have to prevent the from crying by doing different « happy » tasks, like eating chocolates or playing. The more scared and sad the character is, the more likely they’re going to cry, and will ultimately be more prone to getting caught by some freakish monsters.7 Doki Doki Literature Club
While some gamers might have strict criteria for what qualifies as a game, often excluding visual novels, there are a few that manage to break that mold. Doki Doki Literature Club is a seemingly normal and harmless dating sim/visual novel that initially does not feel like a revolutionary game made to be groundbreaking for the genre — until the twist.
