A game doesn’t have to have the survival horror label to instill fear in a player. Something as simple as a distant growl, sped up music, or incessant beeps indicating low health across genres can usually do the trick. Here is a sampling of some in-game sounds in non-horror games that get our hearts racing.

Drowning Music – Sonic the Hedgehog
To further add to the tension of underwater sections in platformers, why not throw a terrifying tune into the mix as the blue hedgehog in your control gasps for his final breath? Simply traumatic. [Via YouTube User iisthemoose]

Time Running Out – Super Mario Bros.
You spent entirely too much time collecting coins that you stopped paying attention to the clock. Time is running out for the mustachioed plumber to complete the level. As the music speeds up, frenzied players speed across the rest of the course doing the best they can to avoid an ill-fated encounter with a Goomba along the way. [Via YouTube User scoobydude51]

Cougar – Red Dead Redemption
Nothing like exploring the open range on a peaceful day with your trusty horse, only to hear a distant growl. Location of this beast is unknown – at least until it runs up from behind and mauls your horse. Next time you hear this sound you run for the hills. [Via YouTube User MichaelDoubleU]

Big Daddy – BioShock
This narrative shooter can be considered horror to some degree, but still deserves a mention because of the iconic sounds of lumbering Big Daddies. The first time you hear this behemoth let out a terrifying roar, further accompanied by intense footsteps and the excited squeals of a small girl hunting corpses, you know you’re in trouble. Word of advice: Don’t mess with Mr. Bubbles. [Via YouTube User KurtH]

“!” – Metal Gear Solid
The “you’ve been spotted!” alert in stealth games never fails to cause a spurt of panic, and the “!” alert with subsequent change in music in Metal Gear games is no exception. The pressure is on as you try and figure a quick way out of a potentially fatal situation. [Via YouTube User XWhatTheDeuceX]

Low Health -- Pokémon
As you face off against the world’s most talented trainers there comes a time when your beloved Pokémon will take a beating. You’re on your last critter and its health drops to the red zone. The incessant beeping will make you frantically dig up your last potion before its too late. Equally fearful is running low on hearts in Zelda. One more misstep and its game over. [Via YouTube User Attonthedude]

“Michael!” – Michael Jackson Moonwalker
Everytime MJ rescues a crying child they excitedly say his name. We’ll leave it at that. [Via YouTube User GeneralGrimm909]

Feel free to share the in-game sounds that send shivers down your spine in the comments section below!