Celebrating Lesser-Known Horror Games

Recognizable horror franchises like Silent Hill and Resident Evil are adored by fans, but what about the scary games that didn’t receive much time in the spotlight? This Halloween, instead of giving you the predictable “Best Horror Games” list, I wanted to shine a light on some under-the-radar titles. They may have not achieved mainstream success, but they still a pack a punch in the horror department.

Rule of Rose (PS2)

Rule of Rose is a horror game you have to play just once. I never want to go back because it’s such a haunting and disturbing tale. Don’t take that as a knock against the game though, as that’s what a good horror game should do: make you terrified of even knowing what’s inside. Rule of Rose follows Jennifer, a girl taken to an orphanage after the death of her parents, who encounters a group of sinister children that call themselves the “Aristocracy of the Red Crayon.” What’s so atrocious about these children is that they force Jennifer to bring them sacrifices, or else she must endure pretty shocking punishments. This isn’t your average horror tale, and there’s a reason there is so much controversy surrounding the game. Kids can be evil, but Rule of Rose takes it to a whole new, terrifying level. 

Corpse Party (PSP)

Corpse Party is all about shocking moments, whether it’s watching someone become possessed and commit suicide, or hearing the last cries and pleas of children meeting their doom. Sounds horrific, I know. But what’s really chilling about Corpse Party is how it uses sound and atmosphere to craft a tale about spirits exacting revenge on five students by locking them in a school and forcing them to fight for their lives. The game was originally created using RPG Maker software, so the visuals aren’t what create the terror; it’s every well-placed scream, light flicker, and floor creak. Startling twists abound, and Corpse Party is worth it if you really immerse yourself in the experience.

Want to see more on Corpse Party? Check out our test chamber.

Illbleed (Dreamcast)

Illbleed was a financial failure, but still has a dedicated cult following due to its crazy B-movie cues and distinct gameplay. Illbleed forces players to study their environment carefully for potential traps. You must also rely on four senses to alert you of potential danger: smell, sight, hearing, and your “sixth sense.” A big part of the gameplay is marking places that could potentially be a trap, so you can deftly avoid them. It all fits in well with the premise, which is to visit a premier horror theme park and clear all the traps in it first. The prize is $100,000.00, so you know it’s on. Exploring the haunted park is fun as the attractions are all based on B-horror movies made by the park’s owner. Expect really over-the-top blood and gore, which isn’t surprising considering its B-movie influence. And, honestly, that’s part of the fun. 

Galerians (PS1)

You have psychic powers, amnesia, and are the only one who can save humanity from genetically enhanced humans. Galerians puts a lot on your plate, but also separates itself from other games by doing so. Not only do you have psychokinectic powers, but an AI named Dorothy has decided she can wipe out the human race and create a superior one. Naturally, you must prevent the catastrophe by finding clues and fending off Dorothy's demented creations.The controls mimic the early Resident Evil games, with psychic powers being your replacement for guns (which is so much more fun, anyway).  I’ll put it to you this way: Whenever hospitals and experiments gone wrong are involved, you’re always in for a treat. 

Want to know more? Check out our Super Replay of Galerians.

Up next: Taking down demon-worshipping cults, controlling a death row inmate, and one of the best animal companions...

Nightmare Creatures (N64, PS1, PC) 

Nightmare Creatures is set in 1834 in London when people mysteriously start mutating into grotesque creatures and the dead are rising from their graves. Panic ensues as a mad scientist turns to a demon-worshipping cult called the Brotherhood to unleash even more hellish creations. The power to stop them is in your hands. This third-person slasher lets you hack away enemies' limbs with plenty of gory aplomb. Nightmare Creatures is also gloomy, with overwhelming fog and dark alleys that hide monsters just waiting for a victim to attack. The 19th century London setting adds plenty of atmosphere, and engaging enemies in hand-to-hand combat is satisfying. Who said all horror games want you to run?

Want to see more on Nightmare Creatures? Check out our Replay.

The Suffering (Xbox, PS2, PC) 

The Suffering delves deeper into the psyche. Your character isn’t exactly the guy you want to be controlling; he’s about to be sentenced to death for viciously murdering his ex-wife and children. He claims he blacked out and doesn’t remember anything about the incident, so it’s possible he didn’t commit the crime. This is what I love so much about The Suffering – from the start you’re on edge about the main character. But fate has other things in store for him, as the prison he’s in becomes overrun with supernatural beings, and it’s up to you to get him out alive. The Suffering never sways from making sure death is all around you. In fact, the bigger monsters you battle all represent different ways people can die, like the Nooseman (hanging) and the Mainliner (lethal injection). During your journey, you even encounter other prisoners who all have their own agenda, like a mad psychologist, a remorseful killer, and a hardened executioner. The moral dilemma extends to the gameplay, as you have to decide to kill, help, or stay neutral as you confront others during your escape. The Suffering isn’t talked about much anymore, but it should be.

Haunting Ground (PS2)

Considered a spiritual successor to The Clock Tower games, Haunting Ground takes plenty of cues from its older sister. That’s not a bad thing, and it's what I completely love about it. You’re not a super-soldier who can just blast enemies away; you’re just a girl trying to escape from a madman. It means using your wit to find hiding places to outsmart the enemy and solving puzzles to get you closer to escaping the eerie castle you’re locked in. You find a dog along the way named Hewie, who can help fight off enemies. You can also make some weapons, but the game’s main focus is still trying to evade the various baddies that roam the castle. Your bond with Hewie is constantly growing, as you can train him to be a better companion. This relationship ends up driving much of the game, as having Hewie is comforting in such a disturbing place. 

Cold Fear (PS2, Xbox, PC)

If you’re a fan of jump scares then Cold Fear is for you. Talking to NPCs could lead to creatures flying out of their chests, and behind many a closed door lurks a well-timed scare. Cold Fear isn’t your typical setting for horror game: You’re stuck on a ship in the middle of an ocean. The main character is in the United States Coast Guard and meets an unusual predicament when he finds a Russian boat full of creatures who use other life forms as hosts. Throw in a nasty storm that can impact the deck conditions, affecting your ability to aim and walk straight, and there’s plenty on your plate as you figure out what experiments have gone awry. 

Want to see more on Cold Fear? Check out our Replay.

Have a lesser-known horror game you want to celebrate? Let everyone know in the comments below!