Summary
Survival horror remains one of the most popular genres of video games today. Many of its classic titles not only changed the horror genre but also innovated video games in general. From the fixed camera classics,Resident EvilandSilent Hill, to more modern series such asAmnesiaandOutlast,survival horror offers immersive gaming experiencesthat are not easily forgotten.
While the genre has moved forward, with cleaner graphics and gameplay, the demand for retro-style experiences remains. Many developers, inspired by the horror titles of old, have released new visions of terror, complete with fixed-camera POVs, disturbing monsters, and nostalgic low-res or pixel-style game worlds.
9Cannibal Abduction
A Short Indie Horror Gem
Inspired by the slasher movies of the 80s, complete withVHS glitchesand cinematic fixed camera angles,Cannibal Abductionis a fun indie horror game from the developers ofNight of the Scissors. In the game, players control Henry. After his car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, he finds himself hunted by a very hungry family.
Cannibal Abductionis a great example of the thriving indie horror scene. With its short playtime, challenging survival gameplay, and fun puzzles, horror fans will love this gruesome and addictive horror experience.
Fear the Spotlightis a fun survival horror game that, like many on this list, takes inspiration from earlyResident EvilandSilent Hillgames. With its low-res art style and fixed camera angles, this short game is oozing atmosphere.
While it may be somewhat lacking in the scare department,Fear the Spotlight’s story easily holds the player’s attention throughout. Split into two chapters, the game follows Vivian and Amy, who, after sneaking into school after dark, must survive a seance gone wrong. Published byhorror movie masters, Blumhouse,Fear the Spotlightwill appeal to a wide horror audience looking for a quick horror title to enjoy.
7You Will Die Tonight
A Love Letter To Horror Classics
Blending the top-down survival horror of genre icons with classic arcade-style combat,You Will Die Tonightis a love letter to gaming history. Set in a cursed 19th-century mansion, players control members of the Aires Division, an elite special forces team tasked with uncovering the sinister secrets of the Breckenridge Estate.
You Will Die Tonightwill appeal to all long-time horror gamers, with its tense action and nostalgic gameplay. While the game may seem like a cheapResident Evilknock-off,You Will Die Tonightbrings a fresh take, with players controlling every member of the team, with each subsequent death impacting the playthrough.
6Alisa
A Nostaglic & Atmospheric Offering
Highly inspired by the horror classics of the late 90s,Alisafollows an Elite Royal Agent on her mission of capturing a wanted criminal when she finds herself trapped in an old Victorian mansion. Set in a unique 1920s-inspired fantasy universe,Alisabrings all thesurvival horror actionfans of the genre love.
Players can use various weapon loadouts, change their dresses and armor for different stat boosts, and explore the strange and horrific world filled with hidden secrets. Alisa is a solid survival action horror that feels like a lost gem from another generation.
This immersive fixed-camera horror game is a love letter to the classic titles of the 90s. Playerscontrol Caroline Walkeras she explores an abandoned hospital in search of her twin sister.
Filled with horrifically deformed creatures and complex puzzles,Tormented Soulsis a challenging game, with save points accessible only through rarely found save tapes. While the save mechanic can be frustrating,Tormented Soulsperfectly recreates the tense horror ofResident EvilandSilent Hilland is a must-play for die-hard survival horror fans.
Set in 1990, players control Mara Forest as she explores the horrors of Crow Country Amusement Park. The park was abandoned after its founder, Edward Crow, vanished mysteriously. Players must uncover the truth behind the disappearance while fending off enemies and solving puzzles.
With its fixed camera style, maze-like levels, and darkly vibrant design,Crow Countryoffers a unique take on retro-style horror while maintaining its nostalgic feel. Heavily influenced by the earlyResident EvilandSilent Hillgames, this is a title genre fans are sure to love.
This top-down survival horror game drops players into the real-life hell of the First World War. Set in 1916 during the battle of Verdun, players control a French soldier fighting their way through the labyrinth of trenches as they search for their missing friend.
Inspired by survival horror classics,Conscriptis a unique take on the genre, effectively using the harrowing chaos of WW1 over fantastical monsters. Players must battle their way through enemy soldiers, with challenging melee and ranged combat, and solve various puzzles across the large world.Conscriptis a memorable andeffective hidden gemthat will easily please die-hard horror fans.
One of the most atmospheric horror games available today,Darkwoodis a masterclass of sound and visual horror that rarely relies on jump scares. In the game, players must explore and survive a large semi-open world as they attempt to escape the mysterious wood.
Played from a top-down perspective, with no quest markers or objectives available, players must search for resources while uncovering the many secrets hidden in the game. Darkwood is challenging, with the game saving only at the end of each day. For horror fans looking for a tense survival experience, Darkwood is a must-play experience.
Inspired by the classic novelThe King in Yellow, this fantastic survival horror game brings players to a darkly surreal dystopian future. Players control Elster, a ship technician Replika unit. After crash landing, she searches for her missing crew in an underground facility filled with nightmarish monsters.
WhileSignalisuses many of theclassic survival horror tropesof the earlyResident Evilgames, including a fixed camera and save rooms, the game is a stylish and unique take on the well-worn genre. Horror fans will love the atmosphere, mystery, and classic combat that makeSignalisone of the best modern horror games available today.
