I really love the horror genre, but I always get way too scared to play them! Movies rarely get me and I almost always have good company with me to enjoy the film. Horror action games also never give me any trouble, especially the likes of Doom 3 or FEAR (which is one of my favorite FPS btw!) in which you are equipped to handle anything. Survival horror however is a nightmare for me and I have only recently begun to play more of them. I have a few favorites:
-Amnesia : The Dark Descent
Having enemies move close to you while you had to look away was absolutely nerve wracking.
- Penumbra (all of them)
This one got me good a few times, I personally rank it higher than Amnesia, might have to do with the setup that is more interesting to me than the gothic setting of Amnesia.
- Scratches
This one builds up immense atmosphere over time, probably one of my favorite adventure games of all time. For anyone who's played it, I'm sure moments such as going down to the basement for the first time, the boiler duct sequence, the first night noises and finally the "ritual" at the church are all simply unforgettable.
- The Lost Crown
Another favorite with lots of creepy shit going down. Dream-sequences get me real good, because I experience very vivid dreams in my daily life and they always affect my day/mood. One in particular where you set the camera to take photos while you take a nap only to wake up and see what it captured... Also, the first person areas by the church were absolutely frightening. I'm getting the chills as I'm writing this.
- Silent Hill 2
Not really a PC game and I did play it on a PS2, but it did get a PC release which is now the definitive edition (check out Silent Hill 2 Enhanced 😉 ) and it is overall a masterpiece in approaching the subject matter. I enjoyed this one thoroughly this summer, although I had to pause and/or turn it off after 30-40 minute stretches, I just couldn't handle the anxiety it gave me.
If you like survival horror game and don't really care that much about the gameplay but rather the story, I suggest you play this one ASAP, it is a game that stays with you. Ending had me in tears.
- Darkness Within : In Pursuit of Loath Nolder
Interesting adventure game that unfortunately ends in a massive cliffhanger. Initially the first of three games, the series concluded with a rushed and somewhat poor sequel which I won't talk about. Darkness Within wasn't anything massive, but like I said above, dream sequences are always a huge win in my book. Every night gets worse and worse for the protagonist in the game, affecting me as well as I went deeper. Phenomenal atmosphere, could have been an instant classic if some more care had been given in a few other areas!
Probably forgetting a ton of games right now, so I'll be sure to return and add more 😁.