The Top Five Modern Horror Games

To prep for the top 5 modern horror games, I would like to begin with an advisory word of caution. The following list of heinous horrors possesses greater Evil than Clive Barkers Hellraiser and pin-heads vile minions combined. I think you get the picture. Buckle up and strap yourself in tight, for a rollercoaster of dread, as we go in search of the most gruesome modern gems that deal the best shocks, jump-scares, feral frights, and gross terrors.

 

This list of the Top 5 modern horror games is a codex of evil abominations and morbid curiosity. Think you can sit through this carnival of horrors? There’s only one way to find out. So then, let us go unwillingly down the rabbit hole of hell holding hands. Aww, ain’t that sweet, well bittersweet I’m sure.

 

Until Dawn

 

First up, on our top 5 modern horror games list, we have the Sony exclusive and interactive experience Until Dawn, developed by Supermassive Games. Think of it this way, Until Dawn is all those angsty late 80’s teen-slashers rolled into one. Add into the mix, a complex multi-dimensional plot that revolves around the lives of eight characters. Then, you have the ultimate recipe for disaster.

As if dealing with a toxic love triangle wasn’t bad enough, players must battle supernatural forces while making judgment calls, which, may ultimately decide the fate of their friends. There’s so much at stake, and it makes for some compelling moments. Typically, all choices have diabolical, life and death consequences. That said, you’ll be forced to address your moral compass on the move if indeed you have one. All in all, it’s a must play for fans of horror and interactive adventure games.

 

Alien Isolation

 

After the bitter disappointment of Alien Colonial Marines, the publishers Sega had their work cut out. Thankfully, they delivered a stand-out terror-fest in the latest Alien iteration and the perfect supplement to the cult movie series. At its core, “Isolation” is a smart survival-horror game that plays on the strengths of the Alien, and our vulnerabilities to it.

It’s this fear-factor combined with the cerebral sense of anxiety that creates some of the tensest most terrifying moments in video games history. All thanks to superb lighting-effects, advanced Alien A.I, a high-fidelity ambient score, and beautiful animations. Thus, the game reflects the atmosphere of the films to a high degree of efficiency. For those reasons alone, the game deserves a place on the top 5 modern horror games.

 

Resident Evil 7

 

Next in line, on our list of the top 5 modern horror games is Resident Evil 7. For years Capcom had deviated from the true horror tropes of the past and adopted a more action-packed approach to their games. Although the likes of “Resi 4” went down a hit, this spiritual departure was a sad state of affairs. Luckily, Capcom has rediscovered its roots with the latest entry. The result of which couldn’t be scarier. Consequently, for better or worse, horror- fans across the globe get a thrilling horror spectacle.

In a nutshell, “Resi 7” is an immersive exercise in survival horror. Of course, heightened more so using VR. Hence, the ungodly terrors of the Baker family plantation must be the work of the devil; such are the levels of satanic evil on display. Give it a go that is, if you can stomach the gut-wrenching gore, malevolent monsters and heebie-jeebie inducing jumps-scares. Step fourth at your peril.

 

Inside

Inside is a petrifying puzzle-platformer dreamt up by Playdead, the makers of the critically acclaimed side-scroller Limbo. What lies within, is a creepy, atmospheric world. As soul-stirring as it is impactful. In truth, the prolonged sense of dread and the dark and ominous tones creates an undercurrent of despair. As a result, Inside is one of the most absorbing and harrowing game experiences of all time. Indeed then, Inside, takes immersion to a whole new level. The reality is, you’ll be powerless to its oddness, and possessed by the alluring aura it emits.

 

Outlast 2

 

The first entry in the series teleported the oversaturated found-footage genre from the big-screen to the gaming world. While this may be true, the sequel took horror to a whole new level. In contrast to the original game, number two ditches the mental asylum setting, for rural Arizona this time around. Though these settings couldn’t be starker, by comparison, the entrenched horror themes continue in the frightening form of its predecessor.

Hunted by cultists and religious fanatics, outlast 2 serves up some the most exhilarating and heart-stopping chase scenes in living memory. Those brave enough to take the plunge should do so, with a spare pacemaker by the bedside.

 

Honorable mentions are Soma, Dead by Daylight, The Evil Within 2, Little Nightmares, PT, and Everybody’s Gone to Rapture, among many more.

 

To summarise, based on this list of the top 5 modern horror games, the future is bright, or rather Grimm, depending on your psychological disposition, of course. Besides, the recent release of the Resi 2 remake just last week, shows that there is still a market for horror games. Be them of the survival sub-genre or otherwise. We hope it’s a genre that continues to grow, while VR seems to be the perfect medium through which to instill scares.

 

What is your go-to top 5 modern horror games list? Perhaps there’s a game that chills you to the core like no other? Please write in with your terrifying Top picks.