Terror games have always exerted a unique fascination with players, providing immersive and exciting experiences that challenge the limits of fear and tension. Over the years, several titles have marked a time and have stood out for their ability to scare and involve players. In this list, we will explore the 10 best horror games, according to expert critics.
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It is worth remembering that the list was set up using aggregators like the Metacriticwho use reviews from experts in the field, which does not necessarily mean that one game is actually better than the other, and may also be something subjective from each player.
10. Silent Hill 2 (89)
Silent Hill 2 is often cited as one of the best horror games of all time. Launched in 2001 by Konami, this Survival Horror classic won the players with its dark atmosphere, engaging narrative and complex characters. Set in the mysterious city of Silent Hill, the game challenges players to face their deepest fears as they unravel the disturbing secrets that haunt the protagonist, James Sunderland. With a score of 89 on Metacritic, Silent Hill 2 is a masterpiece of the genre that continues to influence terror games to this day.
9. Dead Space (89)
Dead Space, developed by Visceral Games and released in 2008, is a game that redefines the concept of space horror. Situated on an abandoned ship called USG Ishimura, the game puts players in Isaac Clarke, an engineer in charge of investigating the disappearance of the ship’s crew. With a claustrophobic atmosphere and grotesque enemies known as necromorphs, Dead Space offers a visceral and distressing horror experience. With an 89 score on Metacritic, the game is acclaimed by both critics and players for its surrounding gameplay and its ability to create constant tension.
8. Dead Space 2 (90)
The sequence of Dead Space, launched in 2011, further raises the bar of horror. Dead Space 2 follows Isaac Clarke on a new horror journey, this time at a space station known as “The Sprawl”. With a more intense narrative and moments of pure adrenaline, the game enhances all the elements that made its predecessor so memorable. With a 90 score on Metacritic, Dead Space 2 is widely considered one of the best horror games ever made.
7. Resident Evil (91)
Resident Evil, released in 1996 by Capcom, is the game that started one of the most iconic franchises in the world of video games. Set in a mansion haunted on the outskirts of Raccoon City, the game puts players as members of the Elite Stars group who are sent to investigate strange events in the region. With a mix of puzzles, combat and scares, Resident Evil established the foundations of Survival horror and influenced numerous other works of the genre. With a 91 score on Metacritic, the game is a milestone in the history of video games.
6. Resident Evil 2 Remake (91)
Resident Evil 2’s remake, released in 2019 by Capcom, is a masterful reimagination of one of the most beloved games in the series. With stunning graphics, improved gameplay and an even more tense atmosphere, the game transports players back to Raccoon City while facing hordes of zombies and other horrible creatures. With a 91 score on Metacritic, Resident Evil 2 Remake is a brilliant tribute to the original and a must -see experience for fans of the genre.
5. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (92)
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, released in 2002 for Nintendo Gamecube, is a game that stands out for its innovative approach to the horror genre. Throughout history, players witness the deterioration of the sanity of several characters, which is directly reflected in the gameplay. With challenging puzzles, an atmosphere of constant paranoia and surprising twists, eternal Darkness offers a unique and disturbing experience that is still lovingly remembered by fans. With a 92 score on Metacritic, the game is a pearl of psychological terror.
4. The Last of Us Part 2 (93)
The Last of Us Part 2, released in 2020 by Naughty Dog, is a masterpiece of Storytelling and emotional horror. Set in a post-apocalyptic world plagued by a fungal pest, the game follows the survivors Ellie and Abby on a journey full of dangers and tragedies. With a complex narrative and deeply developed characters, the game addresses topics such as revenge, redemption and morality in a viscerally and emotionally impactful way. With a 93 score on Metacritic, The Last of Us Part 2 is one of the most acclaimed games of all time.
3. Resident Evil 4 Remake (93)
Resident Evil 4’s remake, released in 2022 by Capcom, is an impressive recreation of one of the most influential games in history. With state -of -the -art graphics, enhanced controls and significant gameplay improvements, the game offers a truly immersive experience for both original and newbies. With a 93 score on Metacritic, Resident Evil 4 Remake is a tribute worthy to a timeless classic.
2. The Last of Us (95)
The Last of Us, released in 2013 by Naughty Dog, is one of the most acclaimed games of all time, and rightly so. Set in a world devastated by an epidemic that turns people into violent creatures known as infected, the game follows Joel’s journey and Ellie as they fight for survival and seek hope amid chaos.
With a powerful narrative, captivating characters and an atmosphere of constant despair, The Last of Us captivates players from the first moments and leads them to an emotional and distressing journey. With an impressive 95 score on Metacritic, the game is a masterpiece that redefines Storytelling’s limits on video games.
1. Resident Evil 4 (96)
Closing our list, we have Resident Evil 4, originally released in 2005 by Capcom. Considered by many to be the best game in the series, Resident Evil 4 has revolutionized the survival horror genre with its innovative gameplay and cinematic approach. Set in a rural village in Europe, the game follows special agent Leon S. Kennedy on his mission to rescue the daughter of the US president of a mysterious cult.
With responsive controls, intense combat and a variety of scary enemies, Resident Evil 4 is a true classic that continues to be worshiped by fans to this day. With an incredible 96 score on Metacritic, the game is a brilliant example of what the horror genre can achieve when combined with solid gameplay and an engaging narrative.
Terror games have the power to transport us to dark worlds and make us face our deepest fears. The 10 games mentioned in this list not only scare players, but also involve them in complex narratives, memorable characters and unforgettable experiences. Being facing zombies in Raccoon City, exploring the horrors of Silent Hill or fighting for survival in a post-apocalyptic world, each of these games offers something unique and special to lovers of the genre.