Spooky Season is around the corner once again. Leaving plenty of opportunity for frights and surprises during the festive season. However, it’s not uncommon for the average gamer to be hit with a case of gamer’s block, especially for those new or unfamiliar with horror games. To help alleviate this problem, Here are our top 3 picks to try out this upcoming spooky season.
3. Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetric multiplayer survival horror game in the slasher subgenre that was developed by Behavior Interactive. Players enter 1v4 style matches, where four players play as survivors and one plays as a killer. The survivors must repair up to five run-down generators around the arena to power two massive mechanical doors around the edges of the map, they then must open the doors to escape from the killer and win the match. The killer’s goal is to hunt down the survivors by any means necessary and kill them by placing them on hooks to offer them as sacrifices to The Entity, the dark force behind the game. The game is well-balanced and continues to receive support even to this day since its original release back in 2016. You can play with randoms and/or with friends alike in public matches or maybe have some fun in custom matches. This horror game knows what the community wants and has been feeding us all kinds of goodies, such as beloved third-party characters for killers and survivors, amazing cosmetics, and original characters.
Those looking for a single-player experience are in luck as Behavior Interactive recently released a new stand-alone experience: The Casting of Frank Stone. An amazing game worth checking out and can be a great gateway game for Dead By Daylight. Otherwise, squad up with some friends and dare to survive the trials awaiting you.
2. Dead Space Remake (2023)
Dead Space has been a beloved series since its inception. The original title was released back in 2008, it was renowned for its immersive atmosphere, unique setting and story, and engaging gameplay. Dead Space 2 was a fantastic sequel in its wake, introducing many beloved game mechanics, even more exciting gameplay, along with a fantastic and immersive story. Dead Space 3, however, was a disappointment. Fans were let down for its uninteresting story, repetitive gameplay that went against what made the series so beloved, and its disproportionate implementation of microtransactions. Despite a good DLC that left off with an interesting open-ended cliffhanger, Dead Space 3 effectively killed the series. There was next to no information about anything new aside from minor rumors about Dead Space 4. Then, in early 2023, a remake of the original Dead Space was announced to the gaming community, with new and long-time fans alike seeing the return of the iconic horror title in all its glory.
Dead Space (2023) was an immediate sensation. Being developed by Motive Studio, not only did they manage to bring back everything that made the original Dead Space so beloved, but also made plenty of quality-of-life improvements from the other games. Many new additions to the game as well, such as side missions that have unique rewards, a reworked upgrade system and progression, and new story elements that will catch long-time fans off guard. This single-player experience will be a blast to play through.
1. Slender: The Arrival (2023)
A modern classic, Slender-Man was a part of the first wave of creepypasta icons. Since his inception in a 4chan post-challenge, he has taken the internet by storm. Nowadays he’s been largely forgotten by the mainstream media, however, he still has quite the audience. The original release of Slender: The Arrival was a sensation, it was beloved by horror fans and creepypasta fans alike. Since then, the game has received not much attention, having been originally released in 2013, it only got a port to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. However, in 2023, the game received a much-needed makeover and got a new chance in life. While this version is technically a remake, so little was changed from the original, a remaster would fit better. In this horror game, you play a character named Lauren, you go to your friend’s house to help them move from their isolated house. However, you find her house in shambles, her room covered in all sorts of drawings of HIM, and a map of the nearby park.
Hearing the screams of your friend, you rush over to her aid. However, you soon find out that you’re not alone… as HE’S following you. You escape from the Slender-Man and his proxies, hoping for a way to end all of this for good. This horror game is fantastic in several ways. First of all, the story and lore are well-written and rich with creativity, this is possible as the developers asked the creator of the pop culture icon himself to help create an interesting story about it. The gameplay, although mechanically simple, is fundamentally unique, you never know when the Slender-Man or his proxies will show up, making the player tense throughout the entire game. This tense feeling makes all the jumpscares work flawlessly every time despite the repetition, you’re never truly safe and the game makes you feel like you aren’t. Lastly, this version of Slender: The Arrival has received a lot of support with the developers promising more new content for the game such as new story chapters, collectibles, and even a potential multiplayer mode.
Dishonorable Mention
The Sparky Marky Series
One series of horror games that you should avoid is the Sparky Marky series. This horror game has been frowned upon for its uninteresting setting, nonexistent story, generic art direction and theme, and confusing progression. It’s better to steer clear from that series entirely and play something else, maybe something else with a little more effort into it, like Five Nights at Freddy’s or other similar mascot horror games.
Departing Thoughts
These top 3 picks are a must-play for any horror fans looking for a new avenue to drive down. Dead by Daylight is the best for multiplayer fun, for co-op and competitive folks alike. Dead Space (2023) is best for returning fans looking for a fun and engaging classic, a refresh from the icon we all know and love. Slender: The Arrival (2023) is the best pick for newcomers and long-time horror enthusiasts alike, its engaging gameplay, immersive storytelling, and continued support will mean all the difference. Regardless of your pick, the spooky season will be the perfect time to visit these games, it’s time to get into the zone and survive the horrors that await you.
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