6 Controversial Horror Games Pushing the Boundaries of Gameplay

Highlights

Games should prioritize different elements depending on the genre, such as horror games focusing on creating a scary atmosphere through sound and visuals.

Certain indie horror games, such as Flicker of Hope, may not match the caliber of bigger, more financially supported games, but they still provide players with a distinctive experience.

Unconventional gameplay features, like sight-jacking in Siren: Blood Curse or the utilization of a camera to rid ghosts in Fatal Frame, can set a game apart and serve as a source of inspiration for other games within the same genre.

To create a masterpiece, games must achieve a perfect balance among various elements, including visuals, audio, plot, characters, and gameplay. While not all games need to excel in every aspect to be considered good, some elements deserve more focus based on the type of game developers intend to make.

In the horror genre, it is essential for developers to ensure that their games deliver a strong scare factor. This can be accomplished through various techniques, such as effectively using sound and visuals to create an eerie atmosphere. However, some games prioritize unique and creative gameplay mechanics over these traditional scare elements.

6. Flicker of Hope

Use Of Light

Flicker Of Hope

Flicker of Hope is an indie horror game available on Microsoft Windows and macOS. It was released on August 2, 2020, and developed by Studio Whip. Players take on the role of Jean Wick, a sentient candle, who must light up the cathedral to symbolize it as the final source of hope for survivors of a deadly plague that has devastated the world. The game uniquely incorporates light as a key element, providing an intriguing and immersive gameplay experience unlike anything seen before.

5. Five Nights at Freddy's

In this game, players have the ability to discreetly navigate past enemies and reach their objectives by turning off the light source on their head. Unfortunately, when compared to games like Little Nightmares, which have larger budgets, this indie game falls short and lacks originality. However, for those seeking a more compact and lighthearted experience, Flicker of Hope provides a perfect opportunity for gamers to plunge into a thrilling horror adventure.

Defend The Castle

Five Nights at Freddy's

Platform(s) Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox OneReleased August 8, 2014Developer(s) Scott CawthonGenre(s) Survival Horror

Five Nights at Freddy's has achieved global fame, sparking numerous YouTube let's plays, game theories discussing its storyline, and now a major blockbuster movie. The origin of this frenzy can be traced back to the game's modest beginnings, where players assume the role of an unnamed protagonist starting a new job as a night-shift security guard at a local pizzeria housing multiple animatronics.

These animatronics become active and hostile at night, forcing players to defend themselves from within the security office, utilizing various security measures. This unique "defend the castle" style of gameplay was a groundbreaking concept in the horror genre; however, the game heavily relies on jump scares rather than cultivating a truly chilling atmosphere. Nevertheless, these inventive mechanics have influenced numerous horror games, solidifying the Five Nights series as a highly praised innovation in the genre.

4. Haunting Ground

Panic Meter

Haunting Ground

Released on May 10, 2005, and developed by Capcom, Haunting Ground is a survival horror game for the PS2 platform. While sanity/fear mechanics are not exclusive to one game, Haunting Ground approaches them in a distinct manner. The game revolves around Fiona Belli, the main character, who wakes up in an enigmatic castle following a car accident with her parents. Her recollection of the incident is vague at best, compelling her to embark on a journey to unravel the castle's secrets and uncover the truth behind her imprisonment.

Of course, Fiona is not the sole occupant of the castle, and its other residents present a danger to her well-being. When faced with prolonged danger, Fiona will experience increasing levels of panic. If her panic reaches a critical point, players will completely lose control of Fiona, causing her to flee in random directions. While this game mechanic may initially seem frustrating, it is actually quite innovative and effectively intensifies the player's own sense of panic, as they may unwittingly run straight into harm's way.

3. Siren: Blood Curse

Sight-Jacking

Siren: Blood Curse

Platform(s) PS3Released July 24, 2008Developer(s) JapanStudioGenre(s) Survival Horror

Set in the remote Japanese village of Hanuda, which supposedly disappeared in the 70s, Siren appears to offer a captivating blend of horror and mystery. However, despite its intriguing premise of a cursed island populated by corpse-like homicidal beings, the game falls short due to its lackluster graphics, repetitive adversaries, and inability to deliver an adequate level of terror.

Although the clunky combat mechanics detract from its overall appeal, Siren manages to redeem itself with its acclaimed and innovative gameplay feature known as "sight-jacking." This unique ability allows players to see through the eyes of their enemies, enabling them to stealthily bypass them or launch surprise attacks. Fans of horror games have long awaited the return of a mechanic like sight-jacking, and they can only hope that Siren or another game series will reintroduce it to the same extent.

2. Fatal Frame

Camera Obscura

Fatal Frame

Platform(s): PlayStation (Original), PC, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: December 13, 2001

Developer(s): Koei Tecmo

Genre(s): Survival Horror

In the world of ghost-hunting games, finding effective ways to fend off the already deceased can be quite a challenge. The solution? The Fatal Frame series introduces a unique approach by equipping players with a camera instead of a typical weapon. Known as the Camera Obscura, this innovative tool allows players to exorcise ghosts, capture ethereal moments through photographs, and uncover vital hints for advancing and solving puzzles.

1. Perception

Despite the first Fatal Frame game's struggle to provide a truly terrifying experience, the innovative use of a camera and the shift to a first-person perspective during combat is enough to captivate devoted fans of the ghost-snapping series.

Blind Protagonist

Perception

Platform(s) PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox OneReleased May 30, 2017Developer The Deep End GamesGenre(s) Survival Horror

Perception is an incredibly unique game that challenges players by immersing them in the perspective of a blind protagonist. Cassie, the main character, has been haunted by vivid dreams of a mysterious mansion. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a journey to explore the mansion in person. Yet, Cassie soon discovers that she is not alone in her exploration. A malevolent entity, known as the Presence, lurks in the shadows, relentlessly tracking her every move.

The game showcases a groundbreaking mechanic where players must rely on echolocation to navigate their surroundings. Using her cane, Cassie emits sound waves that serve as a visual aid for both her and the player. But here's the twist - with each use of echolocation, the Presence becomes closer, heightening the sense of fear and urgency. Players must strategically decide when to utilize this vision technique, balancing the desire to "see" with the utmost need for stealth and avoiding detection. This innovative mechanic has not only captivated players, but has also inspired other games to venture into similar territory. However, it's worth noting that the rest of the game falls short in comparison to the brilliance of this particular feature.