Last year certainly gave the gift of the spook!
2022 was a year for some amazing titles in the horror genre and whether you’re a horror gamer or not, you’re bound to have played at least one!
From as early as February we were gifted with themes of paranormal, cryptids, zombies and more.
Here’s a breakdown of some notable titles of 2022.
Evil Dead: The Game
Based on the ‘Evil Dead’ franchise, gamers were able to play as their favourite character as evil was unleashed from the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, a book compiled by The Dark Ones of prophecies, funerary incantations and demon resurrection passages.
Players link up with team members to loot the environment to battle the enemies out for blood. The maps include scenes from the films and there are more than 25 weapons to discover across the locations. Equipped with one liners, the playable characters (whether from the evil side or forces of good) will have you coming back for more.
It does however, come with tad bit of a learning curve and isn’t a super easy game to pick up and start playing right away. But with a bit of patience and a whole lot of swinging your weapon around in hopes of conking out an enemy player, Evil Dead: The Game is a fun play with opportunity to play for hours on end, solo or with friends.
The Quarry
Now no spoilers, but The Quarry gives it all.
A mystery creature, summer camp adventures, teenage shenanigans and home-alone-without-supervision vibes! The Quarry allows gamers to choose their own adventure through a series of timed decisions based on character relationships, survival and sacrifice.
READ MORE: The spookiest games releasing in 2023
No two players experience the same story as the butterfly effect takes you on a bespoke gaming journey with 186 possible endings. You decide how many players survive the night based solely on your decisions, quick thinking and even quicker fingers. Those QTEs (quick time events) are no joke. One miss step and it could be all over for a character. Yes, the instant regret is real in this one!
The Devil In Me
Not one, but TWO smash horror hits came from Supermassive Games this year. First we got The Quarry, then we received The Devil in Me later in 2022. In true Dark Pictures Anthology nature, another mystery is brewing for a camera crew venturing off on a secret and mysterious mission to capture a murderous mansion and it’s history on film.
What they find there is all horror, no brakes. Filled with QTEs, timing decisions and cobwebs to boot, The Devil In Me gave horror fans another chance at saving all the characters. However don’t fret, the replay-ability of this title is just as strong as others in the series and allows for all sorts of new adventures each new play.
How many will you save this time?
The Mortuary Assistant
How goes that old saying? Here for a good time not a long time? Well that’s exactly what players got with this title. Lasting less than two hours, this horror puzzle game still packed a punch of the spookies.
Playing as a new apprentice inside the River Fields Mortuary, Rebecca must complete her job with the deceased all the while staying alive from whatever lurks outside..and inside.
This game is satisfying in the way it can be devoured in one sitting and is actually really good to watch streamed by your streamer of choice, too. If you’re one for horror themes mixed in with puzzles and jump scares, then this title is for you.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
You wouldn’t have guessed it, but you play this game in Tokyo. The population of the city has disappeared all of a sudden and Tokyo has been overrun with supernatural forces just asking for your special knuckle sandwich.
This title allows for exploration through the streets of Japan completing main quests and side quests too.
The visual design has been described as one of the best on the gaming market, as players have really taken to the story of the game and just simply the gameplay itself.
It’s atmospheric and charming, something different to add to your horror collection.
Madison
If you’re more of a psychological horror game fan, you’ve probably crushed Madison. Playing as the main character Luca, a demon by the name of Madison has forced you to finish a bloodthirsty ritual that was started many, many years prior. It has gore, demons, and characters you either don’t want to interact with..or do. The jump scares and puzzles that Madison offers makes for a really enjoyable horror title. Getting too comfortable isn’t an option however, because the spookies are always lurking around the corner.
Martha is Dead
You thought Madison was a decent psychological horror game, well hold Martha’s beer. Martha is Dead is based in 1944 in Italy and Guilia’s sister Martha has been found deceased.
Guilia must come to terms with her sister’s passing by finding out the truth while grappling with the horrific war that draws near. This title isn’t for a faint of heart as it contains uncomfortable scenes for some gamers, so player discretion is advised. The graphics have been commended in Martha is Dead, even if it’s a gory sight to behold.
Finding out the truth through main quests with the addition of some side quests, horror fans might want to take a look at Martha is Dead. Just maybe don’t eat while playing. Thank me later.
READ MORE: Aussie game creators want your rental horror stories for new video game
Did you smash many of these titles last year? Maybe even this year?
Horror games aren’t for everyone as not every gamer loves their heart beating out of their chest and their hands dripping with sweat while playing a videogame for enjoyment.
But for the brave out there, these are only some of the golden titles released last year.
Fast forward to this year 2023, we are seeing even more titles released in the horror and thriller genre that will undoubtedly be nail biters.
Maybe don’t play at 3am while no ones home… Again, thank me later.
