Best Classic Horror Games

Is it really that time again? Spooky season is in full swing, and there’s no better time of the year to dig into some classic horror games. Once a relatively niche genre, horror games have become a staple in modern times. Still, there’s something to be said for the pioneers of the genre. In many cases, the lower-powered tech resulted in something even scarier. Let’s check out some of the best classic horror games together. Um, you first.

Silent Hill

The recent remake of the second game in the series has brought Silent Hill back into the spotlight. It’s never really far from it, when it comes to horror games. The first game in the series might not be as popular as its follow-up, but the way it works within the PlayStation’s limitations is fascinating. By this point, the Resident Evil games were already pushing towards more action. Silent Hill‘s relatively weak protagonist and deeply psychological story set it apart immediately. That dedication to making the player feel vulnerable is what makes it one of the best classic horror games.

Resident Evil

Resident Evil is without question one of the best horror series in gaming, but is the original still one of the best classic horror games? The tank controls, forced angles, corny voice acting, and limited visuals might make it difficult for some to go back to. It certainly isn’t a smooth play. All of those things help sell it as the B-movie experience that it is, however. The awkward handling makes threats that much more panic-inducing. As silly as it is, the voice acting has become the stuff of meme legends for a reason. I don’t think any of us is above being startled by an expected zombie dog smashing through a window, however low-poly it may be.

System Shock

Oftentimes all a horror story needs is one good monster, and System Shock‘s SHODAN might be one of the best. An evil artificial intelligence gone rampant, it serves as the main antagonist of System Shock. This unusual blend of first-person action and horror adventure set the stage for countless homages and successors. The sequel is even stronger, but it’s worth revisiting the original game first. There’s even a very good remake available from Nightdive if you want a few of those modern touches.

Banshee’s Last Cry

Spike Chunsoft’s Super Famicom sound novel shows that a good ghost story is hard to beat. Banshee’s Last Cry paints its tale of terror with simple images, carefully selected words, and a strong soundscape. This murder mystery at a ski lodge will have you guessing up until the last minute. Of course, you’ll die many times on the way to that last minute. The many great horror visual novels we enjoy today all follow in the footsteps of this game. The only official English release was on mobile and is no longer available, unfortunately.

Uninvited

Part of the MacVenture series from ICOM Simulations, Uninvited gained greater popularity following the release of the NES port from Kemco. You’ve been in a car accident and your sibling is missing. The only sign of civilization around is an old mansion. Having never seen any horror movies before, you venture inside. Naturally, it’s haunted. Good luck with all of that. Uninvited is an oldie, but it’s still shockingly effective at making the player feel unsettled. Whether you play in its original monochrome form or opt for one of the ports, this is a great classic horror game.

Let us know what your favorite classic horror game is in the comments below!