Summary
Most players assume thatpuzzle gamesare laid-back experiences that don’t pressure the player as they take their sweet time to solve certain brain teasers. This may be true in the majority of cases, but most puzzle game developers know that their experiences won’t be memorable without an “It” factor.
This is accomplished in many ambitious puzzle games withtheintegration of horror elements. This can either be in the form of chilling surprises or a growing sense of dread as players make progress in these titles, solving puzzles that slowly reveal their terrifying nature by the time the credits roll.
Catherineis one of the most experimental games ever made by Atlus, forsaking their JRPG expertise to try out something different with a new engine. A game that involves scary nightmares, the charms of a succubus, and the exploration of relationships,Catherineis a blast to play through once players get over the difficulty curve.
The game’s block-stacking puzzles remain fresh and challenging throughout the experience, especially when Vincent is chased down by massive apparitions of his real-life problems that will horrify the player. It’s easy to make mistakes when these monstrosities make their appearance known, which is why players need to keep a cool head no matter what this game throws their way.
One of the most immersive and rewarding video games ever made,Outer Wildskeeps its cardsclose to its chest as players slowly figure out the mystery of this small universe and how its events are connected. Players will find hints in some locations to help them make progress in other places, uncovering a brilliant mystery in the process.
A huge part of what makesOuter Wildsso immersive is its downplayed horror elements that come out of nowhere to shock the player. This is especially true in theEchoes of the EyeDLC, which can be so scary that the game gives players an option to reduce the frights so that they can focus on the puzzles without needing to change their pants with every scare.
It’s a shame that Playdead’s internal strife will prevent players from enjoying more immersiveside-scrolling puzzle games likeLimbo. This title loves to lull players into a false sense of security before shocking them with horrifying sights and surprisingly brutal deaths.
From invasive mind worms to massive spiders,Limbois full of imposing threats that can cause players to make mistakes because of their horrifying nature. The fact that the game’s atmosphere is so sinister despite the colors being so muted is a testament to the brilliance behind this game’s development.
It’s easy to labelBendy and the Ink Machineas a cheap game with numerous jumpscares, but there’s more to this title than meets the eye. Puzzles are a huge part of this game, as players strive to make progress as Henry Stein, an animator.
Henry explores his old workplace only to discover that the Ink Machine is causing havoc with supernatural phenomena. The game’s amazing esthetics were inspired by theBioShockfranchise, making it clear why the simple act of moving from one area to another was so unnerving for players.
Players who expectedReturn of the Obra Dinnto be a creative detective game that let them solve cases at their own pace will be left shocked after a vision in the early game that shows a terrifying Kraken attack on the titular ship. It’s only a matter of time before the game’s Lovecraftian themes come to the foreground as the investigator pieces together the nature of the tragedies on the Obra Dinn.
Lucas Pope strikes again with a game that boasts retro visuals and an amazing atmosphere that helps every death feel unique. Reliving the last moments of the crew before their demise paints a harrowing picture and hammers home the madness that struck the ship on this ill-fated journey.
3The Room 4: Old Sins
An Escape-The-Room Style Puzzle Game With A Dark And Brooding Ambiance
The Roomis a series of fun puzzle games made specifically for mobile phones as players interact with numerous puzzles that involve them figuring out how to open certain contraptions. The puzzles are perfectly balanced and elevated by the game’s creepy vibes.
Every game in this series takes place in dark, abandoned structures with a ton of backstory, andThe Room 4: Old Sinsis no exception here. The title features a refreshing take onthe escape-the-room style puzzlesas players explore Waldegrave Manor and interact with a dollhouse to slowly uncover the tragedy that befell here.
Insideis one of the greatest video games ever made, improving on every element of Playdead’s previous game to make for an unforgettable experience. Despite being rather short,Insidemakes more of an impact on players than most AAA titles that last for hours upon hours.
The puzzles are simple yet tense as players try to circumvent dangers that can brutally kill their character. The cherry on top of this game’s immaculate experience isan ending sequence that will shock playersand recontextualize their actions up to that point.
Little Nightmares 2builds upon the atmosphere and puzzle-solving of the first game, letting players control a brand-new protagonist as they explore chilling environments and are chased by horrifying monstrosities.
The plot has some striking revelations that will shock players. The amazing visual design and engaging puzzles ensure that players are on the edge of their seats throughout the game. Mono is a precious protagonist, and players will feel a connection to this young boy as they help him navigatethe horrors of the Pale City.
