Summary
While horror games existed long before the PlayStation 1’s existence, the release of Sony’s console ushered in a new era of terrifying titles, offering new, scarier experiences. Although the console is now relatively old and outdated, even (to the dismay of some gamers) being demoted to “retro” status, there are still a number of worthy titles that keep the PS1 relevant.
Many games were released on multiple platforms, and became so popular that they warranted remakes or remasters on newer consoles - take theResident Evilfranchise, for example - but others remained exclusive to the original PlayStation. These are some of thebest horror games only available on the PS1.
This list does not include PS1 titles that are available to play reverse compatibly on other consoles via the PSN store, such asSilent Hill(1999),Clock Tower(1996), andParasite Eve.This list will also include survival horror games.
9Clock Tower 2: The Struggle Within / Clock Tower: Ghost Head
A Point-And-Click Horror Adventure
Clock Tower 2: The Struggle Within(orClock Tower: Ghost Headin Japan) is the third entry of theClock Towerfranchise. The player takes on the role of high school student Alyssa, afflicted with an evil alter-ego, visiting her father’s friends. When her cousin is found dead, they must control both Alyssa and her alter-ego to investigate the house and discover the truth about her family.
Although not one of the most polished games in the series,The Struggle Withingained somewhat of a cult following and deserves a spot on this list for its contribution topoint-and-click horroradventure gaming. The game even has a whopping 13 potential endings.
Today, FromSoftware is most widely associated with theDark Soulsfranchise (and the subsequent popularization of “Soulslike” games), as well as newer titles likeElden RingandSekiro. As such, their earlier titles fly, undeservedly, under the radar.
Shadow Toweris a dungeon crawler where the player must fight demons to rescue his hometown after it is pulled into the underworld. Amid the satisfying and simple gameplay are some genuinely disturbing monster designs that make turning every corner a nerve-wracking experience.
7…Iru!
Escape School, And Whatever Is Stalking Its Hallways
…Iru!is a survivalhorror game set in a school. The player takes on the role of a young exchange student, Tatsuya, who finds himself trapped with other students who stay behind to finish festival preparations. The catch is that dangerous monsters are roaming the building, killing everyone in their path. The player must escape by exploring, completing puzzles, and hiding from threats.
Although survival horror games are now much more advanced in terms of graphics and mechanics,…Iru!is still a worthy contributor to the genre and an interesting, shorter experience for fans of the likes ofWhite Day: A Labyrinth Named School.
6Countdown Vampires
Rescue Survivors Of A Strange Vampire Epidemic
Countdown Vampiresbegins in a horror-themed casino when a strange liquid from the sprinklers begins turning everyone into vampires. It has all the cheese of a PS1 action game - a shirtless buff protagonist, fun gunplay, and a cliché backdrop - without overpowering the horror aspect.
The player, a bodyguard, must kill the vampires, or use “white water” to cure them. There is also a variety of other enemies, including werewolves, giant insects, and bats. Despite accusations ofripping offResident Evil,from its timed sections to camera angles and combat,Capcom would later acquire K2 to work on their games.
Galeriansis a sci-fi survival horror game following Rion, who has woken up with amnesia and brand-new psychic powers. Fighting their way through the hospital, the player will discover where his powers have come from, and just how dangerous they are.
This entry differs from a lot of other games of its era and discourages combat, offering no experience or items upon killing enemies.Galeriansis one of many great horror games, likeSomaandSystem Shock,that explore the risks of developing technology and artificial intelligence.
4Mizzurna Falls
Solve A Mysterious Disappearance Before Time Is Up
Gamers familiar with Human Entertainment will likely associate the developer with theClock Towerseries or their myriad of sporting games. However, they have developed some other fantastic games, including theTwin Peaks-inspired horror mystery,Mizzurna Falls.
In this game, Matthew Williams must search the titular town for his missing classmate amidst other mysterious goings-on. The player only has seven days to uncover the truth, with each NPC having its own routine, meaning thatMizzurna Fallshashigh replay valueif players want to experience all events and endings. Overall, this is a dark and grim title with a lot to offer for a PS1 game.
Fear Effectfollows three mercenaries, each a playable character, attempting to find and kidnap a triad mob boss’s missing daughter for ransom. The mission goes awry, and the player must navigate both human and supernatural threats when they are thrust into hell.
The health bar, or “fear meter”, can be replenished by executing stealth kills and completing puzzles, meaning players are forced to use different types of playstyles.Fear Effectisnotoriously difficult, at times brutal, but stands out as one of the more tension-filled and visually unique PS1 titles. Despite a remake being announced in 2017, it was later canceled, leavingFear Effectin 2000.
2Echo Night
Investigate A Nautical Mystery With Some Chilling Surprises
Another FromSoftware entry,Echo Nightis an intriguing rendition of a survival horror game. After discovering a secret crawlspace at his father’s recently burnt-down house, the protagonist, Richard Osmand, finds himself embarking on an ominous journey into the past. The player must explore a ship haunted by friendly and hostile ghosts, saving spirits while managing resources.
The interweaving of storylines is compelling in its own right, but whereEcho Nightreally exceeds is in ambiance. With a day and night cycle, a range of interesting locations, and different ghost designs, this is a must-play for gamers who enjoy all things Victorian Gothic.
Alienis a well-known title in the world of horror - a franchise complete with numerous films, books, and games stemming from the original 1979 movie by Ridley Scott. WhileAlien: Isolationis today praised as one of thescariest stealth horror games, its precursor was just as terrifying.
Alien: Resurrectionis based on its film counterpart, primarily following Ellen Ripley in her attempt to escape the USM Auriga that has become overrun with escaped Xenomorphs. The player can use a range of awesome weapons, from flamethrower to grenade-launcher, but despite being more combat-focused than the 2014 game, Alien: Resurrectionstill inspires the same spine-tingling dread as newer titles.
