Resident Evil. Dead Space. Silent Hill. The great names of video game horror invoke memories of dark nights sitting too close to monitors, sweaty controllers, and even a few stifled screams. But many horror games slip by us. Stalking through the shadows, eyes aglow with fear, mischief, and violence. Not every game can have the same fame as Resident Evil -- but that doesn't mean you should miss them.
We here at IGN love a good scare, so we assembled a collection of obscure horror games you might not know about. If you adore horror games but already burned through the latest and greatest, consider giving these a try -- if you can find them all. They might not have the same visual spectacle or technical polish that you're used to, but they know what "scary" is all about. And some horrors never die.
If we missed your favorite obscure horror game, let the world know in the comments and share your favorite memories with the rest of the IGN universe.
Launched: 2012
For: PC
The most recent entry on our humble list, Lone Survivor used simple but effective retro visuals to tell the story of a diseased world and a single survivor attempting to keep safe and stay sane. Creepy, sad, and memorable.
Launched: 2007
For: PC
The Penumbra series followed the exploits of one man spurred on by a letter from his dead father. Facing otherworldly mysteries and terrible danger, Penumbra's protagonist must survive using stealthy care and a pinch of wit.
Launched: 2011
For: PSP
Corpse Party first took shape as an RPG Maker project before being fully developed into a retail game. Corpse Party followed the horrible experiences of a group of students pulled into a haunted high school. Despite its 2D visuals, Corpse Party articulated a gruesome, emotional world with fear lurking down every hallway.
Launched: 2009
For: PC
Guide six sisters to grandmother's house, and don't stray from the path. This surreal journey brimmed with disturbing imagery, intriguing characters, and themes from a classic fairy tale. Play it if you're looking for something a little unusual, and very creepy.
Launched: 2005
For: Xbox, PC
Based on the H.P. Lovecraft fiction, Dark Corners of the Earth used a slow burn mystery to build tension throughout the campaign before subjecting players to complete and utter horror. Prepare to feel powerless and alone.
Launched: 1995
For: PC
A point-and-click adventure developed during the popularity of live action games, Phantasmagoria featured a disturbing story and controversial scenes of violence. Shocking, considering the game's designer, Roberta Williams, was previously known for her work on King's Quest.
Launched: 1997
For: Sega Saturn, PC
Enemy Zero puts players in control of Laura Lewis, a crew member aboard a space craft teeming with invisible monsters. Using sound cues and careful timing as play devices, Enemy Zero horrified players and did so with a few nods to Ridley Scott's Alien films.
Launched: 2004
For: PlayStation 2
From the developers of Armored Core and Dark Souls (to name a few), Echo Night: Beyond set its scares in space. After a young couple is separated following a shuttle crash on the moon, players must search to find the protagonist's fiance while also dealing with the troubled spirits haunting the moon base.
Launched: 2007
For: Nintendo DS
A rare first-person horror for Nintendo's handheld, Dementium capitalized on its scary atmosphere with a single flashlight and limited ammo. Of course it's not easy to stay calm when you're roaming the dark halls of an abandoned asylum...
Launched: 2005
For: PlayStation 2
Haunting Ground introduced gamers to the beautiful Fiona Belli and her (cute) canine companion, Hewie. Haunting Ground tasked players with helping Fiona escape her imprisonment in a dangerous castle and deal with its psychotic inhabitants. Also, how adorable is Hewie?!
Launched: 2001
For: PC
That Clive Barker -- always causing problems! In Undying, players are invited to save a man from the cursed remains of his dead brothers and sisters. Gruesome, horrifying, and you get to shoot things with conventional weapons and magic spells.
Launched: 2006
For: PlayStation 2
Taking on the role of a young English woman named Jennifer, players must endure the threat of the Red Crayon Aristocrats -- a group of menacing children that demand monthly gifts. A surreal horror game inspired by the grim nature of classic fairy tales.
Ryan Clements writes for IGN and scares very easily. He could barely play Dead Space by himself because Necromorphs are freaky, yo. Follow him on Twitter at @PwamCider.
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