1. SOMA
From the creators of
Amnesia: The Dark Descent, SOMA is an atmospheric sci-fi horror game set deep underwater. Playing from the first-person perspective, Amnesia almost feels like a walking simulator (in a good way) with how much story and exposition it has. The game also gives you no weapons to fight with, which amps up the feelings of vulnerability and caution while playing.
2. Alien: Isolation
Another must play,
Alien: Isolation takes place chronologically after the events of the original movie. You take on the role of Ripley's daughter trying to figure out what happened to her mother.
There's no running and gunning in
Alien as most of your time is spent sneaking around, trying to stay out of sight from androids and aliens. The excellent visual and audio design of the game keeps you on your toes and the tension high. A slight noise from the vents or the flicker of a screen is all it takes to make you feel uneasy.
3. >Observer_
Something a bit different from the previous two titles,
Observer has you playing as a new type of detective called an Observer in a futuristic cyberpunk setting. Observers can enter the minds and memories of suspects looking for clues, which makes up the bulk of the game. Entering peoples minds also serves as a way to mix up the setting and get into some pretty weird stuff.
4. Doki Doki Literature Club
Don't be put off by the visuals of
Doki Doki Literature Club; it's one of the most interesting games in a long time. It's best to go into the game blind so I won't say much other than to recommend it. A full playthrough won't take too long and can be played in a single sitting.
5. Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Rounding out the list is
Amnesia, one of the most popular horror games of all time, and for good reason. It will have you running for you life or cowering in fear. Similar to
Alien: Isolation, it absolutely nails the atmosphere to keep the player in a sense of unease or adrenaline pumping fear. Thankfully there are some breaks from this during gameplay in form of puzzles. They aren't too difficult but they are a nice reprieve.
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