Cosmic horror, with its emphasis on the unknown and the incomprehensible, has a unique place in the world of video games. These games plunge players into eerie atmospheres, confronting them with mind-bending entities and existential dread. Here are 10 cosmic horror video games you should definitely play in 2024 to experience the chilling embrace of the unknown.
1. Bloodborne
Developer: FromSoftware
Release Year: 2015
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
“Bloodborne” is a masterpiece that perfectly blends cosmic horror with Gothic themes. Set in the decrepit city of Yharnam, players take on the role of a Hunter tasked with uncovering the mysteries of a blood-borne disease. The game’s atmosphere, inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s works, is deeply unsettling. Players encounter grotesque creatures and unravel a narrative filled with cosmic gods and eldritch horrors that challenge their perception of reality. The intricate lore, combined with the punishing gameplay and haunting visuals, makes “Bloodborne” a must-play for cosmic horror enthusiasts.
2. Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
Developer: Headfirst Productions
Release Year: 2005
Platforms: PC, Xbox
“Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth” immerses players in a narrative heavily influenced by Lovecraft’s mythos. Set in the 1920s, players explore the eerie town of Innsmouth, uncovering dark secrets and facing unspeakable horrors. The game combines first-person shooter mechanics with survival horror elements, creating a tense and atmospheric experience. The sanity mechanic adds a layer of psychological horror, as the protagonist’s mental state deteriorates when confronted with cosmic horrors.
3. The Sinking City
Developer: Frogwares
Release Year: 2019
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
In “The Sinking City,” players step into the shoes of Charles Reed, a private investigator in the 1920s, who arrives in the city of Oakmont to uncover the source of nightmarish visions. The city is plagued by floods and otherworldly creatures, drawing heavily from Lovecraftian lore. The game features an open-world exploration, where players solve mysteries and face off against cosmic entities. The oppressive atmosphere and intricate storytelling make it a standout title in the cosmic horror genre.
4. Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Developer: Frictional Games
Release Year: 2010
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
“Amnesia: The Dark Descent” is renowned for its ability to instill fear through atmosphere and psychological horror. Players awaken in a desolate castle with no memory and must navigate its dark corridors while evading terrifying creatures. The game’s sanity mechanic, which affects the player’s perception as they encounter horrors, adds to the feeling of helplessness and dread. The narrative slowly unravels a tale of forbidden knowledge and cosmic terror that grips players from start to finish.
5. Darkest Dungeon
Developer: Red Hook Studios
Release Year: 2016
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
“Darkest Dungeon” combines turn-based combat with Lovecraftian horror, creating a unique and challenging experience. Players manage a group of adventurers exploring the depths of a haunted estate filled with eldritch abominations. The game’s stress system, where characters can suffer from various afflictions due to the horrors they face, adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. The grim atmosphere and relentless difficulty make “Darkest Dungeon” a compelling choice for fans of cosmic horror.
6. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
Developer: Silicon Knights
Release Year: 2002
Platforms: GameCube
“Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem” is a classic that introduced innovative mechanics to the horror genre. The game spans different eras and characters, each connected by the Tome of Eternal Darkness. The sanity effects, which distort the game world and interface as characters encounter horrors, are particularly notable. These effects range from subtle changes to outright breaking the fourth wall, creating a deeply immersive and unsettling experience that stays true to cosmic horror themes.
7. Soma
Developer: Frictional Games
Release Year: 2015
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
“Soma” explores themes of consciousness and identity within a cosmic horror framework. Set in an underwater research facility, players uncover a narrative filled with existential dread and philosophical questions. The game’s atmosphere is heavy with tension, and the story delves into the nature of human existence in a universe indifferent to their plight. “Soma” eschews traditional jump scares for a more psychological approach, making it a thought-provoking and chilling experience.
8. Dusk
Developer: David Szymanski
Release Year: 2018
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
“Dusk” pays homage to classic first-person shooters while incorporating elements of cosmic horror. Players battle through hordes of cultists and nightmarish creatures in rural America, with the game’s story hinting at ancient, otherworldly evils. The fast-paced gameplay and retro aesthetic, combined with a dark and oppressive atmosphere, make “Dusk” a thrilling blend of action and horror that keeps players on edge from start to finish.
9. Sunless Sea
Developer: Failbetter Games
Release Year: 2015
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
“Sunless Sea” is a narrative-driven game set in the dark, subterranean ocean of Fallen London. Players command a steamship, exploring the eerie and mysterious waters filled with Lovecraftian horrors and bizarre societies. The game’s rich storytelling and the constant threat of madness and death create a deeply immersive experience. Decisions have weighty consequences, and the unknown lurks at every corner, making each voyage a harrowing journey into the depths of cosmic horror.
10. Cthulhu Saves the World
Developer: Zeboyd Games
Release Year: 2010
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360
“Cthulhu Saves the World” offers a humorous twist on the cosmic horror genre. This retro-style RPG follows Cthulhu, who must regain his powers by becoming a true hero. Despite its comedic tone, the game still features elements of Lovecraftian lore and cosmic entities. The clever writing, nostalgic gameplay, and unique premise make it a delightful yet eerie experience for fans of the genre.
Cosmic horror games offer a unique blend of existential dread and mind-bending terror, challenging players to confront the unknown and the incomprehensible. The titles listed above provide a diverse range of experiences, from psychological horror and narrative-driven adventures to action-packed shooters and strategic RPGs. Each game captures the essence of cosmic horror in its own way, making them essential plays for fans of the genre in 2024.
Whether you’re exploring the decaying streets of Yharnam in “Bloodborne” or diving into the depths of Fallen London in “Sunless Sea,” these games promise to deliver chills and thrills that linger long after the screen goes dark. So, prepare yourself for a journey into the unknown and brace for the cosmic horrors that await.
Have you played any of these cosmic horror games? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this list with fellow horror enthusiasts!
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