#5 Aliens Vs Predator 2

AVP 2, like its predecessor, was a game of three parts: the Alien, Predator and Marine campaigns. They were all readily distinguishable, but it was the marine segment that focused on fear. Playing as the Predator and Alien were empowering experiences, but in the shoes of a lowly soldier, the scares were escalated tenfold. So just how scary was it? Oh boy…

I first played it when I was twelve. What a mistake that was. Having been reduced to a gibbering wreck I found a welcome reprieve in gnawing away at my nails. It’s a habit that has stuck with me ever since. In that small way, AVP2 changed my life forever. I wouldn’t afford it too much importance though because, afterall, it’s just a game. And a scary one at that. I vividly recall glimpsing down at my motion tracker and seeing little beeping dots indicating enemy presence nearby. Following such an alert, I’d spray bullets wildly and screm loudly, daring anyone to get near me. Of course, they dared, and I died. Quite often actually. But what a game. If the singleplayer campaign had comprised solely of the Marine sections I’d never have got through it. The fact that it’s a relatively brief salvo means the tension is contained, and all the more impactful for it. What a game…

#4 Resident Evil

When it comes to frightfests, Resident Evil is a venerable classic. My first foray into Raccoon City (what a great name, by the way) was made all the more memorable by the shambling zombies and eerie atmosphere. It’s no surprise then that this cult classic has gone on to spawn sequels and movie-tie-ins because it’s unbridled survival horror at its very best.

It was a tough choice between this and Resident Evil 2, but ultimately I decided that Leon Kennedy’s outing was less raw, and ultimately less tense as a result.

#3 System Shock 2

It might look terrible, but System Shock 2 continues to frighten me to this day. The ominous Von Braun and the omnipresent SHODAN both stand out as hallmarks. Being able to create something genuinely creepy is often an art that can’t be singled out. It’s System Shock 2′s subtle, insidious and ultimately unsettling ploys that stay with you. This isn’t a game laden with cheap shock-tactics. It’s brimming with an eerie, dystopian undertone that is both skilfully crafted and extremely unsettling. Few games have matched its eeriness since; even fewer games can hope to achieve its depth.

#2 Resident Evil 4

I know that some people didn’t find Resident Evil 4 as scary as its predecessors, but I sure did. While I initially hated the control scheme, I learnt to appreciate it for the claustrophobia it provided. The game is constructed in such a way that you can’t help but feel panicked. It doesn’t have the tight controls of a Gears of War, but it ensures that you’re constantly on edge. During the moments of reprieve, you know the next shambling menace is only some minutes off and its here that you savor every breath you can take, since the next assault is sure to be as intense as the last. Chainsaw wielding zombies and a beautifully weighted difficulty mean that you’re constantly wondering how you’re going to get past the next section. But persevere you must. It’s as you wind down Resident Evil 4′s lengthy clock that you’ll find your breath continually taken away.

#1 Penumbra: Black Plague

This may be a baffling choice for some, but anyone who has played this budget adventure will know what I mean when I say that it is just about the scariest game I have ever played. The fact that it is made by a small team with a low budget is a testament to their craft and a statement to developers who feel they have to splash their cash.

Penumbra employs a clever phsyics system that means you can control every action through a realistic movement. Opening a drawer, for instance, is achieved by holding down the left mouse button and drawing it back. The phsyics, combined with brooding visuals and superb sound design are utterly dumbounding given the paultry numbers behind it.

One of the keys to Penumbra’s success is that you never feel empowered. You play a normal, everyday human who has little to no phyiscal attributes and is of no match to the foes who skulk for his blood. I emplore anyone with a half-decent PC and a passing interest in scares to sample this.

Notable mentions: Condemned, Silent Hill, Manhunt, F.E.A.R.

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About This Author: Edward Love

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