Comments on: Oh God, Just Turn It Off: Three Horror Video Games That Scared the Crap Out of Me

By: gray

gray — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:17:56 +0000

should try “Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth”. it’s the kinda game that’s made more frightening because of the controls, and you can’t stop to look at whats chasing you or you’re dead.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:45:57 +0000

I once read a book full of short horror stories when I was younger, each having an inevitable twist of some kind by the end. One was in first person and by the end of it the person retelling the story is talking directly to you and getting quite threatening. They then tell you to read the first word of every sentence from the beginning of the story.
And that’s the end.
When you read the first word of each sentence as prescribed you discover a message that gave me chills as a young teenager.

Not quite what your Mum read (made up?) but reminded me of it.

By: Gore Motel

Gore Motel — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:45:42 +0000

The Path sounds awesome.

Eternal Darkness was also just outstanding. I thought the Sanity meter was great, added a whole new layer to the game, plus, I intentionally made myself go insane sometimes just to see what the game would do.

I would like to throw my hat into the ring for Dead Space and Dead Space 2 (I didn’t finish Dead Space 2, but only because fighting your dead girlfriend at the end is an exercise in cheap, frustrating death.) because they are thick with atmosphere. The game understands jump scares, with loud bangs and industrial noises blending with the actual sounds of monsters that will TOTALLY sneak up behind you, because, hey, you should have been paying attention.

By: mike cupcake

mike cupcake — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 00:55:13 +0000

I'll add a second vote to checking out SCP 087, I replayed it last night and it is simple but terrifying. The fiction it's based on is fantastic too. More scary gaming posts - yes please!

By: Sara Clemens

Sara Clemens — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:39:49 +0000

@Charlene – That sounds awesome! What an example of the internet’s greatness – my must-play list just doubled thanks to you guys.

@thenottakenname – Thanks for your two cents, I’ll definitely pick it up. Always glad to get recs from real people. Reviews can only get you so far.

By: thenottakenname

thenottakenname — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:49:43 +0000

@Sara – If you liked the first one, then you’ll definitely like this one. Everything has been improved upon greatly, while playing out similar to the first.

By: Charlene

Charlene — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 06:03:32 +0000

Eternal Darkness sounds like Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth with the insanity thing only there is no HUD. You have to pay attention to your heart beat/breathing, splint broken legs, and the character will commit suicide if too unsettled.

My friend had it and I was too scared to actually play but loved watching

By: Sara Clemens

Sara Clemens — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 02:41:38 +0000

@thenottakenname – I knew it probably wasn’t scary, since the first one wasn’t, but I really dug Alice and the sequel is going for cheap these days, so I’ve been thinking about giving it a go. Thanks for your input; it sounds much like the first, which is right up my alley.

By: thenottakenname

thenottakenname — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 20:53:27 +0000

@Sara – Alice: Madness Returns is a half decent game, fun if you love surreal and dark scenery, as well as all the wild characters. However, it’s not a scary game, if that’s what you’re asking.

By: Sara Clemens

Sara Clemens — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:24:14 +0000

@banditone – I totally hear you on Bioshock. I was freaked out start to finish. I’m not sure it’s construed as a horror game, though, which is the reason I didn’t consider it for the article. You’re not the first to recommend F.E.A.R. to me; I’ve heard some really good things. I remember when it came out and I totally ignored it because I thought the name was stupid. Which probably means I’m a jerk, ha!

@Lauren – I played the first Fatal Frame and it was certainly successful at being ridiculously horrific. Can’t wait to try not to cry while playing the second. I get being scared even as a passive observer. I have gotten utterly terrified while watching my husband play Silent Hill 4. PS everyone, that’s the one I didn’t finish.

@Steve – Thank you, it’s a pleasure having commenters like you! Thanks also for your thoughts on The Path. I bet being the parent to daughters brings about a whole other level of horror. And I absolutely agree with you about its artistic merit; it’s almost more of an experience than a game. In a great way.