10 Underrated Indie Horror Gems

As a seasoned horror game enthusiast and someone who’s had more than my fair share of sleepless nights thanks to these games, I must say, these three titles are absolute gems for those seeking a heart-pounding experience this Halloween season.

As Halloween approaches, gamers immerse themselves in their preferred scary video games, whether it’s to revisit old fears or to pass on those chilling experiences to others.

Some gamers take advantage of the busy gaming season to explore less popular indie titles, appreciating the efforts of these independent developers while also experiencing new thrills.

Independent horror video games, such as the notorious Five Nights at Freddy’s, can gain popularity and even become familiar titles within households.

Less recognized treasures, these other games often tell tales that go unacknowledged. Just because they may be less popular doesn’t make them any less worthy of admiration. In fact, some of these lesser-known horror games can be downright frightening compared to big-budget titles.

If you’re into independent games, love a good scare, or just feel like getting spooked, here are some overlooked indie horror jewels.

10 Iron Lung

It’s Dark Down Here…

The Iron Lung is a distinctive and chilling event that’s been making headlines recently due to YouTube gamer Markiplier planning to turn it into a movie.

The game centres around a character, a man imprisoned aboard a submarine, navigating through an ocean tinged with blood. His goal is to snap photographs at specific locations to secure his release. Though the objective appears straightforward, a significant doubt lingers beneath the surface: Are you really sailing solo?

In this game, the terror lies in the unsettling quietness, punctuated by the subdued hum of being submerged, the occasional click of the submarine’s mechanisms, and at times, an eerie noise that seems out of place.

As players delve deeper into the eerie, submerged terrain where mysteries multiply with each glimpse, they encounter a fear that remains unmatched. This chilling journey only intensifies the eagerness for Markiplier’s adaptation to unfold.

9 The Glass Staircase

A VHS Zombie Horror Epic

Puppet Combo is recognized for designing throwback-themed horror video games, reminiscent of classic horror movies, providing a unique blend of fear and nostalgia in the gaming experience.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for “The Glass Staircase,” a heartfelt homage to the timeless Resident Evil series and Italian zombie films. In this gripping adventure, you assume the role of four distinct servant maids, each facing a chilling encounter with a terrifying beast that preys upon them one by one. The creature remains elusive throughout most of the game, heightening the suspense as you work tirelessly to safeguard their lives while unraveling the enigma behind its creation.

This hidden gem in the Puppet Combo library is heavily influenced by classic PS1 horror games, delivering a chilling atmosphere and fitting music that gives it a nostalgic, nearly forgotten feel. Ideal for enthusiasts of Halloween and the horror genre alike.

8 Ikai

Atmospheric Japanese Folklore and Superstition

Enthusiasts of Japanese folklore and terrifying tales of the supernatural are bound to find themselves satisfied, as Ikai promises to cater to their interests.

In this game, we follow the story of Naoko, a Shinto shrine attendant known as a “Miko” in Japanese, who is tasked with safeguarding the sacred shrine grounds from malevolent spirits and yokai. Set in ancient Japan, the game abounds with superstitions and mystical beliefs.

Japanese horror often emphasizes tales of spirits and ghosts, with Ikai being no different. This production offers a chilling and ominous atmosphere, effectively conveying the unsettling sensation of being tormented by supernatural entities.

The situation feels intense, nerve-wracking, and uneasy. Regrettably, some of the startling moments may seem low budget, but the overall creepy ambiance compensates generously for this.

7 Darkwood

Genuine Survival Horror

One of the most common and horrifying fears for human beings is the fear of the woods, and Darkwood takes that concept to a horrifying new angle. By focusing on hunting/gathering and boarding up a shelter for survival, this indie game cemented itself as a fan-favorite.

In this game, the creatures are truly terrifying and disquieting; it’s clearly best to avoid being captured by them. The narrative may seem bizarre at times, but the execution is impressively skillful.

In this game, what really creates the fear is the sense of tension and foreboding. Certainly, the monsters are terrifying, but what makes the experience truly nerve-wracking is that you must constantly evade them, adding to the suspense of the encroaching shadows.

There’s something distinctly terrifying about being alone in the woods and struggling to survive, knowing a deadly monster could appear any minute.

6 Detention

Taiwanese School After Hours

After dark, a school transforms into an eerie and unfamiliar place, creating a sense of discomfort for those who find themselves there. In this respect, it takes on a ‘threshold’ quality, making even the most courageous individuals feel uneasy when they linger within its boundaries.

In the game titled “Detention,” created by Red Candle Games, they cleverly use the setting to its full potential. Set in 1960s Taiwan during the tumultuous period known as the “White Terror,” this chilling 2D horror game will send shivers down your spine. It skillfully blends elements from this tense historical era with Taiwanese (and thereby Chinese) religion and folklore, creating a distinctly eerie experience.

Combined with wonderfully dark storytelling, Detention is a must-play for horror fans.

5 FAITH: The Unholy Trilogy

An 8-Bit Nightmare Experience

In contrast to some horrors, those that revolve around religious themes may not resonate as strongly for certain individuals. Yet, the horror film “FAITH: The Unholy Trinity” successfully tackles this idea effectively.

The tales trace the path of former priest John Ward following his unsuccessful exorcism endeavor. Spanning over three games, each one is equally captivating as its predecessor.

The game adopts a distinctive, pixelated aesthetic across all aspects, such as sounds, rotoscoped animations, and artificial voiceovers. It’s heavily influenced by the Eighties Satanic Panic, evident in its dark narrative tone.

Beyond boasting an engagingly terrifying aesthetic with its chilling horror motifs and intriguing monster concept, the narrative of FAITH is captivating. It masterfully explores the human aspects of religious terror, offering insights that other tales of demonic possession could learn from.

4 The Convenience Store

Liminal and Paranormal Japanese Horror

Chilla’s Art is recognized as a Japanese independent game developer who specializes in creating retro, horror games reminiscent of the PlayStation 1 era. Some popular examples of their work include Parasocial and The Closing Shift.

As a dedicated gamer, I must confess that among the plethora of games I’ve played, The Convenience Store stands out as one of the more chilling and underestimated additions to my collection. The game revolves around me, a college girl, working late nights at my neighborhood convenience store. The encounters with customers are peculiar, to say the least, but it’s the strange occurrences within the store that truly leave me on edge.

Enthusiasts of the horror series, Ju-On (The Grudge) will find themselves delighted by this game, as it shares a ghostly narrative reminiscent of its own. The chills are abundant with supernatural dread and Japanese folklore, offering an exceptional, unique indie gaming experience.

3 Lost in Vivo

A Claustrophobic Panic Attack

The game titled “Lost in Vivo” is a chilling psychological horror experience that skillfully handles feelings of claustrophobia and deserves even more appreciation for doing so.

If a player’s companion service dog gets pushed into a storm drain during heavy rain, the game undergoes a dramatic change, as symbolized by various characters and creatures that the player may encounter afterwards.

With strong influences from the original Silent Hill series, the game “Lost in Vivo” gives off a chilling sensation of suffocation. Its tone is subtly tightening like a serpent coil around the player’s neck – it’s an unsettling narrative matched with equally disturbing graphics. The pace and ambiance are genuinely terrifying, employing elements that Silent Hill has always executed masterfully.

If you’re seeking a game that evokes the intensity of a real-life panic attack, “Lost in Vivo” offers a thrilling encounter designed to induce fear.

2 The Mortuary Assistant

Fear of the Dead, Death, and Dying

Fear is subjective, which is why the horror genre is so hard to tackle effectively, especially in a video game that gives players complete control over the outcome. It’s difficult to create something that would scare basically everyone who plays it — but The Mortuary Assistant is terrifying.

People typically feel uneasy about death and dead bodies, and this psychological horror game intensifies and explores that innate, biological apprehension.

The main character, Rebecca, is a novice mortician eager to start her career. The narrative unfolds as she encounters her initial tough night at work. Contrary to expectations, the game proves to be quite demanding, requiring players to juggle various tasks and elements effectively. The outcome can vary significantly depending on the player’s decisions, offering several possible endings.

Many fears in this game originate from areas just beyond the player’s direct view, adding an unsettling layer to the experience. The game’s chilling atmosphere is remarkably potent, making it a great pick for those seeking a spine-tingling adventure during the spooky season.

1 Devotion

A Layered Family Tragedy

This overlooked treasure, regrettably entangled in controversy over censorship and criticism, tragically found itself removed from platforms like Steam and various websites for a period.

In the gaming world, I can’t help but highly recommend Red Candle Games’ masterpiece, “Devotion.” This captivating narrative unfurls around the Du Family in 1980s Taiwan. It’s a heart-wrenching tale that dives deep into the realms of remorse, sorrow, anguish, and despair. Each emotional layer is carefully woven into the next, painting a profoundly dismal picture of their story.

In this game, you’ll unravel a secretive enigma by solving intriguing puzzles, filled with symbolic hints and gripping tension. Despite the minor uproar it once caused, it’s an experience worth exploring and appreciating.

This tale is exceptionally captivating, featuring chilling imagery that promises an unforgettable adventure for those fortunate enough to engage in it.

2024-10-08 15:09