7 Kaiju Horror Games You NEED To Play

Summary

True kaiju horror games are lacking in Western markets, with few titles offering the experience of being hunted by monstrous creatures.
Games like Little Nightmares, Call of Cthulhu, and Subnautica provide horror experiences revolving around giant, unsettling beasts.
City Shrouded In Shadow is inaccessible to many, but stands out as the best kaiju horror game, featuring creatures from popular Japanese franchises.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say “Kaiju” translates to ‘strange beasts’, a term often associated with Japanese media that features massive monsters of unfathomable might. When you hear ‘Kaiju’, your mind might wander to Godzilla, King Kong, or Ultraman, characters known for their whimsical spin but underlying them is the chilling reality of these indestructible forces of nature laying waste to cities without a hint of remorse or any possible means of stopping them. It’s a thrill that sends shivers down your spine.

Although giant monster (kaiju) horror games are widely popular and often carry an undercurrent of fear, there’s a noticeable scarcity of authentic kaiju horror games, particularly in the Western gaming market. This compilation focuses on games that, while not strictly adhering to Japanese kaiju lore, offer players an immersive horror experience featuring colossal, enigmatic creatures, most of which cannot be destroyed by the player.

1. Little Nightmares

Everything Is Scary When You’re Small

The game series “Little Nightmares” is popular among gamers who appreciate horror. In each game, players take charge of either Six or Mono and navigate through challenges involving puzzles and platforming to endure the terrors that lurk in every nook. These terrors are immense, distorted humanoid beings with different degrees of deformity, who appear determined to annihilate the player relentlessly.

In these games, non-traditional monstrous entities serve as relentless pursuers for players, creating an experience reminiscent of battling colossal creatures. The chilling ambiance throughout the game evokes a sense of unavoidable terror that appeals to fans who enjoy horror, problem-solving, and kaiju themes alike.

2. Call Of Cthulhu

The Unknowable Made Real

In the universe crafted by H.P. Lovecraft, Call of Cthulhu primarily revolves around exploring mysteries, revealing hidden truths, and encountering horrifying entities that dwell on the fringes of existence. Though these entities aren’t the central focus for most of the game, the presence of the ancient deity, Cthulhu, pervades every instance, and its emergence at the game’s conclusion is bone-chilling.

You can’t fully explore the genre of horror without encountering numerous games inspired by Lovecraft, and ‘Call of Cthulhu’ serves as a prime example of how to do it effectively. Though not flawless, it offers a thrilling experience for aficionados of adventure and horror gaming, and the terrifying creatures that menace the main character would fit seamlessly among some of Japan’s most unsettling kaiju.

3. Bramble: The Mountain King

The Monsters Of Old Made New Again

In the realm of gaming, I’ve found myself drawn to a fascinating title – “Bramble: The Mountain King”. Contrary to what the name might suggest, this game isn’t your typical Scandinavian folklore tale. Instead, it shares some similarities with the eerie adventure game, “Little Nightmares”.

In this game, I step into the shoes of a small character, navigating a world filled with colossal beings of diverse species, most of whom seem to have me on their hit list. While it’s not strictly a horror game, the eerie ambiance that Bramble creates through its mythical and legendary themes is undeniably unsettling. Many of the creatures I encounter are downright terrifying, not only in appearance but also in size. So, if you’re into games that blend adventure with a touch of horror, “Bramble: The Mountain King” might be just the game for you!

Bramble is a hidden gem that boasts a distinctive environment perfect for this type of game, making it an unmissable experience for enthusiasts of action-adventure and horror gaming. To put it simply, if you’re a fan of giant monster media, there are numerous scenes featuring these colossal creatures that will undoubtedly satisfy your craving, all while offering a fresh take on the standard formula.

4. Sunless Sea

What Lurks Beneath The Waves?

In a twist of lovecraftian tales, I find myself drawn to the eerie depths of Sunless Sea. Unlike Call of Cthulhu, this game doesn’t delve deeply into the Cthulhu mythos, but it certainly carries that same chilling atmosphere. As a captain navigating the Fallen London universe crafted by Failbetter Games, I find myself sailing a vessel through a world that is as dark and steampunk-infused as it is unsettling.

My journey is not just about encountering pirates and other ships on my voyages, but also about braving the grotesque creatures lurking beneath the enigmatic “Zee”. The game offers an immersive experience that keeps me on the edge of my seat, eager to uncover the mysteries hidden in its depths.

In the realm of Sunless Sea, I often come across colossal creatures that feel reminiscent of the mutated kaiju from the Godzilla franchise. Unlike typical antagonists, these beasts seem more like complex animals or raw forces of nature, acting out of instinct rather than malice. It’s as if these creatures are merely misunderstood and mislabeled monsters, much like the original Godzilla was just a mutated animal.

5. Subnautica

A Horror Game Hidden Behind The Guise Of Adventure

In this marine-themed piece, many gamers will likely recognize the chilling atmosphere of the game Subnautica. Initially, it’s about repairing a spaceship to escape a planet, but soon transforms into an intense struggle for life against some of the largest and most fearsome creatures in video gaming. The unique perspective is from first-person view, so players may be oblivious to the approach of a leviathan until it’s right upon them, resulting in some genuinely terrifying moments.

Despite having a less story-driven approach compared to other games on this list, Subnautica excels due to its immersive gameplay, ability to evoke authentic fear, and the prevalence of colossal sea creatures populating the oceanic world it presents. This type of game may not appeal to everyone because of its non-linear storytelling which can potentially leave some players feeling disoriented. However, for those seeking their fix of kaiju horror, Subnautica is one of the top choices.

6. Mega

Survive A Monstrous Rampage

This short-lived game, MEGA, typically takes players approximately an hour to conquer. You’re plunged right into the heart of a monstrous rampage, where you struggle to stay alive amidst the wreckage of a collapsing cityscape, with debris piled high and the ever-present danger lurking from the colossal beast that brought about this catastrophe. For those who’ve played Slender: The Eight Pages, this game might seem somewhat similar, as you’re tasked with exploring the city and gathering essential items to ultimately flee.

Although some may find issues with it, the game remains genuinely enjoyable, drawing players back repeatedly due to its captivating ambiance. For numerous gamers, MEGA provides an authentic kaiju survival horror encounter that few others can match (eliminating the last option on this list). Given its affordable price, it certainly deserves a spot on this list.

7. City Shrouded In Shadow

The Best Kaiju Horror Game, But Good Luck Finding It

The last item on the list is a game, City Shrouded in Shadow or Kyoei Toshi, made by Bandai Namco. It’s a challenging experience suitable for those who can play it, but unfortunately, most gamers struggle to access it. In this game, the player must navigate through a city devastated by monsters from various well-known kaiju franchises, such as Godzilla, Ultraman, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. These creatures, popular in Japanese media, create chaos in the game, attacking the player and fighting each other.

Unfortunately, this remarkable kaiju horror game was only released on PS4 within Japan, denying countless gamers worldwide the opportunity to play it. Despite its flaws, it remains an outstanding example of the genre and serves as a blueprint for developers who aspire to create a comparable experience in the future.

2025-02-02 04:34