Initially, many horror video games were presented from a third-person viewpoint. Notable examples include “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill”, which gained massive popularity on the PlayStation 1 and eventually spawned huge franchises. Over time, some horror game series have moved to the first-person perspective or at least dabbled with the idea.
Some games incorporated combat, whereas others opted for a more narrative-focused approach within the first-person horror genre reminiscent of adventure games. However, if you’re a fan who prefers interactive horror experiences with a focus on combat, these titles should meet your expectations. The ranking will not be based on overall quality but rather on how engaging their unique gameplay mechanics are, offering combat options beyond conventional firearms or melee weapons.
7. Condemned: Criminal Origins
Breaking Bad
In “Condemned: Criminal Origins”, gamers assume the character of an FBI agent grappling with a string of grisly homicides. Blending elements of detective work with intense combat, they are drawn into chilling supernatural confrontations.
The intense, visceral combat in that game was what truly set it apart during the early 2000s, and even now, there aren’t many horror games quite like it. Although the combat may not be as smooth as games such as Devil May Cry, Condemned: Criminal Origins remains a thrilling and gory experience.
6. Resident Evil Village
Limited Ammo
In the sequel titled “Resident Evil Village“, the narrative continues from where “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard” left off. This game, like its predecessor, is played from a first-person perspective, placing you in the shoes of Ethan Winters as he embarks on a mission to locate his missing daughter Rose. The weapon mechanics in this installment are among the finest in the series, offering accurate aiming, responsive controls, and realistic gun feedback.
In this setting, there’s a store where you can purchase new firearms and enhance them for an improved shooting experience. Regrettably, the players are constrained by ammunition supply, preventing them from freely traversing the eerie European locale like John Wick. However, they can certainly defend themselves efficiently against various threats, ranging from spooky dolls to actual werewolves.
5. Dead Island 2
Zombieland
In the style of Condemned: Criminal Origins, combat in Dead Island 2 is intensely realistic, but it offers a more innovative and entertaining experience. This is due to the wide variety of melee weapons available for players, as well as some firearms. It’s exciting to find out how everyday items can be empowered with flames or electricity, from wrenches to hammers.
These zombies won’t last long; players can also boost their characters using skill-enhancing cards, such as those that cause an explosion on collision, thus providing additional ways to engage in combat and maximize both carnage and experience points.
4. Darkwatch
Red Undead Redemption
Darkwatch is an overlooked shooter from the PlayStation 2 era that showcases a vampire cowboy battling the undead and supernatural entities in the Old West. The concept alone is intriguing, but it’s made even more appealing by its weapons, which, though standard for a shooter, have distinctive designs to set them apart from other games – ranging from revolvers to shotguns.
In addition to his cowboy persona, the character Jericho possesses extraordinary abilities that border on the supernatural. These include generating a protective barrier using blood and commanding lightning bolts to emanate from his hands. The nature of these powers can vary based on decisions made within the storyline, which makes Darkwatch an intriguing game to play more than once, as it allows you to explore all the different abilities.
3. The Darkness
So Many Tentacles And It’s Not Even Japanese
In this game, the protagonist, Jackie, shares a similar talent for trickery with Jericho from Darkwatch. However, unlike Jericho, Jackie encounters an entity called the Darkness that takes control of him. After meeting his demise, Jackie is resurrected and granted demonic abilities as a result. These powers include tentacles to subdue enemies and small minions to move stealthily around the game environment.
This game isn’t purely a horror title, but the eerie creatures you encounter can be both chilling and exciting when battling them. As a result, it stands out from other games of its kind because of this unique blend. However, a game focused more on horror aspects involving these types of entities could potentially be quite thrilling as well.
2. Ghostwire: Tokyo
Mystical Monks
In a secluded part of Tokyo, enclosed by a mysterious barrier, lies a realm overrun by spectral beings and malevolent demons – this is where Ghostwire: Tokyo unfolds its tale. An ordinary citizen named Akito, endowed with the power of a masked entity, now wields spells and enchanted weapons such as bows to combat these supernatural forces.
The game is overflowing with exciting abilities to try out, ranging from water blasts to send demons back to hell or wind bullets to swiftly eliminate ghouls. Any game set in Japan is enjoyable, but Ghostwire: Tokyo distinguishes itself from others due to its creative combat magic that’s engaging to master and unleash. Additionally, the enemies are chilling, although players have a vast arsenal of powers at their disposal.
1. BioShock 2
More Plasmids Please
In terms of placement in the series, BioShock 2 often finds itself at the bottom, but this isn’t necessarily a negative as there are merely three games in total, all of which are well-crafted. Compared to its predecessor, BioShock 2 introduced dual-wielding combat, allowing players to annihilate enemies with both Plasmids and weapons. Plasmids functioned as tonics that users could administer to themselves, bestowing them with extraordinary abilities such as the power to fire lightning or flames.
The enhancements to the fight system in BioShock 2 significantly boosted its gameplay, and while BioShock Infinite refined combat even more, it returned to the frightening aspects that originally defined the series, making BioShock 2 superior in this specific comparison.
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2025-05-18 13:37