Horror Games That BOMBED?! You Won’t Believe These Hidden Gems!

Summary

Many quality horror games exist that demonstrate high standards despite underwhelming sales figures.
Ambitious titles like Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth stand out for unique gameplay despite development issues.
The Evil Within 2 showcased exceptional quality but struggled to gain significant traction against competition.

In the realm of horror, you’ll find a diverse assortment – from independent productions pushing boundaries in the genre, to established franchises still thriving after many years. No matter if it’s intricate puzzles that require hours to solve or heart-pounding battles against an array of hideous adversaries, horror games have no limits and offer something for every type of player.

While some games may be exceptional, it’s important to note that not all of them achieve the sales numbers expected or commensurate with their quality. This disparity can stem from various aspects such as marketing strategies or a flawed launch, and has unfortunately led to difficulties within game development studios and even closures in extreme cases. However, this does not diminish the fact that there are numerous games of high caliber, which despite failing to set sales records, continue to impress.

1. Call Of Cthulhu: Dark Corners Of The Earth

Ambitious Lovecraftian Horror That Was Overshadowed By Bugs

Sales: ~5000 (UK 2005)

Dark Corners, a timeless masterpiece, is renowned for its chilling Lovecraftian ambiance. This game masterfully combines both tangible and psychological dangers, compelling players to employ stealth as they traverse the world while being relentlessly menaced by the malevolence lurking within. The unique sanity mechanic sets it apart from other games, along with its advanced enemy AI that was truly visionary for its time.

Although it boasted strong gameplay elements and intricate systems, the game faced numerous challenges during its extended five-year development, resulting in various bugs and imperfections that were swiftly criticized. Its launch was met with limited reach and initially unfavorable reviews, which significantly impacted its success. However, looking back, it remains a remarkable horror game, showcasing the developers’ ambitious capabilities.

2. Dead Space 2

Bigger And Bolder But Below Expectations

Sales: 4 Million copies (2017)

Dead Space 2 was the eagerly awaited sequel to the highly praised initial installment, where every aspect from the first game was polished. It boasted improved combat, grander cinematic environments, and richer character portrayals. This game is exceptionally intense, its ambiance being both eerie and mentally disquieting, often provoking jumps even when there are no adversaries present on screen.

From a numerical perspective, selling millions of copies might seem impressive, but when you consider the game’s significant production cost and the high expectations of the publisher, the commercial success was relatively modest, falling short of what could be considered a triumph. However, it continues to stand out as an exceptional horror game that tests players to their limits, excelling in creating an atmosphere of claustrophobia and tension through its environments.

3. Prey

Awkward Marketing For An Immersive Sci-fi Experience

Sales: 180,00 first week (2017)

Title “Prey” offers a refreshing twist on sci-fi horror conventions by reversing familiar tropes. The game boasts richly detailed settings, challenging players to think outside the box to dodge hostile encounters and unearth secrets that lie tantalizingly close. The adversaries in this game are genuinely terrifying; they’re shapeshifters capable of mimicking any environmental object, and their cunning AI makes them more than mere bullet-absorbing foes.

Upon its release, the game faced struggles due to inadequate marketing, a combination of Bethesda’s review copy policy and the uncertainty about whether it was a sequel or a remake of the 2006 title. Although it received positive critiques, the launch failed to generate significant sales, leading to financial losses, especially on console platforms.

4. Alone In The Dark

A Reboot With A lot Of Promise But A Failure Financially

Sales: 20,000 First week (2024)

In 2024, the revamped version of the iconic series, Alone in the Dark, was designed to bring it into the modern era with enhanced graphics and a high-profile ensemble cast of Hollywood actors to deliver compelling performances for the narrative. The atmosphere was deeply rooted in the original game, while the third-person exploration remained as captivating and fulfilling as any other title within the series.

Although this rebooted brand carried significant history, it struggled to make an impact amidst fierce competition. Its initial release garnered mixed feedback and experienced technical issues, which largely dissuaded people from fully engaging with the game. However, it remains a solid horror game that offers hours of entertainment, despite not offering major innovations in the genre.

5. The Callisto Protocol

Spiritual Successors Don’t Always Hit The Mark

Sales: 2 million copies (2024)

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my awe for The Callisto Protocol. It raised the bar for horror games with its jaw-dropping visuals, meticulously crafted character animations, and an eerie sci-fi ambiance that echoes the legendary Dead Space series. The brutal melee combat and grisly enemy designs add a sense of rawness and tension to gameplay, while the cinematic presentation strives to take narrative immersion to unprecedented levels.

Regrettably, the game didn’t resonate with as much impact as anticipated, due to some technical problems at launch and a limited range of gameplay options that left several players feeling unimpressed. Although it managed to sell more than two million units, this figure fell significantly short of the expected five million, leading to disillusionment among both the development team and investors.

6. System Shock 2

Innovative And Well-Loved Despite Low Commercial Success

Sales: 60,000 copies (2000)

System Shock 2 represented a revolutionary blend of horror, RPG, and immersive simulation, offering a chilling and captivating journey through a spooky spacecraft. Its cyberpunk storyline and extensive customization options were years ahead of their time, garnering acclaim for its ambiance and layout. The impact of this game remains significant today, as it laid the foundation for several beloved gaming series such as BioShock.

Although it received high praise, it faced difficulties commercially upon its launch. A small budget, poor marketing, and a specialized audience prevented it from achieving mainstream popularity. Its sales were initially low, but over time, its reputation as one of the most influential horror games has grown substantially. It is now widely recognized as a classic in the early era of sci-fi horror.

7. The Evil Within 2

A Nice Follow-Up That Struggled Against The Competition

Sales: 200,000 copies (Steam, 2018)

In place of “The Evil Within 2,” a sequel for beginners in survival horror, you’ll encounter an engrossing psychological horror game. In

Although the game boasted high quality, it struggled to generate significant popularity, largely due to some lukewarm responses early in its launch period. Additionally, there was fierce competition at the time of its release, and while it received later acclaim, its initial reception was insufficient to spawn another sequel.

2025-05-24 21:09