Best Horror Game Franchises That Made A Comeback

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Summary

  • Unexpected sequels like Deadly Premonition 2 keep quirky horror game fans engaged and excited.
  • Indie magic brought Pathologic back with tough gameplay and surreal horror environments for players to immerse in.
  • STALKER 2’s Heart of Chornobyl reintroduced players to survival horror with its evolution of gameplay after a delayed release.

As a gamer, I find horror games to be incredibly captivating, weaving chilling narratives and eerie settings that draw me in. The suspense and tension these games create are intense, making gameplay almost addictive. However, it’s important to note that the stress they induce can sometimes make them a tough sell for those who hesitate about diving into such emotionally taxing experiences.

It’s common for successful horror series in entertainment to eventually fade away over time. However, fortunately, the gaming industry can sometimes be generous, giving rise to fresh horror titles from established franchises that have been quiet for a while, finally returning after a prolonged period of anticipation and impatience.

6. Deadly Premonition

The Cult Classic Following Of The First Game Eventually Led To A Sequel That Was Released A Decade Later

  • Best Games: Deadly Premonition, Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise

Many avid gamers recognize “Deadly Premonition” due to the significant difference between its critical and user ratings. This game, with its intriguing, mind-twisting mystery plot, showcases SWERY’s unique style of eccentricity, although technical flaws and an initially off-putting presentation initially deterred some from

Initially, fans found this game’s peculiar charm off-putting. Yet, as time passed, they grew fond of it and even demonstrated enough enthusiasm for a follow-up. Remarkably, this sequel to a horror game turned out to be surprising, suggesting that many prefer unusual games over conventional ones.

5. Pathologic

The Weirdness Of The Original Appealed To Many And Helped The Series Gain Steam

  • Best Games: Pathologic, Pathologic 2

Those who seek an immersive, eerie horror experience with challenging gameplay set against a backdrop of a town plagued by disease will be captivated by what Pathologic offers. Each protagonist provides a distinct perspective, enabling players to explore multiple endings for this quirky and intriguing game.

Indie gaming’s enchantment paved the way for the creation of Pathologic 2, broadening the fan base for this peculiar horror game series. Although the games are far from simple, those willing to embrace their powerlessness will find themselves immersed in a vivid storyline that veers off in unexpected directions, resembling a fever dream.

4. STALKER

Heart Of Chornobyl Was A Long Time In The Making And Reintroduced Players To The Survival Horror Franchise

  • Best Games: STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl, STALKER: Call of Pripyat, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

As a dedicated fan, I found myself pondering if our cherished saga, STALKER, would once again find its way onto my Steam library. The uncertain real-world circumstances seemed to cast a shadow over its future, but the developers displayed an unwavering resolve to keep the STALKER legacy alive.

As a result, it became the initial numbered sequel in the series, as Heart of Chornobyl showcased an advancement in STALKER’s signature survival horror gameplay style. Unfortunately, the game encountered numerous bugs upon its release, leaving fans to anticipate that the studio will patch the game sufficiently for those who were disappointed during their initial playthrough to reconsider playing it again.

3. System Shock

The System Shock Remake Paved The Way For This Franchise To Become Relevant Again

  • Best Games: System Shock, System Shock 2

As a dedicated admirer, it’s only fitting to shower praise upon any franchise that has inspired a series as iconic as BioShock. System Shock, in my opinion, truly earns this accolade. The intricate work of Ken Levine on this chilling sci-fi epic is just one of the many reasons why the initial two System Shock games are considered legends in gaming history. While many players might have been more acquainted with the second game due to its broader reach, the first game feels like a relic from an earlier era, offering a unique and captivating experience that’s hard to forget.

With Nightdive Studios taking over development, the long-awaited accessibility issue for the System Shock remake was finally resolved. After years of difficulties during production, the remade version of System Shock received widespread acclaim upon release. On June 26th, fans can also anticipate enjoying a remastered edition of System Shock 2, further solidifying this franchise’s unexpected comeback.

2. Resident Evil

After Losing Its Way, Biohazard Brought Back The Series’ Horror Roots To Great Effect

  • Best Games: Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Following a transition towards action rather than horror, the Resident Evil franchise stumbled and struggled for quite some time. Fortunately, P.T.’s explosive popularity and subsequent removal from online marketplaces provided Capcom with an excellent chance to ride the wave of excitement surrounding this game.

Resident Evil 7 served as a refreshing comeback for the series, considered one of the scariest horror games ever produced. Its successor opted for an action-oriented approach, while remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 garnered praise, and the forthcoming Requiem promises to ignite enthusiasm among fans as another mainline installment approaches.

1. Silent Hill

Bloober Team’s Excellent Work On The Remake Has Brought A Fresh Wave Of Interest Toward The Franchise

  • Best Games: Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill 4: The Room, P.T.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always been a bit skeptical about Bloober Team, even though they’re not bad at what they do. However, when it came to taking on the challenge of Silent Hill 2, I had my doubts. But boy, was I wrong! This team didn’t just meet expectations; they exceeded them by breathing new life into this classic psychological horror series with a fresh, modern interpretation of one of the most terrifying gaming experiences ever created.

Due to the excitement building around the reemergence of the Silent Hill franchise, it makes sense why making a comeback was a shrewd decision. After the disappointment of P.T.‘s demise, many thought the Silent Horror IP would fade away, but fans are grateful that Konami didn’t let it languish for too long.

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2025-07-23 06:06