Horror Games With Misunderstood Villains

by

Summary

  • Mind-bending stories in horror games can recontextualize villains, revealing their true nature and driving captivating twists.
  • Horror games like Silent Hill 2 and Inscryption blur lines between hero and villain, creating engaging narratives.
  • The Last of Us Part 2 highlights the destructive nature of revenge, humanizing villains like Abby in a complex way.

Horror video games can create a unique impact when they successfully grip the player with suspense. Engrossing narratives serve as an effective method for doing so, encouraging gamers to reconsider familiar scenarios and characters from fresh perspectives.

As a gamer, I’ve come across some seemingly stereotypical villains in horror games, but often, they turn out to have hidden depths. At first glance, they appear as one-dimensional antagonists, but as the game progresses, it becomes clear that they harbor dark secrets or complex motivations. These revelations not only provide surprising twists, but also delve into what true evil entails in a thought-provoking manner.

Warning: This list contains major spoilers for the games being discussed.

8. Silent Hill 2

It Becomes Evident That Players Are Exploring James Sunderland’s Psyche, After A Point

Most people who begin playing Silent Hill 2 might be perplexed about the plot, even though James’ quest to find his deceased wife appears honorable enough. However, the relentless pursuit of James by the ominous Pyramid Head isn’t immediately explained throughout the game.

Only towards the end of the game does the truth finally emerge. Throughout his time in Silent Hill, James encountered numerous adversaries, which symbolized various aspects of his hidden guilt. The terrifying figure of Pyramid Head emerged specifically due to James’ guilt about having killed his wife at a time when she required his support instead.

7. Mouthwashing

The True Villain Of This Game Takes A While To Rear His Ugly Head

In a unique league of its own, the chilling, easily remembered horror game set aboard a spaceship, titled “Mouthwashing“, offers an unparalleled experience. Contrary to initial assumptions, players are not piloting the captain who triggers the ship’s crash in the opening sequence of the game. Instead, they find themselves in a more complex and disorienting role.

The storyline subtly shifts at various points, skillfully constructing a complex plot that leaves Jimmy’s guilt glaringly obvious. As players gradually uncover his true identity as the antagonist, they find themselves compelled to see the story through to its end, watching this self-centered character bring ruin upon those around him.

6. Inscryption

Leshy Is Far From The Game’s Villain

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that Inscryption stands out as one of the most terrifying games ever crafted, offering an unforgettable blend of chilling ambiance and innovative deck-building mechanics. The enigmatic Leshy, who keeps players trapped in his twisted game, might initially seem like a villain, but the more you delve into it, the more intriguing he becomes.

Nevertheless, Inscryption undergoes a transformation in its second and third acts, providing greater clarity for players. At some point, players may even celebrate upon encountering Leshy, as their feelings become overwhelming when the game is erased, truncating their cherished time with this impactful character.

5. Omori

Sunny’s Tragic Story Eventually Reveals The Villain Who’s Bogging Him Down

In the game Omori, it’s challenging to identify clearly who the antagonist is. While the leaders in Headspace are adorable and friendly, the most foreboding figure is Something, which persistently torments players throughout the game and appears as nightmares that both Sunny and Omori have to confront.

Yet, as the truth unfolds in the story, it becomes apparent that Omori is actually the main antagonist, though this interpretation isn’t universally agreed upon. Nonetheless, Sunny needs to confront Omori, deal with his own guilt, acknowledge his actions to his friends, and honor Basil’s wishes as well.

4. P.T.

It’s Easy To Be Afraid Of Lisa Without Knowing What Happened To Her

In the haunting corridor of P.T., players already feel uneasy, but encounters with the nervous specter of Lisa take the tension to another level. When she startles players by appearing suddenly or acting as an impediment they need to surmount, it creates a chilling experience indeed.

As more details emerge about this hallway, it’s clear that Lisa is far from deserving the cruel treatment she endured at the hands of her husband. Players come to understand and empathize with her plight, and it was this gripping narrative, combined with haunting imagery, that made P.T. such a groundbreaking game.

3. Slay The Princess

Who The Villain And Hero Of This Story Are Can Be Rather Dynamic

In the game titled “Slay the Princess“, it is repeatedly emphasized that players need to eliminate a character who appears to be a demonic figure. However, there’s a deeper layer to this topic; players come across the princess on multiple divergent paths, and she has the ability to transform into various guises and forms.

The character’s position is uncertain, as they gradually uncover clues to understand that no clear antagonists exist within this story. Instead, the narrative presents a captivating and enigmatic account of an ongoing divine struggle between two deities.

2. Bloodborne

Players Must Read The Lore To Understand Who The True Villains Of This Story Are, If There Is One To Begin With

While battling through Bloodborne and confronting the numerous nightmarish adversaries, it’s evident that something isn’t quite normal. The bosses, who appear to have lost sanity, evoke more pity than relief when defeated. This is particularly noticeable in the fight against Gerhman, who serves as the final opponent if players have collected Umbilical Cords during their journey.

His tale is deeply sad, and it strips away any semblance of him being a villain. It could be debated that the ancient beings, too, are not villains; instead, humanity’s insanity ensued when they tried to harness their power and wisdom for self-serving purposes.

1. The Last Of Us Part 2

Abby’s Controversial Presence Makes This One Of The Most Impactful Video Games Of All Time

In simpler terms, “The Last of Us Part 2” stands out as the epitome of intricate villain narratives, delivering a profound message. The theme of revenge, if unchecked, can prove destructive, a lesson that both Ellie and Abby learn all too painfully.

Following her confrontation with Joel, Abby watches as her companions gradually perish due to Ellie’s pursuit of vengeance. The game skillfully portrays Abby’s actions as understandable yet incorrect, and the appeal of this game lies in whether players can relate to Abby’s story personally.

Read More

2025-07-23 13:42