Highlights
- Lovecraft’s influence on horror games is still evident today, with more and more Lovecraftian horror games being released each year. These games bring the terrifying stories to life and continue to haunt players’ nightmares.
- Games like Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Blackout: The Darkest Night, and Call of Cthulhu offer unique and immersive experiences where players must navigate darkness, uncover mysteries, and make choices that affect the outcome of the game.
- The best Lovecraftian games create a dark and foreboding atmosphere, use psychological horror elements, and provide challenging gameplay that keeps players engaged. Despite some flaws, these games offer a solid and satisfying experience for fans of the genre.
As a lifelong fan of all things Lovecraftian and a seasoned gamer, let me tell you about my favorite picks from this captivating list!
In terms of cosmic horrors, H.P. Lovecraft is often referred to as the global pioneer, crafting tales that are the very essence of nightmares and insanity. His works continue to be passed down, inspired, and still manage to send shivers down spines. As technology evolves, games have emerged as an effective medium for these stories to unfold, with an increasing number of Lovecraftian horror games being published annually.
While some of these games inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s cosmic horror may be a bit older than others, they continue to deliver chilling terror that rivals their more recent counterparts. Each one serves as an impressive contribution to the Lovecraftian universe. Not only will players find themselves keeping the lights on during gameplay, but they must also ensure their surroundings are safe from any hidden threats once they’ve finished playing.
1 Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (All Reviews)
In the video game titled “Amnesia: The Dark Descent“, players step into the role of Daniel, a character exploring Brennenburg Castle. Besides keeping an eye on Daniel’s physical health in this game, players must also manage his mental state as his fear of darkness can lead to dire outcomes if he becomes excessively terrified.
As I journeyed through the game, Daniel and I found ourselves faced with moments to evade terrifying monsters, given his lack of means for self-defense. In these harrowing situations, we could find solace in the form of laudanum, aiding our recovery. Remarkably, this game, first launched in 2010, remains an exceptional psychological masterpiece that lingers ominously in the minds of players even to this day. A sequel, titled “Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs”, was unveiled in 2013.
2 Blackout: The Darkest Night
Steam Rating: Positive (All Reviews)
Following some initial hiccups and postponements, the much-awaited game titled “Blackout: The Darkest Night” was eventually launched in mid-2021. This non-linear narrative takes place in a contemporary setting, where players assume the role of an individual who has lost his bearings amidst city streets, unable to recall anything.
Memories of past traumatic experiences gradually resurface, offering insights into dark happenings and perplexing sights. The player must decide whether to delve further into this enigma or turn a blind eye. This is an interactive title, with each choice shaping the final outcome of the game.
3 Bloodborne
OpenCritic Rating: 91
Bloodborne shares similarities with games like Dark Souls and Remnant: From The Ashes, often being referred to as a “Soulslike” game due to its gameplay style. Its narrative depth mirrors that of Dark Souls, and many experts in the field have hailed it as one of the greatest video games ever made.
A card game and comic book series have been developed based on the video game “Bloodborne,” along with an expansion pack called “The Old Hunters” which was launched in 2015. Although it may be difficult to distinguish “Bloodborne” from other games in the Soulslike genre, for all intents and purposes, it stands as a distinct gaming experience that most players should find enjoyable.
4 Call of Cthulhu
Steam Rating: Mostly Positive (All Reviews)
Call of Cthulhu is a semi-open world game where you must endure the terrifying elements of a Lovecraftian universe, which was eagerly awaited by gamers in 2018. This psychological horror adventure, inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s renowned short story, demands players to be both cunning with stealth and keen-eyed during investigations as they follow the character Edward Pierce.
Edward delves into a nightmarish realm previously unknown to human comprehension as he probes a mystery. The game progression hinges on the player’s decisions throughout the narrative, influencing dialogue, exploration, and climactic events that ultimately affect Edward’s mental state by the end of the game. Additionally, these choices also determine the options available for players to make later in the story.
5 Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
Steam Rating: Mixed (All Reviews)
2006’s “Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth” isn’t to be mixed up with the 2018 release named “Call of Cthulhu.” Instead, it’s a modern adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s 1936 novella “The Shadow over Innsmouth.” In this game, players assume the role of an unstable private investigator, who ventures into the eerie town of Innsmouth, where bizarre occurrences have been unfolding.
As a hardcore gamer, I must confess that this Lovecraftian game is one of the best I’ve ever played, despite being challenging at times and showing some rough edges. It’s incredibly faithful to the original source material, which has earned it high praise from critics. Unfortunately, the game didn’t sell well enough, leading to the cancellation of a planned sequel and the unfortunate demise of its UK-based developer, Headfirst Productions.
6 Conarium
Steam Rating: Mostly Positive (All Reviews)
As a gamer, I’d say that when it comes to crafting an eerie and chilling ambiance, Conarium truly stands out among the best. The cramped corridors that players are compelled to traverse can be downright petrifying at times, while the dim, desaturated colors and ever-looming darkness serve to heighten tension by fueling uncertainty.
If we had invested more effort into refining the game’s script and hired better voice actors with additional resources, it could have become an exceptional game. However, due to certain limitations, it falls short of true greatness while still offering a good Lovecraftian experience that many will find satisfying.
7 The Consuming Shadow
Steam Rating: Very Positive (All Reviews)
As a devoted fan, I’d like to highlight my experience with “The Consuming Shadow,” a masterpiece created by the renowned Ben ‘Yahtzee’ Croshaw, known for his work on Zero Punctuation. This game seamlessly blends rogue-like mechanics with chilling survival horror elements, all while maintaining a minimalistic design that proves surprisingly impactful.
The game is rich with innovative concepts, even if not all of them are perfectly executed, they generally enhance the player’s enjoyment. Some of its numerous skills appear somewhat superfluous, and the randomly generated exploration zones can become monotonous following a few hours of gameplay. Nevertheless, it’s an impressive indie production that’s definitely worth giving a try.
8 Curse of the Old Gods
Steam Rating: Mostly Positive (All Reviews)
The game titled Curse of the Old Gods bears a striking resemblance to popular point-and-click games from the 90s, both in terms of gameplay and appearance. It offers intricately designed puzzles that keep you guessing, along with an engaging narrative that generates genuine tension. The storyline effectively maintains player interest throughout.
The writing generally holds up well, with the color scheme significantly enhancing the visual appeal and contributing to the game’s intense atmosphere. However, the gameplay length is relatively brief, clocking in at more than two hours. While it might be a touch disappointing for some due to its brevity, considering it’s free-to-play, it feels somewhat unjust to criticize it too harshly.
9 Darkwood
Steam Rating: Very Positive (All Reviews)
After a lengthy spell in early access, Darkwood certainly lived up to expectations when it was fully released. This top-down survival horror game delivers an unnerving experience at times, offering significantly more content than one would typically find in a crowdfunded title. Its visuals are impressive, skillfully employing lighting and color to craft some genuinely intimidating environments and numerous spine-tingling moments.
Although the developers explicitly stated they hadn’t read Lovecraft before creating the game, it’s evident that Darkwood bears a striking resemblance to Lovecraft’s horror themes. It’s plausible that some sources which influenced the developers may have drawn inspiration from Lovecraft’s work indirectly.
10 Dredge
Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (All Reviews)
Introduced in March 2023, the game titled “Dredge” offers an intriguing blend of fishing fun and hidden horror elements. In this adventure, players navigate their fishing vessels through a shrouded archipelago, uncovering a multitude of Lovecraftian creatures lurking deep beneath the water’s surface as they fish and interact with them.
The visuals of this game are captivating, skillfully merging the themes of fishing and Lovecraftian horror. You might be surprised by how intricate the gameplay is; it requires dedication for players to truly grasp the workings of Dredge.
11 Eldritch
Steam Rating: Very Positive (All Reviews)
Eldritch offers an engaging, retro-styled journey into the ominous depths of Antarctica’s 10-tiered dungeon. This thrilling escapade challenges players as they unravel eldritch mysteries and strive to survive their harrowing encounters with ancient horrors.
As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that Eldritch stood out among its contemporaries, not just because it was a hit in its genre, but also due to its unique charm during its era. The game’s ability to keep players constantly alert, with the constant specter of permadeath lurking nearby, is truly remarkable.
12 Forgive Me Father
Steam Rating: Very Positive (All Reviews)
In a sense, “Forgive Me Father” resembles the 2003 original of “XIII,” not the remake, with its playful cartoon art and combat system. However, it stands apart in terms of tone, as it’s significantly darker due to an unending horde of monsters inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s works.
The game debuted on Steam Early Access towards the end of 2021 and had a complete release in April of the following year. Due to its immense popularity among players, the developers immediately began working on a sequel, which was released on the platform in time for Halloween 2023 – Forgive Me Father 2.
13 Gray Dawn
Steam Rating: Very Positive (All Reviews)
Introduced in 2018, the psychological thriller Gray Dawn has been keeping both fear and excitement high among players. The narrative centers around Father Abraham, a priest, who embarks on a quest to locate a missing altar boy. However, instead of finding his charge, he becomes entangled in sinister religious rituals.
In this game, you play from a first-person viewpoint in a chilling survival horror setting. As you guide Father Abraham on his quest to clear his name regarding a missing altar boy and the murder of multiple children, you’ll accompany him on an investigative journey filled with intricate puzzles to solve and significant dialogue options that shape the narrative.
14 Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation
Steam Rating: Very Positive (All Reviews)
The game titled “Lobotomy Corporation” turned out to be a surprise hit for many; it was not until they started playing that people realized how much they wanted it. Although it may lack the intricacy found in some of the genre’s top-tier games, this engaging title will undoubtedly captivate players for 30 hours or more.
Although the creators don’t explicitly acknowledge H.P. Lovecraft as a direct influence, the games they mention as inspirations for this title all possess Lovecraftian themes. Unlike many of those other games, however, this one isn’t primarily focused on creating fear; instead, it concentrates more on managing monsters, making it less terrifying and more about handling these creatures.
15 Remnant: From the Ashes
Steam Rating: Very Positive (All Reviews)
One of the standout Lovecraftian-themed games from recent years, “Remnant: From the Ashes”, offers exceptional cooperative gameplay, a diverse arsenal of entertaining weapons, and an engaging character customization system that lets players adjust and adapt their characters to match their preferred gaming approach.
Remarkably crafted bosses are undeniably among the game’s most enticing features, offering a generous dose of unsettling imagery. Regrettably, the narrative can feel somewhat commonplace at times, and melee combat leaves much to be desired. However, players drawn to battling fearsome monsters might find these shortcomings easier to overlook.
16 Scorn
Steam Rating: Mostly Positive (All Reviews)
Scorn is a somewhat controversial video game, yet it’s generally accepted that its visuals are exceptional. As you progress in the game, it might seem like you’re navigating through a vivid dream or a disturbing hallucination brought on by drugs, with some of the horror aspects being genuinely frightening.
Although it might seem a bit brief and its structure follows a straightforward path, the game offers an immersive experience that is particularly captivating for lovers of cosmic horror. It stands out as one of the finest games inspired by the works of H.R. Giger and H.P. Lovecraft, making it a great choice to grab during a sale.
17 The Secret World
Steam Rating: Mixed (All Reviews)
In simpler terms, “The Secret World” is a multiplayer role-playing game set in the contemporary world, where it combines elements of horror and psychological conflict. The Templars, Illuminati, and an enigmatic group named the Dragon are the key players, each pursuing their unique objectives to move the narrative forward. This narrative involves numerous quests, puzzles, and a chilling atmosphere. Additionally, it offers a unique gameplay experience by allowing players to tailor their skills in a groundbreaking system.
Every character in this game embodies a supernatural champion striving for a more harmonious universe amidst the ongoing struggle between righteousness and darkness. Along their path, they’ll undertake various missions that will influence both the world’s destiny and their unique narrative as they traverse the enchanting Lovecraftian-themed game environment. Originally launched in 2017, The Secret World was rebranded as Secret World Legends.
18 The Sinking City
Steam Rating: Mostly Positive (All Reviews)
In 2019, I found myself immersed in the eerie world of The Sinking City, a game set in the fictional 1920s city of Oakmont, Massachusetts. As Charles W. Reed, a private investigator, I’m not just hunting down clues but also battling my own terrifying visions. This quest to understand the source of my haunting leads me deeper into Oakmont’s troubles, including the mysterious flood that threatens its very existence.
1. The flood instills fear and chaos among townsfolk, with the settlement on the brink of destruction when he is summoned. His inquiries uncover a sinister plan aimed at resurrecting Cthulhu, a task that now falls upon him and the player to thwart.
19 Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
Steam Rating: Mixed (All Reviews)
In the tale, “Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones,” a mysterious occurrence called the Black Day unfolds in Arkham, Massachusetts. Consequently, the city is isolated from the outside world, and anarchy ensues. A cult dedicated to the ancient beings known as the Old Ones, criminal gangs, and various other entities strive for dominance while attracting new followers to their ranks.
In this role-playing game (RPG), players navigate the plot by making choices for various characters, immersing themselves in an intricate setting brimming with eldritch terror. Every choice alters the game’s course and molds the character as they journey through a vivid, evolving world steeped in atmosphere.
20 Sundered: Eldritch Edition
Steam Rating: Very Positive (All Reviews)
In this Metroidvania-style game, players join Eshe on her harrowing journey through a terrifying realm where she’s frequently faced with challenges that probe her very essence. Along the way, she gains possession of the Trapezohedron, an entity endowing her with defensive abilities, and collects technological tools to aid her in her quest. Her objectives involve locating Elder Shards and annihilating them.
Every time they get destroyed, the main character must decide whether to allow them to boost her power or preserve her humanness. Ultimately, in the game Sundered: Eldritch Edition, there are only two paths: remain human and be imprisoned forever, or transform and unleash eldritch darkness on the world.
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2024-08-08 17:54