Best Fairy Tale Horror Games, Ranked

As a connoisseur of both fairy tales and horror games, I must say that delving into this list has been quite an enchanting and spine-tingling journey! Each game offers a unique take on beloved stories or folklore, twisting them into darker narratives that challenge our perception of these classic tales.

Since their origins can be traced as far back as the Bronze Age, fairy tales have been shaped from oral stories and ancient mythologies. The allure of these narratives stems from their fantastical elements, which encompass magical occurrences and legendary creatures that spark the imagination at any age. Consequently, there are numerous possibilities to reimagine this genre with fresh, engaging storylines – innovative new tales.

Fairy tales’ enduring charm is evident across various platforms, including movie adaptations, innovative reinterpretations, and freshly penned fairy tales (particularly by Disney). It’s no wonder these tales have found their niche in the gaming industry. Interestingly, some games delve into the darker aspects of these stories. The following games represent some of the top horror games based on fairy tales.

8 Creepy Tale

A Shorter Experience For Relaxed Gamers

Best Fairy Tale Horror Games, Ranked

Release: February 21, 2001
Developer: Creepy Brothers
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Linux, macOS
Top Critic Rating: 56

In the game titled “Creepy Tale,” you embark on a spine-tingling adventure, navigating through intricate puzzles as you traverse sideways across a haunting landscape. You assume the role of one of two siblings, gathering mushrooms in the ominous forest. Your journey turns sinister when your brother is abducted while chasing a glittering butterfly. To save him, you must solve various brain-teasers within this eerie woodland.

The ambiance is eerie, characterized by leafless trees and wilting shrubs enveloped in fog, and a somber brown and orange color scheme. Reminiscent of the TV show “Over the Garden Wall,” “Creepy Tale” offers a compact yet chilling experience, particularly appealing to those seeking a snug Halloween game with unsettling aspects.

7 Rule of Rose

Psychological Horror Inspired By the Brothers Grimm

In 1930s England, the game titled “Rule of Rose” is a chilling psychological survival horror. You assume the character of 19-year-old Jennifer, who ends up at an orphanage following a young boy who hands her a storybook. As you traverse two settings, the orphanage and an airship, you gradually advance through various stages, unveiling secrets about Jennifer’s past with each step.

Rule of Rose draws heavily on the Brothers Grimm’s dark and ominous portrayals of fairy tales, focusing on themes like cruelty and featuring characters like imps and mermaids. It delves into the realms of memory and childhood using immersive settings and somber narratives, all while keeping combat mechanics engaging.

6 Alice: Madness Returns

Fantasy Meets Hack-And-Slash

Initially penned as a children’s book, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has expanded its influence across various media platforms. Not only does it inspire ballet performances and theater productions, but it has also been adapted for TV and cinema. Interestingly, this much-loved tale has even found a home in the horror gaming realm.

In the game titled “Alice: Madness Returns,” players assume command over the character Alice, who is now free from Rutledge Asylum. The objective is to help Alice confront her childhood wounds by investigating both the real world and Wonderland. This intriguing adventure combines puzzle-solving and combat mechanics, while offering a darker interpretation of its original elements and familiar characters.

5 The Path

Exploration Horror With Fantastic Atmosphere

Release: 18 March 2009
Developer: Tale of Tales
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Metascore: 79

As an ardent admirer, let me share that “The Path” serves as a contemporary reimagining of the timeless tale, “Little Red Riding Hood.” In this chilling narrative, I find myself in the shoes of six unique sisters, each distinct in age and aspirations. Our shared objective is to reach our Grandmother’s cottage hidden deep within the woods, but we must always stay on the designated path.

Intriguingly, The Path doesn’t involve conventional elements like combat, puzzles, or time limits. Instead, it generates a sense of horror subtly, with most of the terror stemming from implied events and the symbolic representation of the wolf, which carries different meanings for each sister. Despite being primarily a game focused on walking, it offers a poignant and chilling experience.

4 Bramble: The Mountain King

Nordic Folklore-Inspired Horror With Stunning Scenery

In “Bramble: The Mountain King,” you embark on a chilling journey from a third-person perspective. As the story unfolds, you control Olle, a young lad who learns his sister has gone missing. Your mission is to track her down by navigating breathtaking landscapes teeming with Nordic mythological beasts and creatures. Along the way, you’ll tackle intriguing puzzles and tasks as you search for your missing sibling.

The game “Bramble: The Mountain King” draws inspiration from Swedish folktales, particularly the illustrations by the 19th century artist John Bauer. Consequently, the game’s aesthetic is both enchanting and film-like, complete with an equally captivating soundtrack. While visually stunning, parts of the game can be genuinely frightening, featuring eerie adversaries and effectively used jump scares.

3 Lies Of P

A Soulslike Reimagining of Pinocchio

Drawing inspiration from the beloved children’s tale “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” the game titled “Lies of P” is a soulslike adventure set within the fantasy city of Krat. In this imaginative realm, a unique mineral named “Ergo” fuels the life of Gepetto’s puppets. Yet, an ominous disease that transforms inhabitants into stone spreads throughout the city, causing the puppets to revolt against their creators. The player assumes the character of P to discover the truth behind the chaos unfolding.

“Lies of P” boasts a challenging yet engaging gameplay with various weapon configurations, an advanced mechanical arm, and a progression system that offers a skill tree. Its visual style leans heavily towards steampunk, reminiscent of late 1800s Europe. Despite being categorized as dark fantasy, it also includes horror elements such as ominous adversaries and genuinely frightening settings. In summary, “Lies of P” is an excellent choice for fans of “Dark Souls“, offering a more accessible but distinct gaming experience.

2 Year Walk

Hauntingly Beautiful Game Inspired By Swedish Mythos

According to old Swedish customs, the “Year Walk” was a method used to predict future happenings in the coming year. This ancient practice involved trekking significant distances without any provisions and facing supernatural challenges along the way. Inspired by this tradition, the game “Year Walk” was created for iOS devices.

Disregarding their partner’s advisements, the player aims to traverse towards a church with the intention of uncovering future knowledge. Despite its straightforward mechanics as a largely point-and-click game, the eerie aesthetic and chilling narrative progression in Year Walk create an engaging horror atmosphere that is worth experiencing.

Although they aren’t directly inspired by specific fairy tales or folklore, games like “Fran Bow” and “Rusty Lake” share a similarly eerie and dreamlike aesthetic with “Year Walk”.

1 Red And The Whispering Wood

A Darker Version Of Little Red Riding Hood

Release: N/A
Developer: Mike Ren
Platforms: PC, macOS
Itch.io Score: 4.7

“Red’s Journey Through the Haunted Forest”

An interesting feature of this game is that it uses mic activity so that the player can use their voice to run, jump, and attack. The ominous atmosphere and cute pixel art mingles well with the dark themes, great for players who prefer a more cozy horror experience or enjoy subversive narratives.

2024-08-09 03:34