10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the digital realm, I must say that these three encounters have left a lasting impression on me. The first time I encountered Scarecrow in Batman: Arkham Asylum, I was genuinely terrified. The use of the Fear Toxin to delve into Batman’s deepest regrets and fears was masterfully executed, creating an atmosphere that still sends shivers down my spine when I recall it.


In non-horror video games, players typically don’t anticipate being frightened. Yet, there are certain games that aim to instill fear despite their genre.

In certain games, there’s usually a sense of safety throughout the gameplay, but at specific stages or encounters, players might find themselves in situations that induce intense fear.

In the world of horror video games, it’s customary to experience fear due to the inherent scary nature of these games. On the other hand, what makes fear so compelling in non-horror games often lies in its unpredictability, as moments that send shivers down the spine are usually unexpected and can leave a lasting impact on players for years.

Be warned that this article may contain spoilers for their respective games.

10 Somewhat Damaged

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

Cyberpunk 2077’s expansion, Phantom Liberty, added plenty of new content to the main storyline, providing a refreshing twist to the plot, and it even offers additional decisions that influence the game’s endings. A significant choice players will encounter is whether to align with Reed or Songbird.

Should the player decide to align with Reed, Songbird may edge toward a Cyberpsycho state, initiating the mission titled “Somewhat Damaged.

As a dedicated gamer, I find this mission unlike any other in the game, primarily due to its unique gameplay dynamics. Here, my character, V, finds themselves navigating through an eerily deserted Cynosure facility. Yet, it’s not just a simple exploration; I am being relentlessly pursued by the menacing robot, Cerebus. This robot is no joke – if I get caught, it’s game over instantly!

Swiftly and silently moving about as thumping, machine-like footfalls reverberate through the establishment fosters a general feeling of unease, particularly during the instant it starts charging towards V at top velocity.

Over time, the mission turns out to be more annoying than terrifying for some individuals, yet the initial fear it instilled remains etched in the memories of numerous gamers.

9 Big Boo’s Haunt

Super Mario 64

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

Super Mario 64 is a cherished classic in the world of video games, as it essentially revamped Nintendo’s most well-known intellectual property by introducing it to a three-dimensional realm upon its release. The game’s nostalgic tunes and memorable levels have left an indelible mark on gamers worldwide, with few escaping its influence, particularly since it was a favorite among children growing up.

Among all the levels, Big Boo’s Haunt is notably unique, offering not just amusement but also sending chills down the spines of gamers globally. This level abounds with intriguing areas to discover, one of which is a seemingly innocuous room housing a piano. However, this piano has a surprising tendency to leap out and attack Mario, its keys striking, flailing, and causing instant panic among players as they witness the terrifying scene unfold.

Inquire from those who participated in the game about their opinion on the keyboard, and witness a flashback of past traumas associated with childhood.

8 Moira Asylum

Thief (2014)

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

As a gamer, I can’t forget the heart-pounding moments from the Thief series that had me jumping out of my skin, despite not being classified as horror games. The original trilogy is often recalled with nostalgia, like the chilling experience of stealing from the Cradle in Thief: Deadly Shadows. However, fewer gamers seem to remember the 2014 remake or the spine-tingling Moira Asylum, which left me equally terrified.

Beginning with a glimpse through a keyhole revealing a face that gives you quite the scare by returning your gaze, Moira Asylum isn’t merely deserted; instead, it’s infested with ghostly presences.

As the eerie presence of The Warden follows Garrett through the corridors, accompanied by chilling breaths in his ears and various haunting incidents that make this level downright spooky, it’s important to note that the denizens of the asylum’s basement – those peculiar beings known as The Freaks – only add to the unsettling atmosphere.

7 Be Afraid Of The Dark

Yoshi’s Crafted World

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

In 2019, Yoshi’s Crafted World drew notice, particularly for its spooky stage named “Be Afraid of The Dark.” This was primarily due to the fearsome Bunmawashi Dolls that haunt Yoshi within this level, brandishing axes and swirling menacingly.

Yoshi’s Crafted World is a charming and vibrant game that’s suitable for the whole family. With Yoshi himself being fashioned from yarn to resemble an endearing toy doll, players initially found the Bunmawashi Dolls quite frightening, suggesting that the fear of clowns remains prevalent.

6 Queen Vanessa’s Manor

A Hat In Time

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

As a gamer, I’d say, “I’m head over heels for A Hat in Time! I play as this adorable little girl known as Hat Kid. What makes her stand out among other indie game characters? She gains powers by sewing hats, that’s right, sewing hats! It’s just too cute!

Initially, when players stepped foot in Queen Vanessa’s Manor, which was undeniably haunted, they felt a shiver down their spine. However, things took a turn for the worse when Queen Vanessa herself materialized, giving chase to Hat Kid and compelling her to seek shelter beneath beds and tables. This abrupt change in tone stands in stark contrast to the rest of the game’s atmosphere. Moreover, this scene doesn’t even hint at Queen Vanessa’s terrifying background lore.

5 The True Laboratory

Undertale

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

Undertale represents another noteworthy independent video game, distinguished by its adorable visuals, clever dialogues, engaging narrative, and an unforgettable ensemble of characters.

It’s not surprising that it’s stayed a favorite for so long; its blend of charm, warmth, and sudden terror perfectly captures the experience for newcomers in The True Lab.

At the True Lab, Alphys performed her experiments involving Determination, which ultimately led to the creation of the grotesque, mutated creatures known as Amalgamates.

As they navigate through, players uncover details about the tragic endings of six other kids that perished in The Underground, thus shedding a chilling light on the game’s narrative.

4 Nightmares

Max Payne

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

Max Payne is deeply burdened, and it’s understandable given his circumstances. Working as a detective in the bustling metropolis of New York City isn’t simple under any circumstances; yet, for Max, it’s even more challenging due to the heartaches and tragedies he has endured.

During the course of the game, these events haunt him in his dreams, compelling him to re-experience distressing past events and terrors.

From navigating bloody mazes to being haunted by the wailing of his murdered wife and child, Max Payne’s nightmare sequences are genuinely — well, nightmarish.

It’s a series staple that has scared a lot of players to this day.

3 Scarecrow

Batman: Arkham Asylum

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

Batman: Arkham Asylum was a huge hit with both longtime fans and newcomers, consistently ranking among the top DC Superhero Games. Interestingly, some of the most impactful parts of the game aren’t associated with Batman himself but rather his arch-nemesis, the fear master: Scarecrow.

In Arkham Asylum, Scarecrow’s debut and subsequent stages are exceptionally frightening due to their exploitation of the Fear Toxin, which delves into Batman’s most profound sorrows and apprehensions.

The sequences themselves are a wonderful representation of how the mind would react to the Fear Toxin, especially for a mind as troubled as Bruce Wayne’s.

2 Cave Exploring

Minecraft

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

Without a doubt, Minecraft has reemerged as a favorite among gamers, notably following the underwhelming unveiling of its movie trailer. In simpler terms, it’s a game that doesn’t require an introduction and has seen a resurgence in popularity.

Nevertheless, this hasn’t prevented the game from becoming one of the most cherished classics ever made – and occasionally, due to its atmospheric excellence, one of the frightening ones as well.

The “Minecraft: Caves and Cliffs” update has significantly expanded the game with numerous additions, including a fresh ambiance that intensifies the suspense when delving into newly discovered caves. Picture this scenario: tranquilly venturing into a cave by yourself, enjoying a serene 30 minutes of solitude while mining, only to find it eerily quiet.

As I’m engrossed in my game, suddenly an ear-piercing, spine-tingling tune fills the air, seemingly materializing from thin air, causing me to leap out of my chair – or a Creeper exploding, which is no less startling.

1 Encountering The Flood

Halo: Combat Evolved

10 Scariest Moments in Non Horror Games

Inquire about a chilling moment any gamer has experienced in a game outside the horror genre, and you’ll likely hear them talk about their initial encounter with “The Flood”. This relentless, consuming parasite can take on various shapes and is frequently referred to as “The Parasite” by The Covenant.

Prior to this moment, it’s clear that The Flood had not made an appearance. Therefore, when players initially step into the prison and encounter nothing but death and devastation, they’re left with more questions than solutions.

After discovering a log that serves as a chilling account of a found-footage horror movie, the events unfold revealing the gruesome demise of the team, each meeting an untimely end at the merciless hands of The Flood, intensifying the suspense and apprehension.

So, naturally, that means once the video is done, The Flood now comes for you.

Read More

2024-09-11 15:10