The Best Horror Games Featuring Animals

Key Takeaways

Innocent animals can become terrifying foes in horror games, providing unique challenges and emotional connections.
Animals in horror games can act as companions that offer hope and support in dire situations.
Horror games like
Blair Witch
and
Haunting Ground
showcase the importance of animal companions in the survival of protagonists.

As a seasoned survivor of countless underwater expeditions and a die-hard fan of deep-sea horror games, I can confidently say that my heart skips a beat every time I dive into the terrifying world of Depth. The relentless pursuit of the shark, the haunting silence of the abyss, and the thrill of escaping with precious resources in tow – it’s an exhilarating experience that no other game can replicate.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that using symbols of innocence like animals or babies in unexpected terrifying scenarios can create some of the most chilling experiences. Sometimes, it even leads to grueling boss battles. It’s fascinating how creatures we typically view as peaceful co-exist with us humans, but when they’re twisted by demonic possession, illegal experimentation, or mutation, they can transform into ruthless adversaries.

In these horrifying video games, bloodthirsty giraffes and zombie dogs often create chaos, either as our valiant opponents or as we struggle to stay alive. Yet, not every animal is a ruthless slayer, as some can prove loyal allies – shining beacons of hope amidst the darkest despair. Essentially, these horror games revolve around animals, regardless of whether they aid us or pose a threat.

5 Blair Witch

Ellis’ Dog Bullet

Two years following the 1999 film “The Blair Witch Project”, this survival horror game by Bloober Team centers around a police officer named Ellis who delves into Black Hills Forest in pursuit of a missing nine-year-old boy named Peter. Along his journey, Ellis is accompanied by a Belgian Shepherd named Bullet, provided to him by the police department before the game’s events unfold. Bullet serves as a comforting presence for Ellis, who has experienced hardships, much like Bullet. Ellis can instruct Bullet to search for evidence, follow trails, return to him, remain stationary, and stay close during harrowing scenes.

In addition to controlling actions, players can opt to scold, stroke, or reward Bullet. If Bullet wanders too far, Ellis’ mental stability decreases, but exploring is crucial for the narrative advancement since Bullet often discovers important keys. Moreover, Bullet warns Ellis of nearby creatures, facilitating easier monster disposal when necessary. As a vital tool for survival, Bullet offers unique features that distinguish Blair Witch from similar horror games due to its innovative mechanics.

4 Zoochosis

Mutant Zoo Animals

Despite not being playable at present, Zoochosis is set to debut on Steam on September 30, making it perfect for Halloween season. The gameplay bears resemblance to Five Nights at Freddy’s, with players assuming the role of a zookeeper during their night shift. As the story unfolds, they will discover that the zoo’s animals are undergoing mutations into frightening monsters. Players can feed and care for the animals and use environmental resources to create a vaccine, which helps combat the infection afflicting them.

In the game “Zoochosis,” the storyline unfolds differently based on which animals the player selects or successfully rescues. The game features various creatures such as giraffes, zebras, elephants, moose, hippos, among others. The primary focus of the game is to solve the mystery behind a sudden outbreak. To heighten realism and immersion, the game is played from a first-person perspective using a body camera view.

3 Depth

Various Species Of Killer Sharks

Introduced in 2014, Depth offers players two distinct perspectives: that of a deep-sea explorer embarking on an underwater journey, or a menacing shark hunting its prey. Players can engage in exhilarating combat scenarios against AI opponents or collaborate with and compete against other humans. As the Diver, your mission is to safeguard a submersible while gathering resources for gear upgrades, unearthing hidden treasures, and surviving the relentless shark attacks. Conversely, as the Shark, you can emerge victorious by eliminating all Divers or demolishing the submersible. The game concludes when one side exhausts its respawns, the submersible is safely retrieved or destroyed.

The thrilling and eerily realistic setting of Depth sets it apart as a top-notch multiplayer horror game featuring one of the ocean’s most fearsome creatures. For enthusiasts of the classic film Jaws, who believed they could outmaneuver the shark, Depth offers a chance to put that belief to the test. Unlike other games, Depth doesn’t rely heavily on existing media, making it a unique experience for aficionados of the deep-sea survival horror sub-genre.

2 Resident Evil

Zombie Dogs And Yawn

In the Resident Evil series, the zombie dogs, which are a variety of domesticated canines that have been infected with the T-Virus, gained prominence following their introduction in the game that started it all in 1996. Notably, many of the dogs encountered by Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield were Dobermanns, as Chief Brian Irons had made it a point to have them as part of the Raccoon City Police Department’s K-9 unit. When the T-Virus outbreak occurred, these Dobermanns contracted the virus strain.

In the world of Resident Evil, it’s not just Zombie Dogs that pose a threat. Another animal-themed adversary resides in the Spencer Mansion, a colossal snake known as “Yawn” due to its cavernous mouth. This serpent is either faced by Jill or Chris, and they must confront it on two occasions – first in the attic and then again in the library. Yawn poses a double danger: it can bite the player character, causing a poison status, or if their health falls below 25%, Yawn will devour them instantly.

1 Haunting Ground

Fiona’s Companion Hewie

In 2005, the critically underappreciated survival horror game titled “Haunting Ground” was launched for PlayStation 2. The narrative revolves around a college student named Fiona who finds herself in a castle dungeon after a car accident leaves her confused. This title is often regarded as the spiritual successor to Capcom’s Clock Tower series. As Fiona delves deeper into the castle, she encounters a White Shepherd named Hewie and forms an alliance with him. Much like Bullet from “Blair Witch“, Hewie plays a crucial role in Fiona’s survival and greatly influences gameplay. While he can be instructed to scout the surroundings and attack adversaries, Hewie will not instantly follow commands until after he meets Fiona.

In the course of the game, Hewie’s loyalty and camaraderie need to be cultivated rather than assumed. This is often achieved by appreciating him and showing affection, but if he disobeys commands, he may be corrected. The surroundings are filled with various objects that can help heal Hewie, rejuvenate his energy, or strengthen your bond with him. For instance, Fiona might engage in a game of fetch with Hewie using a tennis ball, which significantly enhances their friendship as the game progresses.

2024-09-15 10:33