Games Inspired By Horror Books

Key Takeaways

Games like
Call of Cthulhu
and
The Wanderer
bring iconic horror literature to life with unique narratives and choices.
Edge of Nowhere
and
World War Z
pay homage to Lovecraft and Brooks with thrilling gameplay and lore references.
Titles like
Parasite Eve
and
I Have No Mouth
offer immersive adaptations that delve into dark themes from the original books.

As a lifelong fan of horror and science fiction, I must say that these games have truly captivated my imagination! Each one offers a unique blend of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and atmospheric elements that transport me to different worlds filled with terror and intrigue.

From ancient civilizations to contemporary writing groups, history has graced us with an abundance of talented authors who have put forth more than a library’s worth of incredible novels. Many are rich with imagery, world-building, and intriguing characters, creating whole new worlds with poetic flourish. As such, books really lend themselves to the screen, with filmmakers and game developers alike drawing on the words and bringing them to life.

This list showcases games across different genres that have been directly influenced by terrifying literature. Some of them expand upon the original stories creatively, others get a fresh take with new interpretations, while some remain true to their written versions. Regardless, it’s definitely worth exploring these games inspired by horror novels.

10 Call Of Cthulhu

H. P. Lovecraft: The Call of Cthulhu (1926)

In my opinion, diving into “Call of Cthulhu” feels like stepping into a chilling survival horror RPG adventure. Assuming the role of the tormented private investigator, Edward Pierce, I’ve been tasked with unraveling the enigma surrounding the Hawkins family’s untimely demise in the eerie town of Darkwater. As I dig deeper into its peculiar customs and question its suspicious residents, I’m gradually uncovering the true powers at stake in a battle for sanity.

In the spirit of H.P. Lovecraft’s classic tale, the video game “Call of Cthulhu” maintains the dreamlike quality, insanity, and enigma that defined the original work. However, it expands upon these elements by providing multiple narrative paths for players to explore, which can influence the course of the game and result in one of four distinct conclusions. The game also features skill upgrades, stealth sequences, and brain-teasing puzzles, catering to a variety of gaming preferences.

9 The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature

Mary Shelley: Frankenstein (1818)

Release: October 30, 2019
Developer: La Belle Games
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch
Top Critic Rating: 70

In the game titled “The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Monster“, you take on the role of the legendary horror character from the classic story. Your journey begins as soon as the monster awakens, leading you across Europe in search of your creator. The gameplay is predominantly exploration and occasional problem-solving through puzzles or mini-games. However, the captivating art design and exceptional music create an immersive atmosphere that makes up for the limited gameplay.

The Vagabond: Victor Frankenstein’s Creation represents a reimagining of Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel, Frankenstein, often hailed as one of the initial works in the science fiction genre. Similar to the source material, this game delves into topics such as morality, justice, and societal exclusion. However, unlike the original story, this game offers five distinct conclusions, each influenced by the player’s choices (or lack thereof).

8 Edge Of Nowhere

H. P. Lovecraft: At the Mountains of Madness (1931)

Developed by the same team behind the cherished Spyro series, the action-adventure game titled Edge of Nowhere was released by Oculus for their virtual reality platforms. In this game, players assume the role of Victor Howard, whose plane crashes, tragically killing his co-pilot. With his fiancé Ava Thorn missing, it’s up to Victor to traverse treacherous mountains and cliffs in search of her. Along the way, Victor must evade the menacing creatures that lurk everywhere by employing a mix of platforming, stealth, and shooting skills.

Edge of Nowhere draws inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness, a narrative that follows an Antarctic expedition as they delve into ancient ruins and encounter beings beyond human understanding. The virtual reality format of the game immerses players in a way that faithfully brings Lovecraft’s work to life, dismantling their sense of safety and offering them a chance to feel the overwhelming scale of the world.

7 World War Z

Max Brooks: World War Z (2006)

In simpler terms, “World War Z” is an action game where you fight off zombies alongside up to four friends in a cooperative campaign. The goal is to survive and escape by completing various tasks at different locations on Earth that has been overrun by zombies. You can choose from multiple weapons and character classes, each with their own abilities, which improve as you level them up, providing a thrilling combat experience.

The game may have distinct characters and altered storylines compared to the book, but it successfully preserves Max Brooks’ depiction of a tumultuous world. It also incorporates phrases such as “zeke” and events like the “Battle of Yonkers,” found in the book, to strengthen the narrative’s atmosphere and expand upon its background.

6 Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow

Bram Stoker: Dracula (1897)

In this game titled “Castlevania: Lords of Shadow,” we follow Gabriel Belmont from the Brotherhood of Light on a journey to reunite heaven and earth. His aim is to revive his spouse by seizing the power of the Lords of Darkness, which is scattered across fragments of the God Mask. The protagonist, Gabriel, is deeply troubled and complex, with plot twists that are unexpected and thrilling. The combat style is a mix of hack-and-slash, which can be gruesome at times, along with puzzle and platform challenges.

In contrast to the typical storyline of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and previous Castlevania games, Lord of Shadows significantly alters the universe, serving as a precursor to Dracula’s life rather than a direct continuation. It operates within its own game timeline. The legendary vampire character is featured, along with nods to J.S. Le Fanu’s Carmilla and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

5 World Of Horror

Junji Ito: Various

In simpler terms, “World of Horror” is a role-playing game where you take on the role of one out of 14 characters, and your task is to navigate through a pixelated world while combating creatures reminiscent of cosmic horror to thwart an impending apocalypse. What sets this game apart is that it’s entirely hand-drawn using Microsoft Paint, giving it a unique 1-bit art style that enhances the eerie atmosphere of the game.

This game combines elements inspired by Lovecraft and Junji Ito to create a distinctive look and feel, as well as an engaging gameplay. For instance, “Cadaver Theater” is reminiscent of Ito’s “House of Puppets,” and the name “Tomie” can be found on one of the tombstones in the cemetery. Consequently, World of Horror offers a thrilling adventure for enthusiasts of horror manga.

4 Parasite Eve

Hideaki Seana: Parasite Eve (1995)

As a gamer, I dive into the gripping world of “Parasite Eve,” stepping into the shoes of Detective Aya. An ordinary evening unfolds as I attend an opera, my date being none other than the captivating Melissa Pearce. But the enchantment is shattered when an unexpected chain reaction leaves everyone around us engulfed in flames, save for Melissa, my date, and myself. It soon transpires that the alluring Melissa harbors a terrifying secret: she’s none other than ‘Eve’ — a monstrous mutation. My mission is to unravel this supernatural mystery and put an end to Eve before her destructive rampage consumes the entire human race.

Parasite Eve was promoted as a follow-up to Seana’s novel with the same title, which raised the intriguing question: What if mitochondria possessed consciousness? This game is equally gory in some scenes as its literary counterpart, featuring grotesque monsters and terrifying scientific creations. The diverse array of weaponry options, customizations, exploration elements, and puzzles make Parasite Eve a delightful trip down memory lane for enthusiasts of the early Resident Evil series.

3 Telltale’s The Walking Dead

Robert Kirkman: The Walking Dead (2003)

In Telltale’s The Walking Dead game, players assume the role of Lee Everett, a former criminal who manages to escape from police custody when the vehicle transporting him crashes. It soon becomes apparent that a zombie outbreak is imminent. He ventures into the suburbs of Georgia and comes across a young girl named Clementine, with whom he promises to reunite with her family.

This game, titled Telltale’s The Walking Dead, mirrors Robert Kirkman’s comic book series in name and style, with graphic art and interwoven storylines. The plot progression is influenced by the player’s decisions. This game immerses players into complex characters and presents them with tough moral dilemmas, making it one of the most emotionally impactful zombie games available.

2 I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream

Harlan Ellison: I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream (1967)

I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream is a science fiction and psychological horror game that combines elements of point-and-click. The story centers around a supercomputer named AM, an American supercomputer initially built for global warfare, which gained consciousness and harbors intense hatred towards humanity. In this game, players take turns controlling the last five humans on Earth who are kept alive by AM to endure torment. The objective is to rehabilitate each character by navigating customized situations to make amends for their past misdeeds.

The video game shares its title with a book and closely mirrors its storyline until the conclusion, with the author playing a part in the game’s development. Similar to the book, “I Have No Mouth” tackles heavy, thought-provoking real-life issues that may make players feel uneasy and disturbed. Both the game and the novel provide an introspective, dystopian perspective on human weaknesses and artificial intelligence.

1 Dagon: By H. P. Lovecraft

H. P. Lovecraft: Dagon (1919)

In the game named “Dagon: By H. P. Lovecraft”, you step into the role of a character from Lovecraft’s short story, “Dagon”. This adventure game has an exploratory style, similar to walking simulators, where you can delve into a desolate seascape that appears after drifting out at sea in a lifeboat. As you navigate this haunting environment, you’ll encounter the terrifying creatures that dwell there. Additionally, there are interactive elements, such as point-and-click features, which allow you to uncover hidden secrets about the author and his work, providing fascinating insights into Lovecraft’s life and the story itself.

In this game, a verbatim recitation of the tale Dagon enhances the overall play, seamlessly mirroring the gameplay. The graphics are not only stylish but also vividly gruesome, giving off an almost palpable sea-salty scent from the ocean. All in all, Dagon: By H. P. Lovecraft is a captivating and enlightening experience that effectively portrays the original story.

2024-10-04 03:35