The Best Horror Levels In Non-Horror Games

Key Takeaways

Horror-themed levels in non-horror games immerse players in tense environments, adding variety to gameplay.
Scarecrow Nightmare in
Batman: Arkham Asylum
features minigames, enhancing gameplay with visuals and puzzles.
Horror levels in games like
Minecraft’s
caves and
Max Payne’s
blood trail nightmares induce fear unexpectedly.

As someone who’s grown up playing games and experiencing various forms of digital terror, I must say that these levels are indeed a testament to game developers’ creativity and the power of sound design. Each one of them has left an indelible mark on my gaming journey, making me jump out of my seat or sleep with the lights on.

Non-horror games can have just as many spine-tingling, nerve-wracking moments as dedicated horror titles, offering an unexpected sense of fear and anxiety. These scary scenes can actually augment the overall game story by creating a tense, unpredictable setting that changes the usual gameplay style and prevents the narrative from growing monotonous with a surprise element. Many times, these horror-themed levels are depicted as dream sequences or brief forays into eerie landscapes within a game primarily focused on action and adventure.

If you’re not keen on fully immersing yourself in a horror game but still crave a bit of thrill or appreciate diverse narratives, these scary levels within non-horror games offer just enough chills without causing prolonged emotional distress (fingers crossed).

8 Scarecrow Nightmare (Batman: Arkham Asylum)

Scarecrow’s Looming Figure Piles On The Pressure

In the game Batman: Arkham Asylum, the main character, Batman, can encounter terrifying dreams caused by Scarecrow’s Fear Toxin if he inhales it or comes into contact with it through injection or other means. To break free from these Scarecrow Nightmares, Batman must use various items to avoid being seen by Scarecrow, as failing to do so will result in his demise. His ultimate goal is to reach a Bat Signal that will help him escape Scarecrow’s domain. There are a total of three Scarecrow Nightmares, with the final one featuring skeletons for Batman to battle while simultaneously evading Scarecrow’s glowing, amber eyes.

In the additional content titled “Scarecrow Nightmare DLC”, Batman encounters a fourth nightmare scenario. Here, he battles an army of skeletons while being tormented by Scarecrow’s verbal jabs. If Batman is struck by one of the skeletons, the encounter concludes. The Scarecrow Nightmares are reminiscent of mini-games and contribute to varying the gameplay experience in “Batman: Arkham Asylum” by altering its visuals, puzzle components, and the point of view.

7 Undead Nightmare (Red Dead Redemption)

John Marston Is Hunted By Hordes Of The Undead

In an extension to the original “Red Dead Redemption” titled “Undead Nightmare“, John Marston embarks on a journey in an alternate reality, seeking a remedy for a city-wide zombie infestation that has also affected his family. While there are frightening moments in both “Red Dead Redemption” and its sequel, they primarily focus on other themes, making “Undead Nightmare” a unique addition to enhance the horror aspect of the gameplay.

Rockstar found that the American Frontier and rural settings were ideal for a zombie game, a concept their team had long desired to create. The introductory narration seems reminiscent of Vincent Price from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” while the camera angles are jarring and disorienting, making Undead Nightmare resemble classic horror films like Evil Dead. This expansion pack is frequently praised as one of the greatest DLC releases in gaming history.

6 The Ocean House Hotel (Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines)

Haunted House Tactics Create A Classic Horror Experience

A game labeled as “Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines” might initially seem like it fits into the horror genre, but in reality, it’s an action role-playing game that belongs to a larger series stemming from a tabletop RPG, featuring multiple sequels. In the mission titled “The Ghost Haunts at Midnight,” players delve into the Ocean House Hotel, which is tormented by the spectral presence of a couple and their two offspring. The player’s objective is to lay these souls to rest after discovering that the husband had tragically murdered his family and set the hotel ablaze.

As they traverse Ocean House Hotel, gamers encounter numerous traditional horror elements, like collapsing chandeliers and a spectral woman wailing while drifting through hallways. The Bloodlines game delivers an unexpectedly chilling episode that catches even seasoned players off guard, as its marketing doesn’t indicate it’s a horror title. Instead, the fear factor comes as a thrilling surprise to the player.

5 Minecraft Caves (Minecraft)

Cave Systems Are A Constant Source of Anxiety

While Minecraft might seem like the most peaceful and soothing game, it does have its moments that can send shivers down your spine. Many of these frightening instances occur deep within a cave system or mine shaft. It’s a well-known fact among Minecraft players to never dig straight down – though many don’t heed this advice – as you could easily fall to your doom, plunge into lava, or encounter a horde of monsters in the dark. Caves in Minecraft can be an exciting adventure if they lead to generous rewards, but they can also be extremely perilous.

Sometimes, caves can be equally terrifying due to running out of supplies or maneuvering through dangerous terrain when health is low, creating as much tension as any sudden shock. Nothing quite sets the adrenaline flowing like hearing a mob nearby and not knowing which way they are approaching from.

4 Stalker Level — Chapter 3: Seattle Day (The Last Of Us Part 2)

Ellie Takes On A Horde Of Stalkers Alone In The Dark

On Day 2 in Ellie’s Seattle, we encounter not only the enigmatic Seraphites but also set Ellie against one of the most lethal infected creatures: Stalkers. As Ellie ventures into a deserted office building, she pursues a Stalker who has broken through the floor, causing her to descend into a dimly lit area where she must confront multiple Stalkers simultaneously. The environment is not only darker due to lack of natural light, but the Stalkers, living up to their name, are adept at tracking Ellie’s movements. If she makes too much noise, they will home in on her position and launch a surprise attack. Players have the option to either sneak through the area or engage in combat to escape, or they can dash towards the window panes on the outskirts and force their way through to reach a safe zone.

Many players opting to bypass the Stalker segment entirely demonstrates just how unsettling it can be. This is especially valid because the Stalkers are elusive and their movements are so erratic that defending against them effectively often requires extra Molotovs or the awareness that swiftly escaping might be the wisest course of action.

3 Haunted Hogsmeade Quest (Hogwarts Legacy)

Players Fend Off Poltergeists and Mannequins

In the game Hogwarts Legacy, the Haunted Hogsmeade Shop quest, often referred to as “Minding Your Own Business,” becomes available once you’ve completed the Fire and Vice main story quest. Outside an empty shop near Spintwitches Sporting Needs in Hogsmeade, you’ll find a house elf named Penny. She encourages players to talk to the store’s owner, Cassandra Mason, who offers to sell the shop. After a few spell castings (such as Reparo) to fix it up, Cassandra suggests exploring beneath the shop where you can open a mysterious chest.

During their expedition through the entrance hall, library, and the enigmatic Fastidio’s company, players will run across some spooky-looking dolls as well. The quest titled “Minding Your Own Business” is a lengthy one that culminates in a showdown with Fastidio, his creature, and eventually Cassandra. This quest stands out among the others in the game, so it’s advisable to complete it during daylight hours or at a time when you won’t be disturbed later, as it may provoke disturbing dreams of animated mannequins and ghostly occurrences.

2 Let There Be Light (Rugrats: Search For Reptar)

Ominous Music Makes A Children’s Game Terrifying, Even For Adults

In the kid-oriented PlayStation 1 game “Rugrats: Search for Reptar,” it was unexpected that they would incorporate one of the most frightening levels found in any family-friendly title. The level named “Let There Be Light” mirrors an episode from the Rugrats TV series, where Tommy must maneuver through a dimly lit house filled with spooky apparitions lurking in every corner. His mission is to reach the refrigerator, only then will he understand that Spike’s assistance is required to open it. Spike can be found at random inside or outside the house, and once Tommy locates him, they can both go back to the refrigerator to finish the level.

In their youth, numerous video game enthusiasts might recall how surprisingly spooky this particular stage felt, amplified by its ominous melody. What truly sets “Let There Be Light” apart is the intriguing observation that the developers of “Search for Reptar” likely didn’t aim to create a scary level; it was merely an unintended consequence that this stage turned out to be such an iconic element in this cherished PlayStation game.

1 Blood Trail (Max Payne)

A Baby’s Cry Punctuates Max’s Journey Through Nightmares

In the Max Payne series, the harrowing nightmare sequences following the blood trails are particularly unforgettable, though they may occasionally test one’s patience. These sections of the game excel thematically and significantly develop Max’s character, despite being nightmarishly challenging. It is advisable to save (and quicksave regularly) before tackling the blood trail, as it often requires multiple attempts unless players opt for using walkthrough guides for assistance.

The chilling aspect of these stages lies in the escalating wail of a baby, growing more intense as players advance and resets whenever a level is not completed successfully. This sound effect, one of the most spine-chilling in game design across all genres, is eagerly anticipated by fans for the upcoming remake. The louder the cries, the closer Max seems to be getting, exacerbating the intensity of her PTSD.

2024-11-29 04:35