10 Criminally Underrated AA Horror Games

Horror games don’t get enough love in the grand scheme of things, do they?

At The Game Awards, they were entirely disregarded, deemed under-appreciated by rival fan communities who vehemently argue that their preferred horror games are the most terrifying.

It’s not about determining who’s correct or incorrect, fear is a matter of personal perception. Yet, this doesn’t diminish the fact that horror games don’t deserve affection just because they exist, or for daring to offer something more to their players. Regrettably, many such games are often overlooked.

These games are created by studios that aren’t exactly small enough to be classified as independent, yet they’re not the large-scale AAA studios known for their substantial funding.

These AA (Action-Adventure) games occupy a moderate position, boasting reasonable support, yet they must continue to be inventive and make the most of their available resources.

If you’re a fan of horror games, you’ll find these AA-labeled ones particularly enjoyable as they offer numerous frightening moments that might just keep you awake through the night.

10. The Blackout Club

Co-Op Horror Investigating Monsters

This game, The Blackout Club, was once bustling with activity but has unfortunately been left unattended by its developers. Nowadays, while you can still play it, the level of player interaction isn’t as high as it used to be during its peak period.

This game is a cooperative multiplayer title, reminiscent of the popular horror-adventure game, Phasmophobia. In this thrilling adventure, you and your companions assume roles of a band of teenagers, who find themselves in a chilling predicament – evading monstrous entities that have taken on the visages of their trusted adults from the community.

Under the cover of night, the grown-ups in our town start sleepwalking and turn aggressive. It falls upon us to decipher the cause and find a way to halt this strange behavior.

Engaging in team activities is a blast, as it requires effective communication and collaboration to ensure everyone’s survival.

You effectively leverage various tools for your benefit, making it incredibly enjoyable. Be aware that the beginning of the game is more intense than the end, but overall, I still find it to be a fun experience.

9. DEVOUR

Save Yourself And Friends From Cultists

Spending time with your buddies can’t be beat, especially when it involves expelling the demon Azazel and battling his followers – and that’s the kind of excitement you’ll find in DEVOUR.

In this game, you’ll find yourself in a cooperative survival horror experience where each play session differs from the last. Your objective is to resist being taken by cultists who have been possessed, as they are determined to lead you and your companions towards the depths of hell. These relentless adversaries will employ any means necessary to achieve their sinister goal.

In multiple game maps, some being more advantageous than others, you need to employ your intelligence and fast reflexes to stay alive. The game notoriously advises: “Run, shout, conceal yourself – but above all, avoid capture.”

The game provides an exhilarating experience, and the tension arises from the adrenaline rush of attempting to escape. Whether you choose to play with companions or solo, be aware that playing on your own will present a tough test indeed.

8. Oxenfree

A Creepy Coming of Age

The adorable appearance of “Oxenfree” may be misleading, but beneath its charming exterior lies a far more somber storyline. In this game, you control Alex, a teenager, who along with her friends unwittingly unleash a portal to the otherworldly realm.

If you’re fond of the spine-chilling supernatural horror films that dominated the ’80s, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy playing this game. What sets it apart is that the conversations you engage in have real consequences, adding an extra layer of immersion to your experience.

Based on the actions you take within it, this game could unfold as an endearing tale of growing up or a poignant exploration of sorrow.

The game doesn’t constantly deliver horror, making it an ideal choice if you are sensitive to frightening content. Instead, it focuses more on creating a spooky and supernatural atmosphere as opposed to giving direct scares. It’s suspenseful, but not truly terrifying.

It’s a bit new weird, a bit quirky, but an overall good time.

7. Little Nightmares

Everyone Praises the Sequel More

Before delving into discussions about the popularity of “Little Nightmares”, let’s not overlook the fact that often, its prequel and even the forthcoming third installment in the series receive more praise, while the original game sometimes gets overshadowed.

Unfortunately, much like what happened with Silent Hill, Little Nightmares 2 seems to have completely left its original behind.

In the initial “Little Nightmares” game, there’s an unsettling vibe that’s reminiscent of a childhood nightmare. It seems comforting at first glance but quickly transforms into something truly terrifying. The atmosphere is dark, exaggerated, and grotesque, mirroring how traumatized children might perceive their fears. It doesn’t hesitate to portray things from a child’s perspective who has been through tough experiences.

This compact platform game is worthy of receiving as much affection as its successor, and it’s highly probable that one key factor contributing to this is the charming character, Six – a young girl dressed in a yellow raincoat, who is the player’s character.

At first glance, she appears pure and guileless. However, as things unfold, one can’t help but ponder if some dark influence might be manipulating this young soul.

I can’t resist the charm of a tale before its sequel is revealed, when anticipation is still just a hint of expectation – and the story of Little Nightmares left a unique imprint on my memory.

6. SOMA

Nothing Like Existential Dread

For some players, nothing might be more terrifying than facing existential crises, and that’s precisely what SOMA instills with its sense of panic and dread.

The game titled “SOMA” firmly established itself within the realm of science fiction horror, leaving an indelible mark with its chilling ambiance and a genuinely terrifying plot twist.

This game delves into ideas related to the conscious mind and self, exploring what constitutes a soul and the essence of humanity. It’s hard not to speculate that perhaps Cyberpunk 2077 drew some inspiration from this game and these themes when developing the Arasaka Save Your Soul Initiative.

To add to that, the relationship you build with Catherine (the robot) serves as a captivating side plot in the game, and it’s just as interesting to decide how this friendship eventually unfolds.

SOMA is most impactful when played without any prior knowledge; the surprises you’ll encounter will both astonish and unsettle you.

5. Layers of Fear

Bloober Team’s Breakout Hit

Prior to achieving tremendous success with the remake of Silent Hill 2, the game development team Bloober Team initially made their mark in the industry with Layers of Fear.

Actually, quite a while back, our team at TopMob experimented with the game as a means of predicting the ultimate outcome of the Silent Hill 2 Remake.

Layers of Fear is a chilling, hallucinatory horror video game that blurs the boundaries between reality and the artwork itself. In this game, you assume the role of an artist who gradually descends into madness as your own artworks appear to transform against you.

The right atmosphere plays a crucial role in horror video games, and the Bloober Team has demonstrated an exceptional knack for capturing this essence, even with their debut title.

Without a doubt, it’s eerily suspenseful, and if you appreciate the atmosphere that the Silent Hill 2 Remake evoked, you’ll uncover its roots here.

As a gamer, I find that supernatural horror games can often be hit or miss for folks. However, when it comes to “Layers of Fear,” there seems to be a universal agreement: this game is downright terrifying!

4. Visage

The Closest We’ll Get to P.T.

Will I ever forgive Konami for canceling Silent Hills (P.T.)? Not at all. The decision was a grave mistake that tarnished the horror genre and left a bitter taste in the mouths of numerous gamers.

Step into the world of “Visage“, a game that bore a striking resemblance to “P.T.” and offered a tantalizing glimpse into what might have been.

Ultimately, the game was crafted by a developer who appeared genuinely concerned for their players, offering various conclusions even though they didn’t manage to reach their Kickstarter target years prior.

As a gamer, I must confess that this game has sent shivers down my spine. It’s an exceptional addition to the psychological horror genre, offering a cathartic experience for those of us still grappling with our grief.

Even though you might believe you can manage the game on your own, once the lights are out and you’re playing in the dark, an unexpected fear of the darkness may surface, which wasn’t there before.

3. The Forest

Forget Timmy, Become Cannibal King!

Curious fact: One of my high school students confessed that she just watched the series LOST, unaware of its powerful impact during its heyday.

People who enjoy this series might be familiar with a game titled “The Forest“, as its plot shares some striking similarities.

As I find myself shipwrecked upon an uncharted island following a harrowing plane crash, I soon realize that this seemingly desolate paradise conceals secrets yet undiscovered. With nothing but my wits and the few belongings salvaged from the wreckage, survival becomes an exhilarating challenge, one that promises to reveal the true depths of this enigmatic land.

These beasts are merciless, and often there’s scarcely enough warning before they strike. Yet, as you learn to cope and endure, the experience transforms into something much more fulfilling.

In this game, the forest serves both as a threat and an aid – a dual role if you will. Keep this concept in mind as you struggle for survival.

2. Still Wakes the Deep

Absolutely Harrowing Eldritch Horror

2024 saw a standout horror game, “Still Wakes the Deep“, often overlooked but deserving of much acclaim as a true masterwork in its genre.

Let me emphasize this point: Before jumping to criticize it as just a walkthrough game, give it a fair try by playing through it first. I assure you, the journey will prove to be quite rewarding.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be drawn into the chilling world of “Still Wakes the Deep”. It’s a tale that’s as haunting as it is heartbreaking, with characters who seem to be destined for doom from the very beginning. Yet, despite the endless string of misfortunes, I find myself compelled to keep playing, clinging onto the slightest hope that this time, things might just turn out differently.

The game captures the elusive, baffling essence of Lovecraftian horror, leaving many characters disheartened as they abandon attempts to comprehend its mysteries. On this ill-fated oil platform, there’s but a single goal: escape, if that’s even possible.

Absolutely, this game is worthy of all the affection it can receive. From the moment you start playing, it feels like a captivating movie unfolding right before your eyes, and the experience continues until the credits conclude.

1. Devotion

A Devastating Family Nightmare

One of the most underappreciated horror games I’ve ever played is Devotion, developed by Red Candle Games. The game, which takes place in 1980s Taiwan, puts you in the shoes of Du Feng Yu, who spends much of his time inside his apartment as he delves deeper into his past and confronts the consequences of his unwavering religious beliefs.

It’s clear that this game tackles profound religious motifs, exploring the perils of despair and the manipulative tactics used by cults, particularly their exploitation of fear. Initially, it may seem like a straightforward horror, but as pieces of the apartment start to unravel, revealing the hidden truth, you’re left in disarray.

Five years ago, I initially encountered this game, and each memory of it remains crystal-clear in my mind, just as if I had only played it yesterday – and yet, I haven’t revisited it since then. Such is the power of its impact and lasting impression on me. Truly, it left me heartbroken.

For the first time, you might find yourself engrossed in a game unlike any you’ve ever played – I’m referring to Devotion. You won’t realize this for certain until you give it a try, but fortunately, it’s no longer prohibited, so you have the opportunity to do just that and discover its unique charm for yourself!

2025-03-01 19:16