Top 10 Horror Games in North America You Must Play Now

by

Summary

  • Some of the best modern horror games are set in North America, utilizing the setting creatively.
  • Unique settings like the bayou in Resident Evil 7 and the rural Colorado in Outlast enhance the horror experience.
  • Games like The Last of Us and Alan Wake 2 provide fresh perspectives on America, making them stand out in the genre.

Modern-day horror games often take place not just on Earth but also beyond it, in the future or even in the past. Yet, recently, some exceptional horror games have been developed and are based in North America.

Regardless if it’s the swampy wetlands or bustling cities, North America offers a wealth of terrifying gaming experiences, and while opinions may differ, some are undeniably more outstanding than others. For the fearless adventurers out there, here are the top-notch horror games set in North America.

The order of these games is based on their high-quality gameplay, as well as how effectively they utilize their North American backdrop.

8. Resident Evil 7

Bayou Bonanza

During the mid-2010s, the Resident Evil series was facing tough times, with more and more people questioning its future due to less popular releases. There was a lot of skepticism regarding whether Resident Evil 7 could revive the franchise, but it did so spectacularly, creating one of the best games in the entire Resident Evil series and giving the franchise a new lease on life that continues even today.

A significant factor contributing to the success of ‘Resident Evil 7’ is its bayou setting in Louisiana. This fresh environment provides a new playing ground for games primarily developed in Japan, and it demonstrates that there is still a wealth of creative potential at Capcom.

7. Outlast

The Madhouse

Since the debut of the “Blair Witch Project” in the late 1990s, gamers have pondered if the found footage style could be applied to video games. It wasn’t until the release of “Outlast” that a game successfully nailed this concept. In this chilling title, players experience the game through the camera, which not only serves as their viewpoint but is also the sole means of navigating the inky-dark corridors of an abandoned asylum.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but appreciate how Red Barrels masterfully immersed me in their chilling narrative set amidst the desolate Colorado wilderness. The eerie solitude of the location, with no signs of civilization in sight, only amplified the haunting feel. Yet, it wasn’t just the setting that sent shivers down my spine; the game also tapped into the unsettling aspects of America’s past, particularly its institutions for the mentally ill. The game wouldn’t have had the same impact if it were set elsewhere, underscoring the thoughtful intentionality of the creators.

6. Left 4 Dead 2

Zombie Slaughter With Pals

In the late 2000s, multiplayer games started gaining massive popularity, seeping into mainstream culture on consoles, PCs, among casual and hardcore gamers alike. The original “Left 4 Dead” was an impressive debut in the emerging survival cooperative shooter genre, but it was “Left 4 Dead 2” that truly nailed the formula and continues to be one of the finest examples of its kind today – from a fan’s perspective, of course!

In a sequence of games, Left 4 Dead 2 mirrors George Romero’s vision by portraying American suburban and urban landscapes as arenas for chaotic undead turmoil. This unique, captivating gameplay style links it closely to the genre of zombie movies.

5. The Last Of Us

A Modern Odyssey

Since the 19th century, and the emergence of the Frontier myth in North America, this vast continent has often served as a symbol of adventure and extensive voyages in the English-speaking world, much like how tales of travel around Greece were traditionally depicted in classical literature.

In addition to other elements, the game “The Last of Us” draws heavily from this specific visual style. As the character Joel, players are given the responsibility of guiding Ellie, a young girl, through America (and its numerous cities) with the ultimate goal of saving the world. This theme is not new, but given the deep connection to the United States as a backdrop, it presents a fresh take on an age-old concept, making it captivating and intriguing.

4. Alan Wake 2

Write Your Way Out

It’s common, within English-speaking societies, to unintentionally assume American viewpoints as the norm, making it even more refreshing when creators from outside America portray America as a backdrop for their unique, eccentric, and distinct works of imagination.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for the extraordinary gameplay experience offered by Alan Wake 2, masterfully crafted by Remedy. This psychological horror masterpiece offers a bizarre, skewed perspective of North America that is both reverential and satirical. The surreal depiction of Cascadian landscapes and suburbs is unlike anything else in gaming today, and it’s only grown more captivating since its initial release.

3. Resident Evil 2

Raccoon City Falls

Back in the late ’90s, I, as a passionate game developer from Japan, realized that the U.S. market was expanding rapidly. To make a splash there, we decided to create games set in North America. This concept was instrumental in shaping the Resident Evil franchise, leading us to coin the distinctive name “Raccoon City” for our merged image of a contemporary American metropolis.

Raccoon City, in essence, has an uncanny charm that sets the Resident Evil series apart. It’s heavily influenced by American zombie movies, but with a unique twist – it’s depicted from an outsider’s viewpoint, which makes it distinct among its contemporaries. If you’re curious about this intriguing portrayal of a North American city in a video game, I’d recommend starting with Resident Evil 2.

2. P.T.

Turn The Corner

In recent years, it’s challenging to envision a more impactful contribution to the horror genre than the short-lived demo for the scrapped Silent Hills game, famously known as P.T. This project was overseen by the renowned Hideo Kojima, who consistently crafts unique and engaging American narratives within the realm of video games.

One factor that makes P.T. so terrifying is its use of a suburban hallway, a setting many gamers will recognize, and then turning that comforting familiarity into something fear-inducing and dangerous by consistently introducing new sources of fear. This clever choice in setting layout is crucial for the game’s chilling scares to be effective.

1. Silent Hill 2

In My Restless Dreams

Japanese video game creators often dream up unique cities for their games rather than using real locations from America, such as the fictional city of Raccoon City in Resident Evil or Krimson City in The Evil Within. Among these imaginary urban landscapes, none is quite as memorable, essential, and brilliant as Silent Hill.

Although the town of Silent Hill isn’t strictly stationary (its lore can be inconsistent on this point), it embodies classic American themes with its depiction of cafes, restaurants, apartments, and boardwalks. The remake of Silent Hill 2 magnifies these specific details to modern splendor, reintroducing the hauntingly intriguing creations of Team Silent to a broader public, solidifying it as one of the greatest horror games ever conceived.

Read More

2025-05-19 13:36