Best Companions In Horror Games

Key Takeaways

Some horror games offer companions to liven up co-op gameplay and elevate the fear factor.
Hewie in Haunting Ground, Maria in Silent Hill 2, and Ellie in The Last of Us serve as valuable companions.
Companions like Ashley in Resident Evil 4 and Sheva in Resident Evil 5 enhance the gameplay experience.

As a seasoned gamer who’s been through the horrors of Amnesia to the chilling silence of Outlast, I can confidently say that having a companion in a horror game is like having a beacon of hope in an otherwise pitch-black abyss. Some games make you brave the unknown alone, but those that offer a partner are a breath of fresh air.

In horror games, it’s risky and scary to venture alone, yet this is usually the objective in these games. So, the majority of players must confront the unknown by themselves, equipped with a flashlight or perhaps a weapon if they’re fortunate. However, some game studios are more considerate; they provide an additional character to share the terror with the main one.

These associates bring excitement to the environment, enable teamwork for solving puzzles, and even offer support during battles, all while maintaining a sense of dread. Typically, horror partners enhance these games significantly, but some excel above the rest. In scenarios where ghosts, zombies, or monsters are present, these are the allies players would prefer to have on their side.

5 Hewie (Haunting Ground)

Without Hewie, Fiona Would Be Defenseless

In the realm of iconic horror games for PlayStation 2, Haunting Ground continues to be revered as a cult favorite among enthusiasts who nostalgically recall their journey through Belli Castle as Fiona, a young woman left helpless after a car accident and losing her memories. Despite its grandiose architecture that invites exploration and appreciation, the castle is populated by perilous inhabitants that relentlessly pursue the vulnerable Fiona. However, help arrives in the form of Hewie.

From my perspective as a dedicated fan, it’s undeniable that Hewie is an invaluable companion to Fiona Belli – he’s not just her friend, but her guardian and helper. In moments of peril, she can rely on him to fend off pursuers, giving her the precious time to make a quick escape. But even more astonishingly, Hewie can scout ahead and find items that Fiona couldn’t access by herself, making him an irreplaceable ally not just for Fiona, but for me as well. The bond they share only serves to endear Hewie all the more to both of us.

4 Maria (Silent Hill 2)

Whether She Is Real Or Not, Maria Impacts James And The Player In A Major Way

At times, James finds himself venturing through the foggy town of Silent Hill on his own, yet there are instances when Maria accompanies him. To put it in his words, Maria resembles his wife remarkably, except for her distinct attire and hairstyle, and she exhibits a much more forward behavior.

Maria appears to be a product of James’ fractured psyche, acting as a means for him to deal with his guilt. Regardless, Maria plays a significant role in Silent Hill 2, and she is cherished by numerous fans. Although Maria cannot defend herself and requires the player for protection, accompanying her doesn’t feel like a typical escort mission; instead, it can be enjoyable to have her with you. Her character can be quite erratic at times, but this unpredictability adds to her unique appeal, which even James isn’t immune to.

3 Ashley Graham (Resident Evil 4)

The Remake Elevates Ashley To A More Likable Character

Among the least favored aspects of the game Resident Evil 4 was a character named Ashley Graham. Her persistent whining for Leon’s assistance has probably left a chilling echo in the minds of gamers, but given the campy B-horror atmosphere of the original, she harmoniously complemented the setting and theme. However, this is one of the aspects that the remake significantly improved upon, transforming Ashley into a character that players felt compelled to protect.

Apart from undergoing a facelift, her character’s essence was re-evaluated and transformed. She may still flinch at frightening noises or call for help when the creatures known as ganados approached too closely, but she has become a more endearing figure overall. Her voice is less grating to the ears, and her dialogue gives her a stronger connection to the grim, dark atmosphere of the Resident Evil 4 remake. Occasionally, she would express worry for Leon, making sure he was okay. To add to this, the part where players control Ashley in the remake is downright terrifying compared to the original version.

2 Sheva Alomar (Resident Evil 5)

Though She Can’t Replace Jill, Sheva Is A Worthy Partner For Chris

Longtime fans of the “Resident Evil” series will recall that Chris and Jill are among its most beloved duos. However, following her apparent demise and Chris being assigned to an Africa-based operation, players meet Sheva Alomar, who takes over as Redfield’s new partner in the storyline.

Sheva is a skilled woman, well-versed in the local terrain and adept at handling firearms. Though the AI may sometimes fall short, this isn’t really her fault. While she might not surpass Jill in terms of prowess, she was a delightful character in the game where she appeared. Her popularity has only grown since then, particularly due to her iconic skin in Dead by Daylight. The developers seem to have included her more for cooperative play, and there are often debates about who gets to control her.

1 Ellie (The Last Of Us)

Ellie Is A Quintessential Part Of Joel’s Journey

In the annals of post-apocalyptic horror action games, The Last of Us stands as one of the most revered, giving birth to remakes and a sequel following the tale of Joel and Ellie, two characters who cross paths early in the original story. Since she’s immune to the infection, it is speculated that Ellie possesses the solution to creating a cure, which could liberate the surviving human population from the danger posed by clickers – the fungal zombies that stalk using sound.

Immediately upon meeting her, Joel must escort Ellie to a hospital in Salt Lake City. What appears to be a routine task turns into a harrowing experience, forging a deeper connection between them. Ellie proves to be a tough ally, able to stand on her own, providing just the right amount of wit, and becoming almost like another daughter to Joel. Witnessing their family-like bond develop is one of the most satisfying aspects of playing The Last of Us.

2024-09-11 11:33