Best Horror Games Set In Japan, Ranked

As a seasoned horror game enthusiast who has spent countless sleepless nights navigating through eerie landscapes and battling grotesque creatures, I must say that these five games have left quite an impression on me.

Japan is frequently linked to horror due to its deep-rooted urban legends and mythology, a significant part of which can be traced back to the Edo era. Western media often features iconic characters like the long-haired girl seen in movies such as “The Grudge” and “The Ring”. Other popular figures include creatures known as yokai, such as Aka Manto and Kuchisake-onna, who pose a high risk of danger when encountered.

The fascination with Japan’s eerie landscapes persists across the video game world. Ranging from the shadowy alleys of Tokyo to haunted woods known for their deadly mysteries and vengeful specters, here are some top-tier horror games that take place in Japan.

10 Yuoni

A Dark Narrative Of Loneliness And Childhood

Best Horror Games Set In Japan, Ranked

Release: August 18, 2021
Developer: Tricore Inc.
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Top Critic Rating: 56

“Yuoni” – A First-person Horror Game Inspired by the Urban Legend of Tsun

As a gamer, I find myself in a chilling scenario where I need to carry out a ritual using a doll. However, I’ve got some tricky spirits to dodge along the way – some are deaf and can be outmaneuvered by swiftly running past them, while others are blind and require sneaky maneuvers to bypass. The gameplay might be repetitive and tough, but let me tell you, Yuoni is an exhilarating journey with a gripping narrative that keeps me hooked.

9 Ikai

A Stunning Homage To Japanese Folklore

Release: September 22, 2021
Developer: Endflame
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Top Critic Rating: 57

The game titled “Ikai” is a chilling survival horror experience, taking place in the tranquil countryside of Japan. Our protagonist, Naoko, is tasked with guarding her uncle’s sanctuary while he deals with a village afflicted by panic over an impending demonic arrival. However, when she inadvertently opens a gateway to the underworld, it becomes her responsibility to safeguard the shrine and seal this gate once more.

The game creatively uses established Japanese yokai to generate terrifying encounters where they cannot retaliate. It also includes distinctive elements like seal-writing, complex puzzles, and a moving storyline.)

8 Shadow Corridor

Explore Randomly Generated Authentic Settings

Release: March 8, 2019
Developer: Space Onigiri Game LLC
Platform: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
Top Critic Average: 67

Stepping through a narrow passageway, overtaken by a wistful longing for carefree childhood summers, the main character finds themselves mysteriously whisked into a labyrinthine network of shadowy corridors within an ancient Japanese mansion. As they navigate their way out, they will not only try to escape but also discover the chilling origins of this twisted alternate realm.

During gameplay, players won’t be able to overcome the spirits but can gather items for protection against them and hunt for magatama stones that enable escape. Each playthrough presents distinct environments, with evil spirits and demons demanding unique tactics to avoid, creating an intense, confined atmosphere.

7 Fatal Frame: Mask Of The Lunar Eclipse

An Atmospheric Experience With Unique Mechanics

Located south of Honshu lies Rogetsu Island, home to “Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse.” This chilling tale centers around Ruka, who finds herself back on the island after being abducted and losing her memories with four other girls a decade ago. As they uncover their affliction by the spreadable memory-warping “Moonlight Syndrome,” they embark on a harrowing journey to find a cure, navigating through a series of fear-inducing locales.

In this game, what sets it apart is a device called the camera obscura. You use it to combat ghosts by snapping pictures. If you take a photo while the spirit is attacking, it gets banished instantly, which is why they call it “Fatal Frame.” The points you get from these photos can be traded for medicine and used at safe spots. The game offers several different endings for Fatal Frame.

6 Ghostwire: Tokyo

Fighting-Heavy Horror Game With Supernatural Combat

In the game ‘Ghostwire: Tokyo’, you assume the character of Akito, a young man who, following a car accident that left him unconscious, has been partially possessed by a spectral entity known as KK. Your mission is to halt Hannya, an enigmatic practitioner of the occult, who is transforming local residents into spirits and plundering their souls. Additionally, you must search for Akito’s missing sister.

In Ghostwire, the narrative unfolds intriguingly, with many aspects discovered through collectible items scattered around. It’s a horror game that primarily focuses on combat, and the protagonist, Akito, can enhance his supernatural attacks using martial art-style hand movements. Moreover, you’ll encounter some truly unsettling adversaries drawn from Japanese folklore urban legends.

5 Yomawari: Midnight Shadows

A Deceptively Cute Horror Game

Release: August 24, 2017
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4
Top Critic Rating: 78

Midnight Shadows” is the second game in the “Yomawari” series. Two young girls get separated and lost during a time of darkness when a monster appears, and they must navigate through unknown forests and towns to find their way back home.

As a seasoned gamer who has played countless games, I must say that this game stands out as a unique gem in my collection. The seamless blend of puzzles, stealth, and exploration is reminiscent of some of the best titles I’ve ever played. However, what makes it truly special is its deceptively adorable design that belies the spooky atmosphere lurking beneath.

4 World Of Horror

Hand Drawn Turn-Based Cosmic Horror

In the “World of Horror,” you delve into an adventure as one out of fourteen distinct characters. Your mission is to traverse different locations in the eerie Japanese town of Shiokawa, battling Lovecraftian monsters along the way. The ultimate objective is to avert a catastrophic apocalypse. This game is unique because it’s designed as a 1-bit Role Playing Game (RPG).

The art for the “World of Horror” game was exclusively created using Microsoft Paint, drawing inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft, urban legends, and Junji Ito to craft a genuinely chilling amalgamation. Each Old God the players face has distinct attacks and effects that ensure each turn-based gaming moment remains fresh and captivating.

3 Spirit Hunter: NG

Visual Novel With Both Mystery And Horror Elements

Release: September 13, 2018
Developers: EXPERIENCE, Ghostlight LTD
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4
Top Critic Rating: 82

In the sequel of the “Spirit Hunter” series, titled “NG“, you will engage in a visual novel game that revolves around ghost hunting. Your mission is to search for the missing younger sister of the main character. However, a twist unfolds as you’ve been afflicted by the spirit Kakuya, forcing you to participate in her life-or-death game. In this game, you must either destroy or spare Tokyo’s supernatural beings to find and rescue your sister.

The conclusion of “Spirit Hunter: NG” can change depending on the choices players make during quick-time events and exploration areas, which adds a level of replay worthiness. Beyond its eerie settings and graphic violence, this game offers intriguing characters and a captivating enigma to solve.

2 GOHOME

Sinister Walk Home With Surreal Art Style

Release: June 16, 2020
Developer: 市松製化
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
Steam User Rating: 86%

“GOHOME” is a third-person survival horror game set in a residential district of Japan. As you guide Mosaiko Suzuki, a young girl who becomes separated from her parents, your mission is to help her navigate the area and return home. Unfortunately, there are twisted and bizarre creatures lurking around every corner that you must evade.

As a longtime fan of horror games with a penchant for the macabre, I find this game to be a refreshing and unsettling departure from the norm. Having grown up playing countless titles that relied heavily on jump scares and convoluted plots, it’s a breath of fresh air to encounter something that prioritizes atmosphere over narrative clarity.

1 Parasocial

Paranoia Inducing Commentary On Cyber-Safety

Release: August 26, 2023
Developer: Chilla’s Art
Platform: Windows
Steam User Rating: 94%

Among the various games created and distributed by Chilla’s Art, there exists a chilling simulation titled “Parasocial.” In this game, players assume the persona of Nina, an aspiring streamer. After successfully finishing a horror game requested by one of her viewers, her actions lead to a far more ominous turn as she begins receiving eerie messages and notes.

In Parasocial, a sense of unease arises due to a potentially genuine predicament that has the player questioning whom to rely on. It also alludes to other settings within the series like Chilla’s Coffee and the Convenience Store, enhancing the immersion for fans by expanding the game world. The game offers two possible conclusions.

In the Chilla’s Art series, a total of 22 games are available, each one taking place in Japan. Among these, “Parasocial” stands out as the highest-rated game within the franchise.

2024-08-11 10:34