Best Survival Horror Games With Great Gunplay

Best Survival Horror Games With Great Gunplay

As a seasoned survival horror aficionado with decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that these three games – Resident Evil 7, Dead Space, and DOOM 3 – have left indelible marks on my heart and mind. Each one of them offers a unique yet compelling take on the genre, with their respective gunplay mechanics being a major part of what makes them stand out.


The survival horror genre is recognized for its blend of heart-pounding scares, thick ambiance, and raw fight sequences. For instance, games such as “Silent Hill” deliver intense battles, but it’s their additional elements that keep players hooked.

In some survival horror games, the emphasis shifts towards combative elements. For instance, “Condemned” and “Resident Evil 7” showcase finely tuned gunplay, even if it’s sparse in “Condemned,” or offers a fully immersive first-person shooting experience in “Resident Evil 7.” Contrastingly, games like “DOOM 3” place more significance on combat, deviating from the typical survival horror mold.

5 STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobyl

Superb Sound Design, Weighty Animations, And Leaning Mechanics

Best Survival Horror Games With Great Gunplay

Despite having fewer frightening moments, STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobyl offers a richly unsettling experience. With its array of eerie creatures and pervasive unease, this game creates an atmosphere that’s both strange and unsettling. The setting, known as The Zone, is not only inhospitable but also unforgiving. Players must exercise caution and vigilance while navigating this dangerous terrain.

In the captivating world of STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobyl, gunfights are an everyday occurrence for me. Admittedly, the game may not be as polished as some others, but the gunplay is so engrossing that I find myself fully immersed in every encounter. Sometimes, enemies seem to absorb an unreasonable amount of bullets, but the exceptional sound effects, lifelike animations, and lean mechanics add a level of realism that makes each gunfight an exhilarating and visceral experience for me.

4 Condemned: Criminal Origins

Rare But Immersive Gunplay With Massively Limited Ammo

Best Survival Horror Games With Great Gunplay

Experiencing the perspective of an FBI agent pursued by ruthless killers and a mob of deranged criminals in “Condemned: Criminal Origins” is an exhilarating journey. The game’s survival mechanics, such as the AI’s relentless chase and brutal hand-to-hand battles, add to its appeal. Moreover, it’s not just the close-quarters fighting that makes “Condemned’s” combat captivating.

As a gamer, I can tell you that playing Condemned: Criminal Origins feels unlike any other shooting game out there. While it’s not all about blazing guns, the occasional firefights are incredibly intense and engaging. The guns in this game are scarce and low on ammo, with no conveniently placed ammo packs to be found. But don’t let that fool you – the sound design is exceptional, complete with ear-piercing muzzle flashes, thick gun smoke, and lifelike weapon animations. The lack of an ammo count UI adds an extra layer of challenge and tension. You’ll need to manually check your ammo by pressing a button, which can be time-consuming and might leave you vulnerable during combat. So, keep your wits about you in Condemned: Criminal Origins – every bullet counts!

3 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Immersive FPS Combat With Classic Resident Evil Gameplay

Best Survival Horror Games With Great Gunplay

In a new twist for the survival horror genre, Resident Evil 7 combined the core elements of the classic Resident Evil series with the perspective of a first-person shooter. While it introduced several innovations to the franchise, it didn’t stray too far from its roots. Firearms remain essential, but ammunition remains scarce, requiring players to search diligently for supplies throughout their journey.

In a fresh take, the gun battles in “Resident Evil 7” aren’t revolutionary, yet the transition to first-person view is skillfully executed. The weapons feel satisfying to wield, and the sound effects and animations draw you deeper into the experience. Overall, the game’s deliberate pacing suits the gunplay effectively throughout its entirety.

2 Dead Space

Use Laser-Cutters And Plasma Rifles To Dismember Enemies

Best Survival Horror Games With Great Gunplay

In simpler terms, Dead Space is a survival horror game with a strong emphasis on action. However, the initial stages of this game are particularly scary, even for those who are not used to being scared. The ominous corridors, intermittent lighting, and grotesque creatures found aboard the USG Ishimura create an incredibly engaging atmosphere that complements the game’s innovative weapon mechanics.

As a fan of the chilling horror game Dead Space, I can tell you that the weaponry in this thrilling adventure feels unlike anything I’ve encountered before. Instead of the typical array of firearms, I found myself wielding tools such as laser cutters, beams, and even mining equipment. And yes, there’s still the pulse rifle for those more conventional moments. What sets Dead Space apart is its innovative combat system, where I was required to detach my monstrous adversaries’ limbs using these weapons. It’s a terrifyingly unique experience that keeps me coming back for more.

1 DOOM 3

Slow, Weighty Weapons In A Dark And Tense Environment

Best Survival Horror Games With Great Gunplay

Although not heavily laden with survival horror traits, DOOM 3 caters well to this genre’s audience due to its resource management, scares, and monster encounters. The original game version intensifies the experience even more, making it an excellent choice for fans. Additionally, playing on higher difficulty settings amplifies the challenge. In DOOM 3, players will encounter a range of weapons, each with unique designs, sensations, and applications. While quick weapon-switching is not as emphasized as in earlier games, each firearm remains essential for progress.

In contrast to the fast-paced action of the original DOOM games, DOOM 3‘s design is recognized for its survival horror elements which some fans find frustrating. One such mechanic is the flashlight, which can’t be carried alongside a weapon. Additionally, the game moves at a slower tempo than its predecessors, making player movement more burdensome. Reloading, another feature of DOOM 3, is also time-consuming with lengthy animations. However, these horror elements and deliberate design choices contribute to an exhilarating gunplay experience that heightens the game’s sense of fear.

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2024-07-17 16:33