The Best Games With Horror Based In Faith

The Best Games With Horror Based In Faith

Key Takeaways

  • Horror games delve into the negative impact of religions on society & individuals.
  • Certain games explore the corruption and abuse within secluded communities.
  • Video games like
    Faith
    tackle faith as a weapon and the devastation it can cause.

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for horror games and a soft spot for thought-provoking narratives, I find myself captivated by these three chilling experiences that challenge one’s faith and beliefs.


It might seem surprising given how widespread faith and religion are globally, yet religious belief isn’t frequently explored directly in video games. This could be due to the potential controversy that has surrounded such games in the past or because some have intentionally courted this controversy (like Dante’s Inferno). Regardless, the video game medium often treads carefully when it comes to critiquing this topic.

In gaming, Horror frequently tackles the subject matter, employing real-world or fictional representations of religions to delve into the diverse effects, both positive and negative, that faith and religious institutions have exerted on society throughout history. Given the horror genre’s nature, it tends to focus more on the adverse impacts, exploring them extensively at both societal and personal levels. It’s noteworthy that many of the creators behind these games may have had or still maintain a religious background.

8 The Chant

The Dark Side Of The ‘Spiritual Wellfare’ Buisiness

PlatformsPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X & S, PC
ReleasedNovember 3, 2022
DeveloperBrass Token
GenreThird-Person Horror, Adventure

The story unfolds on a remote island during a meditation retreat, where our protagonist, Jessica Briars, seeks tranquility amidst the lingering grief from her sister’s suicide. Guided by a friend’s recommendation, she attends this retreat, only to discover that spiritual enlightenment seems less of a priority and leaving becomes necessary.

The Chant emphasizes the influence some individuals within isolated groups may wield over their followers, along with the disheartening reality that numerous places promising inner peace at a cost often aim to exploit vulnerable individuals. Unfortunately, for Jessica who is struggling financially, this rings particularly true.

7 Diablo

Small Town Judgment Day

Stepping into an infrequent leading part, let’s cheer for none other than Old Nick himself! While Satan might not strike fear in everyone equally, one thing that resonates universally is the aftermath of his emergence. In a chilling and horrifying manner, Diablo takes on the role of an apocalyptic nightmare, drawing upon familiar imagery like Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Last Judgment”.

In a brilliant piece of intentional incongruity, it is under the local church of the small village of Tristram which the player must descend, going deeper and deeper with every venture. With each new depth, they’ll uncover monsters more powerful and horrifying than before, all in search of the titular demon himself.

6 Nun Massacre/Night Of The Nun

A Terrifying Night In Boarding School

PlatformsPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android
ReleasedSeptember 29, 2018
DeveloperPuppet Combo
GenreSurvival Horror

In contrast to other games by developer Puppet Combo known for creating both simple and chilling experiences, The Nun Massacre keeps its gameplay straightforward. The protagonist is a mother on a mission to rescue her daughter from a school where the eponymous Nun lurks in the corridors with the sole intention of stabbing the player and ultimately halting their heartbeat.

The film “Nun Massacre” cleverly exploits fears, particularly the phobia of nuns and the anxiety that parents often feel when entrusting their children’s welfare to unfamiliar caretakers.

5 Dead Space

The Awful Influence Of Unitology

Among the many impressive ideas in Dead Space, one stands out: the chilling concept of a rapidly growing and ominous influence, Unitology – a new religious movement that subtly gains power – serving as the dominant faith among humans.

Journeying through the abandoned USG Ishimura and confronting the frightening enemies known as necromorphs offers an exhilarating experience filled with suspense. Yet, what truly chills you to the bone in this game is uncovering the history behind the crisis: how Unitology has spread corruption within the Ishimura’s hierarchy, and how unquestioning devotion has led to the misery of countless individuals.

4 The Binding Of Isaac

A Bible Story Roguelike

Playing “The Binding of Isaac” can be quite challenging due to its demanding nature and lack of leniency towards mistakes. Additionally, the game’s theme, though presented in a cartoonish manner, is extremely grim. The player assumes control over Isaac, a young character who encounters Hell within his own home.

This game showcases exceptional qualities typical of the roguelike genre, often being hailed as one of its finest representations. Its narrative draws inspiration from a biblical tale it’s named after, where a parent is commanded by God to sacrifice their child. The game serves as a powerful allegory, shedding light on potential risks that unquestioned faith might pose to those who need protection the most.

3 Faith: The Unholy Trinity

Really Retro Horror Done Really Right

With graphical designs reminiscent of the 70s and 80s, Faith doesn’t let its dedication to old-school aesthetics hold it back. Instead, the synthesized voices and rotoscoped scenes often generate a chilling atmosphere that would be hard to achieve in today’s era.

Exploring the aftermath of the Satanic Panic from the ’80s, Faith offers a critical examination of this era, which amounted to a contemporary wave of witch-hunting that ruined countless innocent lives. Moreover, it delves into the destructive power that faith can wield when transformed into a tool for harm.

2 Blasphemous

Twisted Iconography Given Life

In a style heavily influenced by Roman Catholic iconography, the universe and personas in “Blasphemous” are both captivating yet unsettling to observe. The ancient proverb that pain defines life is vividly manifested within this game. For many entities or living things within this world, their very existence embodies unrelenting suffering.

The outcome presents a grim embodiment of the saying, exactly as anticipated (and often embraced), for pain is ubiquitous. Injustices permeate everything, and the underlying message…can be challenging to discern. To illustrate the essence, consider explaining it to a man forced to crawl on his knees while his arms are contorted like a trombone’s tubes.

1 Sagebrush

A Sad Walk Around A Cult Gravesite

The Best Games With Horror Based In Faith
PlatformsPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS, Linux
ReleasedSeptember 18, 2018
DeveloperRedact Games
GenreNarrative Adventure, Horror

The game titled “Sagebrush” offers a brief yet profound exploration. It’s a tranquil, eerie trip back to Black Sage Ranch, a place where a doomsday cult recently ended their lives in mass suicide. Interestingly, the protagonist was once a member of this cult. In just a short span, “Sagebrush” effectively evokes the sense of a deeply intimate pilgrimage, revisiting what was once a home, and could just as well be a tomb.

The game doesn’t involve any physical violence or immediate threats to the player. Instead, it creates a chilling ambiance and gradually unveils the progression of events, leaving the player with an unsettling fear that lingers even after the game has ended.

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2024-09-30 04:53