Alright, so 2013 was a pretty wild year for video games, especially if you were into getting scared. It felt like horror games were really finding their footing again, giving us a bunch of titles that stuck with us long after we turned off the console. From psychological thrillers to full-on monster mashes, there was a lot to dig into. We’re going to take a look back at some of the best 2013 horror games that really stood out and, well, freaked us out.
Key Takeaways
- 2013 was a big year for horror games, bringing new ideas and scares.
- Many games from that year still hold up as classics in the horror genre.
- The variety of horror experiences offered in 2013 was pretty impressive.
- Some titles focused on psychological dread, while others went for direct scares.
- Looking back helps us appreciate how much the genre has grown.
1. Outlast
Outlast is a masterclass in terror. It really revitalized the first-person survival horror genre back in 2013. I remember when it came out, everyone was talking about how scary it was. And they were right! It’s not just jump scares; it’s the atmosphere, the helplessness, and the sheer brutality of it all. You’re just a journalist with a camera, trying to survive in a mental asylum filled with homicidal patients. What could go wrong?
The game’s success lies in its simplicity: run, hide, and try not to scream. The night vision camera mechanic is genius, adding to the tension as you navigate the darkness. The story, while disturbing, is also intriguing, drawing you deeper into the horrors of Mount Massive Asylum. Red Barrels really nailed the feeling of being utterly vulnerable. It’s a great horror game that sticks with you long after you finish playing.
I think what makes Outlast so effective is how grounded it feels, despite the over-the-top violence. It taps into real-world fears about mental institutions and government conspiracies. Plus, the enemies are genuinely terrifying. The Variants are not just mindless monsters; they have their own personalities and motivations, making them even more unsettling. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, if you can stomach it.
Here are some things that made Outlast stand out:
- The found footage perspective
- The lack of combat
- The disturbing story
2. The Last Of Us
The Last of Us is remembered for its storytelling, and rightly so. Naughty Dog jumped into the action-horror scene with what would become one of the seminal PlayStation 3 games. Following a similar father figure/surrogate daughter combo to The Walking Dead, Joel and Ellie are among the PlayStation family’s biggest icons. From the word go, its shocking and emotionally draining narrative sees us travel across a post-apocalypse America with deadly fungal-infested zombies around every corner.
The relationship between protagonists Joel and Ellie is one of the best in the history of the art form.
Borrowing heavily from Resident Evil 4‘s gunplay and spicing it up with stealth and crafting, The Last of Us is a blast to cruise through regardless of its story. It’s a survival horror game set in a grimly realistic world. Enhanced by immersive sound design, we’ll never forget the chilling sensation of hiding in a dark, dank basement, our pulse racing as we hear the skin-crawling sounds of the mutated “clickers” shuffling toward us. On top of that, The Last of Us includes a multiplayer mode that might be the best of all of Naughty Dog’s offerings. It’s not only one of the past generation’s most affecting games; it is also one of the most horrifying.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Emotional storytelling
- Intense survival horror elements
- Memorable characters
3. Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs
Okay, so Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs. This one’s interesting. It came out after the massive success of The Dark Descent, and, well, it’s different. Some people love it, some… not so much. I remember being super hyped for it, expecting the same kind of pants-wetting terror, but it took a different route.
It’s still scary, don’t get me wrong. The atmosphere is thick, and the story is messed up. You’re this rich industrialist guy, Oswald Mandus, and you wake up with amnesia (of course) after a weird dream about a machine. Then things get…piggish. The sound design is top-notch, really gets under your skin. But the gameplay is less about hiding from monsters and more about exploring and uncovering the story. It’s a slower burn, more psychological. I think that’s why some fans were disappointed; they wanted more of the same creepy, atmospheric games from the first one.
I think it’s worth playing, though. It’s a unique take on horror, and the story will stick with you. Just don’t go in expecting The Dark Descent 2.0.
4. Resident Evil: Revelations
Resident Evil: Revelations initially hit the Nintendo 3DS, and it was a surprisingly solid entry in the series. It later made its way to consoles and PC, giving more people a chance to experience its brand of horror. I remember being impressed with how good it looked on the 3DS, pushing the handheld to its limits.
It felt like Capcom was trying to find a balance between the action-heavy Resident Evil 5 and the series’ survival horror roots. The story takes place between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, featuring Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate a bioterrorist plot. The environments, especially the Queen Zenobia cruise ship, were genuinely creepy, and the limited resources added to the tension. The ooze monsters were pretty unsettling too.
While it might not be the scariest game on this list, Revelations offered a good mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Plus, Raid Mode provided a fun, arcade-style experience that kept me coming back for more. It’s a solid addition to the Resident Evil canon and worth checking out if you’re a fan of the series.
5. Dead Space 3
Okay, so Dead Space 3 might be a bit divisive among fans, but it still brought some scares to the table in 2013. It definitely took a different direction than the first two games, leaning more into action and co-op gameplay, which rubbed some people the wrong way. I get it, the isolated horror vibe of the original Dead Space was something special.
But let’s be real, fighting Necromorphs with a buddy? That’s a different kind of fun. Plus, the weapon crafting system was pretty cool, letting you build some seriously messed-up tools of destruction. The story also expanded the lore, taking us to a new planet and revealing more about the Markers. It wasn’t perfect, but it had its moments. The shift in tone was noticeable, but the core gameplay loop of dismembering Necromorphs remained satisfyingly gruesome.
Here’s a quick rundown of what made it stand out:
- Co-op campaign: Playing with a friend added a new layer of strategy and intensity.
- Weapon crafting: The ability to customize weapons was surprisingly deep and rewarding.
- Expanded lore: The story delved deeper into the origins of the Necromorphs and the Markers.
6. Metro: Last Light
Metro: Last Light took what made Metro 2033 interesting and refined it. The atmosphere is still oppressive, the resources are still scarce, and the mutants are still terrifying. But Last Light felt more polished, more focused. The story, while still a bit convoluted, was more engaging, and the characters felt more fleshed out.
It’s not just about shooting mutants; it’s about surviving in a world that’s been utterly destroyed. You’re constantly scavenging for ammo and filters for your gas mask, making every encounter a tense calculation. Do you risk a firefight, or try to sneak past? Every bullet counts, and sometimes, avoiding a fight is the only way to survive. The game’s world-building is top-notch, and the environments are incredibly detailed. Exploring the post-apocalyptic world of Moscow’s metro system is a haunting experience.
- The gas mask mechanic adds a layer of tension, as you constantly have to monitor your filter supply.
- The moral choices you make throughout the game affect the ending, adding replayability.
- The gunplay is satisfying, with a variety of weapons to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
7. Slender: The Arrival
Slender: The Arrival took the internet sensation of Slender Man and gave it a proper, fleshed-out game. It wasn’t just about collecting pages anymore; there was a story, improved graphics, and even more terrifying encounters with the tall, faceless figure. I remember playing this with the lights off and jumping at every creak in my house – talk about immersive!
It definitely upped the ante from the original free game. The environments were more detailed, and the sound design was top-notch, really adding to the atmosphere. Plus, the added story elements gave a reason to be scared, which is always a plus in my book. It’s one of those games that sticks with you, even after you’ve finished playing. If you’re looking for a good scare, this is definitely one to check out. It’s a solid addition to the Fear of God Essentials clothing lineup of horror games from 2013.
Here’s a quick rundown of what made it so effective:
- Improved Graphics: A significant step up from the original.
- Compelling Story: Gave context to the horror.
- Intense Atmosphere: Sound design and environments worked together perfectly.
- Unpredictable Encounters: Kept you on edge the whole time.
8. Among The Sleep
Among the Sleep is a trip, plain and simple. You play as a toddler, which is already a pretty unique setup for a horror game. The whole world looks huge and distorted, and everyday objects become terrifying in the dark. It’s a game that really messes with your perception, and that’s what makes it so unsettling.
The game’s strength lies in its atmosphere and sound design. Creaking floors, whispers in the dark, and the constant feeling of vulnerability create a truly immersive experience. It’s not just jump scares; it’s the slow, creeping dread that gets under your skin. You’re relying on your trusty teddy bear for comfort and light, which is both adorable and deeply unsettling. Navigating the house becomes a virtual escape room of sorts, as you try to piece together what’s happening while dealing with the limitations of being a toddler. It’s a memorable and genuinely scary experience that stands out from the usual horror fare.
9. Daylight
Daylight tried to bring something new to the table with its procedural generation, but honestly, it mostly just felt repetitive. The game’s premise is simple: you wake up in an abandoned hospital with only your phone as a light source. Sounds spooky, right? It had potential, but the execution fell flat for many players.
I remember being excited about the procedural generation aspect, thinking it would keep things fresh and scary. Instead, it felt like the same handful of rooms were just rearranged slightly each time. The jump scares were predictable, and the story didn’t really grab me. It’s one of those games that had a cool idea but didn’t quite stick the landing.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I thought worked and didn’t:
- What I liked:
- The initial atmosphere was genuinely creepy.
- The use of a phone as a primary tool was interesting.
- The concept of procedural generation had promise.
- What I didn’t like:
- Repetitive environments.
- Predictable jump scares.
- Weak story.
Ultimately, Daylight is a decent horror game if you’re looking for something short and not too challenging, but it’s not one that will stick with you for long after you finish playing.
10. Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation is a standout title, especially considering it’s based on a movie franchise. Let’s be honest, movie-based games don’t always have the best reputation, but this one really nailed it. It’s not just a good horror game; it’s one of the best of the decade, in my opinion. The developers clearly poured a lot of love into recreating the atmosphere of the original 1979 film. Everything, from the visuals to the sound design, screams Alien.
The constant sense of dread is what really sets this game apart. You’re not just fighting aliens; you’re trying to survive in a hostile environment where one wrong move can mean instant death. The Alien itself is a terrifying presence, relentlessly hunting you throughout the Sevastopol station. It’s a true cat-and-mouse game, except the cat is a Xenomorph and you’re a very small, very scared mouse. I remember one time I was playing, and I got so freaked out that I had to stop. That’s how effective this game is. It gets under your skin and stays there.
I think what makes Alien: Isolation so successful is its dedication to the source material. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it just takes what made the original Alien so scary and translates it perfectly into a video game. The item management, the exploration, and the constant threat of the Alien all combine to create a truly unforgettable horror experience. It’s a must-play for any fan of the Alien franchise or anyone looking for a genuinely terrifying game. It’s a survival horror experience that will stick with you long after you finish playing.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. We’ve taken a trip back to 2013, a year that really delivered some memorable scares. It’s pretty cool to see how these games, even a decade later, still hold up and can get your heart racing. Whether it was the creepy atmosphere, the jump scares, or just the feeling of being totally alone, 2013 gave us a lot to talk about in the horror world. It’s a good reminder that sometimes, the best frights come from unexpected places. Here’s to hoping the next ten years bring just as many awesome, terrifying experiences!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was 2013 such a great year for horror games?
Horror games from 2013 really pushed the limits of what scary games could be. They brought new ideas to the table, like super intense first-person views and stories that made you think. Games like Outlast and Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs showed how good horror could be without focusing on fighting. They made players feel helpless, which is a great way to make things scary.
What’s the main difference between Outlast and Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs?
Outlast is a first-person horror game where you play as a reporter exploring a creepy asylum. You can’t fight back, so you have to hide and run from scary enemies. It’s known for its jump scares and really dark atmosphere. Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is also a first-person game, but it focuses more on a deep, unsettling story and puzzles. It’s less about jump scares and more about a feeling of dread.
Why is Dead Space 3 on a ‘best horror games’ list if it’s more action-packed?
While Dead Space 3 has some scary parts and a dark sci-fi setting, it leaned more into action than pure horror compared to the earlier games in the series. It had more shooting and less of the survival horror feeling that made the first two games so popular. Some fans felt it lost a bit of its scary edge.
Can I still play these games today on newer consoles?
Absolutely! Many of these games are available on newer game systems or through digital stores. For example, Resident Evil: Revelations and Metro: Last Light have often been re-released or updated for modern consoles. It’s a great way to experience these classic scares.
How do Slender: The Arrival and Among the Sleep create their scares?
Slender: The Arrival is a first-person game where you’re trying to find notes while being hunted by the creepy Slender Man. It’s all about atmosphere and the constant fear of being caught. Among the Sleep is unique because you play as a toddler, making everything feel much bigger and scarier. It uses the idea of childhood fears to create its horror.
I noticed Alien: Isolation is on the list, but wasn’t that released after 2013?
While the list focuses on games from 2013, Alien: Isolation, which came out in 2014, is often mentioned in discussions about the best horror games of that era. It perfectly captured the feeling of the original Alien movie, putting you in a terrifying hide-and-seek game with a single, unstoppable alien. It’s a standout title for its incredible tension and fear.