But before you hit the retailers and start mindlessly pawing through the selection, we’re here to set you straight on the ways of the fright. Which game is the creepiest? Which has the most zombies? And most importantly: who you gonna call?
We’ve rated these games on our personal scale of 1-4 stars, with 4 being absolutely terrifying, and 1 being only mildly frightening. Last note: not included are Siren: Blood Curse (just released) and Resident Evil 5 (too far off).
What is it?
You and three other players claw your way out of a city while hundreds of zombies gun for your delicious brain meat. More specifically, Valve has engineered the perfect game to make you sweat adrenaline. As you and your cohorts blast your way to safety, Left 4 Dead’s AI program - nicknamed the “Director” - measures how to deal out the scares based on your survival skills.
So say you’ve just barely squeaked by being mauled to death by hundreds of the undead. The Director will give you a brief respite to heal and lure you into a false sense of security before spewing more ghouls on your ass. Added bonus: Multiplayer Versus mode enables the ability to play as one of the “Boss” Zombies, including the acid-spewing Boomer and the tongue-lynching Smoker.
Best way to play?
Eyes pried open Clockwork Orange style, caffeine pills in hand while listening to the Misfits.
Fright Factor:
What is it?
Would you kindly direct your attention to Ken Levine/2K’s breakout FPS about a plane-wreck survivor navigating an underwater failed utopia cleverly named Rapture. Did we mention that the DNA-enhanced crazies of Rapture are blood-thirsty wayward souls?
Sadly, you’re armed with aged weaponry sporting insanely slow reload times and your mini-bosses - the terrifying Big Daddies - are diving suit-wearing bulldozers. On the other hand, you have access to magic powers, deemed “Plasmids,” enabling electricity and telekinesis. Be on the lookout for radio diaries from the residents revealing just how they went insane in this different kind of survival-horror.
Best way to play?
Keep the lights down low with old-timey Big Band pumping from your phonograph while reading Atlus Shrugged.
Fright Factor:
What is it?
This downloadable PSN title features you (as the titular last guy), rescuing incompetent citizens and narrowly avoiding monsters. Running through maps based off aerial satellite images (no, they aren’t Google Maps); you need to lead people away from danger and towards safety zones to complete each mission.
Even if The Last Guy is no more frightening (or complicated really) than Pac-Man, seemingly endless amount of monsters should provide for plenty of “Holy crap” moments.
Best way to play?
Like Pac-Man, with Mountain Dew and pizza grease adorning your hands
Fright factor:
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