IF YOU LOVE horror games, and if you don't like to spend a single penny, perhaps it would be best to try out these underrated horror game gems.
With the emergence of emulators and other high tech gizmo, it is now possible to relieve the classics and understand why these games deserve a second chance. Heck given the modern trends in gaming, perhaps it would be best to give them a remake.
Haunting Ground
Haunting Ground is considered to be the spiritual successor of the Clock Tower franchise, given its similarities in terms of the hide-and-seek mechanic. However, there is one element that makes Haunting Ground standout, namely its disturbing themes centered on sexuality, as the main character Fiona Belli, will be constantly targeted by a bunch of stalkers, each having their own sinister motives.
Another unique feature from Haunting Ground is its companion mechanic as players will be guided by a German Shepherd named Hewie and the relationship between Hewie and Fiona is a key ingredient to determine the outcome of the game.
As players dig deep into the game, they'll encounter a plethora of horrific moments, specifically the traumatic game over scenes and that bad ending, which means that the game isn't for the faint of heart especially since it tackles sensitive themes.
Forbidden Siren
If there's one horror game that has an extremely unique gameplay feature, it would have to be Forbidden Siren.
The game revolves around a mysterious Japanese town, plagued by invulnerable zombie-esque beings known as shibito. Unlike other zombie games where players are encouraged to go guns blazing, Siren forces players to use their psychic abilities, to see the perspectives of shibitos roaming around the village.
Upon learning the locations of shibitos, players are tasked to stealthly blitz past foes and solve puzzles.
Such a unique mechanic makes this game standout and despite its outdated look, it still manages to give the creeps especially when looking at the facial features of characters.
However be warned as the gameplay experience can be clunky especially the first game of the franchise. Plus there are puzzle sequences that are very difficult to discover, and it is important to take these into consideration especially if you want to finish the game.
Kuon
Before FromSoftware created the Dark Souls games, they had a horror game in PlayStation known as Kuon, a game where players get a chance to play as Japanese exorcists, going up against the darkest creatures from Japanese mythology.
Digging deep into the gameplay, and one may notice elements from the souls-like games that we got accustomed to, from the use of melee attacks, magic barrages, etc., there are many ways to combat enemies from this game. Be warned that the combat may not be as smooth as the Dark Souls games, which could be a frustrating experience for players.
But there are other elements that remind us of the souls-like games as seen from the enemy designs. The grotesque appearances may ring a bell on those hardcore hack-and-slash games we recently grew to hate.
Cold Fear
Can you imagine being a coast guard officer tasked to investigate an infested whaling ship? Imagine the heavy currents of the sea crashing towards the vessel, while exploring a claustrophobic atmosphere, and that's the kind of experience players will encounter in Cold Fear.
It is no easy task to shoot at enemies while the waves would constantly rock the ship, even harder as players need to aim for the head. Failing to do so, will allow the infected zombies to reanimate.
In addition, players also need to be careful when traversing the deck as there's the possibility of suddenly being thrown overboard due to the constant banging of waves.
It's a shame that this game appeared at the same time as Resident Evil 4. Imagine if things went the other way.
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