Science fiction is a genre that fans of horror video games can remember fondly. Using the horrors of the unknown beyond our planet is a great way to create an engaging game that will keep audiences on the edge of their seat. However, at the same time, it is not easy to achieve this effectively. Ultimately, capturing sci-fi horror in video games goes way beyond monsters in a spaceship.
Although strange creatures feature quite a bit in sci-fi horror games, it’s the exploration of the darker side of science that makes this horror so impactful. We dare to delve deeper into the unknown galactic and scientific depths, as these great games leave us no choice but to move on.
10 The Callisto Protocol
Created from the mind of Glen Schofield, one of the masterminds behind Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol recalls what makes sci-fi horror so influential. It wasn’t the best reception upon its release, but over time it has proven to be an entertaining game.
Plunging you into a challenging world filled with bloodthirsty creatures, you are tasked with melee combat that keeps you on your toes. The story is nothing to scoff at, even if it does have its little glitches from time to time. Ultimately, the Callisto Protocol has the potential to be greater, being made with beautiful love and care.
9 SOMA
SOMA is known as a fascinating horror walking simulator that you can get lost in. It focuses on the terrifying concept of what it means to be human and how we yearn to find our sense of identity in a world filled with so much confusion.
The only elements that bring SOMA down are the few challenges and a concrete sense of horror. Some moments can send shivers down your spine, but it’s all more about uncovering secrets than anything else. However, putting the story together is a dark experience that cannot be ignored.
8 Carrion
Players may think of Carrion more as a reverse sci-fi horror game above all else. You take on the role of a strange creature that has escaped from captivity, mercilessly killing everything that gets in its way. You will find that the more you play this game, the bloodier it gets.
There’s quite a bit of puzzle solving in Carrion as you progress through the facility. It’s easy to get by at first, but it gets more and more complex as you go along. If you are a bit squeamish, Carrion will definitely get you with his copious amount of blood and gore.
7 Prey
Arkane’s take on a sci-fi horror was memorable, to say the least. Best known for his critically acclaimed Dishonored series, fans were curious as to how Arkane’s team would dive into this genre. And of course, they managed to create a magnificent game.
Prey is not just a sci-fi horror, but it is also one of the most difficult FPS games out there. It’s a phenomenal title that combines all the classic sci-fi horror elements into one beautiful cosmic horror package. However, what makes it stand out among other sci-fi horrors is that you have to rely on your survival skills more than anything.
6 Observer
In this psychological horror, the future of the world has become a dark and scary place. Delving into the deepest crevices of the human mind, you play an observer, a sort of futuristic detective who can delve into a body’s memories to solve crimes. In essence, Observer mixes cyberpunk and horror to create a story that slowly works its way under your skin.
The gameplay is puzzle oriented with walking simulator elements. The game never lets you look back as you buckle up for the terrifying journey ahead. Delving into the minds of the dying population, deciphering their fears and obsessions as you investigate the shadowy world, may haunt you forever.
5 doom 3
Doom 3 is considered one of the most outstanding third installments of a video game franchise. The game transforms the original Doom series in a whole new light. It also ignores all previous plotlines from previous games, this being the first reboot of the series.
Doom 3 features story-driven gameplay with complex FPS elements. You’ll encounter friendly NPCs on your journey from time to time, each providing key information and items that can help you experience the story without terrifying combat getting in the way. After Doom 3, the overall story of Doom was completely changed forever.
4 system crash 2
With such innovative gameplay and terrifying atmosphere, this game has earned a cult following over the years. System Shock 2 combines RPG and FPS elements to create a game that strives to show the horrors that come with facing the unknown.
A combination of masterful storytelling and claustrophobic environments are just a few highlights of System Shock 2. The sound mixing is also executed so seamlessly that it is entertainingly overwhelming. This title paved the way for future immersive sci-fi horror games like BioShock and Prey.
3 bioshock
The underwater city of Rapture is an environment that is etched in the minds of players. As the spiritual successor to System Shock, the first BioShock game was where this grim dystopian world from the 1960s really shined its brightest.
As for the plot, the main ideas of the story are inspired by well-known tales by dystopian writers such as George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. Stealth and moral choices play a big role in BioShock. At first, it may seem like a lot is being thrown at you, but you pick up some game-changing powers and abilities to help you survive amongst Rapture’s twisted enemies.
2 Alien: Isolation
Based on the Alien movie franchise, this game is deeply immersive and secluded. It stays endlessly true to the movies, feeling as much like a blockbuster movie as it does a stealth horror game. World building that creates an authentic survival horror experience is just one of the many reasons why Ailen: Isolation is priceless.
Alien: Isolation borrows many tropes from classic survival horror games. Everything in the game coalesces into one big ball of terror that’s alluring and hard to look away from, with death lurking around every corner. Implementing the notion that monsters are waiting for you in an isolated giant galaxy is the basis for making this game so impactful.
1 Dead space
With the remake of the original Dead Space, we got to experience what made Dead Space so impactful to the sci-fi horror genre way back in 2008. In other words, Dead Space showed how far space horror could go and how far it couldn’t go. there were limitations on what could be accomplished.
There is no doubt that we can all consider Dead Space a classic. Witnessing this game firsthand is a moment you’ll never forget, and the dark and claustrophobic world brings horrors beyond our comprehension. As you fight every enemy in your path, you’ll feel like your heart is beating out of your chest with how intense everything can get.
