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Tired of the Boo? 5 Horror Games That Don’t Rely on Jump Scares

Feb 11, 2024 by Louigi Balao

3 min read

    
AB_Tired of the Boo_ 5 Horror Games That Don’t Rely on Jump Scares
Imagine yourself in a dimly lit room where the glow of your gaming console casts clarity on the edges of your walls. All is quiet and calm as you navigate your character in the game. The sound of footsteps in a dark corridor grows louder, and your heart quickens as you inch forward, clutching the controller, not knowing what's lurking around the corner. Suddenly, a deafening jump scare shatters the silence, making you leap out of your seat, breaking immersion.

Sick of all the jump scares? Don’t worry, you are not alone!

Was that horror? Or was it just a surprise? While jump scares have become a staple in modern horror gaming, there's something to be said for the spine-chilling thrill of "good old-fashioned horror,” and we will plot out the games that do!

Bioshock

PC | PlayStation | Xbox

Bioshock is a game that needs no introduction to horror and action-adventure fans. Set in a submerged, dystopian city, it immerses players in a nightmarish world where mutated beings stalk you through the decaying halls of a once utopian society.

Absurdity that taps into insanity. Bioshock weaves a narrative that explores the consequences of unchecked human ambition, offering a fusion of environmental storytelling and thought-provoking horrors that will send shivers down your spine.

Inside

PC | PlayStation | Xbox

It may sound wimpy, but I had a small stream of anxiety and fear as I played through Limbo way back in 2010, but it was loads of fun. Fast track to 2016, and Playdead presents us with another hauntingly outstanding platformer. The devs provide a constant, ominous atmosphere that will leave you feeling perpetually on edge. It’s like waiting for a scare to happen throughout the whole playthrough.

You just have to experience it yourself as you traverse this world and encounter twisted human experiments and unexplainable phenomena.

Stories Untold

PC | PlayStation | Xbox

Horror is sometimes in the imagination instead of a ghoul that lurks in the physical realm, and Stories Untold manifests itself greatly as it takes players back in time to the age of text-based adventures. In this game, jump scares are replaced by an artful manipulation of the unknown. With its episodic structure, you'll delve into multiple unsettling stories that explore the uncanny and paranormal, leaving you with an unsettling sense of dread that refuses to let go. So get comfortable because you are in for a long night.

Little Nightmare

PC | PlayStation | Xbox

Stress and horror are the two words that come to mind when thinking about Little Nightmare. In Little Nightmares, the horrors aren't always in your face but are cleverly hidden within this strangely cute yet horrific puzzle platform. The game's eerie visuals and sinister, larger-than-life challenges create a deeply unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after you've left the controller behind.

Darkwood

PC | PlayStation | Xbox

We had text-based adventures, platformers, and even first-person shooter structures. This time, we shed light on Darkwood, a top-down survival horror game that is all about the unseen horrors that lurk in the shadows. It blends psychological horror, eerie sound design, and a deeply oppressive atmosphere to deliver a terrifying experience as the forest around you becomes more and more hostile after nightfall.

Although not bad, jump scares are not the only element that can make a game truly horrifying. Adding a good blend of slow walking, eerie fear, and instant scare can make for an enjoyable experience. You know what else is scary? Slow Internet. Not being able to access the information you need when you need it the most is awful, so you should upgrade yourself with PLDT Home Fiber Plus plans and be given access to fiber-fast speeds!

 

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