Every fan of horror games undoubtedly has their favorite. Much like movies, television shows, and books, the horror genre is huge in regard to video games. The 2000s witnessed plenty of stellar horror titles that likely kept fans up at night. Some of these games, however, only saw a release on PC.
While franchises such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill tend to garner most of the spotlight, there are always a few hidden gems that get overlooked. Players who stuck strictly with consoles may have missed these blasts from the past. Fortunately, it's never too late to experience a great horror game, even if it's a bit antiquated by today's standards.
7 Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (2004)
Roleplaying as a vampire in a video game sounds like fun, doesn't it? Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines allows players to roleplay as a fully-fledged bloodsucker belonging to one of seven clans, each of which possesses their own characteristics and way of doing things.
Bloodlines had its fair share of kinks at the time of its release, but it's still a worthwhile game to experience. It tells a pretty interesting story with a diverse cast of memorable characters. The highly anticipated sequel, Bloodlines 2, is still currently in development.
6 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl (2007)
The nuclear disaster that occurred at Chernobyl in 1986 was bad enough. In S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, a second, fictional, disaster takes place that renders the surrounding region even more dangerous. Fans are tasked with uncovering the backstory of the amnesiac protagonist in this stylish and atmospheric FPS.
As an example of survival horror, just staying alive in Shadow of Chernobyl is the name of the game. Players must avoid extended exposure to radiation and other dangerous anomalies, while also taking care of basic needs, like hunger. Fans who can't get enough apocalyptic horror shouldn't miss out on this oldie, but goodie.
5 Pathologic (2005)
Horror games often delve into the depths of strangeness on a regular basis. Pathologic is certainly weird. However, its intriguing premise and environment make it a difficult game to put down. As one of three playable characters, fans must complete a series of tasks unique to their chosen protagonist over 12 days.
Along the way, players must try to figure out the source of the strange disease that afflicts "The Town." Multiple endings can play out depending on the player's actions and what tasks they perform. The game has since achieved a bit of a cult following. In 2019, a remake, Pathologic 2, was released on both the PC and consoles.
4 Dark Fall (2002)
Fans of point-and-click adventure games, especially those with a spooky twist, should consider checking out Dark Fall. Utilizing pre-rendered backgrounds, the game takes players on a journey through an eerie train station and hotel.
Like most point-and-click adventures, fans will spend most of the game collecting items and solving puzzles. Dark Fall shies away from holding the player's hand, offering fans a decent challenge for those who enjoy unraveling mysteries all on their own.
3 Clive Barker's Undying (2001)
Clive Barker possesses a few video games under his belt, in addition to his extensive collection of horror novels and short stories. Arguably the best of the bunch is Clive Barker's Undying, a game filled with as much tension and suspense as any movie or book.
Players take the role of Patrick Galloway, a specialist in the occult who seeks to reverse the effects of a family curse that's plaguing one of his friends. As an FPS, players utilize both firearms and magic to defeat their unnatural enemies. However, it's the topsy-turvy story that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
2 The Black Mirror (2003)
The horror genre, whether it's movies, literature, or video games, is filled with examples of creepy or otherwise offputting mansions. The Black Mirror, yet another point-and-click adventure, takes place on a mystery-filled manor estate in the 1980s.
Players are tasked with investigating the death of the protagonist's grandfather, an event shrouded in unusual secrecy. Along the way, fans uncover plenty of cosmic horrors to keep them invested in this somewhat forgotten gem from 2003.
1 Aliens Versus Predator 2 (2001)
In 1999, Aliens Versus Predator gave players the opportunity to tangle with nasty xenomorphs and savage Predators. Aliens Versus Predator 2, which was released in 2001, continued the addictive fun established by the original. Once again, players could choose from one of three factions: the Aliens, the Predators, or the Colonial Marines.
Although the singleplayer campaign was fun, it was the multiplayer modes that really allowed the mayhem to be unleashed. Each faction, of course, has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Alien, for example, can climb across walls and ceilings to outmaneuver its prey. Any fan of the movies should find some fun here, even taking into account the game's advanced age.
