10 Greatest Survival Horror Game Series Of All Time
Survival horror games have been captivating players since the early days of gaming, delivering spine-chilling experiences that keep players on the edge of their seats. From zombies and otherworldly creatures to psychological terrors, these games have been a staple in the gaming industry for decades. As the genre continues to evolve, we look back at the 10 greatest survival horror game series of all time.
These games offer more than just jump scares, they create immersive and terrifying worlds that players must navigate and survive. The tension and fear build as players explore dark corridors, abandoned hospitals, and haunted mansions while facing grotesque creatures and sinister enemies. Each game has its own unique approach to the genre, offering a range of different gameplay mechanics and storylines that keep players coming back for more. So, get ready to face your fears and dive into the top 10 greatest survival horror game series of all time.
Resident Evil
The Resident Evil series, created by Capcom, is considered to be one of the pioneers of the survival horror genre. It has spanned multiple consoles and platforms since its inception in 1996 and has sold over 135 million copies worldwide.
The Resident Evil game series is one of the most iconic and beloved video game franchises of all time. Known as the “Greatest Survival Horror Game” series, Resident Evil has captured the imaginations of millions of players around the world with its heart-pumping action, intense scares, and immersive gameplay.
From the original Resident Evil game released in 1996, to the latest Resident Evil 4 Remake, the franchise has maintained its reputation for delivering exceptional horror experiences. The game has introduced iconic characters like Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jill Valentine, and has pushed the boundaries of horror gaming with its innovative mechanics, engaging storytelling, and breathtaking visuals.
The Resident Evil game series has received critical acclaim from players and critics alike, consistently earning high praise for its immersive gameplay, tense atmosphere, and spine-tingling scares. It has also spawned a successful movie franchise, comics, and novels that have expanded the series’ lore and universe.
Over the years, the series has evolved and adapted to the changing landscape of video games, constantly introducing new gameplay mechanics and techniques that keep the game fresh and exciting. With a legion of devoted fans and a reputation for delivering some of the most terrifying and memorable gaming experiences, the Resident Evil game series has secured its place as one of the all-time greats.
Silent Hill
Developed by Konami, the Silent Hill series is known for its psychological horror themes and nightmarish environments. The series has had several successful entries since its first release in 1999 and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Silent Hill is one of the most iconic video game series in the survival horror genre, known for its psychological terror and unsettling atmosphere. The series started in 1999 and has been captivating players ever since. With each installment, the franchise pushed the limits of the horror genre, and its legacy is still being felt in modern gaming.
The Silent Hill series is known for its deep storytelling and character development. Players are often thrust into the shoes of ordinary people who are faced with horrific situations, forcing them to confront their fears and inner demons. The series is known for its use of symbolism, with many of the monsters and events in the game representing different aspects of the characters’ psyche.
The Silent Hill games have been critically acclaimed for their storytelling, atmosphere, and sound design. The series has been praised for its use of psychological horror to create an unsettling and immersive experience for players. The series is often compared to the Resident Evil franchise, with both series being considered some of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
Over the years, the Silent Hill series has seen its fair share of ups and downs. However, the legacy of the franchise remains strong, and it continues to inspire and influence modern horror games. With rumors of a possible revival of the series, fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for one of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
Dead Space
Created by Visceral Games, the Dead Space series follows engineer Isaac Clarke as he battles against terrifying alien creatures. The series has been praised for its unique gameplay mechanics and immersive environments.
The Dead Space series is a chilling and intense experience, filled with terror and the unknown. Developed by Visceral Games, these games are a prime example of what makes survival horror so terrifying. With a gripping storyline, grotesque enemies, and atmospheric environments, the Dead Space series has secured a spot as one of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
Dead Space tells the story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer who finds himself fighting for his life on board a mining spaceship that has been overrun by terrifying alien creatures known as Necromorphs. The series combines elements of science fiction and horror to create a unique and thrilling experience. The gameplay is centered around using improvised weapons and engineering tools to survive, as well as the use of strategic dismemberment to defeat enemies.
The series has received widespread critical acclaim for its terrifying atmosphere, creative gameplay mechanics, and strong narrative. Dead Space is known for its psychological horror elements, with the games often leaving players feeling uneasy and on edge. The series has been praised for its graphics, sound design, and overall immersive experience.
Dead Space has been a popular franchise since its initial release in 2008, and continues to be a fan-favorite to this day. The series has garnered a dedicated following due to its excellent storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and memorable characters. Overall, the Dead Space series is a prime example of the horror genre done right, and has secured its place as one of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
Outlast
Developed by Red Barrels, the Outlast series is known for its intense and relentless horror experience. The player assumes the role of a journalist investigating an abandoned psychiatric hospital and must survive encounters with terrifying inmates.
Outlast is a survival horror game series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It takes place in various locations, including a psychiatric hospital, a remote village, and a corporation’s research facility. As the main character, you’re typically unarmed, and your only defense is your wits and ability to run and hide. This high-stakes gameplay, coupled with the series’ eerie sound design and atmospheric lighting, makes it one of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
The original Outlast game, released in 2013, received critical acclaim for its intense gameplay and captivating storyline. Players take on the role of investigative journalist Miles Upshur, who ventures inside Mount Massive Asylum to uncover a dark secret. The game’s use of a video camera as the player’s only light source and the limited battery life to create an atmosphere of fear and tension. The success of the original game led to two sequels, Outlast 2 and Outlast Trials, both of which continued the series’ tradition of providing players with a terrifying experience.
Outlast’s success can be attributed to its commitment to delivering an authentic survival horror experience. The series avoids using cheap jump scares and instead relies on psychological terror and tension to create an atmosphere of fear. Additionally, its storytelling is masterfully crafted, leaving players in constant suspense as they unravel the game’s plot.
The series’ reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics and fans praising the games’ graphics, sound design, and gameplay mechanics. Outlast has also spawned a fanbase and several spin-offs, including a comic book series and a television show adaptation. Overall, the Outlast series is one of the greatest survival horror games of all time, providing players with a unique and terrifying experience that they won’t soon forget.
Fatal Frame
Developed by Tecmo, the Fatal Frame series centers around the use of a camera to exorcise ghosts and spirits. The series has been praised for its unique gameplay mechanics and atmospheric horror.
The Fatal Frame series is a terrifying collection of survival horror games that will have you quivering in your boots. Each game is set in a different location, but they all share a common theme: the existence of vengeful ghosts. You play as a protagonist who is armed with a camera that is able to capture the ghosts’ images, and defeat them. But be warned, the ghosts are not the only things you have to worry about.
The series began with the original Fatal Frame game, released in 2001, which quickly gained a reputation for being one of the scariest games ever made. The game was so terrifying that it spawned a franchise that has continued to this day. Each game has received critical acclaim for its haunting atmosphere, intense gameplay, and the innovative use of the camera mechanic.
The Fatal Frame series has always been known for its unique camera mechanics. Instead of using weapons to defeat enemies, you must use your camera to capture ghosts and seal them away. This unique gameplay mechanic has become a trademark of the series and has helped it stand out in a crowded genre.
The series has been praised for its haunting atmosphere, intense gameplay, and compelling storylines. It has cemented its place as one of the greatest survival horror game series of all time, and its legacy continues to this day. If you’re looking for a game that will have you on the edge of your seat, the Fatal Frame series is definitely worth checking out.
The Last of Us
Created by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic survival horror game set in a world overrun by infected humans. The game is known for its emotional storytelling, complex characters, and intense gameplay.
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure series that follows the journey of Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a world overrun by infected humans. Developed by Naughty Dog, the series is set in a beautifully crafted world that is both breathtaking and terrifying. With intense gameplay, emotional storytelling, and stunning visuals, The Last of Us series has become one of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
The original game, released in 2013, was met with critical acclaim and received numerous awards for its incredible story, well-developed characters, and heart-pumping gameplay. The sequel, The Last of Us Part II, released in 2020, continued the story of Joel and Ellie and pushed the boundaries of gaming with its impressive graphics and intense gameplay.
What sets The Last of Us series apart is its ability to create a sense of tension and dread throughout the game. Every moment feels like a fight for survival, whether it’s against the infected or other survivors. The gameplay is designed to make the player feel vulnerable, with limited resources and challenging enemies around every corner.
The Last of Us series has been praised for its emotional storytelling and well-developed characters. Joel and Ellie’s relationship is the core of the series, and their journey together is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The game explores complex themes such as love, loss, and the human condition in a way that few games have been able to achieve.
In conclusion, The Last of Us series is a masterpiece of survival horror gaming. With its intense gameplay, emotional storytelling, and stunning visuals, it has become one of the greatest gaming franchises of all time. The series has received universal critical acclaim and has cemented itself as a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Amnesia
The Amnesia series, developed by Frictional Games, is known for its psychological horror themes and emphasis on stealth gameplay. The series has garnered critical acclaim for its unsettling atmosphere and unique gameplay mechanics.
The Amnesia video game series is an incredibly spine-tingling journey through a world of darkness, insanity, and terror. Developed by Frictional Games, the series is widely regarded as one of the greatest survival horror game series of all time. Each game in the series plunges players into a world of horror and despair, where they must use their wits to survive.
The first game in the series, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, was released in 2010 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the scariest games ever made. The game follows the story of Daniel, who awakens in a dark castle with no memory of how he got there. As he explores the castle, he uncovers the dark secrets hidden within, and must use his wits and ingenuity to survive.
The sequel, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, was released in 2013 and was just as terrifying as the first game. In this game, players take on the role of Oswald Mandus, a wealthy industrialist who has awakened from a coma to find that the world has been overrun by a mysterious machine. As he explores the ruined city, he must confront his own dark past and the horrors that lurk within.
The latest game in the series, Amnesia: Rebirth, was released in 2020 and continues the tradition of terror that the series is known for. In this game, players take on the role of Tasi Trianon, who awakens in the middle of a desert with no memory of how she got there. As she searches for answers, she must face her deepest fears and confront the horrors that lurk within her own mind.
The Amnesia series has been praised for its intense atmosphere, terrifying gameplay, and innovative use of sound and visual effects. It has been hailed as one of the greatest survival horror game series of all time, and has inspired countless imitators. If you’re looking for a truly terrifying gaming experience, look no further than the Amnesia series.
Alien
The Alien series, based on the popular movie franchise, is known for its intense and terrifying gameplay. The player must survive encounters with the iconic Xenomorph while exploring space stations and spaceships.
The Alien series of video games are renowned for their ability to capture the tense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the movies. These games offer a thrilling experience to players who want to immerse themselves in the horror of an alien invasion. The games have been praised for their graphics, sound design, and overall atmosphere.
The first game in the series, “Alien,” was released in 1984 and was a classic 8-bit game. It was one of the earliest survival horror games and was well-received by critics and players alike. The game’s success led to a sequel, “Aliens: The Computer Game,” which was released in 1986.
The most popular game in the series, “Alien: Isolation,” was released in 2014 and was praised as one of the greatest survival horror games of all time. The game takes place fifteen years after the events of the original Alien movie, and players take on the role of Ellen Ripley’s daughter, Amanda. The game’s intense atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and excellent sound design all contribute to its reputation as one of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
The Alien series has also been praised for its ability to create tension through sound and graphics. The eerie sound of the alien stalking its prey is particularly effective at creating an immersive experience for the player. The graphics are also a key component of the series’ success, with the alien creature rendered in high detail to give players a truly terrifying experience.
Overall, the Alien series of video games is a must-play for fans of the survival horror genre. With its excellent graphics, sound design, and overall atmosphere, the series has rightly earned its place as one of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
Siren
Developed by SCE Japan Studio, the Siren series is known for its use of Japanese folklore and horror themes. The series has been praised for its unique gameplay mechanics and immersive environments.
Siren, also known as Forbidden Siren in some regions, is one of the greatest survival horror games that has a cult following. Developed by SCE Japan Studio, the series features a unique gameplay mechanic called “Sightjack,” where the player can see through the eyes of their enemies, adding a new level of fear and tension to the game.
The series is set in a remote Japanese village, Hanuda, where supernatural events are occurring. The game’s story revolves around multiple playable characters who are trying to survive and unravel the mysteries of the village. The narrative is complex and compelling, with multiple timelines and perspectives that add depth and intrigue to the game’s world.
The game’s graphics and sound design contribute to the eerie atmosphere, creating an intense feeling of dread and uncertainty. The use of sound, lighting, and music is masterfully done, heightening the tension and horror of each encounter. The game’s monsters, known as Shibito, are grotesque and unnerving, making for a terrifying enemy that players must avoid or confront with limited resources.
The game series has been well-received by both critics and fans, with many praising the game’s unique gameplay mechanics, narrative, and horror elements. The series has been noted for its challenging difficulty and immersive gameplay, making it a thrilling and memorable experience for players. With its unique approach to horror and suspense, Siren remains one of the greatest survival horror games of all time.
Clock Tower
Developed by Human Entertainment, the Clock Tower series centers around a group of characters who are stalked by a serial killer known as “Scissorman.” The series has been praised for its intense and suspenseful gameplay.
Clock Tower is a classic survival horror game series that first released in 1995, capturing the hearts of players worldwide. The series focuses on a group of people being hunted by a mysterious figure known as Scissorman. Players must solve puzzles and evade Scissorman to progress through each game. The games’ eerie atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and unique gameplay mechanics have made it a favorite of horror fans and earned its place as one of the greatest survival horror game series of all time.
Clock Tower’s debut game was critically acclaimed and praised for its unique approach to horror, setting the tone for the series. Players were forced to hide and use the environment to evade Scissorman, adding to the game’s tension and suspense. The game’s success led to several sequels, including Clock Tower 2 and 3, which continued to build upon the original’s formula, adding new mechanics and more challenging puzzles to the mix.
The Clock Tower series has always been known for its tense gameplay, eerie sound design, and unique puzzles that require players to think outside of the box. The series has evolved over time, with each game adding new elements to the experience while staying true to its core mechanics. The latest entry, simply titled Clock Tower, released in 2002, was the first to incorporate 3D graphics and a new combat system, introducing new mechanics to the series.
The series has remained a favorite of horror fans over the years, and its influence can be seen in other survival horror games. The Clock Tower games have inspired several games in the genre, with its unique approach to horror and gameplay mechanics being cited as an influence by several game developers. The series’ legacy has continued, with fans clamoring for a new entry in the series, and it remains one of the greatest survival horror game series of all time.
Overall, the Clock Tower series has left a lasting impression on the horror genre and is beloved by fans worldwide. Its unique approach to horror, tense gameplay, and memorable characters have cemented its place as one of the greatest survival horror game series of all time. Whether you are a seasoned horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, the Clock Tower series is a must-play and will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the survival horror genre has given us some of the most terrifying, heart-pumping, and unforgettable gaming experiences of all time. From the claustrophobic corridors of the space station in Dead Space to the desolate wasteland of Silent Hill, each series has its own unique brand of horror that has left a lasting impact on the industry and its fans.
As we look back on the 10 greatest survival horror game series of all time, we can’t help but feel grateful for the spine-tingling thrills and immersive storytelling that each of these franchises has brought to our screens. Whether you’re a seasoned horror veteran or a newcomer to the genre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and fear in these games. So, if you’re brave enough to face your fears, turn off the lights, put on your headphones, and dive into the world of survival horror – just be sure to keep a spare pair of pants handy.
