Horror games masterfully tap into a myriad of fears, appealing to a diverse audience. While I find it difficult to genuinely dislike a horror game, several titles can stumble over seemingly minor issues that ultimately disrupt the immersive experience they aim to create.
In fact, these flaws often manifest as inconveniences that can overshadow the game’s strengths, transforming moments of fear into significant frustration.
It’s not that these games lack merit; on the contrary, they are often celebrated as outstanding contributions to the genre. Yet, certain hiccups can feel like a tiny pebble in one’s shoe, a constant source of annoyance detracting from the overall enjoyment.
10 Unruly Camera
The Evil Within
The camera mechanics in horror games can be a lifesaver, especially in a genre traditionally rooted in fixed perspectives. This was not the case for The Evil Within, where the camera often took control, lingering uncomfortably close to the player’s shoulder.
This proximity, intended to instill a sense of claustrophobia, quickly became a frustration, resulting in gameplay that felt more constrained than thrilling. Players had limited options for adjusting the view, which detracted from the tense atmosphere that the game aimed to cultivate.
In essence, navigating The Evil Within often felt like trying to work within the constraints of an unruly camera system, leaving players to grapple with its whims.
9 Useless Skills
Call Of Cthulhu
In games that feature skill trees, players expect that investing in skills enhances gameplay. Sadly, in Call of Cthulhu, upgrading your skills offers minimal benefits, merely improving the odds of success without developing any substantial abilities. This design choice severely impacts the overall enjoyment and replay value of the game.
The game’s heavy reliance on player decisions means that limited skill utility can leave players feeling frustrated, particularly when they encounter unfavorable outcomes. The mechanics surrounding skill building feel almost superfluous, reducing what could have been a compelling element into a largely underutilized feature.
8 Too Much Trial and Error
Siren
Siren, also known as Forbidden Siren, draws inspiration from the classic Silent Hill series, combining unsettling horror with punishing difficulty. Players often find themselves dying frequently, leading to a game experience rooted in trial and error, which can be more frustrating than rewarding.
This design choice can alienate players, particularly those unfamiliar with the mechanics, leaving them to struggle without sufficient guidance. While the tension and atmosphere of the game are commendable, it is often cited as a barrier to a satisfying playthrough.
Given the current trend for remakes, there is hope that Siren might receive a revitalization that addresses its learning curve.
7 Constant Patrolling & Frustrating Chase Sequences
Outlast
Outlast is well-known for its tense chase sequences and the continuous patrolling of enemies, creating a thrilling yet demanding experience. In the beginning, this dynamic enhances the sense of danger, but as the game progresses, it can lead to moments of exasperation.
Players may find themselves rolling their eyes when forced to sprint toward a hiding spot amidst relentless pursuit, over and over again. While some critics may draw comparisons to the chase mechanisms in the Resident Evil 2 Remake, Outlast can sometimes feel like a relentless barrage of challenges that become monotonous.
6 Overly Obtuse Puzzles
Face
Puzzles frequently serve as a cornerstone of horror gaming, yet in Visage, they become overly challenging to the detriment of the experience. The game’s puzzles lack clarity and guidance, making it difficult for players to progress without undue frustration.
This challenge is magnified by the sheer volume of puzzles embedded throughout the gameplay, which can disrupt the narrative flow and detract from the otherwise chilling atmosphere the game skillfully establishes.
What could have been brain-teasing puzzles instead feel like scrambling for clarity amidst an unforgiving design, leading to a disconnect from the game’s haunting allure.
5 Terrible A. I.
The Evil Within 2
The sequel to The Evil Within retains much of the original’s brilliance but falters in its artificial intelligence. Enemies often exhibit baffling behavior, ignoring the player even from close range. This distracts from the immersion and can undercut the tension that was so carefully crafted.
The issues with A. I.can lead to inexplicable moments where players might find themselves questioning the credibility of the horror experience. A potential update focusing on improvements in A. I.could elevate what already is a strong narrative and gameplay experience.
4 Reliance on Jumpscares
MADiSON
Though jumpscares can effectively heighten tension in horror games, excessive reliance on them can dilute the overall scare factor.MADiSON begins with a compelling and ominous atmosphere but devolves into a series of predictable jump scares by the latter half of the game.
The initial moments effectively draw players in with genuine suspense; however, the saturation of jump scares diminishes their effectiveness, ultimately leaving players feeling more frustrated than terrified.
This overabundance undermines the game’s potential to fully exploit its eerie premise, disappointing many who had high hopes for the narrative’s continuation.
3 Too Slow Movement
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Although players might empathize with Ethan Winters as an ordinary man thrown into horror, his sluggish movement in Resident Evil 7 can be aggravating. The character moves at what feels like a snail’s pace, despite attempts to sprint, which can feel particularly exasperating in a fast-paced horror setting.
Despite being a remarkable title that successfully channels the series’ core essence, the character’s slow movement adversely affects the pacing and overall tension of the encounters, leaving players frustrated during crucial moments.
2 Overly Repetitive Gameplay
Alien: Isolation
While Alien: Isolation delivers a profound experience rooted in suspense, its repetitiveness can significantly hamper the enjoyment. Players primarily engage in a cycle of running and hiding from the Xenomorph, often straining the engagement factor over extended gameplay.
Although the enemy A. I.introduces a learning mechanism that keeps players on their toes, the sheer length of the game (often exceeding 20 hours) can diminish the initial thrill and shift it into a tedious exercise in avoidance.
1 Too Dark to See
Silent Hill 2 Remake
When playing the Silent Hill 2 Remake, lighting adjustments are imperative as many areas are challenging to navigate without modification. The game’s original recommended brightness levels can render some environments—like the Labyrinth and Toluca Prison—nearly invisible, which detracts from the intended suspense.
This unfortunate aspect can lead players to overlook critical areas, such as the Armoury, unless they adjust their settings, leading to confusion and frustration in discovery. Striking a balance between an atmospheric experience and visibility is a complex task, often leaving players in darkness more than they would prefer, despite their love for the quintessential horror elements.
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