Happy spooky month! I love October. The fall weather, the pumpkin spice, the sweaters, and more importantly… the horror! I thought it would be a fun month to talk about different horror video games each week. I decided to start with some of my favorite lesser-known retro horror games.
Sweet Home
- Console: NES
- Release:Â 1989
- HLTB: 9Â hours
I love this game. It is a Capcom game that is based on a Japanese horror movie. This game gave a lot of its inspiration to the Resident Evil franchise. You control a group of 5 documentary creators. Each character has a unique skill that can help progress through a mansion searching for
The game has light puzzle-solving and turn-based RPG combat. It is such a unique and fun experience. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the horror genre. The game also has an English translation pack so you can enjoy it even more!
Koudelka
- Console: PS1
- Release:Â 1999
- HLTB: 12 hours
Maybe this is a me thing, as I have heard of the Shadow Hearts series, but never of Kouldeka. Come to find out that this is the first game that came out for the original PlayStation. Just like another of my favorite horror games for the system (Parasite Eve), it uses turn-based combat and an RPG system.
You play as Koudelka, a witch. You must battle many monsters on a grid turn-based RPG combat system and level up as you progress. The real star of the game is the cutscenes. It is a truly great story to experience. This is also our current GotM game as well if you want to play with friends!
Fear Effect
- Console: PS1
- Release:Â 2000
- HLTB: 7 hours
I reached out to help on this one from Dan W., who is a big fan of this game! Dan says…
Fear Effect is a game that does not expect you to know it’s a horror game when you start. You play as 3 mercenaries inhabiting a neo-noir cyberpunk setting with cel-shaded characters and pleasing pre-rendered hand-drawn backgrounds. It also features a gay lead character, which is never really remarked upon or changes the plot in any way, she’s just gay, which was an unusual representation for when it was released in 2000.
It’s not until Disc 2 of the 4 Disc game that you start to realize the true horrors that await. The real gem here is the story, which — while extreme at times — is top tier for the PS1 era, includes one of my favorite twists, and concludes with the single most brutal “do you choose this or that” decision I’ve ever come across in gaming.
Seven Mansions: Ghastly Smile
- Console: Dreamcast
- Release:Â 2000
- HLTB: 6 hours
Another Japan-only game, Seven Mansions: Ghastly Smile is a survival horror game released for the Dreamcast. You can play as 2 different characters that arrive on an island looking for their friend. The island is full of monsters that live in different mansions. The coolest part about this game is that it includes co-op where you and a friend can control both characters. This one also has an English patch available.
Rule of Rose
- Console: PS2
- Release:Â 2006
- HLTB: 9 hours
Rule of Rose came to the PS2 at the end of its life cycle. It is a shame because this game is terrifying to play through. It is also very rare and hard to find a physical copy of. This game was even made illegal in the UK because of the rumors of the game having too suggestive of themes since it was said to be Psychological horror.
The actual game is pretty unnerving and gives that Silent Hill vibe to it. Taking place in 1930 England, you control a 19-year-old orphan who is trying to rediscover the memories from her childhood. The combat holds this one back, but an interesting enough story to try out! Check out Zu’s video below for more retro horror games!
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