The PlayStation 5, with its enhanced processing capabilities and immersive controller, delivers a unique gaming experience. This extends to the realm of horror games, where compelling narratives, captivating characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics thrive, engrossing players in their eerie environments. Here, we delve into some of the most terrifying horror games available on the PS5 platform.
13. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” game, developed by Sumo Nottingham and published by Gun Interactive, is based on the 1974 film. It features four victims trying to escape cannibalistic foes. Players can be victims using stealth and wits to evade the Slaughter Family or play as family members seeking to stop escapes. The game has diverse environments like the family’s house, barn, and forest, each presenting unique challenges. Weapons like crowbars and axes are for victims, while the Slaughter Family wields chainsaws and cleavers.
12. Martha is Dead
This psychological survival horror game is an indie gem from Italian studio LKA. Set in the fictional town of Romalia during World War II, players control Giulia, the twin sister of the eponymous character, Martha. The game stands out for its excellent storytelling, impactful writing, and detailed visuals. Despite being devoid of traditional enemies, the game’s atmosphere, teeming with jump scares and gore, makes for a solid supernatural adventure.
11. Alan Wake Remastered
Remedy Entertainment’s Alan Wake Remastered brings back the psychological horror title from the seventh console generation, offering an enthralling experience. While the developers highlighted the game’s cinematic qualities, it’s the storytelling that sets it apart. The game’s use of light contrasts well with some of the darker themes explored, making it a memorable experience on the PS5.
10. The Quarry
Developed by Supermassive Games, The Quarry provides an interactive horror experience akin to playing a horror movie. While the game’s action aspect may be hands-off, fans of branching narratives and player agency should find the game’s structure appealing. Set in a summer camp, the game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of classic slasher flicks like Friday the 13th. The game also supports up to eight players, making it a must-play for horror enthusiasts.
9. Dead Island 2
After years in development hell, Dead Island 2 finally surfaced in April 2023. While the game leans more towards action than horror, it sets itself apart from other open-world zombie games with its fun gameplay mechanics. Despite a straightforward story and slightly repetitive gameplay, Dead Island 2 delivers an enjoyable experience with its solid combat and intriguing environments.
8. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Tourist Edition
This edition of The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a standout in the realm of psychological horror games. Its stunning sci-fi world is beautifully rendered, enhancing the sense of impending doom that follows protagonist Selene throughout her journey. The game is a must-play for fans of the roguelike genre, offering an engaging yet terrifying experience.
7. Resident Evil Village
Capcom’s Resident Evil Village carries on the franchise’s legacy of survival horror. The game offers a rich narrative and compelling characters, supplemented by its terrifying enemies. The game’s horror elements are accentuated by its atmospheric setting, offering an engrossing and spooky experience.
6. Returnal
Returnal places a heavy emphasis on narrative, making it easy to forget that it’s a survival horror game at its core. The game excels in building tension and suspense, leveraging these elements to accentuate poignant plot points or encounters. The game’s foreboding environments and phenomenal sound design make it one of the most immersive horror games on the PS5.
5. Resident Evil 2
Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 2 affirms the enduring appeal of the classic horror game. The game’s PS5 version runs at a higher resolution, offering a crisper image with improved textures and filtering. The inclusion of ray tracing significantly enhances the game’s lighting, contributing to a more suspenseful and dramatic gaming experience.
4. Dredge
Dredge deviates from the traditional horror game format, instead taking the form of an open-world fishing game. The game’s horror elements lie beneath the water, where players encounter ungodly sea creatures. Dredge‘s fishing mechanics are surprisingly satisfying and addictive, making for an unusual but compelling horror game.
3. Dead Space
After a decade-long hiatus, EA’s Dead Space franchise was revived, offering a unique horror experience. The Dead Space remake showcases some of the most terrifying creatures and environments in horror gaming, making it a must-play for any fan of the genre.
2. The Last of Us Part 1
The Last of Us Part 1 emphasizes narrative, providing an immersive survival horror experience. The game is filled with memorable characters and engaging narratives, making it a standout in the horror genre.
1. Resident Evil 4
Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 remake tops our list of the best PS5 horror games in 2023. The game blends elements from the original title with features from the previous remakes, resulting in a memorable horror experience. The game’s engrossing narrative and improved character development make it the definitive way to experience Resident Evil 4.
Each of these titles delivers a unique horror experience, proving that the PS5 is a great platform for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a fan of psychological horror, survival horror, or action horror, there’s something for everyone in this list of the best PS5 horror games of 2023.
