The Top 5 Scary Space Games
Gamers, like me, do not just stick to the adrenalin-pumping shooting, space-based games. Sometimes we also crave for a good scare, and that is why a lot of serious gamers dig scary space games as well. Survival horror space games have become really popular since their inception. This particular game genre has developed a solid following that consist of avid video, PC and online gamers.
Let me tell you my top 5 scary space games and the reason why they often scare the hell out of me.
#1 – Dead Space
Among the horror space games that I’ve played, Dead Space is definitely the scariest. If you haven’t played this game yet, which is impossible if you are an avid horror gamer, then you better try it out and know firsthand how downright scary it is. Dead Space can scare the living days lights out of you, and I’m not exaggerating because I’ve already played it a lot of times but still get a good scare every time. It is basically a third person shooter horror space-based game that was developed by EA Redwood Shores, also known as Visceral Games. The game centers on Isaac Clarke, the role that players take when they play the game, who is an engineer that need to fight his way out a mining starship that has been infested by grotesque and hostile monsters, referred as ‘Necromorphs’. Many gamers dubbed Dead Space as the scariest game ever. This is mainly because of its high fear value which is accentuated by the game’s deferred lighting and real-time user interface. The second sequel of the game, Dead Space 2, was released on the 25th of January of this year.
#2 – Doom Series
If there is any horror space survival game that can go head to head with Dead Space, it will definitely be the Doom Series. This first-person shooter game is the brainchild of ID software, which focuses on the exploits of an unnamed UAC (Union Aerospace Corp) space marine who have to fight hordes of demons and the undead to ensure his survival. Released somewhere in 1993, this game classic has won the hearts of many horror space game fanatics. If you like to enjoy better graphics and a more realistic game platform, then you need to check out Doom 3. Pump up those speakers, turn off the lights and start playing the game. If you don’t get a good scare while playing this game, then maybe you are not from this planet. I almost get a heart attack when I played the game or maybe I am really just a scaredy cat. Doom 3’s excellent graphics help a lot to set up the spooky ambiance.
#3 – System Shock 2
This is a first-person RPG space game that was released in 1999. System Shock 2 is the sequel of System Shock, a 1994 PC game that was developed by Looking Glass Studios and Irrational Games. Set on 2114 on board a starship, players of System Shock 2 assumes the role of a soldier who tries to contain the outbreak of an unknown genetic infection that has desolated the starship. This game may not be as scary as Dead Space or Doom 3 but it sure provides a very intense playing platform. It also offers excellent visuals and superb game effects.
#4 – Unreal 2: The Awakening
For Unreal 2, players take on the role of Marine John Dalton who is a Terran Colonial Authority Marshall tasked to patrol remote space areas. Dalton was called back to retrieve pieces of an ancient artifact that is believed to be a powerful weapon once assembled. This game certainly has some scary moments that can terrorize players, particularly the younger ones. I, on the other hand, do not find Unreal that frightening but I admit it did give me a few good shocks while playing the game.
#5 – Martian Gothic: Unification
This horror space game successfully welded a classic-adventure style puzzle gameplay into a real, action-based interface. Martian Gothic: Unification offers excellently rendered graphics and decent sound effects thus giving players a great space gaming experience. The horror adventure presented by the game is also very gruelling and it is very much capable of providing a great scare in more ways than one.