Summary
Horror games were integral in helping to putthe very first PlayStationon the map. Beloved franchises likeResident EvilandSilent Hillwere console-exclusive titles for the PS1, garnering critical and commercial success. In the process, they gave Sony a strong foothold in the gaming industry, which, despite the company’s ups and downs over the years, it has yet to lose.
In the present day, gamers enjoy state-of-the-art experiences via current-gen consoles and VR, and they are now a world away from the titles that, while cutting edge for their time, can seem dated compared to more contemporary games. However, a closer look at the PS1 back catalog reveals some titles that have held up surprisingly well over the years, whether it’s due to story, graphics, or just good-old-fashioned gameplay.
Koudelkais an absolute beast, clocking across a whopping four discs (a feat also matched by PS1 flagshipFinal Fantasy VII) and boasting a ton of cutscenes and dialogue that made it a tentpole title for its time. It brought together a combination ofResident Evil-style exploration and turn-based RPG battles, all set in a mythic world where terrifying ancient forces conspire to bring about cosmic, world-ending horror.
Set in 1898, it tells the story of a young medium named Koudelka Iasant, who possesses powerful psychic abilities and investigates strange occurrences in a haunted Welsh monastery. Its intricate world-building, cinematic presentation, and gothic atmosphere still make it a compelling experience and a hidden gem in the PS1 catalog.
The baroque environs of Victorian London make for a suitably eerie setting in this game, which taps into a more classical vein ofcosmic horror. A demented sorcerer has unleashed foul magic that turns ordinary people into horrifying monsters, and the player can choose between playing as a mystic or a priest as they fight to save the day. The game had an engaging hack-and-slash combat system, with the more traditional exploration associated with survival horror, as well as that genre staple of the era — tank controls.
One of the most unique features of the game is the adrenaline system, which forced players to engage in combat frequently, and the price for stalling for too long resulted in their health gradually depleting. With some great character design and an environment so evocative you may almost smell it,Nightmare Creaturesis still an absorbing, creepy experience many years after it was released.
Before FromSoftware would change the gaming landscape forever with theirSoulsgames, they had a nice line in making low-key gems for the PlayStation. Many of these would be horror titles, includingEcho Night,which has less of an emphasis on combat and is more geared toward exploration and puzzle-solving. The player must explore the Orpheus, an abandoned passenger ship lost in time. As the player explores the ship, they encounter restless spirits, uncovering their tragic pasts and helping them find peace.
As well as interacting with spirits, the player must solve environmental puzzles, piecing together the ship’s mysterious backstory. The slow-paced gameplay was at odds with the gaming zeitgeist of the time, and as a result, the whole thing feels like an immersive game that would sit very comfortably alongside the more esoteric indie survival horror games that players see nowadays. And, as with so many FromSoftware games, the production values are top-notch.
The originalClock Tower, released for the Super Famicom (known as theSuper Nintendo Entertainment Systemin the US), was a love letter to slasher films and classic point-and-click adventure games. A cult classic, it garnered enough popularity to get a PlayStation port, which acts as a sequel, albeit with the same title, which follows Jennifer Simpson, one of the survivors from the original game, and Helen Maxwell as they investigate the return of the diabolical Scissorman, a relentless killer wielding giant scissors.
The gameplay remains the same as the original; solve puzzles, collect clues and information, and above all, try to evade Scissorman anytime he appears, as combat is not an option. The constant vulnerability of the protagonist gives the player a feeling of dread and helplessness that, rather than detract from the gameplay, only enhances it. With different endings depending on the player’s choices,Clock Towerremains a fresh and unsettling title.
The heavyweight champ of sci-fi horror, theXenomorphhas appeared in numerous video games, whether directly or more as inspiration for foes in classic games likeR-TypeandContra. This first-person shooter, loosely adapted from the film of the same name, pits the player against the iconic creatures while they navigate tunnels and passageways in the iconic setting taken straight from the films.
Alien Resurrectionhas stood the test of time as it perfectly encapsulates the nail-biting horror of not knowing when or where a Xenomorph will appear, and when they do, things get very messy very quickly. The sense of oppressive claustrophobia and tension that is such a hallmark of the franchise is recreated in this game, and the sense of panic and helplessness in the player is as tangible as being attacked by a Facehugger.
By the timeDino Crisis 2was released in 2000, manysurvival horrortitles had been and gone, and the traditional formula was wearing thin. Sensibly, the development team opted for a more action-heavy approach for the sequel, which makes the game a literal blast, with more weapons, more combat, and above all, more dinosaurs. The game follows Regina, returning from the first game, and newcomer Dylan Morton as they investigate a research facility overrun by bloodthirsty prehistoric creatures.
With deeply satisfying combat, a weapon upgrade system, and plenty of enemies to soak up bullets,Dino Crisis 2is a wild, intense ride that amps up the action in increments, with one set piece after another until the spectacular climax. With jungle and underwater environments, it also provides plenty of variety in its setting, moving away from the endless gray corridors of the original, making for an arcade-style shooter that offers major replayability.
Parasite Eve
WHERE TO PLAY
Parasite Eve is a 1998 PlayStation 1 action RPG with horror elements. Developed and published by Square, this game features a harrowing narrative, random battle encounters, an Active Time Bar system, weapon and armor augmentations, and more.
Squaresoft was riding on the planet-conquering might ofFinal Fantasy VIIwhen it released this offering, which brought together its flair for cinematic presentation with a mix of science fiction and horror. It was also unique in that it was adapted from a Japanese novel from 1995. The game follows NYPD rookie Aya Brea, who witnesses a horrifying event at an opera house on Christmas Eve and is pitted against a fearsome entity known only as Eve. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as Aya uncovers a sinister world of mutated creatures and the possibility of human extinction.
One ofParasite Eve’smost interesting features was a real-time, turn-based battle system that has held up surprisingly well. Players can move freely in combat but must wait for their Active Time Bar to fill before being able to attack. Another asset in the game’s favor is its distinctive soundtrack, courtesy of Yoko Shimomura. A gripping story and RPG-depth, combined with eye-popping visuals, would have a big influence on future horror titles and make the game a stand-out from the era.
Capcom’s recent run of remakingclassicResident Evilgameshas proved to be a solid triumph, with stunning adaptations that keep the core experience intact while bringing them firmly into the present day. However, these updates would be meaningless without the firm foundations they are building on. The winning survival horror formula of fearsome odds and dwindling supplies is a keystone of the series, and the third mainline game does a great job of iterating on this.
Resident Evil 3’s gameplay is still huge fun in the present day, owing to its firm emphasis on action. Jill Valentine’s gauntlet can only be survived with a healthy supply of automatic weapons — and unleashing them upon shuffling zombies hordes is still just as much fun now as it was in 1999. This, plus the near-unbearable suspense in trying to outrun Nemesis anytime he shows up, makes it a game that, in gameplay terms, has barely aged.
