Summary
Narratives surrounding time — time travel, merging timelines, the multiverse — are most often associated with science fiction and fantasy media. Take the Marvel Universe, for example. Despite this, when such concepts are utilized in horror, it can yield some very interesting and quite frankly terrifying experiences.
Because of their difficult-to-comprehend physics, chronophobia (fear of time) and astrophobia (fear of space) are among the most targeted by these ideas. But beyond phobia triggers, time manipulation is a mechanic that can also enhance the experience of a horror game, bringing to life new ideas and interesting gameplay. These are some of thebest horror games that manipulate time, either via mechanics or embedded in the narrative.
This list focuses on titles that use time manipulation as an imperative part of the narrative, world, and/or gameplay, rather than those where slowing time is an optional skill, such as “reflex time” inF.E.A.R.
7Baisu
A Creepy Bodycam Detective Horror
Since the release ofBodycamin June 2024, the bodycam format in games has risen in popularity, particularly in the horror genre, though it would be unfair to dismiss those that existed prior. InBaisu,the player experiences the footage of Clay Kriest, a detective who has received a desperate call for help at the Smiths' family home and soon finds himself embroiled in a much darker mystery.
Throughout the experience,Baisupicks up on players' microphone activity, recording snippets that will replay later in the game in a smart,immersive use of sound and time. Along with thephotorealism and lifelikeflashlight movement, this mechanic makes players truly feel like a part of this compelling story.Baisuhas four endings for players to uncover.
6HORROR TALES: The Beggar
Bend Physics In This Post-Cataclysm World
For a solo-developed game,HORROR TALES: The Beggaris a surprisingly comprehensivesci-fi horror title. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by humanoid cyber-creatures called “Beggars,” the player must attempt to fix what is left of it before the antagonistic forces catch up to them. The game has some genuinely creepy moments, with a couple of jumpscares in between.
Time manipulation is a core mechanic ofThe Beggar,with the protagonist being able toswitch between times of dayand control the weather to solve puzzles. The player also has telekinetic abilities that can be used to move objects and during combat. Overall,The Beggarmakes great use of time and physics for dynamic and fresh gameplay.
Siren: Blood Curseis the third entry in theSiren(also known asForbidden Siren) game series, and a re-imagining of the original 2003 game. Taking place in Japan’s Hanuda Village, the player must get to the bottom of the village’s curse and find a way to escape the paranormal goings-on alive. The game follows multiple narratives, with the playerswitching between playable charactersthroughout.
The plot ofBlood Cursecan, at times, be convoluted and difficult to follow, with alien Gods, cults, andtime loopsall being central to the story. That said, it is still a compelling title that explores themes such as faith, family, and perseverance in the face of threats that transcend human understanding.
P.T.is a pillar of thepsychological horror genre, released as a teaser for the canceledSilent Hillsand later being removed from the PlayStation store. Beyond the increasingly terrifying looping mechanic, one of the reasons thatP.T.created such a buzz is its almost complete lack of context. With an unnamed, silent protagonist and an unclear plot, players were left with a lot of unanswered questions, especially about the game’s use of time.
Throughout the halls, there is a mix of technology, from a 70s radio to a modern digital alarm clock. Alongside the changing environment, it’s not unreasonable to conclude that there aretimelines merging, or that the players arewalking through the history of the house. Either way,P.T.maintains its legacy as one of the most uncanny horror titles out there.
Despite the onslaught of games inspired by the release ofP.T., there are a few memorable titles that stand out as separate and unique in their own right.Visageis a psychological horror game that follows troubled addict Dwayne Anderson, who is trapped in his home that is haunted by a series of malevolent entities.
Throughout the course of the game, the player uncovers the tragic fates of the previous inhabitants, and Dwayne’s own past, while trying to escape alive. Dwayne experiences events that have taken placeacross decades, with theenvironment being manipulated over time, leaving players with a sense of dread and uncertainty. To add to the tension, playersmust also manage sanityusing light sources and pills.
The Blair Witch Projectwas a major influence on found footage horror media — something that the inspiredBlair Witchvideo game pays homage to. The game follows ex-police officer Ellis and his dog, Bullet, as they search for a young boy who has gone missing in Black Hills Forest. While it doesn’t entirely play out as found footage, one of the main mechanics of the game is the video camera.
When the player finds tapes, they canuse the camera to scour the contents, which manipulates the real worldand reveals clues as to what happened to the missing boy.Blair Witchis an interesting take on how the past, present, and future interact, exploring themes such as PTSD and guilt.
Singularityis an FPS survival horror, with action and sci-fi sprinkled into the genre mix. When their helicopter crashes while investigating an electromagnetic surge originating from an unoccupied island, the player finds themselves involved in a conspiracy spanning decades. They must go back in time to prevent a major history-altering catastrophe.
Much of the gameplay inSingularityrevolves around using the “Time Manipulation Device,” which does pretty much what it says on the tin. Players can use the device to age (or reverse age) enemies and objects, attract items, and emit dangerous energy pulses during combat. What makesSingluaritystand out from similar titles likeDishonoredandTimeShiftis its horror elements. Theenemy designs incorporate body horror, the paranormal, and technology in a super-freaky fusion.
