Summary
- Survival horror games on handheld devices can still effectively build tension and scare players.
- Year Walk excels at pacing its scares and immersing players with captivating puzzles.
- Resident Evil: Revelations shifts back to survival horror, mixing old-school gameplay with modern innovations.
The strides that horror gaming has taken must be appreciated. These games do an excellent job of immersing players in nightmarish scenarios, slowly building up the tension before releasing it in bursts that capture a player's attention and force them to either flee or face the threat head-on. The vast majority of excellent horror games are masters of manipulating scenarios and keeping players on their toes whenever they turn a corner, move on to a different scene, or perform anything else along the same lines.
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Most players would assume that the trappings of a horror game don't work well on handheld devices. A smaller screen coupled with hardware limitations can work against the atmosphere that these titles are trying to develop. However, players who give these games a shot will be pleasantly surprised by how these titles manage to get under their skin despite fitting in the palm of their hands.
5 Corpse Party: Book Of Shadows
A Visual Novel Horror Game That Will Send Chills Down A Player's Spine
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation Portable, Mobile, PlayStation Vita
- Release Date: September 1, 2011
- Developers: Team GrisGris, 5pb., MAGES
Corpse Party is one of the most chilling games players can get their hands on. The first game was remastered for the PSP, letting players witness the origin of a story that is full of gruesome imagery, nightmarish stories, and harrowing tales of survival. Players who loved what this linear adventure brought to the table will find the sequel to be just as tantalizing, if not more.
Corpse Party: Book of Shadows starts with the nightmarish premise that the protagonist, Satoshi, is the only person who keeps his memories intact after time is reversed and the students unwittingly perform the charm again. As one would expect, they're transported into the creepy Heavenly Host Elementary School, rife with spirits and twisted imagery. The game knows how to build up tension before delivering a scary payoff that makes it clear why this series has such a dedicated fanbase.
4 Year Walk
The Atmosphere Of This Chilling Game Is Compounded By Its Horror Roots
Year Walk
- Released
- February 21, 2013
- Developer(s)
- Simogo
- Platform(s)
- iOS, PC, Nintendo Wii U
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Players who want to check out a horror game that makes the most of the portable medium will find Year Walk to be right up their alley. Exploration is the meat of this game, with the puzzles being captivating and making the most of the touchscreen to immerse players. Wrapping this package in a neat bow is the focus on an ancient Swedish tradition that helps things feel more exotic, with players embarking on a Year Walk that will change them for good.
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Year Walk knows how to pace its scares and keep fans on the edge of their seats before a horrifying movement takes them by surprise. It may seem oddly cheery in the early goings, but it doesn't take long for the game to rear its ugly head and scare players out of their wits when they least expect it. It's a shame that more people haven't played Year Walk, with its simple presentation harboring a magical experience that is potentially one of the most unique horror games players can get their hands on.
3 Silent Hill: Origins
A PSP Prequel To The First Game That Deftly Channels The Energy Of The Series
Silent Hill: Origins
- Released
- November 6, 2007
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Silent Hill is one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time, with the first game hitting the ground running before its sequel established itself as one of the scariest and most thought-provoking video games of all time. Players who want to check out a prequel to the series that encompasses all the classic elements players love will have a great time with Silent Hill: Origins.
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While it may not make the most of the advantages most handheld games have, Silent Hill: Origins is a classic experience that fans of horror games will have a great time with. It doesn't overstay its welcome and features an oppressive atmosphere that will force players to think twice before turning a corner or entering a desolate room. The psychological horror of this game is executed well and a treat for fans who want to check out a competent portable horror game.
2 Resident Evil: Revelations
For An RE4 Sequel, The Focus On Horror And Meager Resources Adds To The Game's Horror
Resident Evil: Revelations
Resident Evil 4 is one of the greatest video games of all time, introducing many innovations that would shape how action-packed third-person shooters would be developed. So, one would expect that a direct sequel to this title would feature more of the shame. However, given the limitations of the Nintendo 3DS, it's easy to see why Capcom decided to work around the hardware of this portable console and shift the focus back to survival horror as opposed to pure action.
Fans of classic Resident Evil found a lot to love about Revelations. Despite the small screen of the 3DS potentially hampering its potential to scare players, the stingy resource economy and a focus on escaping monsters helped Resident Evil: Revelations stand out as an underrated entry in the series. The mix of old-school gameplay and modern innovations was a winning formula that fans will love if they just give this title a chance.
1 Dead Space (Mobile)
One Of The Scariest Games In The Series That's Genuinely Horrifying
- Platforms: Mobile
- Release Date: January 25, 2011
- Developer: IronMonkey Studios
It's a crime that the Dead Space mobile game is unavailable to download nowadays. The lucky few who checked this game out back when it was released were treated to one of the greatest mobile horror games of all time that somehow managed to translate the immaculate vibes of Dead Space over to people's portable devices. If players managed to check out this game on the iPad, then their enjoyment was multiplied even more.
The tight action gameplay and fun exploration channeled the claustrophobic energy of Dead Space that made it such a tantalizing IP in the first place. Every level is curated with the utmost care, making the most of the touchscreen to expertly execute every facet of the gameplay. With a reveal at the end rivaling that of the original Metroid game, it's easy to see why Dead Space's mobile efforts were a runaway success. The series may be in limbo right now, but a remake or remaster of this game would be more than enough to excite many fans.
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