2024 is shaping up to be an exhilarating year for horror game enthusiasts. Building on the success of 2023, this year promises a mix of highly anticipated sequels, remakes, and innovative indie games, offering a diverse range of chilling experiences for every horror fan.
The Anticipated Horror Game Lineup
A Feral Night: A Chilling Homecoming
“A Feral Night,” crafted by solo developer Dan McGrath, is set to bring players to the heart of darkness lurking in a childhood home. It’s poised to be a must-play for fans of psychological horror, following McGrath’s success with “Incident at Grove Lake.” McGrath also teases a second project about a Priest investigating a miraculous claim, stirring intrigue in the horror gaming community.
Alone in the Dark: A Classic Reborn
“Alone in the Dark,” a name synonymous with horror gaming history, is making a comeback. This 2024 remake is set to revitalize the franchise, offering a modern interpretation of the 1992 classic with a visual overhaul. It’s a momentous return for fans waiting since the last single-player release in 2008.
Bye Sweet Carole: A Twisted Fairytale
“Bye Sweet Carole” stands out with its unique 2D animation reminiscent of golden-age Disney, yet it weaves a darker narrative. This game could redefine how we view classic animations, offering a Grimms’ Fairy Tales twist to the horror genre.
Clock Tower: The Original Returns
“Clock Tower” brings back another classic. The re-launch of the original 2D game from the Super Famicom era is a significant event, especially for Western players unfamiliar with the true first installment of this iconic series.
Dead Letter Dept.
“Dead Letter Dept.” stands out for its retro-flavored horror style. Set in a mail-sorting office, it turns an ordinary job into a source of creeping dread, appealing to fans of lo-fi scares.
Hideo Kojima’s OD
This game-movie hybrid from Hideo Kojima is shrouded in mystery and speculation. With Jordan Peele’s involvement and nods to PT’s opening scene, “Hideo Kojima’s OD” is expected to offer a unique gaming experience.
Hollowbody
For fans of PS1- and PS2-era horror games, “Hollowbody” is set in a post-Brexit dystopia and features fixed camera angles, tricky puzzles, and an emphasis on inventory management, echoing the style of early horror gaming.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
A first-person zombie shooter from horror icon John Carpenter, “Toxic Commando” is expected to blend B-movie antics with thrilling gameplay, appealing to fans of both horror games and Carpenter’s filmography.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game
Based on the ’80s cult classic film, this game adds to the licensed horror genre with asymmetrical team play. It promises to capture the quirky and eerie essence of the original movie.
Little Nightmares 3
Developed by Supermassive, known for their work on “Until Dawn” and “The Dark Pictures Anthology,” “Little Nightmares 3” continues the unsettling legacy of its predecessors with the addition of two-player co-op gameplay.
Luto
A PT-inspired game, “Luto” features a haunted house story reminiscent of the canceled Silent Hill sequel. The game has already garnered attention for its atmospheric demo.
Pacific Drive
Combining cosmic horror with a management sim, “Pacific Drive” sets players on a roguelite journey across a dystopian Pacific Northwest. It blends hands-on gameplay with survival mechanics in a sci-fi setting.
Paranormal Tales
This game presents a haunted house story through a bodycam perspective. Its high level of visual fidelity has sparked interest, though some wonder if it will extend beyond being a tech demo.
Reveil
“Reveil” mixes creepy clowns and dark circus themes with residential horrors. If you’re intrigued by clowns and haunted houses, this might be the game for you.
Routine
Set in a space setting akin to “Alien” and “Observation,” “Routine” appeals to fans of slow-burning, atmospheric horror set in the isolation of space.
Silent Hill 2 Remake
The remake of “Silent Hill 2” is arguably one of the most anticipated games. With recent successful horror remakes, this game has generated both excitement and skepticism regarding its development by Bloober Team.
Silent Hill F
Developed by a team of former Resident Evil devs in Japan, “Silent Hill F” focuses on music and dark imagery, generating significant excitement among Silent Hill fans.
Silent Hill: Townfall
Developed by No Code, known for “Observation” and “Stories Untold,” “Silent Hill: Townfall” is expected to offer a non-traditional take on the horror series.
Slitterhead
Created by Silent Hill’s Keiichiro Toyama, “Slitterhead” appeals to fans of early-aughts horror games and promises a uniquely terrifying experience.
Stalker 2
Slated for release in 2024 on PC and Xbox Series X|S, “Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl” promises to be a gripping post-apocalyptic horror-shooter experience. Despite delays due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the development team has showcased resilience and determination in bringing this sequel to fans of the genre, including those who enjoyed “Metro 2033.”
Still Wakes The Deep
Set to debut in 2024 on PC and Xbox Series X|S, “Still Wakes The Deep” is an indie horror game from the creators of “Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.” This title takes players to a Scottish oil rig in 1975, offering a unique and eerie setting for a horror story.
The Casting of Frank Stone
“The Casting of Frank Stone” is a new addition to the horror game roster, with its release date and platforms still to be announced. Tied to the “Dead By Daylight” universe and developed by Supermassive, this game is expected to follow the narrative horror style similar to “Until Dawn.”
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
Scheduled for release on January 19 for PS5, “The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered” brings back one of 2020’s best games with updated visuals and a new roguelite mode called “No Return.” PS4 owners can upgrade to this version for an additional cost.
The Outlast Trials
“The Outlast Trials,” set to fully launch on March 5 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, introduces multiplayer to the renowned Outlast series. This game, which was available in early access last year, promises a fresh, terrifying perspective on the series.
The horror gaming landscape in 2024 is rich with diversity and innovation, offering something for every horror fan. From enduring the haunted environments in “Stalker 2” to solving mysteries in “Still Wakes The Deep,” and experiencing narrative-driven horror in “The Casting of Frank Stone,” the year ahead is full of promise. Additionally, revisiting classics like “The Last of Us Part 2” in remastered form or braving the multiplayer challenges in “The Outlast Trials” further broadens the options for gamers.
2024 stands poised to be a landmark year in horror gaming, offering a blend of experiences that range from deep, narrative-driven single-player journeys to cooperative multiplayer frights. As these games make their way to various platforms, players around the world eagerly await the chance to dive into these dark, immersive worlds.
