2) Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
Play it on: GameCube
Eternal Darkness is one of those fourth-wall breaking experiences that actually works. As a horror game, that’s a real accomplishment, as much of what makes Eternal Darkness so fun is how the game messes with the player’s head. Of course, that’s not to say mind games are Eternal Darkness‘s only draw, as the host of characters, satisfying combat and magick system, and gripping story make this a great game without any gimmicks. The game centers around Alexandria Roivas, who is investigating the grisly murder of her grandfather after the police have hit a dead end. Over the course of the game, the player switches between multiple protagonists and time periods, wielding a variety of weapons to fight enemies and uncover the truth.
One of the most original aspects of Eternal Darkness is the insanity meter. The game will generate sounds and enemies that aren’t actually present, walls bleed, and the floor will flip with the ceiling; as this is happening, the meter will slowly fill and alter gameplay. Touching back on the fourth-wall breaking, Eternal Darkness is also notorious for generating false GameCube error messages, blanking out the screen, and even messing with the volume of the game. These mental ploys, coupled with the excellent graphics and intensely scary setting, make Eternal Darkness a perfect game to play hiding under a sheet.
Moon is my favorite DS game. Great recommendation.
Great list of games!
Dead Space: Extraction (Wii) was my October “scary game” of choice… and it succeeded in totally creeping me out more than once. Another great title for Nintendo horror fans to check out, even if Halloween has already gone by.