The Best PS2 Horror Game Classics For This Halloween
Whoever said that you had to play recently released titles to get a good scare? The following PlayStation 2 games are certainly up to par when it comes to filling you with fright. For the person who actually enjoys retro console offerings this list represents much more than just a smattering of weird adventures – it’s a viewing portal into terrifying worlds unknown. Even better, if you’re just now finding out about these games then you’re in for a real treat…
Anyway, if you’re looking for some great recommendations to satiate your thirst of interactive fun this Halloween, look no further. Let’s get down to business, shall we?
Content Index
Haunting ground
Looking back, “Haunting Ground” really was an awesome game. Firstly, it utilized the classic Resident Evil-inspired camera system, where the view changes as you move from area to area. Secondly, it actually IS scary because you don’t have any way to defend yourself aside from running away and hiding. Thirdly, the mysterious estate where you find yourself waking up, apparently after a terrible car accident, is also not the sort of place you want to explore (but it totally is, assuming that you’re the type that’s looking for trouble). By the end of this one you’ll definitely be very freaked out.
Silent Hill 2
Despite its age, “Silent Hill 2” remains one of the most intriguing and often played horror games ever created. Nearly every aspect of this expertly executed development is perfect and fitting. The town itself is visceral and seems to simultaneously invite you in while filling you with fear. The puzzles are also particularly noteworthy and there’s certainly a lot of terrain to cover as well. Moreover, once you’ve completed the amazing campaign the first time you can fire it up a second, third or even fourth go ‘round for even more endings (no spoilers, you’ll have to check it out for yourself).
Resident Evil 4
By and large, “Resident Evil 4” stands tall as (arguably) the best all-around survival horror game available for the PS2. When you factor in all its assets, graphics, gameplay and tendency to incorporate tense action amidst puzzle-solving and rollercoaster-like moments, it’s clear that there’s something special about this game. In fact, RE4 can be such an immersive experience that you’ll keep on coming back for more, running through its story mode multiple times, importing progress via its NG+ features. The short of it is this – don’t pass on playing this wonderful game, it’s a PS2 masterpiece.
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly
Many haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing “Fatal Frame II” for themselves, and this might even apply to hardcore PlayStation fanatics. Of course, the game is pretty well known in Japan, which should come as no surprise to those who have perused its wiki page. In short, FF2 has been called one of the scariest games ever made by quite a few gamers, even those who have spent an ample amount of time playing PC titles. If you’re really in the mood for some scary moments, this is the game to get, no question about it.
The Thing
Adding this bizarre 3rd person horror offering to this list might seem out of place to some. After all, many feel that “The Thing” isn’t a completely satisfying experience due to its mechanics and occasional frustrating difficulty. One thing’s for certain though, this game will definitely creep you out and bash you over the head with terror if you give it its due, that is. Stick with it through the first hour or so and you will discover some very tense and scary moments later on. Watch out for friendly characters suddenly mutating into weird monsters though.
Silent Hill 3
Silent Hill 2 was certainly a tough act to follow. Its unmitigated popularity certainly turned up the heat for Konami to produce some type of worthy successor (which many feel that they have continued to struggle with). Regardless, Silent Hill 3 managed to be just as terrifying as the chapters that came before, adding in new elements and churning new strange stories to trod through as well as the expected multiple endings mechanic.
ObsCure
Chalk this one up to irony, but “ObsCure” is itself a rather obscure title for the PS2. However, don’t start thinking that it remained out of the spotlight because it was “bad”, the truth is it’s a nod to classic Resident Evil style horror. Let’s face it, there are loads of people out there who love the type of gameplay mechanics employed titles like this, which makes ObsCure a neat discovery to say the least.
Cold Fear
When “Cold Fear” was first released many labeled it nothing more than a Resident Evil 4 preamble – a loose conglomeration of somewhat similar mechanics designed to hold fans over until Capcom’s new masterpiece was unveiled. In hindsight of course, we’re actually talking about a rather trippy game that is able to jump scare you to death on its own merits. Probably best played directly before or after tackling RE4, in all honesty.
