We recently wrote about the best horror games for the Xbox 360, and here we’re going to take a look at some games from an even earlier console, the PS2.
Let’s not waste any time, here are the 5 best PS2 horror games, according to us at Blog of Games. If you don’t agree, let us know what you would add/remove in the comment section below.
5. Obscure (2004)
Obscure – PS2 Gameplay
For many, Obscure could probably fit in the so-bad-it’s-good category of horror, but that shouldn’t deter you from playing it. It is heaps of fun and, if you have someone to play with in co-op mode, you can multiply that fun tenfold.
The game was developed by Hydravision Interactive, with the plot based heavily on the 1998 sci-fi horror film The Faculty. In the game you control five teenagers – each of whom fit nicely into a horror flick trope – as they find themselves locked inside a school at night time fighting off various types of infected students.
It’s never gonna win any awards for story writing or voice acting, but there are some genuinely scary moments in Obscure and the gameplay is tons of fun. That’s what makes it a great PS2 horror game. You can even play a high definition version of Obscure on Steam now, too.
4. Clock Tower 3 (2002)
Clock Tower 3 – PS2 Gameplay
Clock Tower 3 is a stunning survival horror game that is easily the best game in the Clock Tower series. Not everyone will agree with that, of course, but Clock Tower 3 seemed to get the right blend of fun and weird gameplay, mixed with a tense and creepy atmosphere.
The game was directed by Kinji Fukasaku, a Japanese New Wave director, and his input can be seen in the way the story is told. Playing as 14-year old Alyssa Hamilton, you have to travel back to 1940s and 60s London and eliminate spirit entities that are haunting various locations. Firstly, Alyssa must free the spirits of a victim killed by the serial killer stonecutter, Sledgehammer. Then, you travel to the 1960s where you attempt to unravel the story of a murderer by the name of Corroder.
Some of the bosses you encounter are hit or miss on the horror scale, but overall the game has a great creepy feel and should easily be considered as one of the best PS2 horror games.
3. Siren (2003)
Siren – PS2 Gameplay
Probably one of the best Japanese horror games of all time, Siren (also known as Forbidden Siren) was developed by SCE Japan Studio and Project Siren.
Siren takes place in Hanuda, a remote Japanese town renowned for its reclusive and highly religious inhabitants. A local ritual is disrupted by an Earthquake, and a supernatural event causes people to turn into Shibito (undead). From here, you control 10 escapees as they try to figure out the horrifying mystery they find themselves in.
Siren is one of the darkest and most suspenseful horror games around, and it’s chilling atmosphere still holds up today. Some players had gripes about the English-speaking voice acting, but it doesn’t really detract from the sense of dread that the game builds up. If you’re a fan of horror games, this is one you really ought to try if you haven’t done so already.
2. Silent Hill 2 (2001)
Silent Hill 2 – PS2 Gameplay
For many, the second installment of the now hugely popular Silent Hill series is the best. It’s easy to see why, too.
For a start, the game tells a story that is relatable for most people, a story of loss and the grief that surrounds it. It is not just a run-of-the-mill tragedy, either, the plot in Silent Hill 2 is expertly delivered in a way that keeps you emotionally gripped throughout. It was rare for video games at the time to take on such mature themes, so players became engaged instantly in the story.
Putting the story to one side, the soundtrack is masterful and suits the mood of the game to a tee. Despite an average combat system, the puzzles in the game add a lot to the gameplay, and when coupled with some excellent characters and haunting visuals, Silent Hill 2 is not only one of the best PS2 horror games around, but of the best horror games of all time, period.
1. Fatal Frame (2001)
Fatal Frame – PS2 Gameplay
Even though Fatal Frame was released back in 2001, it still stands up on the current climate as one of the best horror games around. In fact, a lot of recent games don’t even hold a candle to this survival horror by Koei Tecmo.
One of the game’s main pulls is its atmosphere, and it can be considered a horror masterclass of how to cripple your consumers with a constant sense of dread. This is done through dimly lit surroundings that are navigable only with a Miku’s (the protagonist) camera and torch.
In truth, I actually prefer the sequel to this game, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (also available on the PS2), but I feel it would be remiss of me to not pay respect to the game that started off the whole franchise.
If you’re in the mood to be thoroughly creeped out, you can’t go wrong with Fatal Frame. For me, it is the best horror game for the PS2.
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Did you see your favorite PS2 horror game on the list? If not, which games would you add? Let us know in the comment section below! If you enjoyed reading this, why not check out our article about sci-fi horror games.
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