5 Lesser-Known Retro Horror Games

Cheers to a spooky month! October is my favorite month. I love the sweaters, pumpkin spice, fall weather, and—above all—the fear! I figured discussing various scary video games every week would make for an entertaining month. I decided to begin with a few of my favorite obscure vintage horror games.

Sweet Home

  • Console: NES
  • Release: 1989
  • HLTB: 9 hours

I adore this game. This Capcom game is based on a horror film from Japan. This game heavily influenced the Resident Evil franchise. You are in charge of five documentary producers. Every character has a unique ability that can be used to advance through a mansion while looking for

The game has turn-based RPG combat and a small amount of puzzle-solving. It's a delightful and unusual experience. Anyone interested in the horror genre should definitely check it out. To enhance your enjoyment, the game also includes an English translation pack!

Koudelka

  • Console: PS1
  • Release: 1999
  • HLTB: 12 hours

I've heard of the Shadow Hearts series but not of Kouldeka, so this may be just me. As you will discover, this was the first game released for the original PlayStation. It employs an RPG system and turn-based combat, just like Parasite Eve, another of my favorite horror games on the system.

You take on the role of Koudelka, a witch. In a grid-turn-based role-playing game, you have to fight a lot of creatures and level up as you go. The cutscenes are the game's true highlight. It's a really incredible story to read. If you wish to play with pals, this is also our current GotM game!

Fear Effect

  • Console: PS1
  • Release: 2000
  • HLTB: 7 hours

Dan W., a massive fan of this game, asked me for assistance on this one! Dan says.

Fear Effect is a game that doesn't immediately reveal that it's a horror game. With cel-shaded characters and eye-catching pre-rendered hand-drawn environments, you take control of three mercenaries living in a neo-noir cyberpunk setting. It also has a gay lead character, which is unexpected for a 2000 movie because she is gay and is never actually mentioned or alters the plot in any way.

You don't begin to comprehend the actual horrors that lie ahead until Disc 2 of the 4 Disc game. Although it can be severe at times, the story is excellent for the PS1 era, contains one of my favorite surprises, and ends with the cruelest "do you choose this or that" choice I've ever seen in a video game. That's the true jewel here.

Seven Mansions: Ghastly Smile

  • Console: Dreamcast
  • Release: 2000
  • HLTB: 6 hours

Seven Mansions: Ghastly Smile is a survival horror game that was only available in Japan and was launched on the Dreamcast. You can take on the roles of two distinct people who come to an island in search of a buddy. Monsters abound on the island and reside in various homes. This game's co-op feature, which allows you and a friend to control both characters, is its most significant feature. An English patch is also available for this one.

Rule of Rose

  • Console: PS2
  • Release: 2006
  • HLTB: 9 hours

At the end of its life cycle, Rule of Rose made its way to the PS2. This is unfortunate because playing this game is really scary. Additionally, it is extremely uncommon and difficult to locate a hard copy. Due to accusations that the game featured too suggestive themes—it was deemed psychological horror—it was even banned in the UK.

The game itself has a somewhat eerie feel reminiscent of Silent Hill. You take control of a 19-year-old orphan who is attempting to recall her early memories in this 1930s English setting. Although the fighting slows it down, it's still a compelling enough tale to try! For further vintage horror games, watch Zu's video below!