With Halloween here, you may be looking for that next fix to bode you through the spooky season. While there have been plenty of big-budget horror titles announced for the coming weeks the indie scene has been making truly frightful and memorable experiences for as long as I can remember. 2022 is no different and we’ve put together a list of five of the best horror games to release this year that you can play right now!
#5 Signalis
Developer: rose-engine
Release Date: 27th October, 2022
For fans of the original Resident Evil titles, Signalis may have been a title you’ve seen pop up here and there. Boasting a striking art style with inspiration from the PS1 era of graphics Signalis is a horrifyingly brilliant isometric survival horror game. Combining all the elements of what made original Resident Evil titles so great including puzzles, resource management and a continuous sense of dread Signalis is well worth the pickup for Halloween.
#4 Cultic
Developer: Jasozz Games
Release Date: 13th October, 2022
Perhaps you’re in the mood for a more action-heavy horror experience. Well, Cultic is just what you need! Inspired by titles such as Blood and the original Doom titles, Cultic has all the beats you’d expect from a boomer shooter with the added flair and gloss of modern-day indie shooters. With large areas to explore and numerous ways to engage enemies Cultic is a treat for those who thrive off of a game’s replay value. Currently, only episode 1 is available at the moment but you’ll still get hours of enjoyment from this throwback masterpiece.
#3 The Mortuary Assistant
Developer: DarkStone Digital
Release Date: 2nd August, 2022
If you were anywhere near the gaming side of YouTube this year it was near impossible not to come across The Mortuary Assistant. For good reason too! The game is definitely not for the faint of heart and if you’re not a fan of jumpscares this is probably one to avoid. However, there’s no denying that The Mortuary Assistant is one of the best horror titles to release this year and if you’re up for a good scare this is truly a no-brainer.
#2 Iron Lung
Developer: David Szymanski
Release Date: 10th March, 2022
David Szymanski has done it again. Need I say more? Most people probably know David for his amazing work on DUSK but David started out making horror experiences in the walking simulator genre. It’s a tough call but I think Iron Lung is David’s best work to date and truly captures the horror of claustrophobia while submerged underwater in a haphazardly built submarine. Short, effective and scary. Perfect. You can also check out our interview with David here!
#1 Faith: The Unholy Trinity
Developer: Airdorf Games
Release Date: 21st October, 2022
There are few indie horror games that were as heavily anticipated as Faith. Inspired by the “Satanic Scare” of the 1980s Faith’s 3 chapters and 12 possible endings are a treat to experience. Its top-down perspective mixed with 8-bit style graphics is both nostalgic and horrifying. The time Airdorf spent on the game truly paid off and I’m confident it’s the best horror game to release this year!
What do you think of our list? Any games we missed out on? Let us know by following the links below!
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