Creeping Horror and Existential Dread

I’m generally not one for horror. Well, I say that, but I think the large focus on stream-friendly games has exploded the popularity of jump scare games, leaving more cerebral horror to fall to the wayside somewhat. That said, there have definitely been excellent examples of this over the years - of course, coming from indie developers - with 2022 being no exception.

Signalis

The best Silent Hill since Silent Hill. Pulling from the classics while branching out into it’s own existence, Signalis has unmatched atmosphere, stellar artwork and peak vibes. Survival horror at its finest.

The House On Holland Hill

An inexpensive and short first person narrative game with a great art style and a growing story of tragic pain. A great branching game that gives you many small choices to role-play into the horror.

Our Elusive Suffering

Free

This game is all about the mystery. This is the entirety of its Steam page: "Our Elusive Suffering is a cryptic horror game where you take part in a mysterious blood ritual in an ancient city whose walls are dripping with madness. Consumed with fear and facing monsters that blur the concept of reality, you will have to find your way in the stuffy fog to finally find a purpose. Nothing will be explained. Nothing will be given. Everything will be figured out, eventually." Getting thrown into the deep end is part of the psychologically horrific experience.

The Heilwald Loophole

It might seem like an oxymoron, but this is a survival horror game in which it is impossible to die. Dive deeper into the asylum to learn what the hell is going on with the damn loophole.

Security Booth: Director's Cut

A great mystery game with a twinge of creeping dread at what exactly is going on. Play as the security guard to a science facility, letting cars in or not to the compound. A complex branching narrative rewarding multiple (short) playthroughs.

Almost Home Now