Three Video Games Every Nerd Horror Fan Should Be Playing
by Justine Norton-Kertson
The gaming world is full of thrilling, brain-bending, and terrifying experiences that cater to the nerd horror fan’s love of both intellect and scares. Whether you’re into solving intricate puzzles, exploring eerie worlds, or confronting supernatural horrors, there’s a game out there for you. Here are three current video games that every nerd horror fan should be playing.
1. Resident Evil Village (2021)
Overview: The latest installment in the iconic Resident Evil series, Resident Evil Village, continues the story of Ethan Winters as he searches for his kidnapped daughter in a mysterious, monster-infested village. With its breathtaking graphics, intricate plot, and pulse-pounding horror, this game is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
source: Steam
Why You Should Play It:
Intellectual Challenges: Resident Evil Village is packed with puzzles and mysteries that require both brains and brawn to solve. The intricate designs of the puzzles will engage your mind while the creepy atmosphere keeps you on edge.
Immersive World-Building: The game’s setting is rich with lore and history, drawing players into its gothic, atmospheric world. Exploring the eerie village and uncovering its dark secrets will satisfy any nerd’s curiosity.
Complex Characters: The game features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own backstory and motivations. From the enigmatic Lady Dimitrescu to the tragic Ethan Winters, these characters add depth and emotional weight to the horror.
2. Phasmophobia (2020)
Overview: Phasmophobia is a cooperative horror game that puts you in the shoes of a ghost hunter. Using a variety of paranormal investigation tools, you and your team of one to four players must identify the type of ghost haunting different locations, all while trying to stay alive.
source: gameinformer.com
Why You Should Play It:
Realistic Ghost Hunting: The game’s use of actual ghost-hunting equipment and techniques makes it feel authentic and immersive. Fans of paranormal investigation shows will feel right at home.
Teamwork and Strategy: This is a game best played with friends, requiring effective communication and strategy to succeed. This collaborative aspect adds an extra layer of complexity and engagement, and is reminiscent of The Losers’ Club and other friend groups that come together and rely on each other in the face of evil.
Dynamic Horror: The game’s algorithms ensure that no two hunts are the same. The unpredictability of the hauntings keeps the tension high and the scares fresh. That means you can play over and over and over.
3. Little Nightmares II (2021)
Overview: In Little Nightmares II, you play as Mono, a young boy trapped in a world distorted by a mysterious transmission. Along with your friend Six, you must navigate through a series of nightmarish environments filled with grotesque creatures and deadly traps.
source: The Escapist
Why You Should Play It:
Stunning Visuals: The game’s art style is both beautiful and haunting, creating a visually striking world that draws players in. Each level is meticulously crafted to enhance the eerie atmosphere.
Puzzle Solving: LMII is filled with challenging puzzles that require keen observation and clever thinking to solve. These puzzles are seamlessly integrated into the environment, making for an experience that’s both challenging and immersive.
Atmospheric Storytelling: The game tells its story through the environment and subtle visual cues, encouraging players to piece together the narrative themselves as they play. This approach engages the intellect and adds depth to the horror that will keep nerd horror gaming fans coming back to play again and again.
***
For nerd horror fans, these three games offer a perfect blend of scares, intellectual challenges, and immersive storytelling. Whether you're exploring the gothic horrors of Resident Evil Village, hunting ghosts with your friends in Phasmophobia, or navigating the twisted world of Little Nightmares II, these games provide experiences that are both thrilling and mentally stimulating. So, gear up, brace yourself, and dive into these terrifying yet intellectually satisfying adventures. Happy gaming!
