The first installment in Xbox’s magnificent console generation took North America by storm. Besides being Microsoft’s introduction to the console world, the original Xbox has a remarkable legacy. With a record-breaking launch, helped by the release ofHalo: Combat Evolved, it became clear over time that the games featured on the original Xbox were outstanding.
10 Best Horror Games, Ranked
If you’re in the mood for a good scare, this list has you covered. We’re breaking down the 10 best horror games ever made.
While the system is mainly known forits first-person shooters, the games that dive into horror are magnificent. From classic survival horror to sci-fi, you’ll be more than impressed by all the terrifying games this console has to offer. Without further ado, if you’re ready to go on captivating yet horrifying adventures on Microsoft’s iconic console, here are games you’ll want to dive into.
10Cold Fear
Metacritic: 71
What Players Will Love…
Cold Fear is very similar to a B-movie. Offering stunning visuals, the game is a cathartic adventure full of zombies and utter chaos. It features fixed over-the-shoulder camera angles, making it easy to feel focused on taking down terrifying foes.
This game centers around a Coast Guard veteran investigating a mysterious distress signal. Upon his arrival on the blood-stained ship, he must endure mutated enemies to make it out alive. Cold Fear is commonly compared toResident Evil 4, with a similar eerie atmosphere that takes you in. Although the controls are clunky and hard to get used to, this original Xbox horror game is a nostalgic journey.
Metacritic: 72
An underrated gem at its core, Area 51 is a strong game that has a lot of heart. Besides being action-packed, this sci-fi first-person shooter has a cinematic feel. With a myriad of mutated enemies and devastatingly powerful weapons, playing Area 51’s story lets you feel like a courageous science-fiction movie protagonist.
Mutation plays a huge role in this game, where everything is in shambles thanks to a sudden mutagenic virus. This creates a spooky atmosphere, where each well-designed level pulls you into the environment even further. However, after a bit, the gameplay feels mindless at times. But, on the other hand, it’s a truly unique original Xbox FPS deserving of the spotlight.
Metacritic: 66
Although the voice acting might not be the greatest, Obscure is a horrifying and campy adventure. Following five high school students investigating a mysterious-looking school, the strange and terrifying creep up on them incredibly quickly—encouraging them to fend for themselves to make it out alive.
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Obscure is simply a remarkable title in the old-school horror category.It’s a hidden gemthat takes you by surprise with its scares and enthralling storyline. There are a few moments where it’s wildly reminiscent of a B-horror movie, which makes it stick out in the Xbox horror game world even more. When it comes down to it, Obscure should be your next go-to if you love campy horror movies and amazing story progression all rolled into one.
7The Thing
Metacritic: 78
Based on the classic John Carpenter film, the video game version of The Thing is a faithful adaptation of an iconic movie. Being a hybrid between a third-person shooter and survival horror, The Thing is a one-of-a-kind horror original Xbox game to sink your teeth into. This game is a unique sequel to the beloved film, taking you on a brand-new trek through snowy dangerous territory.
The atmosphere and gameplay are captivating, showcasing different mechanics like fear and infection systems. And, for a story centered around finding a murderous impostor, these elements make the game feel rather fitting and immersive. At the end of the day, The Thing is outright terrifying and gripping to experience.
Metacritic: 76
Manhuntis a special game inRockstar Game’s iconic catalog. Besides being highly controversial due to its extremely graphic violence, Manhunt displays a violent and gritty atmosphere that sends shivers down your spine. Not only is this because of how the protagonist kills enemies, but how this element compliments the game’s overarching nihilistic tone.
The gameplay in Manhunt revolves around stealth and using those skills wisely to take down the people who wish to hurt you. Mechanics-wise, this game is very descriptive and immersive. This especially rings true with the controls on the Xbox, where you’re able to use the mic to distract enemies. While Manhunt may have flaws, the game earns this spot on the list for its worthwhile experience that cements itself in your brain.
5Silent Hill 4: The Room
Team Silent’s fourth contribution to theSilent Hillfranchise is a deeply underrated game.Silent Hill 4: The Roomis one that stands out from the rest. Revolving around a man in an inescapable nightmare of dark mysteries and ruthless creatures, Silent Hill 4 is unlike anyother Silent Hill game.
When Henry Townshend discovers he’s trapped in his apartment due to a chilling evil, he finds that the only way out is through a strange portal. However, taking that path proves to be far from a safe haven. From the storyline alone, it becomes clear that the game terrifically portrays claustrophobic fears manifested into a terrifying reality. And this mixed with the Xbox version’s darker lighting makes for a ride full of pure terror.
Silent Hill 4
4The Suffering
Metacritic: 77
The Suffering is a redeeming tale centered around a protagonist who only yearns to make it out alive. Trapped in maximum security prison, it’s up to you to find a means of escape and avoid all the ruthless creatures that attempt to kill you. This won’t be an easy feat, as just one look at these enemies will make you want to cower.
Considered action-focused horror rather than survival, the protagonist fights tooth and nail to break out. Most of the enemies are representative of different execution methods that happened in the past at the prison, showcasing the deep history of the horrors we have to endure. For a game inspired by horror films, The Suffering stands as an addictive and cinematic Xbox horror game.
The Suffering
3Fatal Frame
Metacritic: 74
The cover for the Xbox version ofFatal Frameisn’t the only most unsettling aspect of it. From the moment you start the playthrough, you’ll feel instantly trapped in an intense nightmare full of supernatural spirits. There’s sheer terror nearly everywhere you turn, strangely contorted figures and all. Not to mention the sound design and mechanics that keep your heart racing.
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Gameplay in Fatal Frame is simple, leading you to trust your antique camera to save you. Yet when you’re face-to-face with a spirit, all you’ll want is to completely run away. With all that said, there’s nothing else like Fatal Frame that captures such a deep sense of dread so swiftly.
Fatal Frame
2Call Of Cthulhu: Dark Corners Of The Earth
Finding an iconic horror game on the original Xbox isn’t easy, but it isn’t difficult at the same time. Luckily, this is whereCall of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earthcomes in. Combining intense action and adventure,this Lovecraftianfirst-person horror is one for the ages.
As a reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft’s eerie tale, Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is incredible for devoted Lovecraft and action horror fans. Taking one look at the enemies invokes a heavy sense of fear, making you unsure if you’ll survive this nightmare at all. But, when it comes down to it, the most notable reason this is a nearly perfect original Xbox horror is its mixture of fervent gameplay and skin-crawling adventure.
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
1Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams
Metacritic: 84
Although there are other console versions of Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams, the Xbox is the best since the game was originally made for the console. This Silent Hill release is an upgraded version of the originalSilent Hill 2. The main difference lies in new content, such as a sixth ending and a chapter where you play as Maria.
The second Silent Hill is already such an iconic work of art, and this game improves it. While the two are nearly identical, Restless Dreams is perfect as it gives devoted players more to play around and experience moments that weren’t there before. Altogether, it’s the perfect original Xbox horror game to spend many hours glued to through its menacing and fearful nature.
Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams
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Microsoft’s original Xbox console made waves in the video game industry with its revolutionary lineup of games. Which ones are the best?
