If you didn’t know about this one, it involves bringing light to a world where arts and crafts once thrived before the sun’s disappearance caused a lot of problems. You step into the shoes of The Burnt One, who is accompanied by an absolutely adorable candle called Potboy, on a quest to bring light to the world by scaling Moon Mountain without succumbing to all of the dangers you find along the way.

Gameplay-wise, you’re going to be interested to know that there’s no traditional combat system, and that you’re going to have to rely on innate flame and matchsticks to get by, while closing your eyes lets your other senses point you in the right direction. If that wasn’t innovative enough for you, most of the character models you see are 3D scans of handcrafted clay models, making this one a visual treat as well as a fairly challenging experience.

We were quite happy with its original release, and see no reason why the Switch 2 version should be any different. You’ll probably agree with us once you check out the trailer below.

So it’s all the more impressive that the video game industry, be it triple-A developers, independent studios (even with the backing of major publishers) and smaller creators, can craft such a wide range of terrifying games, year in and year out. While that also means a heaping helping of shovelware – awful releases that wouldn’t even muster a simple yawn – a select few rise above the rabble to dominate.

Here are our nominees for the best horror game of 2025, starting with…

Routine

Between development troubles and even stopping development, only to restart in 2020, it’s almost impressive that Lunar Software’s first game was released at all, much less received such positive praise. Nevertheless, it’s pretty much what we expected – a slow, methodical trip down the retro futuristic rabbit hole in a station filled with killer robots. Even if the story doesn’t quite stick the landing, being immersed in this surreal world and awkwardly feeling your way through is more than worth the price of admission.

Tormented Souls 2

Old-school survival horror with its save rooms, fixed camera angles, and tank controls – you really couldn’t ask more from Dual Effect, especially after the surprising success of Tormented Souls. However, the sequel actually improves a lot, from more intricate puzzles and exploration to far better lighting that adds the oh-so creepy mood. Caroline Walker may never really catch a break, but her escapades make for some tense gameplay, if nothing else.

The Midnight Walk

If there’s one medium that’s adept at portraying adorably terrifying creatures, it’s claymation, and MoonHood uses it to full effect here. There’s an almost Tim Burton-like vibe to this tale of The Burnt One struggling to protect Potboy, who houses an alluring flame, from the various horrors of this mysterious world. The Midnight Walk straddles a fine line between beauty and terror while remaining engaging throughout.

Silent Hill f

Of course, it’s not just about balancing beauty and terror – sometimes, you can find each in the other, as Konami’s latest mainline Silent Hill showcases. Venturing outside the US for the first time, taking place in the fictitious Ebisugaoka in the 1960s, it’s a rural horror unlike anything the franchise has seen thus far. Deeply disturbing and unrelenting with its gore, yet never descending into senseless brutality, it’s a psychological trip that’s worth taking.

Total Chaos

A Doom 2 total conversion turned full-fledged horror by Sam Prebble of Turbo Overkill fame, this essentially captures all the reality-bending horror the former strived for. Between fighting grotesque horrors across Fort Oasis and trying to discover the truth of yourself, you’re crafting rudimentary weapons to fight back – all the while diving even deeper into this surprisingly meaty nightmare.

Hell is Us

While much of the emphasis remained on dungeon diving and getting by without any hand holding, Remi’s journey through the war-torn remains of Hadea isn’t without some disturbing sights. War crimes abound, but even discovering mountains of corpses and gruesome murders all in the name of ancient practices, which all connect back to the country’s bloody history, can get heavy. You won’t have to worry about jump scares or such, but it’s a stressful experience throughout.

Little Nightmares 3

It’s a shame that Supermassive didn’t innovate much on the gameplay because, in terms of the atmosphere and aesthetic, the spiral of Low and Alone through Nowhere is delightfully dreadful. Witness the Carnevale, with its sentient puppets that won’t stop attacking until you crush their heads. Flee the Supervisor, whose smile is almost as frightening as her Candy Factory. The frights may not be as out-and-out, but the sights remain as disturbing as ever.

Sleep Awake

Imagine if sleep were the enemy – the domain of an entity known as The Hush, who spirits away those that can’t resist nap time. Now imagine being one of the last few people on Earth trying to maintain their sanity. It’s an unconventional premise, sure, and Blumhouse Games further reinforces the surreality by mixing full-motion video with some gameplay sequences. Despite the iffy stealth sections and walking sim-like nature, its narrative stands strong.

Dying Light: The Beast

What’s there to be afraid of when my boy Kyle Crane, making his return after years in exile, can now rip apart zombies with his bare hands? As it turns out, when the sun goes down, everything. Volatiles are more ruthless, intelligent and brutal than ever, and we couldn’t be happier. It’s finally an achievement to survive the nighttime, which now looks properly foreboding and oppressive (the makeup of Castor Woods helps as well).

Cronos: The New Dawn

If Bloober Team was under immense pressure to deliver with Silent Hill 2 remake, then you have to wonder how much higher expectations were afterwards. Lo and behold, Cronos is another compelling survival horror – different, sure, especially with its post-apocalyptic body horror, sci-fi leanings, and unique premise, but still unrelentingly, stressfully frightening.

And the winner of the Best Horror Game of 2025 goes to…

Silent Hill f

Much like when Bloober Team was announced to remake Silent Hill 2, many were skeptical that NeoBards Entertainment could deliver a new mainline Silent Hill. Going back to the past is one thing, but forging a new experience forward, especially for a studio known for flops like RE:Verse and Resident Evil: Resistance? It seemed like Konami had lost its mind.

But it also announced that Higurashi no Naku Koro ni writer Ryukishi07 was penning the narrative while the brilliant kera handled the characters and creatures. Slowly and surely, despite skepticism surrounding its combat, Silent Hill f morphed into a compelling product. None of this could prepare anyone, even fans of the series, for what they would expect when stepping into the shoes of Shimizu Hinako. Heck, even Konatsu Kato, her Japanese voice actor, continues to be traumatized in her playthrough (to the entertainment of thousands, of course).

Suffice it to say, this is a masterclass in terror and pacing with grotesquely beautiful creatures that you couldn’t tear your eyes from. It offers a strong narrative with even stronger characterization (and a surprising number of layers thanks to its multiple endings). Did we mention the fantastic sound design and soundtrack? And as noted before, everything that you see, regardless of how brutal and cruel it can be, serves a purpose. It’s not unlike the symbolism seen in the series’s best games – just tackling new and undeniably uncomfortable themes.

I could go on, but the result is a powerful horror experience that makes you almost forget about the above-average combat. As a result, Silent Hill f is our pick for the top horror game of 2025. Walk in with as few spoilers as possible – you won’t regret it (maybe).

With that, the nominees for the best PS5 games of 2025 are:

Lost Soul Aside

What originally began as a one-man tech demo eventually blossomed into a competent action RPG with Revengeance-like combat and tons of style to spare. You’re not alone in thinking it looks a bit like Final Fantasy given the crystal theming and character design. Still, Lost Soul Aside carves its own identity with its combo-laden combat and varied boss mechanics. The game may have some growing pains as a debut indie effort (especially in its story), but the kernels of greatness are there in its gameplay systems.

The Midnight Walk

If you’re looking for a short-but-sweet adventure game with some uncanny claymation visuals, it’s impossible not to recommend The Midnight Walk. What struck me most as I reviewed the game was the strong atmosphere created by inventive environments, Burton-esque character designs, and a stirring musical score. It’s a game with a remarkably strong sense of place , and the experience lingers long after you’ve completed it.  And for horror fans, there’s plenty to enjoy too, the stealth sections are legitimately nightmarish despite the game’s demure appearance.

Dying Light: The Beast

You don’t need to have played any other Dying Light to have fun with this one. This standalone entry flips the bright, colorful world design of Dying Light 2 on its head with an all-new wooded region infested with infected zombies. In short, it nails the horror vibe fans have been begging for since the first game. Kyle Crane returns with new beast powers that feel great to use on the horrific denizens of Caster Woods, and the skill tree is the best the franchise has seen to date.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong finally came out this year and its been well worth the long wait. It earns the perfect 10 we gave it due to its exhilarating boss fights and fun platforming. The level design and progression system add tons of replayability and substance to the game as well, providing well over 30 hours of tough-as-nails content for fans to enjoy. Even newcomers will find plenty to appreciate through the lush soundtrack and charming hand-drawn art

Where Winds Meet

Free to play games have come a long way in offering top-tier experiences without requiring players to spend a dime, and Where Winds Meet might be the most impressive leap yet. The sheer abundance of genres it fuses together is remarkable. You’re getting a vast, gorgeous open world with a meaty single-player campaign, tons of boss battles, minigames, and immersive sim mechanics. If you’ve ever wanted to explore 10^th Century China with some side quests reminiscent of The Witcher 3, and you don’t mind a mostly non-invasive F2P structure plus a few glitches, Where Winds Meet delivers in spades..

Blue Prince

Blue Prince is easily in the discussion for best puzzle game of the year. Heck, it’s arguably one of the best rougelikes of the year as well, especially since it got me, a rougelike denier, to enjoy it. What I love is how simple it is to jump in and immediately understand. You explore a mansion with randomly generated rooms, with the twist being that you’re the one choosing which rooms get “drawn.” The goal is to unlock and enter the mysterious 46th room by selecting the right rooms and solving puzzles along the way. Don’t sleep on Blue Prince. Even if you’re not a fan of puzzle games or roguelikes, its deceptive simplicity has a way of hooking you.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

The original Death Stranding was an amazing game, but it had noticeable issues. Then came the Director’s Cut and it added some new content which made an already great game even better. But Kojima has learned his lessons and after working on the sequel for more than five years, we finally got Death Stranding 2:On the Beach back in June. And, by all accounts this is a stellar achievement. Featuring exceptional gameplay that takes the strand mechanics to newer heights, a story that will capure your attention and visuals that will stun you, this sequel has all the makings of a game of the year.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur is a turn-based RPG that lets players time parries and manually aim for enemy weak spots. This real-time element really adds a lot of dynamism to the classic turn-based formula, complemented by a variety of enemy types to strategize against. Besides the remarkable combat,  genre-specific staples such as story and progression are also exceptional. The cast of characters grapple with mortality and grief throughout the adventure in earnest and thought-provoking ways. You just can’t help but want to solve the ever-dwindling lifespan dilemma The Paintress has concocted. Turn-based RPG fans are eating well this year thanks to Clair Obscur’s stellar story and gameplay.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands the grounded medieval immersive sim elements of the first game into a masterful AAA-like experience. You can still get knocked out by common bandits late into the game, but combat is tuned to  be more fun and intuitive. The world design is breathtaking, with the realism of towns like Troskowitz and the bustling Kuttenberg leaving my jaw on the floor. But it’s the story and side quests where the game truly shines. With enhanced cinematography, stellar voice acting, and historically accurate details, KCD2 is as much a narrative powerhouse as it is a medieval simulation.

Silent Hill f

Capturing the essence of the best Silent Hill games isn’t easy. There’s a lot of subtle detail involved. And despite its change in location, Silent Hill f has that essence down. In fact, the rural Japanese town nails that Silent Hill feel perfectly. The environments are grade A spooky, with that characteristic fog enveloping looming threats in ways that feel natural for the rural countryside. Combat is spicier than usual, encouraging you to engage enemies rather than simply retreating. If the monster designs don’t scare you, the camera work and music probably will. There’s just a lot to love with the new Silent Hill and thankfully, there’s five endings to elongate the playtime as much as you want.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

MGS Delta is arguably the ideal remake. The 1:1 cutscenes, 4K visuals, and quality of life features make this the best way to play Metal Gear Solid 3 today. But what impresses me even more than the way the rising sun glints off of Snake’s visor in that opening scene is the new stuff sprinkled in. Snake’s wear and tear over the course of the game is shown through dynamic cosmetic scraps and clothing rips. There’s also the ability to crouch walk (finally) and an over the shoulder perspective, adding some much-wanted gameplay features to the classic. This remake has it all.

Ghost of Yotei

If you’ve played Ghost of Tsushima, you know what to expect with Ghost of Yotei. Yet the game still manages to surprise and impress. The instant load times and silky smooth framerates are particularly impressive. Being built solely with the PS5 in mind allows the game to run flawlessly and then some. The open world here is one of the most beautiful we’ve seen in a game, thanks in part to sweeping draw distances not detracting from foreground detail. Storywise, the Yotei Six serve as a fun, motivating target throughout the story due to how well the narrative frames their actions. Ghost of Yotei is the premier PS5 showcase game at the moment and it doesn’t look like it’s being supplanted any time soon.

Days Gone Remastered

Sure, Sony Bend hasn’t added much new story content to Days Gone in this remaster, but the current-gen tech has given the game a much-needed boost. It finally feels like it’s living up to its potential, story aside. Fighting through hundreds of Freaker zombies is super smooth in this remaster, with the game very rarely dipping below 60 FPS in such chaotic moments. The result is a dynamic open world zombie game with fun combat similar to The Last of Us. If you can tolerate Deacon talking to himself every five minutes, Days Gone Remastered will put you in zombie madness for many hours to come.

Cronos: The New Dawn

Bloober Team has been knocking it out of the survival horror park lately. Between Silent Hill 2 Remake and Cronos, they’re capturing what makes the genre so compelling. Cronos has an atmosphere so tense that it actively rattles you into missing your shots. The claustrophobic journey is made more limiting by The Traveler’s (that’s you) slow traversal speed. Every bullet is prized in this game, and you’ll be seeing the game over-screen quite a bit. But it’s all worth it to experience the unconventional Polish setting and tight gameplay.

Sword of the Sea

Sword of the Sea is an instantly inviting experience. The colorful art style, mesmerizing soundtrack, and seamlessly smooth control scheme are as intuitive and irresistible as it gets in gaming. It’s a journey as magnetic as, well, their previous game The Pathless. Despite minor performance issues, even on PS5, Sword of the Sea flawlessly delivers on what the studio does best, and that’s something to celebrate.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (PS5)

Stalker 2 is finally out on PS5 and what a port it is. PlayStation users get to experience the exclusion zone and all its bizarre anomalies and creatures with smooth performance and impressive visual fidelity. The DualSense haptics shine here, enhancing the act of probing for anomalies with immersive rumble and trigger resistance. Stalker 2’s strong horror atmosphere blends with compelling immersive sim gameplay to create an unforgettable experience, made even more personal via PS5-exclusive features.

And The Best PS5 Game of 2025 Goes to:

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

I don’t know how he did it, but Kojima actually managed to make a game even more zany and compelling than the first Death Stranding. The sequel has so many iconic moments it’s hard to know where to begin. Characters have more fleshed-out backstories and quirks in general, which makes sense given the Hollywood talent Kojima brought along for the sequel. But the game does far more than expand its story and presentation: the delivery sim aspects also see tremendous improvement. Those jaw-dropping moments stumbling atop a cliffside overlooking a gorgeous vista are alive and well, and even more striking thanks to the new day/night cycle. Weather plays a massive role too. Earthquakes, dust devils, downpours, sandstorms, you name it, appear while trekking across the brand-new Mexico and Australia environments. There’s no denying it: Death Stranding 2 is a premier PS5 experience that embodies everything PlayStation strives for in its first-party titles. It’s our best PS5 game of 2025 and one of the greatest first-party games PlayStation has even had.

Many of these titles could have been a lot more expensive considering the unique experiences they brought to the table. However, in a world where there are quite a few substandard titles at much higher price points, these titles stand out as shining beacons for gamers looking to enjoy solid games at reasonable prices.

With that in mind, here are a few amazing games that are currently priced at under 50 USD at the time of writing this article.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition

Clair Obscur earns its place on this list with its poignant, riveting , beautiful visuals, entertaining gameplay, and a soundtrack filled with tracks that you will hum long after you’ve powered down your gaming system. It’s the complete package and a love letter to RPG fans from Sandfall Interactive.

2. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

It’s been a couple of weeks since Wuchang: Fallen Feathers hit the shelves, and it has more than earned its reputation as a solid Soulslike title that doesn’t break the bank while offering a lot to do in its gorgeous world.

Bai Wuchang’s single-minded determination to save her sister quickly evolves into a deadly Feathering disease that acts as a catalyst for some truly magnificent boss fights that will keep you on your toes for hours on end.

Pick this one up if you want a deadly world full of challenges to take on and secrets to tease out.

3. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Edition

Ninja Theory’s cinematic work of art continues the story of Senua from its 2017 predecessor. It does so with aplomb, blending absolutely stunning visuals with a gritty, dark take on psychosis and unhealed trauma that is not only mature, but also quite poignant.

With incredibly designed levels, excellent voice acting from a talented cast, and a story that can haunt you long after you roll the credits on it, Senua’s PS5 debut is a title worthy of your time despite a rather bland approach to its puzzles and combat.

This is a game you must experience at least once.

4. Shadow Labyrinth

Pac-Man’s latest outing is Bandai Namco at its finest. Joined by the mysterious Swordsman #8, Pac-Man (or Puck) attempts to escape his prison in a mysterious world while uncovering the truth about events that put him there in the first place.

With a very unique art style, challenging exploration and combat, an interesting story full of references to other Bandai Namco franchises, and even its own backdoor pilot on Amazon Prime’s Secret Level, this is a game that’s entertaining and fun to play.

Just know that there’s a learning curve to its mechanics and combat, and you’re good to go.

5. Robocop Rogue City Unfinished Business

In the mood to just let loose and shoot some bad guys in the face? Robocop Rogue City: Unfinished Business packs everything that was good about the 2023 title into a condensed, fast-paced package that explores Alex’s origin story while pitting him against a villain who has quite the chip on his shoulder in the present.

Controlling Robocop is a lot of fun and is an excellent power trip for fans of the character’s deadpan line delivery and his views on serving up justice to those who need it. It helps that the story races along from start to finish, giving Robocop reasons and new ways to take down any who stands between him and his quarry.

Time to put the Auto 9 to good use!

6. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Team Ninja grabs another spot on this list with its remake of the 2008 classic. Ryu Hayabusa is a force to be reckoned with in the field of battle, not hesitating to dismember his enemies in order to negate the threat they present. The game’s story is nothing to scoff at either, and can be quite entertaining depending on your taste.

With its upgraded visuals and a very solid gameplay loop, this remake is definitely worth checking out and is a steal at under $50 USD.

7. The Alters

This survival game from 11 Bit Studios has been making waves since it released in June 2025 on account of a very unique premise and a gameplay loop that can quickly have you hooked. Jan Dolski’s reality-bending adventure, in which he creates alternate versions of himself in order to achieve his goals, is a lot of fun and also has a lot of replay value with multiple endings to the adventure.

The Alters stands out from the crowd and could have you sinking many hours into it once you get invested in its bizarre premise and novel mechanics.

8. Blue Prince

Blending strategy, puzzle-solving, and roguelike elements, Dogubomb and Raw Fury’s effort to create an experience like no other has largely paid off. Simon’s efforts to secure his inherited mansion by finding a hidden room within are a marvellous tale filled with compelling mysteries that are both challenging and rewarding in equal measures.

With only two rooms in the mansion remaining constant from day to day, navigating this maze is sure to win you over as you try to find ways to tease out the secrets it is trying to hide.

If you’re looking for a game that has you grinning to yourself even as you scratch your head in confusion, look no further than Blue Prince.

9. Mafia: The Old Country

Hangar 13’s return to the Mafia’s roots is sure to entertain and delight you with beautiful visuals and a gameplay loop that takes the best of the franchise’s past titles and adds in a story that sees its Sicilian protagonist join hands with the titular organization at a time when it was only beginning to spread its wings.

Authentic recreations of early Sicily and a story that is bound to feature the franchise’s traditional twists and turns could make this a game that can soon become one that you find quite hard to put down.

10. Split Fiction

Mio and Zoe’s efforts to save their hard work from the hands of a greedy corporation takes them on an adventure in which their respective imaginations place them in worlds that draw from the best of pop culture while being a very entertaining game all on its own.

The two writers’ budding friendship permeates the gameplay loop on offer, and Split Fiction is best enjoyed playing split-screen co-op with a friend. It’s the perfect game for buddies who just want to chill out on the couch and take on a game that doesn’t demand too much from them while managing to entertain them too.

11. Ready or Not

Like Split Fiction, Ready or Not is best enjoyed with friends. Unlike Split Fiction, it is not meant to be a relaxing game. Judge’s crusade against crime takes him and his team to places in which the stakes are high, and even a single mistake could mean that lives are lost.

Ready or Not is a demanding game that requires you to be on your toes and ready to improvise based on what’s waiting for you around the next corner. However, for those of you who are up to the challenge, this is a game that could be the centerpiece of many co-op sessions in which you and your team can truly work together to dominate.

12. Elden Ring Nightreign

Another one that should be enjoyed with your friends, although it’s quite easy to just dive into a run with total strangers, Elden Ring Nightreign marks FromSoftware’s successful debut in the roguelike genre. You control one of eight Nightfarers with unique abilities, tearing across the land of Limveld in search of the Nightlords.

With unique stories for each Nightfarer, and a host of incredible bosses from Elden Ring and the Dark Souls franchise, Nightreign is a perfect title to dive into after a long day for a fun time collecting gear, upgrades, and of course, taking down imposing threats with your team in tow.

13. The Midnight Walk

This fascinating take on finding the light even in the most crushing darkness is a simple, fun, and very entertaining adventure. It’s a story told over five chapters, each of which examines how light and darkness could essentially be two sides of the same coin, neither being able to exist without the other.

The Burnt One and Potboy’s combined adventure is a tale that you won’t want to miss, while the unique art style and excellent level designs keep you coming back for more.

14. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Returning to Cyrodiil after all this time is going to be a huge draw for Elder Scrolls fans. Even if you haven’t been in touch with one of modern gaming’s most iconic franchises, Oblivion Remastered is a perfect opportunity to see what the fuss is about.

It’s a game in which you could truly get lost in, putting off the main campaign for as long as you like as you soak in the sights with its new Unreal Engine 5 makeover, while all of the side content and DLC of the original is now right there at your fingertips. Taking on The Mythic Dawn is a sure-fire way to keep you entertained for hours on end.

15. Days Gone Remastered

Deacon John’s melancholic tale of survival in a world gone horribly wrong continues to be a solid experience made even better by a remaster that brought some current-gen goodness to the table, making this the definitive way to take on hordes of terrifying zombies and living to tell the tale.

Just hopping on your motorcycle and cruising along in the game’s vast open world until something catches your attention is a viable way to enjoy this game, and is perhaps the best way to experience all it has to offer. Just be ready for its story to pull at your heartstrings along the way.

And that’s a wrap on our list of titles that are easy on your wallet but fairly challenging to get through fully. There’s a lot of value on offer in each of them, and if you’re looking for a new game to sink your teeth into, any one of these beauties will do!

That said, the game does have a structure. There are six chapters total, each telling a more or less self-contained tale with the overarching themes of fire and darkness shared between them (and what the game does with these themes is brilliant). As the Burnt One, your own objective is to guide your adorable Potboy companion to Moon Mountain, a ubiquitous sight from every corner of the game’s world. In-between these chapters is the Midnight Walk itself, a long stretch of road leading to Moon Mountain. It’s on this stretch of highway where you can chat with recurring characters like the banjo-playing Soulfisher and the two-headed Soothsayer guide.

"Each chapter feels like you’re stopping off the highway and getting a tour of the town’s culture and history."

These friendly faces, along with a charming narrator, help offset the otherwise dark and isolating tone the game has. You might want to put subtitles on for some NPCs though, because their accent and dialect can be uncanny and hard to understand at times (in a good way). I love the roadtrip vibe the game has going on; each chapter feels like you’re stopping off the highway and getting a tour of the town’s culture and history. It’s typically within these chapters where The Midnight Walk’s core gameplay really comes into focus.

The Midnight Walk has the heart of a classic adventure game and the mind of a stealth title. You’re typically helping the bizarre denizens within each chapter by bringing fire to them through clever use of your portable flame companion, Potboy. One of the more common puzzles involves commanding Potboy to light a series of candles in a particular order to raise a platform for a limited time. The command feature works well enough, but there’s occasional issues with Potboy’s pathing. There were three times when I ordered him to light a candle, only to realize he’s stuck behind a wall or in a different room getting snagged against some geometry. The pathing is not terrible, but it could be better.

"Later in the game, you’re given a match launcher that lights fires from afar."

You’re not left without any tools of your own though. Later in the game, you’re given a match launcher that lights fires from afar. It’s not a full substitute for Potboy, but it does alleviate some of the pathing issues that can arise from commanding him. This is not a puzzle-heavy game though, and the puzzles that exist are pretty straightforward. This lack of progressive puzzle design throughout the game left me wanting a bit more, I admit. There’s just a lot more that could be done with the fire-lighting concept, so it strikes me as a bit of a wasted opportunity that it never evolved into anything more challenging or substantial gameplay-wise. For me, at least, most of the game’s challenge came from the stealth sequences.

Early on, players will get a taste of just how nerve-wracking and terrifying sneaking around the dark can be in this game. The stitched-up faces of the Crawlers really compel the player to get as far away from them as possible. The creatures you’re hiding from are downright terrifying. And the game doesn’t hold back on the jump scare animations when you get caught either, accompanied as they are by that classic horror sting in the sound department. I think the studio nailed the theming of light and dark with the sneaking gameplay here. It really is a natural fit having a fire-lighting mechanic while sneakily avoiding nightmarish monstrosities in the dark of night.

"Early on, players will get a taste of just how nerve-wracking and terrifying sneaking around the dark can be in this game."

In gameplay terms, stealth is rather simple like the puzzles, but more satisfying. You have a typical crouch toggle, and the game lets you know if enemies spot you by dimming the light around the screen. The darker the screen is, the more hidden you are. And like a horror game, there’s closets to run and hide in should a monster catch sight of you. Sprinting to a closet and waiting for the monster to scurry back to its spot is just as tense, if not more, as other horror games. And yes, there’s an element of powerlessness considering a majority of creatures cannot be directly harmed.

Some of the more nail-biting sequences involve closing your eyes to enhance hearing in order to locate invisible objects and places of interest. You can imagine the kind of scenarios the game gets up to with this premise, with creatures stalking you while blindly listening for the way forward. My favorite puzzle utilizes the psychology of facing fears all too well, requiring you to directly look and blink at the monster’s face in order to escape and get past it. Suffice to say, this game can be absolutely terrifying, despite its demure and unassuming appearance at times.

"This game can be absolutely terrifying, despite its demure and unassuming appearance at times."

Part of the reason the horror works so well can be attributed to the game’s uncanny and wildly creative art style. Every creature was crafted from real-life clay models first and then rendered in-game. There’s even a stop-motion effect to animations that give it that extra touch. Going into this, I thought it looked vaguely like a Tim Burton movie, and yes, the environments and weird creatures do have a certain Burton-esque quality to them. I mean, a couple of landscapes almost seem to reference Nightmare Before Christmas more or less directly. But The Midnight Walk is also very much its own thing, taking the whimsy of fairy tales and fusing it with uncanny horror.

"There’s an element of contrast between common real-world objects, like old shoes and books, and the more bizarre abstract creatures and landscapes that just works so well."

One of the joys of the dreamlike journey is simply admiring all the bewilderingly unique environmental details. Whether it’s the awkward tree-like spires reaching into the night sky or a discarded teacup emblazoned with Victorian era art sketches, The Midnight Walk never disappoints with its intriguing aesthetic. And then there’s the occasional moment of awe upon witnessing groups of giant figures migrating off into the background to who knows where. It’s the odd little background details like these that make it a more mysterious and unpredictable place than many others in gaming. There’s an element of contrast between common real-world objects, like old shoes and books, and the more bizarre abstract creatures and landscapes that just works so well.

One area in particular put a grin on my face. A cave housing a terrifying creature had a couple of windows with which I could gain a better vantage point. As I approach, I notice the windows are actually the end of a glass bottle lodged into a small hole. Examining the bottle closer shows the typical bottom grooves accompanied by scratch marks and realistic reflections. In this instance and others like it, The Midnight Walk demonstrates not just uniqueness but attention to detail. And what’s more, the mixture of everyday objects with the fantastical fits with the lore in interesting ways that the game oh so subtly hints at. I never knew quite what to expect from the surreal landscape despite the connective aesthetic style draped across the whole work. This is thanks in part to each chapter varying up its environment. The swamplands of one chapter feels different to the more clustered metro area of another.

"The various knickknacks you collect can be examined at your leisure within Housy"

Such strong environmental design might give the impression that the game is highly explorable; and while there is some exploration, it certainly is limited by design. The Midnight Walk is a pretty linear tale. Each of the chapters is a self-contained area with specific objectives. That said, you’re free to roam around at your leisure (when you’re not being chased by a Grinner), checking the collectible objects located at dead ends and other corners of the environment. Still, there’s not a whole lot of surface area to explore here. This is very much an adventure game in its exploration, with small intricate areas to browse around at your own pace.

The various knickknacks you collect can be examined at your leisure within Housy, your walking house companion. It’s here where you can peruse the various vinyl music tracks, chapter items, story page reels, and shellphones (basically audio logs) that you’ve gathered up over the course of the game. Some of these objects tell their own stories, but many give further context to places you visit and creatures you meet. Whether you’re listening to the collected music tracks within Housy or experiencing it through the chapters, there’s plenty to love with the soundtrack. The score gets across the dreamlike atmosphere and dark ambiguity of much of the game very well.

"The stopmotion claymation visuals are a treat to behold."

Much of The Midnight Walk’s charm is owed to its artistic presentation. The stopmotion claymation visuals are a treat to behold. Likewise, the way the game uses the themes of fire and darkness coalesce into something really poignant and unique. I enjoyed my time journeying down the midnight walk, though I don’t see much of a reason to return. There’s just not a lot of replay value here. Replaying chapters to collect everything you missed doesn’t take too long either, considering how small most areas are. And while the game touts six chapters, the final two are very brief segments with little gameplay. The game feels lacking in content in the later half, almost like it got rushed and had a deadline to meet. It’s a polished game, yes, but I was certainly left wanting more from the last two chapters considering the self-contained tales the first four managed to tell. Still, even with its low replay value and short five hour runtime, The Midnight Walk is a memorable journey oozing with creativity that won’t be easily forgotten.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

The Midnight Walk

A claymation adventure with stop-motion visuals, unfolding in a dark fantasy world where you must protect a lantern being and its flame from monsters in the dark – say what you will, but The Midnight Walk offers a solid premise. Offering five tales of tense chases, puzzle solving, stealth and simply awe-inspiring visuals, The Midnight Walk launches on May 8th for PS5, PC, PlayStation VR2 and SteamVR.

Spirit of the North 2

Following the underrated original, Spirit of the North 2 again sees players venturing through a gorgeous open world as a fox. Your goal is to cleanse the guardians and defeat Grimnir, a dark shaman, but each biome promises extensive secrets, including powerful runes and abilities. For those seeking a more laidback adventure, Spirit of the North 2 launches on May 8th for Xbox Series X/S, PC and PS5.

The Precinct

Remember American Fugitive, which offered an old-school GTA-like experience? The Precinct is from the same studio, but this time, you’re a police officer in Averno City, upholding the law. It’s an intriguing twist, as tasks range from ticketing vehicles to pursuing suspects in high-speed chases. With extensive degrees of crime, the ability to call for backup, and a living sandbox, The Precinct may live up to its inspiration when it launches on May 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

Perhaps the month’s biggest release, DOOM: The Dark Ages is id Software’s largest campaign yet, packed with new weapons, tools, enemies (including the cosmic horror variety), and mechanics. Between the sandbox nature of some levels, oodles of secrets, heavier story focus with sleek cutscenes, more extensive difficulty options, and the incredible gameplay loop, it could end up an all-timer. The Dark Ages begin on May 15th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC alongside Game Pass.

RoadCraft

After Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, Saber Interactive is taking the franchise in a different direction with RoadCraft. As part of a disaster recovery company with heavy machinery, your job is to repair bridges and roads, remove debris, and much more to effectively save the day. There are over 40 vehicles to operate and eight maps available, but best of all, you can haplessly coordinate with up to three other players. RoadCraft arrives on May 20th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered

Gundam games can be hit or miss, but you can’t deny the sheer thrill of not knowing what’s cooking next. Bandai Namco’s next release is actually a remaster of the Japan-only PS Vita title, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Battle Destiny, with high-res visuals, difficulty adjustments, new control settings, and a revamped UI. However, the basic gameplay remains the same as players complete missions based on the anime, partaking in high-octane battles, and unlocking new suits. It’s out on May 22nd for PC and Nintendo Switch.

Blades of Fire

With Souls-like mechanics, a massive fantasy world to explore, and in-depth blacksmithing mechanics, Blades of Fire is proving more than just a spiritual successor to Severance: Blade of Darkness. Available on May 22nd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, players control Aran, who ventures through the world, battling the forces of Queen Nerea to end her tyranny. This requires forging one’s own weapons, carefully tempering stats to fit your preferred play style, unlocking new recipes, and using the right tools against specific enemies.

Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny

After Onimusha: Warlords returned from the dead in all its HD glory, it’s now the sequel’s turn. Jubei’s journey through Feudal Japan will retain the same level of challenge when it arrives on May 23rd for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. However, you can up the difficulty further with Hell Mode, where a single hit kills. For the more quality of life-minded, you can now access various mini-games from the beginning; auto-save is supported; and you can now control when Onimusha form is activated.

Deliver At All Costs

Even without Konami publishing it, Deliver At All Costs looks like a delightfully chaotic action title with an incredible atmosphere. You play as a delivery driver, Winston Green, transporting all kinds of bizarre packages (including a bomb) by any means necessary. Pilot various vehicles or travel on foot, tear through fully destructible streets and escape angry citizens across three Acts in 1959. Deliver At All Costs is available on May 22nd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC and will also be free on the Epic Games Store for a week.

Elden Ring Nightreign

Few developers could pivot from an immensely successful open-world Souls-like action RPG into a spin-off with battle royale and rogue-like mechanics, but this is FromSoftware. Nightreign sees you venturing into Limveld, an alternate dimension version of Limgrave. After three days and three nights. And facing multiple bosses. And dealing with a moving ring of death. Even if it’s not an offline experience, it’s still unmistakably FromSoft and promises plenty of hardcore Souls-like action when it launches on May 30th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC.

Revenge of the Savage Planet

As a sequel to Journey to the Savage Planet, your purpose is simple: Take revenge on the greedy corporate heads. There are multiple planets to explore this time with numerous locations, flora, fauna, and more, and co-op is fully supported for another player. With new gear and extensive exploration options, Revenge of the Savage Planet looks to expand on everything that made the original so great. It’s out on May 8th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC.

F1 25

It wouldn’t be a year without the usual slate of yearly EA titles, and F1 25 from Codemasters is no exception. The jury is out on how everything will feel, especially after last year’s divisive handling changes, but Braking Point returns with more player agency and drama, and My Team 2.0 promises new Owner Perks for greater specialization. F1 25 launches on May 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, so there’s plenty of time to learn more.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master

If Tokyo Xtreme Racer wasn’t enough, JDM: Japanese Drift Master may be the ticket. Launching on May 21st for PC, it depicts Japan’s street racing culture with an extensive open world to explore (dynamic weather and day/night cycles included), extensive customization of real-world brand cars, and, of course, plenty of drifting. There’s even a story depicted through manga with over 40 events.

Sonic Rumble

The good news: Sonic is getting a new game. The worrying news: It’s a party battle royale title developed with Rovio of Angry Birds fame. For now, the visuals look bright and appealing with up to 32 players partaking in modes like Co-Op Battles to fight the Death Egg Robot or Run Battles with the classic Sonic mechanics. There’s potential, but we’ll see how it pans out when it launches on May 8th for iOS, Android, and PC.

Unfolding over five tales with a cast of, to put it kindly, “odd characters,” The Midnight Walk sees players as The Burnt One. After becoming friends with the fiery (in this case, literally) Potboy, you embark on an epic journey, all while attempting to protect his flame.

There are moments where it comes in handy, like distracting enemies, though you’ll need to sneak around to survive. It’s a dark task in more ways than one, but the clay models, coupled with the stop-motion animation, create a visually resplendent narrative.

Stay tuned for more details and gameplay from The Midnight Walk in the coming months.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Insomniac Games has been pumping out hit after hit this generation with Ratchet and Clank and Spider-Man, and the developer is hard at work on its next project Marvel’s Wolverine. Not a lot has been revealed at this point, but the reveal trailer does paint a grim tone for the story which has us salivating to know more. No release has been revealed as of yet, but it will be coming out for PS5 sometime in the near future.

The story sees the player controlling The Burnt One, who befriends Potboy and explores a Tim Burton-esque world of horror. Various monstrosities want to snuff out Potboy’s flame, and it’s your job to protect him across five unique tales. Perhaps the most notable aspect of The Midnight Walk is that its assets are created using clay.

These are then 3D scanned, with stop-motion animation used for movement. Everything is hand-crafted, and combined with the bizarre characters players will meet, The Midnight Walk could be a uniquely compelling experience. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay in the coming months.