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).

We’re here to give them the spotlight they deserve, and perhaps give you a great new game to pick up and play. Join us as we take a look at a few excellent titles that deserve your attention. There’s something for everybody, and you’re sure to find a title that joins your list of favorites!

1. Blue Prince

With a rather unconventional premise, and a whole lot of entertaining puzzle-adventure gameplay to stretch your brain power to its limits, this is a gem of a game that did not get its due in a year crowded with huge releases. But Simon P. Jones’ surreal trip through the Mt. Holly Estate and the discovery of its story make for an unforgettable adventure.

If you enjoy solving puzzles and are the kind who doesn’t like to leave any loose ends in their games, this one is going to have you occupied for quite a while.

2. Dispatch

It can be jarring to be relegated to a desk job after an exciting stint in the field even for the best of superheroes. But Mecha Man, aka Robert Robinson III, faces a frustrating twist to his career and having to manage a team of reformed supervillains is the perfect recipe for a story that’s told with heart and charm.

A stellar voice cast elevates the experience, and Dispatch is a game that you enjoy from the very beginning right up until you navigate a roller coaster of decisions whose varying outcomes could have you wanting to dive back in for another playthrough. That’s certainly a game that’s easy to recommend.

3. Tormented Souls 2

Caroline Walker (or Emma, if you’re familiar with this one’s predecessor) just can’t catch a break. This sequel builds on the first game’s strengths while telling a grim, chilling story about a cult that seems intent on continuing Noah’s work.

But Caroline has never been one to sit around and wait for fate to play its hand, and you’re going to be navigating dark hallways and dangerous places with bated breath. This is an excellent horror experience that does well to bring forgotten genre trappings back with style.

4. Keeper

It isn’t everyday a game gives a lighthouse the ability to walk, and puts its players behind a character as unique as the one in Keeper. As the lighthouse, your travels aren’t as lonely as they could be thanks to Twig, and the bond that forms between them as they tackle the scourge that’s affecting their home is a lovely story.

This one’s bizarre premise lets its creators come up with some very inventive designs in their levels, and navigating its world isn’t going to be easy. But we can tell you it’s definitely worth it.

5. Atomfall

An action survival gameplay loop set in an alternate, post-apocalyptic version of the British countryside into a radioactive zone was always going to be a blast, and our time with Atomfall had us chuckling away at the humor that it has managed to bake into an otherwise grim world.

The story is definitely gripping enough to make this a rewarding experience while the side content brings some top-shelf writing into the fray. This is a world that’s going to be very worthwhile to those of you who like ferreting out secrets and leaving no missions incomplete.

6. Cronos: The New Dawn

The Bloober Team cemented its reputation as a talented horror studio with its take on a time-travelling survival horror adventure. As the Traveller, every step you take into the game’s world makes you feel the weight of its desolation, while its threats can have you missing perfectly aligned headshots thanks to their raw aggression and feral rage.

However, for those of you who learn the art of survival in this bleak world, you get to find very creative ways to turn the tables in a deadly dance of tactics, strategy, and skillful shooting. It’s a slow-paced ride but a wild one nonetheless.

7. Hell is Us

Although this one did gain a fair bit of traction, it can be hard to put the allure of a world that staunchly refuses to reveal its secrets to none but the most diligent of players into words. But Hell is Us does just that, leaving you scribbling furiously away on a notepad just so that you get to experience all that it has to offer.

It can be quite a disorienting experience at first but the story and combat can have you quite invested. If exploration and lore hunting sound like hours of fun to you, this one is going to have you very content with how it presents its best features.

8. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Fast, stylish, and well-paced, Joe Musashi’s battle against the ENE Corporation is a great game. The story moves along at a breakneck pace, giving you new ways to dish out damage in your 2D platforming adventure. Musashi’s agility and the fact that the stakes are literally about life and death with a dollop of vengeance thrown in make this a shinobi adventure with all the good stuff.

Just be ready to bring your best fighting skills to the table as you take on the ENE’s hordes of soldiers, yokai, oni, and imposing bosses.

9. Echoes of the End

Although Ryn and Abram’s journey didn’t get the start that developer Myrkur Games might have wanted, the studio has done well to release an enhanced edition of Echoes of the End as a free update, fixing a significant portion of its launch issues and making it a very enticing offering.

The combat is now quite good, while the story has several great moments in the second half of the adventure. Stick with this one and you’re going to find yourself quite invested in how things turn out.

10. The Rogue Prince of Persia

If you’re a fan of roguelites, this one might be right up your street. Playing a Prince who is on the run from an army of possessed soldiers is a great way to spend a few hours exploring well-designed levels with mechanics that are quite engaging.

Evil Empire has done well to capture the look and feel of a Prince of Persia game a action adventure game, and you should definitely give this one a shot. Its recent Switch debut should see it get some well-served attention, too.

11. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

This side-scrolling hack n’ slash spin-off of the popular franchise is definitely up there with the best ones of the year. Kenji Mozu’s inspired effort to defend the Hayabusa village from demonic threats, leaving Ryu free to live out his legend in America, is a very entertaining take on the Ninja Gaiden universe.

Its slick combat and challenging platforming make it a pleasure to play too. This is a great choice for those of you who love to let your blades do the talking.

12. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

If you’re a Soulslike fan and have somehow missed this one from Leenshee Games, it’s worth checking out. Bai Wuchang’s mission to save her sister quickly turns into an exploration of sinister events against the background of a failing dynasty.

That premise does very well to set up battles that can test your reflexes and ability to improvise in the field. Combat is an art in this game, and you’re given a wide set of tools to use as you paint a bloody canvas that tells an epic story. Expect to be challenged, and this one is going to take your breath away.

13. Shadow Labyrinth

Bandai Namco’s refresh of the classic character was such a blast we almost forgot our initial scepticism of the entire exercise. The swordsman and Puck are quite a duo, navigating a treacherous world that leaves a very interesting trail of information about its history and denizens.

With challenging enemies and mechanics, Shadow Labyrinth is a game that has you always on the lookout for a detail that you missed, and can take a long time if you’re intent on teasing out all of its secrets.

14. Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream

While it can be difficult to handle the emotional weight that this excellent story brings to the table, Hanna’s desperate journey to rescue her brother, and the people she meets along the way make this one a worthy addition to our list of 2025’s underrated gems.

This is a game that brings some great stealth mechanics in a world in which the shadows are your biggest strength, and a story that underlines the importance of staying unseen through the eyes of a young orphan. This one’s a winner for all of you stealth nuts out there.

15. Steel Seed

Bringing excellent stealth action, robust platforming, a dark sci-fi-world, and a relatable protagonist and companion duo, there’s a lot to like about Steel Seed. Although this one did draw a bit of flak on the critical front, its story and excellent world building are compelling reasons to dive into this title.

Zoe’s sassy yet earnest nature wins you over quite quickly, and her proficiency with her weapons make her fun to embody in this tale of redemption. Despite a relatively shorter runtime, this game has its charms, and the journey is definitely worth it.

And that’s a wrap on our best single-player sleeper hit titles that you might have missed out on this year. Here’s to a fresh new batch of winners as we look to 2026 and beyond.

"Things at the manor start going wrong quickly, however, with Caroline waking up to the distant screams of her sister."

While the studio put forth a valiant first effort with Tormented Souls a few years ago, it’s now back with generally higher production values with the sequel, and along the way, there have also been plenty of improvements made to what already served as a great foundation. Right from the start, Tormented Souls 2 brings with it improvements to visuals, audio, level design, and even the story, which picks things up shortly after the events of its predecessor.

Once more taking on the role of Caroline Walker after the events of the Wildberger Hospital, you, along with your sister Anna, are invited to stay in a manor in the remote Chilean town of Villa Hess. However, the horrors experienced by both sisters haven’t completely left them behind; Anna is still haunted by visions of incredible and gruesome violence, while Caroline is simply trying to make sure that her sister can live peacefully and put the Wildberger Hospital behind them. Things at the manor start going wrong quickly, however, with Caroline waking up to the distant screams of her sister. On walking out of her room, she spots her sister being dragged down the hallway.

"Generally speaking, there isn’t really much more to the plot of Tormented Souls 2 aside from “evil cultists are bad and you must escape.”"

The plot for the rest of the game is essentially laid out right in front of you when you find Anna; the manor is inhabited by crazy cultists, as well as a malevolent being that lives in the shadows and can quite quickly kill things caught in the darkness. After getting knocked out as part of some strange cult ritual, Caroline wakes up covered with knives that had been stabbed into her. She pulls them out, sets out to find Anna, and ultimately, wants to leave behind the manor and Villa Hess as a whole.

Generally speaking, there isn’t really much more to the plot of Tormented Souls 2 aside from “evil cultists are bad and you must escape”. The story does, however, improve on its predecessor in one major way: its characters are overall much better written and voice acted. Caroline and Anna are both able to express an impressive range of emotions, and the voice acting is suitably horrified and frantic rather than sounding (more often than not) bored. Along with this, there are also more characters you get to meet and interact with, ranging from sinister cultists that might not have your best interests at heart, to some of the citizens of Villa Hess, and even potential allies.

On the gameplay side of things, Tormented Souls 2 wears its influences right on its sleeves. Taking several pages from classic horror games like the first three Silent Hill titles, Resident Evil – Code: Veronica, and Resident Evil 3, Tormented Souls 2 makes effective use of the classic trope of fixed camera angles to maximise the horror and atmosphere. Among other things, the fact that you don’t have full control of the camera goes a long way in making you actually afraid to turn around corners, even if you might have the tools to deal with whatever enemies are lurking there. Some of the Silent Hill influences also come into sharp display thanks to the fixed camera following you down long hallways, as well as the presence of the “other world” that you sometimes have to travel through.

"Despite the obtuse camera angles and the deliberately rough combat systems, Tormented Souls 2 still manages to feel quite good to play."

Similarly, even the minimal HUD pays homage to the horror classics, like your character’s health being displayed only through the inventory screen, and even then only through a heartbeat line that starts degrading as you take damage. Even Caroline herself starts showing evidence of damage she’s taken, coming down to a slow limp if her health is too low.

This, alongside the combat feeling appropriately clunky leads to Tormented Souls 2 feeling like a classic horror game. Even when you have a gun, you’re not going to get to manually aim the thing at enemies’ weak points. Rather, you’re encouraged to either avoid as many enemies as you can to preserve your constantly-dwindling resources like healing items and ammo, or make use of traps to take out particularly troublesome foes.

Despite the obtuse camera angles and the deliberately rough combat systems, Tormented Souls 2 still manages to feel quite good to play. Caroline is a responsive character, and you even get the option to go with tank-styled movement like those old horror games if you use a controller. Items that might be needed to solve puzzles or serve other utilities can be hotkeyed to the right analogue stick as well, making it easy to quickly switch between using your lighter as a light source to travel through a dark hallway and your chainsaw in case you need to take down an enemy.

"The level design and presence of puzzles essentially go hand-in-hand."

Inventory management is also a big part of the gameplay here, and you’ll often find yourself juggling between key items to progress through the game, from keys and puzzle pieces, to documents with important story elements, and even your arsenal of makeshift weapons and any materials you might find to craft and upgrade them.

Speaking of which, the level design and presence of puzzles essentially go hand-in-hand, and fans of not just classic horror titles, but even the more recent Resident Evil games will find themselves right at home in this regard. The manor you start out in is quite large, and the map you find shortly after starting the game ends up playing a major role in helping you navigate. Along the way, you’ll also run into plenty of paths that have been blocked off and need you to solve puzzles, which in turn can range from simply finding the right key, to figuring out the precise order of bells to strike to accomplish your objective.

Generally speaking, however, the level design is actually quite a bit more linear than the largesse manor would indicate. Sure, there are plenty of hallways to go down, but most of them are simply either just dead ends, or have a door that is locked from the other side, which means that you’ll find a puzzle elsewhere to unlock this door as a shortcut. Getting out of the manor doesn’t help matters either, since Villa Hess and the other areas of the game are also similarly linear. This isn’t a bad thing, however, as the design of the game’s maps go a long way in making sure you’re constantly making forward progress in some way. It also helps that the maps are certainly quite helpful.

"Sound is another area where Tormented Souls 2 punches well above its weight class."

We reviewed Tormented Souls 2 on PC, where the game was able to run just fine. With maxed out graphics settings and a resolution of 2560×1440, we were able to get a rock-solid frame rate of 60 FPS. The PC, for context, runs on an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, an AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT GPU, and 32 GB of DDR-6000 RAM. Maxing out the visual settings was certainly a treat, since the game features some downright gorgeous locales and vividly detailed hallways in the manor as well as the rest of its areas.

Sound is another area where Tormented Souls 2 punches well above its weight class. Along with the great voice acting mentioned earlier, the title also has a great, atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the horrors of the creeping shadows and sinister cultists that you have to deal with throughout your time with the game.

All in all, Tormented Souls 2 is a great example of just what a sequel should be. It takes the strong foundations of the original and builds on them quite well with more polished level design and gameplay, as well as a more focused, albeit simple story that gives you plenty of excuses to run around a sinister manor and its surrounding village. Fans of horror as a whole as well as classic games in the genre alike will find plenty to enjoy here, even if it might not be the most original game out there.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Ghost of Yōtei

Easily the biggest game of the month, and certainly a contender for Game of the Year, but that’s to be expected. Sucker Punch Productions’ skill for creating engaging open worlds is on full display once more as Atsu scours Ezo for revenge against the Yōtei Six. There’s more variety and less repetition, while the combat system has been expanded to include more weapons, fresh mechanics like disarming enemies (and throwing weapons into their imminent carcasses), and a wolf that occasionally helps out. In a year where Sony desperately needs some PS5 exclusives, Ghost of Yōtei looks to be an incredible showcase for the console when it launches on October 2nd.

Battlefield 6

About four years ago, the Battlefield franchise suffered a slump that few thought it could ever recover from. But here we are with Battlefield 6, a combined effort between DICE, Ripple Effect, Criterion and Motive Studio, which could take the series to new heights of success. The return of an epic globe-hopping campaign is already fantastic, but even the multiplayer with its Classes, weapon feel, and grounded atmosphere has us excited. Even Portal and the new Battle Royale don’t look too shabby. Launching on October 10th, Battlefield 6 will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Game Freak’s latest Pokémon title also marks the series’ debut on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the original Switch, but it goes even further by taking place in a single city. As a new trainer in Lumiose City, it’s your job to investigate the strange outbreak of Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon while having their wish granted in the Z-A Royale. Between new Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, a free-for-all competitive mode called Battle Club, and much more, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is certainly shaping up well. It’s out on October 16th for Switch 1 and 2.

The Outer Worlds 2

For a game that goes “bigger and deeper” than the original, with an overhaul to Skills and Flaws alongside much larger planets and a third-person perspective, The Outer Worlds 2 certainly feels like the underdog heading into October. Maybe it’s the sheer range of other big-name sequels to look forward to, but the new, more-serious story (which still packs moments of dark levity) looks intriguing, and there’s plenty of room for more niche playstyles. Whether you’re a team player or a solo operative intent on killing all NPCs, The Outer Worlds 2 could satisfy that role-playing fix when it launches on October 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Seven years after Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory, a new entry in the Digimon Story is finally upon us with Time Stranger. Launching on October 3rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, it was actually announced way back in December 2017 and offers a brand new story with time travel elements. Following an incident that would change the world, the player, as part of a mysterious organization, ventures back in time to try to prevent it. On top of over 450 Digimon to collect, players travel to Illiad in the Digimon World and attempt to unravel what’s going on. Will it end up overshadowed by Pokémon Legends: Z-A or stand out all the more? We’ll find out in the coming days.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy has returned, and thankfully, it isn’t part of a compilation that’s available only for a limited time. This time, Nintendo Switch players can experience each title in the series for $39.99 separately or for $69.99 in a bundle. Switch 2 owners can play both games at 4K courtesy of a free update, and there are new features like more Storybook Chapters, amiibo support and Assist Mode. These are more like re-releases than remasters, but if you’ve ever wanted to play two of the best 3D platformers ever made, they may be worth checking out on October 2nd.

ARC Raiders

As if it isn’t competing for time with all the other big releases, Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders is sandwiched between two triple-A shooters (with Battlefield this month and Call of Duty in the next). Nevertheless, if the response has proven anything, it’s that it may very well hold its own. Launching with four maps with different conditions and challenging foes, the extraction shooter packs Embark’s sleek shooting with a distinct post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Between mastering different skills, competing quests, taking a shot at the leaderboards, or trying to understand the world as a whole, ARC Raiders promises a lot, and we can’t wait to dive in when it launches on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Little Nightmares 3

The heavyweight survival horror titles are already out, but there’s still Little Nightmares 3 to look forward to ahead of Halloween. Set in The Spiral, the story follows Low and Alone as they attempt to escape its hellish landscape. Between towering monsters, sentient puppets, and other horrors, it’s a tall task, but each packs unique tools like arrows and a wrench for puzzle-solving and self defense. And while couch co-op isn’t supported, there is a Friends Pass, meaning another player can join in without owning the game. All the better to spread the terror when Little Nightmares 3 launches on October 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Keeper

You never truly guess what Double Fine Productions will pump out next, and Keeper, out on October 17th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, is truly unique. You control, of all things, a sentient lighthouse that ventures across the world to learn more about its purpose. Between encountering other strange entities in a wordless narrative and the trippy visuals, it’s certainly shaping up to be an adventure unlike any other.

Jurassic World Evolution 3

You kind of know what you’re getting with any Frontier Developments management sim, and Jurassic Park Evolution 3 is no exception. The usual campaign, sandbox and challenge modes return, but there are over 80 species, each with variants (including juvenile dinosaurs), and more complex creation tools to embrace alongside new attractions. Couple this with new locations, and there’s plenty to look forward to when it launches on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Ninja Gaiden 4

One of the gold standards for incredible hack and slash action-adventures, Ninja Gaiden, is finally getting a new mainline title on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Ninja Gaiden 4 follows Yakumo of the Raven Clan as he ventures to the remains of Tokyo to slay the Dark Dragon. The Order isn’t having it, though, and neither is series mainstay, Ryu Hayabusa (who’s also playable), leading to some bloody battles. While possessing an array of armaments, Yakumo also has Bloodraven Form to modify his attacks and even unleash Bloodbath Kills to maim several foes at once. Promising accessibility via Hero Mode and hardcore challenge courtesy of Master Ninja difficulty, Ninja Gaiden 4 could be the most epic title in the series yet.

Kingmakers

What happens when modern soldiers are sent back in time to fight medieval battles containing hundreds of units? You get Kingmakers, with its unique mix of third-person shooting, extensive military equipment and base-building, launching on October 8th for PC. When you’re not engaging in the battle, you can take an overhead view and command units. All this and co-op for up to four players? If nothing else, it looks like a fun bit of controlled chaos.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

Nothing can stop a good merchant, especially one like Will, who ventures into dungeons to collect the wares himself. Moonlighter 2 directly follows the first game’s events, as you venture into The Endless Vault, collect valuable artifacts, and sell them in your store. The profits can be used to upgrade the town of Tresna, your own shop and even equipment to delve deeper into the dungeons for more profitable finds. With a jump to full 3D and new mechanics – like using your own backpack as a weapon – there’s plenty to look forward to when Moonlighter 2 launches in Steam Early Access on October 23rd.

Double Dragon Revive

The classic side-scrolling beat ’em up franchise returns courtesy of Arc System Works and Yuke’s when Double Dragon Revive launches on October 23rd for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. Alongside Story Mode with support for up to four playable characters, there’s Extra Mode with more than 50 mission types and a uniquely separate story across multiple unlockable episodes. Between this and Absolum, it’s a great month for beat ’em up fans.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

After botching Battle for Neighborville and Plants vs. Zombies 3, PopCap Games is going back to the drawing board. Or more specifically, to the first garden in Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, an HD version of the tower defense that started it all. Fortunately, there’s a lot to justify that $20 purchase, from a new hardcore mode to the more forgiving but still challenging Cloudy Day Mode. You can even compete in local PvP as the zombies or defend together in co-op. Replanted launches on October 23rd for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

Tormented Souls 2

The original Tormented Souls didn’t push any boundaries, but for a title inspired by old-school Resident Evil, it wasn’t half-bad. Tormented Souls 2, out on October 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, continues the story of Caroline as she ventures to a mysterious yet sinister new location. While you’ll be shifting between realities, solving puzzles and fighting off new enemies, tank controls are still in effect, and you won’t have unlimited saves, just like the survival horror games of yesteryears, but you can enable assist mode.

Once Upon A Katamari

A new Katamari title that isn’t a remaster? Somehow, it’s true as Once Upon A Katamari launches on October 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Prince is once again tasked with fixing the sky after The King of All Cosmos destroys it yet again, and this time, you’re venturing through time, rolling up the Ice Age and other notable eras. With character customization, new tools and KatamariBall, a new four-player competitive mode, the good times may indeed be ready to roll.

Dispatch

What happens when Mecha Man no longer has his mech suit to fight crime? He does the next best thing, taking on a job as a superhero dispatcher. That’s only the start of Robert Robertson’s ordeals, however, as he works with ex-supervillains, dispatching them to different locations with unique consequences. Between unlocking new abilities and managing their various personality quirks, Dispatch is a unique mix of narrative adventure and hero strategy with a strong cast. The first two episodes debut on October 22nd, followed by the next two on October 29th for PS5 and PC, with the final four out in November.

Wreckreation

I’ll admit to being somewhat disappointed with Bugbear’s Wreckfest 2 (which has seen several updates after launching in early access), but Wreckreation, developed by the team behind Dangerous Driving, could fill that void. It’s out on October 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and introduces the 400 square kilometer sandbox that is MixWorld, which you’re free to build up and wreck alone or with others. With extensive customization tools and plenty to discover, it’s an interesting proposition, and hopefully one with a lot of staying power.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

Have you ever wanted a definitive collection of all classic Mortal Kombat titles? Yes, even Mythologies: Sub Zero and Special Forces? Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection could be the answer as it contains Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, 4, Trilogy and much more with multiple versions, online play with rollback netcode and instant access to all secret characters. You can explore the lore of the series and its characters, and learn more about the franchise’s development courtesy of new creator interviews. Launching on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it could very well be a must-buy for any fighting game fan.

The story in Tormented Souls 2 revolves around protagonist Caroline Walker travelling to the town of Puerto Miller to try and get help for her sister Anna. However, as the trailer describes, bringing the Walker sisters to Puerto Miller turned out to have been a trap, and now Anna has been captured by a twisted cult headed up by Mother Lucia. It is now up to Caroline to brave the horrors presented by the town to get her sister back.

Tormented Souls 2 is slated to take place after the events of the first game, with Caroline still reeling from what she endured at Wildberger Hospital. It is during this time that Anna is discovered to be suffering from an unknown affliction that causes her to cough blood, makes her eyes go black, and causes random bouts of unconsciousness.

On the gameplay side of things, Tormented Souls 2 is heavily inspired by classic survival horror games like the seminal Resident Evil and Silent Hill series. As she explores the town of Puerto Miller, Caroline will have to get her hands on some weapons to make sure that she doesn’t become prey to the horrors roaming the town. To accomplish this, Caroline can get her hands on makeshift weapons like nailguns to fight her way through the town.

Tormented Souls 2 will once more see the return of Caroline being able to traverse to alternate realities, especially once she gets to Villa Hess. Using her abilities from the first game, Caroline can step into the ‘Other side’ and witness ‘replays’ – memories that were stored in video tapes. The actions that Caroline takes in these replays and in the Other side will also end up having an effect in the real world.

Among the adversaries that Caroline will face in Tormented Souls 2 include the Iron Maiden – described as a hulking behemoth and cruel disciplinarian that makes use of a giant crucifix and is equipped with a heavy plated mask. There is also the Harvester – a fusion of metal and flesh, armed with a buzzsaw and a mouth filled with razor sharp teeth.

Tormented Souls 2 will also feature an in-depth story that, according to Dual Effect, includes several layers of twists and revelations that players will have to peel off to fully understand what’s going on.

The title was originally announced all the way back in 2023, and right from its first trailer, the studio had confirmed that Tormented Souls 2 would be using a similar old-school style of fixed camera perspectives to amplify the horror. The original Tormented Souls, on the other hand, was released back in 2022 on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

State of Decay 3

Undead Labs has been hard at work on the next entry in the State of Decay franchise, and we haven’t seen much of the game except a short cinematic teaser that just gives brief hints about what to expect. It’s obviously going to be a brutal survival game where players will be clearing out waves upon waves of zombies with scant resources, and fans are here for it. It’s being developed using Unreal Engine 5 as well, so fans can be sure that the game will be a looker. It will be released for Xbox Series X/S and PC sometime in the future.

Little Nightmares 3

Little Nightmares 2 is one of the best horror games of recent memory, thanks to its excellent jumpscares and consistently ominous atmosphere. Little Nightmares 3 is looking to knock those strengths up to eleven with an even better atmosphere, gargantuan enemies waiting to maul you at every turn, and a wide variety of cryptic environments housing these threats. It’s set to release sometime this year for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Echoes of the Living

Currently in development at MoonGlint, Echoes of the Living feels like the perfect homage to the classic Resident Evil games complete with an isometric perspective and tank-style controls. It’s a brutal horror game where players will have to go for long stretches with little to no resources, solve brain-tackling puzzles, and engage in boss fights. If Echoes of the Living manages to nail the element of nostalgia while avoiding the inherent frustrations with the previous designs, Echoes of the Living could turn out to be a big hit. It’s set to release sometime in Q1 2024 for PC.

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

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series is making a return with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, an ambitious post-apocalyptic sequel that seems to have a great understanding of what made the originals so great in the first place. Everything from the gameplay to the atmosphere and the graphics are looking really promising, and we can’t wait to dive into the Exclusion Zone once again and scour every inch of this carefully curated map. It’s set to release sometime in Q1 2024 for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a game that takes inspiration from a bunch of action horror films of the 80s and uses those elements to craft a thrilling co-op experience. Little is known about the game at the moment, but the cinematic trailer has given some hints including but not limited to large groups of enemies and vehicular combat being in the game among others. Toxic Commando doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for this ye

Hideo Kojima OD

A collaboration between Xbox Game Studios and Kojima Productions, OD is being touted as the video game auteur’s most experimental game to date. And that’s saying something since Death Stranding in itself was a game that went against the current gaming trends and open-world conventions. The game’s announcement trailer was about as cryptic as you would expect, with actors muttering out seemingly random words that don’t make any sense. OD will also be utilizing Xbox’s cloud technology to power its mechanics, and we can’t wait to learn more about the game itself. It’s set to release sometime in the near future for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Siltterhead

Slitterhead is the latest game from Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, and the game revolves around the player trying to fend off against a host of deadly parasites. The gameplay showcases the protagonist using melee and ranged weapons along with some magical elements, which seems to make for a fresh gameplay experience. Slitterhead will be releasing for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 sometime in the near future.

Blight Survival

Blight Survival thrusts players into a brutal medieval setting and tasks them to slaughter waves upon waves of undead enemy soldiers with nothing but primal weapons like swords and shields. It looks really beautiful with realistic environments and smooth animations accompanying each moment of the gameplay, and the added benefit of experiencing it all with a friend through co-op also makes it an even sweeter deal. Blight Survival will be released for PC at some point in the future.

Still Wakes The Deep

Set against the backdrop of the ever-mysterious sea, Still Wakes The Deep tells the story of a sailor trying to find his crew all while he comes to grips with the many paranormal activities going on around him. It looks like a highly atmospheric game that pays a ton of attention on its visuals and audio design, and the developer The Chinese Room is known for its work on games like Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs – so there’s a good chance that it might just be great.

Paranormal Tales

Digital Cybercherries Paranormal Tales is all about getting through well, paranormal tales experienced by a bunch of survivors in different places. The game is presented in a bodycam perspective with different types of filters like a fish eye lens, a digital camera, or a phone camera which combined with the myriad of different settings should make for a consistently entertaining experience. Paranormal Tales is being built using Unreal Engine 5, and it does not have a release date at the moment.

Tormented Souls 2

Tormented Souls 2 is currently in development at developer Dual Effect, and it looks to be a worthy sequel to the original. The gameplay here revolves around carefully plotting your way through cramped corridors, solving puzzles, and overcoming tough obstacles – which remains fun despite its familiar nature. Between this and tank controls reminiscent of the original Resident Evil games, Tormented Souls 2 should be a rather unique experience that sounds really promising.

Silent Hill 2 Remake

Silent Hill 2 is one of the most revered survival horror games of all time, and a lot of that could be attributed to the amazing atmosphere and the constantly twisting story about the town of Silent Hill. Bloober Team is hard at work on a full-fledged remake that not only brings the game’s visuals up to a modern standard but also changes the gameplay in significant ways to better serve a modern audience.

Silent Hill F

Set against the backdrop of an unnamed Japanese town, Silent Hill F is one of the more interesting projects from the array of Silent Hill announcements. The trailer doesn’t show much information about the game, but we have seen some wonderfully ominous atmosphere, a schoolgirl holding a metal pipe, and all kinds of weird imagery that has us excited for what’s in store.

Silent Hill Townfall

Yet another Silent Hill project in the works, Silent Hill Townfall is developer No Code’s take on this legendary horror franchise. The announcement trailer hints at the story revolving around the protagonist being trapped in a hellish nightmare as a punishment for his evil deeds, but it’s too vague and disjointed to make any concrete conclusions from what we know. Hopefully, Konami will shed some light on the game in the coming months. Currently, Silent Hill Townfall doesn’t have confirmed platforms and neither a release date, but hopefully we should know more this year.

Killing Floor 3

Much like prior entries in the franchise, Killing Floor 3 is all about shooting your way through hordes of different zombie types along with a group of friends. Killing Floor 3 thrusts players into a futuristic setting with high-tech weaponry and bioengineered monsters, so returning fans can expect plenty of new features and mechanics jumping into this game. The game will be released for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S sometime in the near future.

The Casting of Frank Stone

Supermassive Games is known for its signature brand of narrative-based horror, and the developer is currently hard at work on its next project The Casting of Frank Stone. The game is set in the Dead By Daylight universe, and the story follows a group of young friends facing the horrifying mystery of Frank Stone and his deadly legacy. It’s obviously a story where you make critical decisions at every turn which dictates the ultimate outcome, so it’s not uncharted territory for the developer – but it’s definitely worth a look.

ILL

Currently in development at Clout Games, ILL is an ambitious survival horror game that’s being built using Unreal Engine 5. Featuring stunning visuals and superb-looking gameplay, ILL seems to be punching well above its weight class and might just put up some fierce competition against its AAA competitors if it manages to stand true to its promises. It will be released for PC sometime in the near future.

Death Stranding 2

Death Stranding wasn’t a pure horror game by any means, but there were plenty of horror sequences that would snugly fit in the box of such games. Death Stranding 2 is set to build upon these foundations with a story that features both new and returning faces, new mechanics, and a convoluted story. Its release date isn’t set in stone, but it will be releasing for PS5 in the future.

At the recent Future Games Show, publisher PQube and developer Dual Effect announced Tormented Souls 2. Caroline Walker, the protagonist of the first game, will be returning, and on her journey to rescue her cursed sister, will be exploring the “halls of haunting monasteries and other nightmarish locations”, according to PQube. Check out the announcement trailer below for a glimpse of what the sequel will have in store.

Unlike its predecessor, Tormented Souls 2 won’t be a cross-gen title, and won’t be coming to the Switch. It’s due out sometime in 2024 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.