There’s nothing quite like an incredible virtual-reality game. Once you put on that headset, you’re instantly taken into another place. Something that’s entirely different from our world. These video games capture you through immersive mechanics and fantastic storytelling. While VR games might not be everyone’s favorite, how they impact our gaming experience is nothing to scoff at.
There are a variety of genres that developers focus on to create these interactive games. Because of the mechanics and environments that utterly surround us, it’s no surprise that players often gravitate toward horror VR games. Developers use creative and frightening directions when it comes to these horrifying virtual realities. With how much these games force us to make decisions, it’s no wonder why VR horror has us constantly hesitating to go further.
10/10 Layers Of Fear: Solitude
Layers of Fear: Solitude is considered as essentially a stripped-down version of the original Layers of Fear. Despite having similar environments and stories, Solitude stands out in the VR horror game world.
It excellently uses interactive mechanics. However, at the same time, it does have its issues. The scares can feel predictable, and it does feel like you can linger in a place for too long. Regardless, this doesn’t erase the quality of the game. At the end of the day, we’re still met with a strange and frightening VR horror game.
9/10 The Inpatient
The Inpatient is a prequel to Until Dawn. Taking place in a private clinic in 1952, the story occurs 63 years before the original game. You control a patient suffering from amnesia who’s set on regaining their memories.
The choices in this game heavily impact the outcome, encouraging you to be extra cautious. The story is a slow burn, having you mostly talk to those around you. Critics say that The Inpatient was intriguing on the surface, and the choose-your-own-adventure aspect made it memorable. Despite its flaws, The Inpatient takes an unexpected hold on us.
8/10 Dreadhalls
This horror dungeon crawler takes VR in a unique direction. Trapped in a dimly-lit dungeon, you only have the courage (and a lamp) to defend yourself against the darkness that seeks to take you away.
The dungeon setting and supernatural elements are some of the spookiest moments for one to experience in VR. With the limited uses of defense, Dreadhalls can make you feel absolutely helpless. The monsters alone can send chills down your spine. Everything you see reminds you that you’re trapped in a strange place, the murky and massive dungeon holding you in its grips.
7/10 Until Dawn: Rush Of Blood
Riding a horror-themed roller coaster isn’t the only thrilling element of Until Dawn: Rush of Blood. This is a direct spin-off of the critically-acclaimed horror game: Until Dawn. You spend the game on a roller coaster cart, all while going through its terrifying themes.
The horrors grow more intense the further along you go. Rush of Blood feels nostalgic in an odd way, being reminiscent of going through a haunted house. With a playtime of fewer than three hours, Rush of Blood is a rail-shooter on the surface — but it’s a VR horror game at heart.
6/10 Transference
Transference was developed by SpectreVision, a company founded by Elijah Wood. It is a psychological thriller that takes the familiar story of family struggles and corruption to a whole new level. Set inside a broken simulation, we’re put into the minds of the different family members throughout the game.
There’s a movie-like atmosphere, tasking you to figure out what happened between this family with barely any clues given. This element offers players a creative way to take time to fully investigate the story. Uncovering secrets and trying to mend the family’s issues in the process, Transference is a work of art.
5/10 A Chair In A Room: Greenwater
This American Southern Gothic makes you the protagonist of your own horror game. Exploring the deep south, A Chair in a Room: Greenwater tells a story of trauma and disarray. Centering on family abuse, drug addiction, and mental instability, this game is horrifying through its use of amnesia. Overall, its dark visions challenge your lucidity.
The suspense, accompanied by chilling music, creates a sense of intense anxiety and pure hesitation. VR-wise, it establishes an utmost feeling of uneasiness. Some of us want to back away in fear, forcing us to slowly inch toward the terrors that await us.
4/10 Phasmophobia
Playing Phasmophobia with friends, or even strangers on the internet, is an enjoyable experience on its own. Renowned for its incredible use of co-op, this ghostly game keeps you entertained for hours as you hunt for spirits.
However, the VR mode of Phasmophobia really brings out the true horror underlying the game. Getting caught and dying from these various ghosts makes us laugh nervously. But, the VR changes this perspective with a true front-row seat to these enemies. At the end of the day, Phasmophobia is a psychological horror at heart, and the VR mode emphasizes this.
3/10 Organ Quarter
Organ Quarter is both a hidden gem and a survival horror VR game. It mystically gets you lost in its labyrinth environment. Shooting and solving puzzles are some of the keys to your means of survival before the horrors consume you.
Some regard Organ Quarter as entirely unique. It’s also seen as a wonderful game for Silent Hill fans, consistently referencing the franchise. Even if the graphics don’t impress you, not playing it would be a missed opportunity. Pure immersion and a satisfying ending make this game a worthwhile VR horror to try out.
2/10 Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul
Of course, since Paranormal Activity is such a memorable horror movie franchise, it’s no surprise that their VR game version would be just as chillingly fantastic. The Lost Soul immerses you in a haunting atmosphere, tasking you to unravel the mystery inside a “normal” house.
As you solve puzzles, find key items, and uncover secrets, you slowly reveal what really cursed this house. It takes time to find all these items, forcing you to stay and witness all of the terror. Frustration aside, it feels rewarding when you persist through the horror to achieve your goal.
1/10 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard VR
We all know how scary Resident Evil is by itself. Adding that terror into a VR experience is a whole new ballpark. The VR mode for Resident Evil 7 is the standard game by itself, exclusively putting you into the shoes of Ethan Winters.
This version makes the game incredibly immersive, completely putting you into Ethan’s head. Playing this mode will make experiencing the non-VR mode feel like a privilege. If your heart wasn’t pumping enough from the normal game, the VR version would make you anxiously cautious to even turn your head.
