Summary
Horrorrelies on visual and sensory media to mess with people, doing everything possible to make them uncomfortable as they witness a harrowing tale unfold. In the medium of video games, this usually requires players to be invested in a title that can pull the rug from under them and terrify them in new and ingenious ways. As a result, it can be hard to picture horror games that do a great job in this regard while relying on minimalist design.
As such, it can feel great tofind a gem of ahorror gamethat relies on minimalist designand visualsto keep players engaged as they’re whisked into a world of scares and eerie moments. When done properly, this minimalist approach adds to the brilliance of the horror games that players get to enjoy, ensuring that they’ll have a great time with unique titles that leave a lasting impression.
Players who want to check out the video game equivalent of a fever dream willlove whatParatopicbrings to the table. The game can be hard to understand at first, with events playing out of order in a calculated bid to keep players confused. This works, especially since the retro graphics and simple gameplay are riveting enough to keep players engaged as they await what happens in the next scene.
The minimalist visuals and game design ensure that players can focus on the plot and arrange events for the narrative to make sense. The game is short and focuses on three main characters, letting players enjoy a great story that is full of weird, off-key moments.
4Milk Outside A Bag Of Milk Outside A Bag Of Milk
A Visual Novel Depicting The Horrors Of Psychosis And Trauma
After the huge popularityachieved byMilk Inside a Bag of Milk Inside a Bag of Milk, the developer decided to release a sequel that was bigger and bolder than its predecessor. This makesMilk Outside a Bag of Milk Outside a Bag of Milka refinement of the first game’s simple formula, which combined simple visual novel gameplay with a horrific atmosphere.
Players accompany a girl on what should be simple tasks, only for her psychosis and trauma to get in the way and turn every single action into a harrowing affair.Milk Outside a Bag of Milk Outside a Bag of Milkdoes a great job of doing a lot with very little, ensuring that the haunting vibes and great writing will keep players hooked as they select various dialogue choices to steer the girl’s thoughts in the direction they want.
Retro games have a charm of their own that is hard to deny, andFaith: The Unholy Trinitypreys on a player’s nostalgia by combining these visuals with survival horror gameplay that is genuinely terrifying. All players have to defend themselves with is a crucifix as they slow demons down and outrun them by any means necessary.
This is easier said than done, with the game refusing to give players a breather even if they pause during an encounter. The old-school visuals and riveting gameplay do a great job of keeping players engaged as they slowly but surely make progress acrossall three chapters ofFaith: The Unholy Trinity.
Despite being an experience that can be completed in well under an hour,Iron Lungis a kind of horror game that sticks with players long after they’re finished playing. The only environment players can explore is the inside of a submarine that they control using complicated machinery. This induces a sense of claustrophobia that is further enhanced by the game’s creepy setting.
Players explore an ocean of blood on an alien world and end up beingchased down by a monsternot long after. The slow sinking feeling of dread as players realize the danger they’re in is handled brilliantly by this minimalist game, makingIron Lungone of the best indie horror games players can get their hands on. This title is developed by indie legend David Szymanski, further adding to its allure for players still on the fence about this gem of a title.
Indie developer Playdead burst onto the scene withthe release ofLimbo, one of the most atmospheric side-scrolling horror games players can get their hands on. Players aren’t given too many clues to rely on, getting a simple run-through of their goal to chase down their sister as they avoid numerous unnerving horrors. From giant spiders to brain-burrowing bugs,Limbois full of many oddities and terrifying horrors that players must deal with by any means necessary.
It’s impressive how Playdead managed to craft so many engaging puzzles and tense scenarios despite how simple the gameplay ofLimbois. The minimalist art style helps add to the game’s eerie immersion as players relish every hour they spend with this short and sweet title.
