Analog Horror Games

Abstract Engineer 07/24/24 10/21/24 Articles

Abstract Engineer

07/24/24

10/21/24

I have been a fan of analog horror games and other types of media similar to the genre for a long time. My movie choices sometimes lean toward the found-footage genre with hits such as The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield, and the internet sensation Marble Hornets. But I’m not here to talk about movies. There are tons of analog horror games to explore.

ABOUT ANALOG HORROR GAMES

Analog horror games are a subgenre of horror video games. They are commonly first-person and feature a 4:3 aspect video ratio (almost square), grainy noise filters, tracking lines, simulated camera handling, and atmospheric sounds.

Sometimes there is an option to switch between VHS video and a clear first-person view when equipped with a video camera. Outlast is a great example of a successful analog horror video game that allows you to switch perspectives. The camera has night vision allowing you to see better in dark areas. However, the camera can run out of batteries so stock up on batteries when you find them and use the camera sparingly.

Analog horror games aren’t for everyone. They tend to be walking simulators with a focus on pure dread. It’s an experience more so than a video game. The story may be told with notes or audio from a radio. Some may have basic puzzles to solve. They all do their best to make you feel uncomfortable.

OBSCURE TITLES

The following titles may take some digging to find. They are of a different caliber than analog horror games like Outlast.

Some of these titles are done in a “jam” session which means these video games were created in a competition within a set time frame. Others may be passion projects or serve as a means to open up more opportunities. The rest are finished products.

[REC] PAROXYSM

[Rec] Paroxysm is a chilling experience. Exploring a haunted flat never felt so uneasy and claustrophobic. From the moment you enter the flat, something feels amiss. The hairs on your arms raise and fear sets in.

You take on the role of a horror content creator who visits horrifying locations in an attempt to capture paranormal events. However, sometimes we get more than we ask for and this experience is a representation of what that looks like. Regret is what this horror content creator finds.

There were a few moments when I needed to take a short break and recollect myself. Something about analog horror games and immersion that strike those scare chords. [REC] Paroxysm does a fine job at striking those chords.

FATAL MIDNIGHT

Dan wakes up from unusual sounds coming from the depths of the house. Concerned about his sister, he decides to check on her.

HAZING: NIGHT SHIFT

Strap in for a terrifying first night on the job in Hazing: Night Shift. This psychological horror puts you in the shoes of a police officer responding to a disturbing call. Explore a creepy country house with nothing but a grainy VHS filter for light, and uncover the dark secrets that lurk within.

I enjoyed the demo more than I did the full release. The demo didn’t give the police officer a voice while the full release did. To make matters worse, the voice is done with AI which is very apparent. I didn’t care for the second half of the full release either. The horror was done phenomenally in the first half and then fell hard in the second half. The story got a bit goofy, too.

INCIDENT D1991

A short VHS horror video game where you witness a tragedy unfold before you. Incident D1991 is an experience with minimal gameplay but don’t let that fool you. This is a quick and creepy descent into hell.

PSALM 5:9-13

The atmosphere in Psalm 5:9-13 does a fine job of instilling fear and dread. My anxiety levels rose as I explored the house. You need to find triggers to progress the game and they can be apparent or difficult to find. Jump scares do exist but they are well-placed and not overdone. Psalm 5:9-13 is a short ride drenched in analog horror worthy among analog horror games.

THOU SHALT NOT KILL

A short VHS-style first-person walking simulator horror game. You find a VHS tape and start watching it, only to discover the footage is unsettling. You then become the person in the VHS recording, trying to unravel the mystery of this old footage.

NEGLECTED

Don’t let the short playtime of Neglected fool you. It is a tense few moments. The mix of analog and psychological horror mix well to create an experience full of dread.

ROOM1

I wasn’t going to include Room1 because it is unfinished. However, I enjoyed the atmosphere and environment so much that I feel compelled to include Room1 in this list. I hope the developer chooses to complete the project. The room repeats with subtle differences through each pass.

MEDIA

SCREENSHOTS

AS I SEE IT

I enjoy analog horror games. They are easy for me to transport myself into the experience and absorb the terror. The style works on me better than most AAA titles.

The titles in this list instilled dread in me the most. The combination of realism, audio, and the experience makes me shiver. I am always on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I’ve played many more VHS video games than the titles I have listed here but none of them have amplified the feeling of dread more than these titles have.

SUGGEST A GAME

Please suggest Analog Horror Games you think I should check out. If I like the suggested video game, I may write a featured article or add the game to one of my featured lists. Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Indie video game developers should visit our free content marketing services for qualifying video game.

CHANGELOG

09/13/2024 – Added YouTube Playlist
09/16/2024 – Added Hazing: Night Shift
09/30/2024 – Added [REC] Paroxysm