The horror genre holds a special appeal for movie fans because it taps into some very primal human emotions – among which, of course, is fear. However, a big part of what makes a successful horror caper so memorable is its ability to create a mood of suspense and anticipation. As our imagination imbues the work with a sense of possibility, it intensifies the impact of inevitable jump scares or monster reveals tenfold.
And while there’s nothing quite like a well crafted terror-fest to get the blood pumping and the sense of suspense high, there are a huge array of games that achieve this very same goal – albeit through arguably different means. If you’re looking for a title that evokes that sense of suspense you know only too well from the genre, consider these top choices below.
Enter the Arena
The modern FPS genre has never been in better shape thanks to a range of compelling releases from some of the biggest studios out there – but if you were to ask the average gamer what the preeminent franchise over the past 10 years would be, you’ll typically receive a single answer. We are, of course, referring to Infinity Ward’s masterpiece, Call of Duty. The biggest game series in history, it attracts players both pro and casual alike with its fantastic mix of gunplay and action.
And while you can really take your pick of the series’ games if you’re looking for suspense, our top tip would be to try your hand at the latest iteration of its free-to-play battle royale spin-off. That’s because it takes the already high octane stakes of your average FPS deathmatch, and turns it up to 11 by pitting you against 149 other players in last-man-standing open world elimination matches unlike anything you’ve seen before. Good luck.
Having a Flutter
There are thousands of reputable platforms out there offering everything from one-armed-bandit capers to top tier tactical banking play ensuring there’s bound to be an experience to suit all tastes – whether you’re testing the waters of the iGaming seas for the first time, or are a seasoned hand around the table.
Bunker Buster
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking your unbridled love of horror suspense and finding ways to play that out in the world of gaming. There are a huge number of incredible horror and supernatural survival games out there at the moment perfect to set your spine a-shiver, with noteworthy examples being the remake of Resident Evil 4 out last year and Alan Wake: 2.
But our top pick of the bunch for recent release has got to be Amnesia: The Bunker, the fourth instalment of this cult classic horror survival series. This time, you find yourself trapped inside a bunker with limited ammo and an eldritch horror committed to hunting you down. By turns action packed and genuinely terrifying, this one is set to send your suspense seeking off the charts.
Chequered Flag
If you want to know a thing or two about suspense-filled gaming, you could do worse than to dive into the photo-finish world of racing games. There’s automotive adventures to suit most interests out there, from Mario Kart to the heavy-duty simulator excitement of Assetto Corsa Competizione.
Most people, though, will find themselves best served somewhere in the middle of the road, and our left-field pick for the best title to deliver high suspense driving action is Trackmania. First released all the way back in 2003, Trackmania enjoyed a relaunched and resurgence in popularity in 2020. Think of it like a hot-wheels set brought into the digital realm. You race against competitors on insane fan-made tracks that defy physics and always bring excitement.
