The Evil Within 2
I’ll admit, The Evil Within 2 almost did not make this list. It is intense and packed with some fantastic moments, but didn’t exactly scare me as much as I hoped. That is okay because it makes up for any shortcomings by delivering an experience that looks great, is fun, and features a fantastic atmosphere. As my man Paul said when he reviewed the game, “The Evil Within 2 should be firmly on the radar of anyone who really loves Resident Evil 4, and even players just looking for some spookiness this Halloween”.
Alien: Isolation
If I had to rank this list, I would probably put Alien: Isolation at the top. This harrowing survival horror game takes us deep into the terrifying world of Ridley Scott’s legendary Alien franchise and it’s glorious. Set aboard the Sevastopol space station, the name of the game is surviving the relentless and unpredictable Xenomorph. The game’s atmosphere is top notch and I just love the retro-futuristic aesthetics. The game perfectly captures the dread of the original film. It is a heart-pounding and anxiety-inducing experience and a must-play for horror fans.
Dead Space
While Dead Space originally debuted on the Xbox 360, it has been given new life on the Xbox Series X/S with a remastered edition. And it is everything I hoped it would be. It has plenty of jump scares and it’s gameplay loop is so incredibly addicting. Creatures are terrifying and the atmosphere is creepy. The progression system is awesome, and it is one of the few games I could play over and over again. The improved graphics and audio on the Xbox Series X/S make the game’s horrifying moments even more intense. I consider Dead Space a must-play and you’ll thank me later.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Speaking of horror games I could play over and over again, the Resident Evil 4 Remake would also make that shortlist. It’s a bone-chilling experience that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the original and elevates it to a whole new level of spookiness. My man Jaz said it best when he said: “There’s a captivating and unsettling aura that enshrouds the familiar trek through the claustrophobic European village. Although Resident Evil 4 remains true to its roots with some cringy dialogue, Capcom alters several elements to improve the overall experience. These range from narrative segments to gameplay mechanics and all of which refine the masterpiece to create the definitive version of the game.”
A Plague Tale: Innocence And Requiem
A Plague Tale: Innocence and its sequel, Requiem, are both profoundly spooky experiences that take place in a chilling atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of a plague-ravaged, medieval France, both games create an unrelenting sense of dread. They are dark atmospheric experiences full of tension making them one of the best collections of spooky games on the Xbox Series X/S. Many would consider A Plague Tale: Innocence and Requiem masterpieces in the horror genre. I tend to agree.
Layers Of Fear (2023)
Layers of Fear (2023) is an eerie journey that didn’t exactly blow folks away when it first arrived. I would call it more of a slow burn. Regardless, this psychological horror takes us through a nightmarish world of ever-shifting environments and distorted perceptions. As you unravel the artist’s twisted psyche, you’ll be greeted with unsettling artwork and uncover disturbing secrets. This game has a brilliant hauntingly immersive atmosphere and a slick narrative. The best part, you can pick up this game on the cheap.
Amnesia: The Bunker
I think the best way to describe Amnesia: The Bunker is that it is claustrophobic and unnerving. If you like relaxing games that won’t stress you out, you have come to the wrong place. Armed with only their wits and a lantern, you must navigate your way through pitch-black tunnels while being chased down by grotesque monstrosities. The sound design is awesome and the eerie visuals hit all the right notes.
There you have it, that is our list of the spookiest games on the Xbox Series X/S. So, dim the lights, put on your headset, and prepare to embark on a heart-pounding journey into the scariest video games on the Xbox Series X/S.
What games did we miss? What is your scariest game? Tell us in the comments below.