2022 wasn't the most eventful when it came to horror titles, but 2023, on the other hand, looks to change that entirely. From remakes of timeless classics, to brand-new titles that could make some serious waves in the industry, horror fans might want to mark their calendars for these releases. They might also want to prepare their stomachs, though, as these 2023 horror games look to be scarily good.
The few horrors that did make an appearance in 2022, however, didn't disappoint. The Mortuary Assistant came out of the left field, providing completely unique gameplay that was surprisingly well-executed by its single developer. Scorn's eight-year-long development cycle was put to an end with its October release, and it proved that the wait had been worth it with phenomenal art direction. Although few and far between, the best horror games of 2022 lived up to fans' expectations; but 2023 promises to be even better with its exciting and scary releases.
Dead Space Remake Revives The Original Game
One of the most anticipated games for 2022 is the remake of 2008's Dead Space. Players will once again get the chance to step into the shoes of Isaac Clarke as he explores the abandoned USG Ishimura, trying to navigate a world of isolation, strange religions, and terrifying Necromorphs that are hunting him every step of the way. Following its predecessor by a lengthy 15 years, the remake boasts improved graphics and sound design, even more gore, and the return of Isaac's voice actor, Gunner Wright, who will be considerably more vocal during his journey this time around.
The Dead Space remake remains frighteningly faithful to the original game, as the base plot will stay relatively unchanged. For those who played the original, however, the game won't be exactly what they . EA Motive promises new character interactions, scares, and other twists that will make the game worth playing, even for veteran fans. Otherwise, those who have not yet had the pleasure of subjecting themselves to Dead Space will be in for the ride of their lives during this psychological space adventure.
Amnesia: The Bunker Continues The Beloved Series
Along those same lines, the infamous Amnesia series will be making a return in 2023 with Amnesia: The Bunker. Considered by many to be some of the scariest games of all time, Frictional Games has seen a lot of success in their previous titles, such as the massively-popular Amnesia: The Dark Descent. However, Amnesia: The Bunker will give players more control than ever before, bringing the franchise in a completely new direction. Taking place in a post-WW1 bunker, the map will have much more to explore, featuring, to some extent, an open-world, sandbox design.
The shift to a less linear narrative experience is a big jump for Amnesia: The Bunker, but perhaps the biggest change that players will experience is the ability to wield a weapon for the very first time. A short gameplay clip ed to YouTube by Frictional Games showcases a pistol in action, which the protagonist uses to shoot through a lock (and a monster responds with a menacing growl). The ability to defend themselves will be appealing for those who may have found the original games a bit too much, but even Amnesia experts should find this a refreshing change in pace.
Improvements Are Bountiful In Resident Evil 4 Remake
Also highly anticipated is the unnecessary, yet exciting Resident Evil 4 remake. Just like Amnesia, the Resident Evil series is a classic in the horror genre, and many will also agree that 2005's Resident Evil 4 was already one of its best titles, which sets expectations incredibly high for the reprise. Once again playing as the fan-favorite Leon Kennedy, players will be tasked with unraveling the mysteries of a secluded town, which seems to be under the control of a sinister (and violent) force. According to the official Resident Evil website, the remake will include better graphics, improvements in gameplay, and changes to the plot.
There are some other tweaks that look especially promising, though. Crafting will reportedly be a much more significant part of gameplay - and although the merchant won't be going away, players will be able to make their own supplies rather than relying solely on the friendly item vendor. The Resident Evil 4 remake looks extraordinarily gory compared to its 2005 counterpart, too, which will be in line with the previous Resident Evil remakes, but it has the potential to be the most graphically violent game of the series yet.
Alan Wake 2's Shift To Survival Is Promising
Alan Wake 2 has been on horror fans' radars ever since the original Alan Wake - and with the sequel finally being announced at 2021's Game Awards, its 2023 release is becoming more tangible by the day. The first game, which was released in 2010, quickly rose to popularity with its thrilling mesh between the psychological horror and third-person-shooter genres. Remedy Entertainment will be stepping away from this format for now though, as Alan Wake 2 sensibly shifts to survival horror, instead.
It's unlikely that players will have any weapons at their disposal, and they may even be missing their trusty flashlight, as well. Players feeling vulnerable, however, will allow Alan Wake 2 to effectively explore psychological themes. They will likely be even deeper and darker this time around as a result.
Release Dates Of The Best 2023 Horror Games
Dead Space Remake |
January 27, 2023 |
Amnesia: The Bunker |
March 2023 |
Resident Evil 4 Remake |
March 23, 2023 |
Alan Wake 2 |
TBD |
There are plenty of 2023 horror games to choose from, but each of these games shows serious promise, either in game-changing improvements or new gameplay entirely. The only possible downside is that 2023's many horror games risk oversaturating the genre - but most people will hardly find a problem with this as the next year rolls in, bringing them closer than ever to these new games.
Source: Frictional Games/YouTube, Resident Evil