15. Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game - 2018 (PC / PS4 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch)
Call of Chtulhu is a horror survival RPG. The game mixes stealth and investigation elements. This game was inspired by Lovecraft's cosmic horror. Specifically by the book "The Call of Cthulhu". His most recognized story.
Edward Pierce, a private investigator, and our protagonist is assigned a task. He must investigate the devastating death of the Hawkins family. He's sent to Darkwater Island, Massachusetts. A place where the darkest things are happening. Immerse yourself in a realm of encroaching insanity and cosmic dread. Obscure hints, enigmatic individuals, and terror obstruct your path as you struggle to preserve your sanity. Are you prepared to unravel an unearthly enigma?
Choose this game if you like...
- Great atmospheres. This game has an immersive atmosphere accurate to Lovecraft's universe.
- Fantastic character design. Every single character you encounter in this game was carefully designed.
- Short games with a captivating story.
Fun factor score: 80/100
The atmosphere, strange characters, and elements that make up this scene are perfectly matching Lovecraft's energy.
14. Dante's Inferno - 2010 (PSP / PS3 / PS VITA / XBOX)
A third-person action game with hack-and-slash elements. Dante's Inferno is based on the first part of The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. Get ready to put yourself in the shoes of Dante. A knight who has returned from a bloody crusade to find out his wife has died. He decides to travel to hell only to save his beloved Beatriz. Travel through the nine circles of Hell. Face your fears and all the demonic forces standing between you and your loved one.
Choose this game if you like...
- Infernal atmosphere. The game is a walk-through hell.
- Dark fantasy.
- Gameplay similar to God of War. Not only because of the mechanics but also some scenarios.
Fun factor score: 100/100
This scenario is highly similar to God of War. You can control the giant after you defeat the creatures riding its spine.
13. S.T.A.L.K.E.R Shadow of Chernobyl - 2007 (PC)
Stalker is an FPS horror survival game. This title was inspired by the Chornobyl nuclear accident and by "Roadside Picnic". A philosophical sci-fi novel was written by Boris Strugatsky and Arkady. The game also mixes elements of action and RPG. Stalker is located in the real Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and includes the city of Pripyat. The story will take place in "the zone", resembling the real exclusion zone. The player will have to survive anomalies, mutant creatures, radiation, and other Stalkers.
This game has aged very well. It offers a non-linear story and smart AI enemies and NPCs. It presents dynamic changes during the day-night cycle that affect the gameplay as well as the weather. Stalker also has multiplayer modes for you to enjoy with friends.
Choose this game if you like...
- Post-apocalyptic dark atmospheres. There’s a lot of fog on the way.
- Highly atmospheric gameplay. As with most horror games you’ll have to use your sense of vision and hearing. Focus!
- Non-linear stories with different possible endings.
Fun factor score: 80/100
A Dantesque scenario. Not only the creature is a human mutant but it's also crawling toward you. It looks as if it was asking for help.
12. Assassin's Creed Saga - 2007 (PC / PS3 / PS4 / XBOX)
Assassin’s Creed is probably the most famous on this list. Highly inspired by “Alamut”. A novel written by Vladimir Bartol. The popular phrase “nothing is true everything is permitted” was taken from the book and it represents the creed. This title has more than 40 games available to play. The developers exploded the story of one book into a lot of content (books, comics, short stories). Assassin’s Creed is a stealth game that brings us the story of two factions: templars and assassins. The objective of the templars is to find the Apple of Eden, an ancient artifact. The Assassins exist to preserve peace in their society. The templars are threatening to destroy it. Now is your goal to save the world. But remember, never compromise the brotherhood.
Choose this game if you like.
- Stealth games.
- Sci-fi and historical fiction. Assassin’s Creed games are a mixture of the past, present, and future.
- History. This game will have you going through important events of the past. Events that happened in real life. Of course with slight fictional changes.
Fun factor score: 90/100
A view of Assassin’s Creed “Mirage”, the upcoming game by Ubisoft. Mirage will be the thirteenth installment in the Assassin's Creed series and the successor of Valhalla.
11. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West - 2010 (PC / PS3 / XBOX)
Embark on a captivating and unpredictable expedition based on the "Journey to the West" novel by Alex Garland. Two contrasting individuals ally to endure the perils of a post-apocalyptic America. Set 150 years ahead in a ruined world. Ravaged by war and devastation. Only a handful of survivors and nature have reclaimed its dominion. Take the place of Trip and Monkey. Two strong and smart prisoners who will have a difficult relationship.
Choose this game if you like...
- Natural environments. If you’re a fan of nature you’ll love this game. It represents a post-apocalyptic world where nature is rising again.
- The battle mechanics are similar to God of War and Devil May Cry.
- Great character personality and growth. Both Monkey and Trip have personal growth throughout the game.
Fun factor score: 100/100
I present to you Monkey and Trip. He looks a little bit like Draven from League of Legends. But he represents what Wukong is in LoL. The monkey king or Sun Wukong.
10. Dune: Spice Wars - 2022 (PC)
Based on Frank Herbert's 1965 novel "Dune". This is a 4X real-time strategy game set in the Dune universe. Dune: Spice Wars puts you into the challenging terrain of Arrakis. A hostile desert planet, where you'll assume the role of a faction leader. Engage in fierce battles for ultimate control and supremacy. Spice is like water to us. It's a highly wanted resource and it's only found in Arrakis. Choose your faction and dive into these dangerous lands where sandworms are lurking.
Choose this game if you like...
- Sand desertic atmospheres.
- Tactical strategy games.
- Futuristic dystopian worlds.
Fun factor score: 80/100
This magnificent view was taken during nighttime. We can see many interesting futuristic elements here.
9. Spec Ops: The Line - 2009 (PC / PS3 / XBOX)
Inspired by the masterpiece "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad and “Apocalypse Now” (the movie) by F.F. Coppola. Spec Ops is a third-person shooter set in a decadent Dubai after a cataclysmic sandstorm buried the city. An unknown radio signal coming from Dubai has been picked-up. You and your military team are sent to uncover the mystery and see if there are any survivors. The problem is the city is in the middle of war and madness. Now, your mission is to save Dubai. Spec Ops is a game designed to experience war as crudely as it is. The player will face moral choices and situations where there is no good choice, only bad or worse. Will you make it through the sandstorms and the stress? Can you handle a cruel war where death is its main protagonist?
Choose this game if you like...
- Military forces. But don’t expect a fairytale!
- Mental health topics. This game dives deep into situations that will trigger your sensitivity.
Fun factor score: 100/100
A bloody scene where the men gestures gives a little feel of what is like to be in war.
8. Hogwarts Legacy - 2023 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch)
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Hogwarts Legacy. An action-packed RPG game set in the enchanting universe originally brought to life in the Harry Potter books. Step back in time to the 1800s and explore Hogwarts like never before. Assume the role of a student entrusted with a deep secret that has the potential to destroy the wizard's realm. Take command of your destiny as you become the focal point of a thrilling adventure in the magical world. Ride a Hippogriff. Fight against trolls and dark wizards. Explore a living world full of magic!
But be careful. Your actions will shape the course of history, defining the legacy you leave behind.
Choose this game if you like...
- Fantasy magical worlds. This game has one of the most captivating magic worlds I’ve seen. Just like in the Harry Potter books!
- If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter franchise, you are going to love this game as it brings beloved characters and places to life.
- Mages, magic, spells, and all wizarding stuff in the style of Harry Potter. Meaning mages with wands instead of staffs.
Fun factor score: 90/100
One of the wizard students battling a giant troll. Encounters like this are highly exciting in the game!
7. Alice: Madness Returns - 2011 (PC / PS3 / XBOX)
Inspired by the acclaimed "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass" novels by Lewis Carroll. Alice: Madness Returns brings us a third-person action-adventure platformer. The player takes the place of a dark version of Alice. A girl who lost her family and her mind. Locked in an Asylum, Alice will have to earn her way out. She decides to go back to her fantasy world of Wonderland but evil has taken what once was a beautiful and comforting place. Sink into this grim version of the classic Alice and help her find the solution to all the madness.
Choose this game if you like…
- Mental health topics. Alice Madness deals with mental health issues like trauma. Just like the original but in a darker version.
- Dark fantasy.
- Linear stories.
Fun factor score: 100/100
A spectacular view of a little portion of Alice’s world. She seems like a gothic doll in those clothes.
6. The Sinking City - 2019 (PC / XBOX / PS4 / PS5 / Nintendo Switch)
The Sinking City is an open-world game with mystery, investigation, and sandbox elements. Inspired by the horror novel "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" by H.P. Lovecraft. It also takes inspiration from the Lovecraftian universe in general. Put yourself in the shoes of a private investigator and travel to Oakmont. A city suffering from flooding and attacks from unknown entities. Your goal is to find out what is causing all the distress in Oakmont and its inhabitants.
The game presents a sanity bar to make it challenging. It's highly replayable due to the investigation system which allows you to solve each case in different ways that unlock different endings. The best part of this game is that you'll have to carefully observe your surroundings to do your research. Which leads to a great immersive experience.
Choose this game if you like...
- Cosmic horror. As you already know Lovecraft’s genre was cosmic horror.
- Water. The city is flooded and it rains constantly.
- Immersive and dark atmospheres.
Fun factor score: 90/100
Look at this… reptilian NPC creature. It perfectly matches the city concept.
5. World War Z - 2019 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch)
Based on the popular book "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War" by Max Brooks. This game is a third-person zombie shooter. WW Z is a cooperative game designed for up to four players, similar to L4D gameplay. It can be played alone but it's much more fun with friends. Set 5 cities around the world the goal of WWZ is to survive a zombie apocalypse. Different challenging quests will be given to the player. Quests where you'll have to use your brain. And not to feed the zombies.
Choose this game if you like...
- Zombies and gore. The Swarm Engine offers an advanced gore system and swarms of zombies.
- Intense frenzy action similar to Left 4 Dead. WW Z offers more gameplay mechanics and not just killing zombies. But the main focus is that of facing hordes of zombies.
- World War Z, the movie. The game also considers the movie as a source of inspiration.
Fun factor score: 90/100
We can see one of the selectable characters being invaded by a horde of zombies. Can you feel the desperation?
4. Bioshock - 2007 (PC / PS3 / PS4 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch / iOS)
This is one of the bests games and my personal favorite on the list. BioShock took inspiration from "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. It brought several philosophies from Rand to the game. Rapture and Columbia are the two dystopic cities that resemble the opposite of the utopia proposed by Rand. Cities where individualism has gone too far. BioShock is a unique shooter. A game that will lead you to question yourself about society and the world we live in. The trilogy is a masterpiece. And it has aged very well. It also has been remastered. You have no excuses not to play it if you haven't yet.
Choose this game if you like...
- Profound sociopolitical approaches.
- Shooter with complex mechanics. You can turn everything into a weapon. Each enemy has its response and mechanic. You can biologically modify your body, craft new ammo, and more.
- Art decó.
Fun factor score: 100/100
The plasmids are a very important part of BioShock’s universe. We can see it three times in this scene.
3. Okami - 2006 (PC / WII / PS2 / PS3 / PS4 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch)
Okami is a tribute to Japanese mythology. Inspired by the book Kojiki. The oldest historical book preserved about Japan's history. Immerse yourself in this highly praised masterpiece. Featuring its famous Sumi-e ink art style presented in stunning high definition. Embark on an epic journey as Amaterasu: the legendary white wolf embodying the Japanese sun goddess. Strive to defeat Orochi, a tyrannical eight-headed demon. Orochi is responsible for transforming the once vibrant world of Nippon into a desolate wasteland. And is your mission to save this world.
Choose this game if you like...
- Japanese mythology.
- Zelda type of games. Okami is similar in many aspects but it represents them in its way.
- Ink-art. The art design is gorgeous. It looks like a dream.
Fun factor score: 90/100
This is a magnificent scene taken from the game. The line art and colors are marvelous.
2. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth - 2014 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / PS VITA / XBOX / Wii U / Nintendo Switch)
This one was inspired by the biblical story of Isaac, son of Abraham. The Binding of Isaac is an action-packed RPG shooter. It combines randomized elements with strong rogue-like influences. The player will take the place of Isaac. This time he will escape his fate of being sacrificed. Join Isaac on his perilous adventure as he encounters peculiar artifacts that alter his appearance. These artifacts grant him extraordinary powers to fend off hordes of enigmatic creatures. Unearth secrets, overcome challenges and fight your way to survival.
Choose this game if you like...
- Highly addictive games. Maybe it won't taste so good on the first try. But after the second you won't be able to stop playing it.
- Poop! Lots of poop everywhere.
- Great soundtracks and infinite content to discover and play. This game can be endless if you want to.
Fun factor score: 100/100
Isaac facing one of the bosses. The Widow is a giant spider added in Wrath of the Lamb and the Rebirth remake.
1. Conarium - 2017 ( PC / PS4 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch)
Drawing inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's novella 'At the Mountains of Madness,' the game primarily takes place after the events of the original story. Conarium is a captivating Lovecraftian game that delves into a haunting narrative. The story is centered around four scientists. They embark on a daring quest to push the boundaries of what we perceive as the unalterable laws of nature. Take the place of Frank Gilman, a man who finds himself alone in the middle of the Antarctic. This game has quite an immersive atmosphere. Is one of the bests games I’ve seen so far.
Choose this game if you like...
- Impressive Unreal Engine 4 graphics. You know what it’s like. Simply magnificent.
- Lovecraft's greatest side. This game is one of the closest visual representations of what Lovecraft wrote. Conarium is all about the atmosphere.
- Short but great stories.
Fun factor score: 100/100
This is a monolith with strange symbolism found in the game. Puzzles like this one are common and it matches the Lovecraft atmosphere so very well.
