Disturbing body deformations, technology interblended with flesh, and gruesome scenes are the basis of David Cronenberg’s movies.
He is one of the most controversial directors of modern cinematography and the precursor of the body horror genre.
The characteristic atmosphere of Cronenberg’s films in an inspiration for many games. Today, we’ll focus on some of them, so brace yourself because these suggestions are truly unsettling.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Clive Barkers Jericho | 2007-10-23 | FPS | MercurySteam |
 | Amnesia The Dark Descent | 2010-09-08 | Adventure | Frictional Games |
 | Little Nightmares | 2017-04-27 | Adventure | Tarsier Studios |
 | Little Nightmares II | 2021-02-11 | Puzzle | Tarsier Studios |
 | Dead Space Remake | 2023-01-27 | Action | Motive Studios |
 | Bioshock Remastered | 2016-09-15 | Action & Shooter | 2K Australia |
 | Outlast | 2013-09-04 | Adventure | Red Barrels |
 | Resident Evil 7 Biohazard | 2017-01-23 | Horror | CAPCOM |
 | The Evil Within 2 | 2017-10-13 | Adventure | Tango Gameworks |
 | Alan Wake 2 | 2023-10-27 | Adventure | Remedy Entertainment |
 | Silent Hill 2 | 2024-10-08 | Adventure | Bloober Team |
 | Resident Evil 2 Biohazard Re2 Deluxe Edition | 2019-01-25 | Action | Capcom Development Division 1 |
Dead Space
| Release date: | 2023-01-27 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Motive Studios |
As an engineer Isaac Clarke, you traverse to a USG Ishimura connected with an illegal operation on the planet Aegis VII.
Your girlfriend is stationed there, but communications with the spaceship have been cut off. It’s the first installment in the sci-fi survival horror series, and the subsequent ones are a non-linear continuation of the story.
During an investigation, you’ll encounter transformed corpses called Necromorphs, and infected by a virus human-like flesh. The only way to defeat them is to use weapons designed for cutting.
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Resident Evil Village
| Release date: | 2021-05-07 |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Developer: | Capcom Development Division 1 |
In comparison to the previous parts, the enemies are better equipped, so you have to rethink your strategy.
The game is set in a European village covered with snow. The protagonist goes head to head with Lycans – mutants resembling wolves, Moroaicas, and other humanoid creatures.
Realistic details and lighting effects, achieved through the specially designed RE Engine, and a first-person view with the option to switch to third-person make the fear even more palpable.
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Scorn
| Release date: | 2022-10-14 |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Developer: | Ebb Software |
The surrounding seems to be made from flesh and bones, even weapons are one with your body.
Here, you’ll explore the nightmarish land, where puzzles are based on deduction. The silent protagonist has been infected by a parasite that enables him to wield weapons. There are four types, one of which is designed to interact with odd machinery that must be repaired.
The surreal setting hides some symbolism, and the lack of dialogue gives food for thought, is this what real hell looks like?
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The Evil Within 2
| Release date: | 2017-10-13 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Tango Gameworks |
In both installments, you will accompany a police officer Sebastian Castellanos who explores locations full of deadly traps and lethal monsters.
Your task is to take advantage of the environment and decide whether it’s better to run, hide, or attack. A good strategy is vital to survive and the gameplay pace won’t let you get bored.
You will conclude what happened just running through the rooms, because the visuals are detailed and as if pulled straight from a movie.
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Carrion
| Release date: | 2020-07-23 |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Developer: | Phobia Game Studio |
The situation here is slightly different because you are the main antagonist.
As a monstrous entity with many tentacles, you have to get rid of people who appear in your way. With one of your extremities, you can catch and throw scientists and soldiers or rip doors out from hinges.
Going deeper into the underground, you will achieve more skills allowing you to explore inaccessible spaces, grow, or even parasitically control a human.
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Silent Hill 3
| Release date: | 2003-05-23 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Konami |
Imagine waking up from a nightmare in a shopping mall, but the dream seems to keep going.
That is the general overview of the lore in this part of the survival horror game series. Heather, the main protagonist, explores the locations intertwined with the bloody, supernatural Otherworld.
In addition to solving puzzles, which are not the easiest, you will fight unnatural enemies and investigate ominous locations.
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Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
| Release date: | 2017-01-23 |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Developer: | CAPCOM |
In this part, the tense ambiance is the most palpable in the series.
Ethan receives a mysterious letter from his wife, who disappeared three years ago. The message leads him to Louisiana, where the bloodcurdling action begins.
Humanoid creatures will attempt to kill you, dilapidated locations will make you feel insecure and stressed, and realistic graphics won’t let you sleep at night.
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Conclusion
The body horror games come as a shock with their nightmarish visuals and prove that Cronenberg’s work has also made its way into the world of games.
Which one will be your next nightmare?